Camera actuator

Abstract

A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first housing; a mover in which an optical member is disposed, and which is disposed in the first housing; a second housing disposed to face the mover in the first housing; and a guide unit disposed between the mover and the second housing and so as to guide the tilt of the mover. The first housing includes a protrusion protruding from the bottom surface in a first direction parallel to the optical axis of light incident on the optical member so as to face the guide unit. The guide unit includes a plurality of first ball units forming a first axis parallel to the first direction and a plurality of second ball units forming a second axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. An imaginary line connecting the centers of the plurality of first ball units, an imaginary line connecting the centers of the plurality of second ball units, and the optical axis of light incident on the optical member are disposed on the same plane.

Description

Camera actuator

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera actuator.

[0002] A camera is a device that captures a subject in photos or videos, and it is mounted on portable devices, drones, vehicles, etc.

[0003] A camera device or camera module may have an Image Stabilization (IS) function that corrects or prevents shaking caused by user movement to improve image quality, an Auto Focusing (AF) function that automatically adjusts the distance between the image sensor and the lens to align the focal length of the lens, and a zooming function that increases or decreases the magnification of a distant subject through a zoom lens to capture it.

[0004] In the case of a camera module used in a portable terminal, an incident light can be refracted toward the image sensor by utilizing a camera actuator equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

[0005] However, since the tilt of the optical member due to the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) function is supported by the magnetism of the magnet, there may be a problem where it tilts in a different direction rather than being driven only along the first tilt axis and the second tilt axis.

[0006] In addition, the center of the tilt axis of the optical element is spaced apart from the optical center where the optical axes of the incident light and the refracted light intersect, which causes a problem of reduced power efficiency for tilting the optical element, and a means to solve this is required.

[0007] The present invention is an invention devised to solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art, and aims to prevent rolling of the mover and improve power efficiency for tilt.

[0008] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0009] A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose comprises a first housing, a mover disposed within the first housing in which an optical member is disposed, a second housing disposed facing the mover within the first housing, and a guide unit disposed between the mover and the second housing and guiding the tilt of the mover, wherein the first housing comprises a protrusion protruding in a first direction parallel to the optical axis of light incident on the optical member from a bottom surface so as to face the guide unit, and the guide unit comprises a plurality of first ball units forming a first axis parallel to the first direction and a plurality of second ball units forming a second axis perpendicular to the first direction, and a virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of first ball units, a virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of second ball units, and the optical axis of light incident on the optical member are disposed on the same plane.

[0010] According to the present embodiment, the plurality of first ball units may include a first-1 ball member and a first-2 ball member spaced apart in the first direction, and the plurality of second ball units may include a second-1 ball member and a second-2 ball member spaced apart in the second direction.

[0011] According to the present embodiment, the guide unit includes a body portion and a first seating portion protruding from the body portion toward the protrusion portion, and the first seating portion may include a first-1 groove in which the first-1 ball member is disposed and a first-2 groove in which the first-2 ball member is disposed.

[0012] According to the present embodiment, the protrusion may include a second-1 groove positioned facing the first-1 groove and in contact with the first-1 ball member, and a second-2 groove positioned facing the second-1 groove and in contact with the first-2 ball member.

[0013] According to the present embodiment, the shape of the 2-1 groove and the 2-2 groove may be different.

[0014] According to the present embodiment, the guide unit further includes a first yoke disposed in the body portion, and the protrusion may include at least one first magnet disposed facing the first yoke in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0015] According to the present embodiment, the guide unit includes a body portion and a second seating portion extending toward the optical member from the end of the body portion in the second direction, and the second seating portion may include a third-1 groove in which the second-1 ball member is disposed and a third-2 groove in which the second-2 ball member is disposed.

[0016] According to the present embodiment, the mover may include a 4-1 groove positioned facing the 2-1 groove and in contact with the 2-1 ball member, and a 4-2 groove positioned facing the 2-2 groove and in contact with the 2-2 ball member.

[0017] According to the present embodiment, the shape of the 4-1 groove and the 4-2 groove may be different.

[0018] According to the present embodiment, the protrusion includes a first inclined surface facing the mover, and the mover includes a second inclined surface facing the first inclined surface, a second magnet may be disposed on the first inclined surface, and a second yoke may be disposed on the second inclined surface.

[0019] According to the present embodiment, the end of the second seating portion may be parallel to the second inclined surface.

[0020] According to the present embodiment, the second housing may include a first region inserted into the interior of the mover in the first direction and a second region not inserted into the interior of the mover in the first direction.

[0021] According to the present embodiment, the second housing may include a fifth groove in which one side opposite to the direction in which the mover faces is recessed toward the mover, and a third yoke disposed on the inner side of the fifth groove.

[0022] According to the present embodiment, the third yoke may overlap with at least a portion of the plurality of first ball units and the plurality of second ball units in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0023] In addition, a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose comprises a first housing, a mover disposed within the first housing in which an optical member is disposed, a second housing coupled to the mover, and a guide unit disposed between the mover and the second housing. The guide unit comprises a plurality of first ball units forming a first axis parallel to a first direction parallel to the optical axis of incident light incident on the optical member, and a plurality of second ball units forming a second axis parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first housing comprises a first protrusion protruding in the first direction from the bottom portion of the first housing so as to face the guide unit, and a wall portion extending in the first direction from a part of the perimeter of the bottom portion and facing the second housing. A yoke is disposed on the outer surface of the wall portion, and a first magnet is disposed on one surface in the direction in which the second housing faces the wall portion. The guide unit is formed by the attractive force between the yoke and the first magnet. It is fixed.

[0024] According to the present embodiment, a virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of first ball units, a virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of second ball units, and the optical axis of the incident light incident on the optical member may be arranged on the same plane as each other.

[0025] According to the present embodiment, the plurality of first ball units includes a first-1 ball member and a first-2 ball member, and the plurality of second ball units include a second-1 ball member and a second-2 ball member, and the first axis formed along a virtual line connecting the center of the first-1 ball member and the center of the first-2 ball member and the second axis formed along a virtual line connecting the center of the second-1 ball member and the center of the second-2 ball member may intersect each other.

[0026] According to the present embodiment, the first axis and the second axis may be positioned on the same plane as the optical center where the optical axis of the incident light incident on the optical member and the optical axis of the refracted light refracted by the optical member intersect.

[0027] According to the present embodiment, the guide unit includes a first-1 groove in which the first-1 ball member is disposed and a first-2 groove in which the first-2 ball member is disposed, and the first protrusion may include a second-1 groove facing the first-1 groove and a second-2 groove facing the first-2 groove.

[0028] According to the present embodiment, the shape of the 2-1 groove and the 2-2 groove may be different.

[0029] According to the present embodiment, the guide unit includes a third-1 groove in which the second-1 ball member is disposed and a third-2 groove in which the second-2 ball member is disposed, and the mover may include a fourth-1 groove facing the third-1 groove and a fourth-2 groove facing the third-2 groove.

[0030] According to the present embodiment, the guide unit may include a body portion, a pair of wing portions extending from both end regions of the body portion in the second direction, and a pair of extension portions extending from the wing portions in the first direction.

[0031] According to the present embodiment, the third-1 groove and the third-2 groove may be formed in each of the end regions of the extension portion in the first direction.

[0032] According to the present embodiment, the mover may include an inclined surface formed in a direction facing the first protrusion, a second-1 protrusion protruding toward the third-1 groove in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction from the inclined surface, and a second-2 protrusion protruding toward the third-2 groove in the third direction.

[0033] According to the present embodiment, the shape of the 4-1 groove and the 4-2 groove may be different.

[0034] According to the present embodiment, the guide unit is positioned between the mover and the first protrusion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the first protrusion may be positioned between the guide unit and the second housing in the third direction.

[0035] According to the present embodiment, a wall portion is disposed between the first magnet and the yoke in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and a first coil may be disposed on the wall portion such that at least a portion overlaps with the yoke and the first magnet in the third direction.

[0036] According to the present embodiment, the area of ​​the first magnet may be smaller than the area of ​​the yoke.

[0037] According to the present embodiment, the yoke may overlap with at least a portion of the plurality of first ball units and the plurality of second ball units in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0038] A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems may have the effect of preventing rolling of the mover and improving power efficiency for tilt.

[0039] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0040] In addition, the effects of the present invention may be described in more detail in the detailed description of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to those presented above.

[0041] The summary described above, as well as the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present application described below, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Preferred embodiments are illustrated in the drawings for the purpose of illustrating the present invention.

[0043] However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact arrangement and means depicted.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrated for the general explanation of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the overall configuration of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating one side of a protrusion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the other side of a protrusion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a mover of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a guide unit of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a first yoke of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a second housing of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the combination of a mover and a second housing of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a first tilt axis formed by a first ball unit of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a second ball unit of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a first yoke and a first magnet of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a second tilt axis formed by a second ball member of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating the third yoke, the first ball unit, and the second ball unit of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0058] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating the overall configuration of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a first housing of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a mover of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a second housing of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating one side of a guide unit of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating the other side of a guide unit of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a first axis of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 22 is a drawing illustrating a second ball unit of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating a second axis of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 24 is a drawing illustrating the combination of a mover and a second housing of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 25 is a drawing illustrating a comparison of the areas of a yoke of a camera actuator and a first magnet according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 26 is a drawing illustrating the arrangement of the yoke of a camera actuator and the first ball unit and the second ball unit according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0070] FIG. 27 is a drawing illustrating a support portion of a camera actuator according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0071] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0072] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as second, first, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the second component may be named the first component, and similarly, the first component may be named the second component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0073] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0074] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0075] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0076] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, provided that identical or corresponding components are given the same reference number regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0077] Furthermore, when describing objects as "identical" or "similar" based on numerically or geometrically comparable properties such as length, inner diameter, diameter, or area, this may imply that there is a margin of error. For example, if it is stated that the lengths of components A and B are identical, it may be advisable to interpret this to mean that the length of B falls within the margin of error of the length of A. This takes into account the margin of error that occurs during the injection molding and manufacturing processes; since this is a matter that can occur physically and is self-evident, it is advisable to understand the description as "identical" or "similar" by considering the margin of error as described above. In this case, the margin of error may be within the range of -5% to +5% of the mentioned numerical value or shape, but this is merely an example of the margin of error and may not necessarily be limited to the stated range.

[0078] A preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the objective of the present invention can be specifically realized, will be described below with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0079] First, before describing the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, refer to FIG. 1 for a general description of the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing (100), a mover (200) disposed within the housing (100), and an optical member (10) disposed on the mover (200).

[0080] Here, the optical element (10) can change the optical path by refracting or reflecting the incident light (IL). Specifically, the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) are different from each other, and the point where the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) intersect can be placed within the optical element (10). Here, the optical element (10) may be a prism, but this is merely an exemplary description and is not necessarily limited to what is mentioned.

[0081] In this way, by changing the optical path of the incident light (IL) incident on the optical member (10), the refracted light (RL) has a different optical path from the incident light (IL), thereby allowing the camera actuator to be miniaturized. Specifically, in addition to the camera actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention, a separate camera actuator including a zoom lens assembly and an auto-focusing lens assembly may be further included. That is, by combining the camera actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention with the zoom lens assembly and the auto-focusing lens assembly to form a camera module, the miniaturization of the camera module can be achieved.

[0082] At this time, the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) may be perpendicular, but are not necessarily limited thereto, and the optical member (10) may refract the incident light (IL) multiple times so that the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) are different from each other.

[0083] Meanwhile, the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention can perform optical image stabilization (OIS). To this end, the housing (100) is fixed, and a driving unit to be described later is placed in the housing (100), so that a mover (200) placed on the housing (100) can be tilted through electrical interaction of the driving unit.

[0084] Here, the mover (200) may be implemented as a 3-axis tilt having a first axis, a second axis and a third axis, but the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a 2-axis tilt having a first axis and a second axis.

[0085] However, since the mover (200) is fixed to the housing (100) by the attractive or repulsive force between magnets, rolling occurs during the process of tilting the mover (200) with respect to the first axis and the second axis, which may cause problems with the optical image stabilization (OIS) function. If problems with the optical image stabilization (OIS) function occur due to rolling, the refracted light (RL) may not be properly incident on the image sensor, which may result in a decrease in image resolution.

[0086] Meanwhile, to specifically describe the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are defined such that the first direction is a direction parallel to the optical axis of the incident light (IL), the third direction is a direction parallel to the optical axis of the refracted light (RL), and the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0087] More specifically, the first direction refers to a two-way direction including a direction from the upper side to the lower side and a direction from the lower side to the upper side based on FIG. 1, the second direction refers to a two-way direction including a direction from the upper left to the lower right and a direction from the lower right to the upper left, and the third direction may refer to a two-way direction including a direction from the lower left to the upper right and a direction from the upper right to the lower left.

[0088] Meanwhile, to specifically explain a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, refer to FIG. 2. The camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first housing (100), a mover (200), a guide unit (300), and a second housing (400).

[0089] Here, the housing includes a bottom portion (101) and a side portion, and the side portion may extend in a first direction from the periphery of the bottom portion (101). Specifically, it may include a side portion extending in a first direction from both ends of the bottom portion (101) in a second direction and a side portion extending in a first direction from one periphery of the bottom portion (101) in a third direction. Here, a pair of side portions extending in a first direction from both ends of the bottom portion (101) in a second direction are defined as the first side portion and the second side portion, and a side portion extending in a first direction from one periphery of the bottom portion (101) in a third direction is defined as the third side portion.

[0090] At this time, openings may be formed in the first side, the second side, and the third side. Specifically, an opening penetrating in the second direction may be formed in the first side, an opening penetrating in the second direction may be formed in the second side, and an opening penetrating in the third direction may be formed in the third side.

[0091] Additionally, a first driving unit (511, 512, 513) is disposed in the opening of the first side, and the first driving unit (511, 512, 513) may include a first driving magnet (511), a first coil (512), and a first Hall sensor (513). Here, the first driving magnet (511) and the first coil (512) are disposed facing each other in a second direction, the first coil (512) is disposed on the opening of the first side, and the first driving magnet (511) may be disposed on the mover (200). Additionally, the first Hall sensor (513) may be disposed inside the first coil (512).

[0092] Meanwhile, a second driving unit (521, 522, 523) is disposed in the opening of the second side, and the second driving unit (521, 522, 523) may include a second driving magnet (521), a second coil (522), and a second Hall sensor (523). Here, the second driving magnet (521) and the second coil (522) are disposed facing each other in the second direction, the second coil (522) is disposed on the opening of the second side, and the second driving magnet (521) may be disposed on the mover (200). In addition, the second Hall sensor (523) may be disposed inside the second coil (522).

[0093] Additionally, the third driving unit (531, 532, 533) may be partially positioned on the opening of the third side and partially positioned on the second housing (400). Here, the third driving unit (531, 532, 533) may include a third driving magnet (531), a third coil (532), and a third Hall sensor (533). In this case, the third driving magnet (531) may be positioned on the second housing (400), the third coil (532) may be positioned on the opening of the third side, and the third Hall sensor (533) may be positioned inside the third coil (532). Furthermore, the third driving magnet (531) and the third coil (532) may be positioned to face each other in the third direction.

[0094] Meanwhile, the mover (200) may be disposed within the housing. Specifically, it may be disposed on the internal space formed by the first side, the second side, and the third side. Additionally, the mover (200) may have a first space in which a first driving magnet (511) is disposed and a second space in which a second driving magnet (521) is disposed. Furthermore, a third space in which an optical member (10) is disposed may be formed.

[0095] In addition, the guide unit (300) may be positioned to face the first protrusion (110) of the housing, which will be described later. The second housing (400) may be positioned to face the mover (200) on the inner side of the third side. This will be explained in more detail through the drawings described later.

[0096] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing includes a first protrusion (110) that protrudes in a first direction from the bottom portion (101). Here, the first protrusion (110) includes a first inclined surface (111) positioned to face the mover (200), and a second magnet (112) may be positioned on the first inclined surface (111).

[0097] Additionally, referring to FIG. 4, one side of the first protrusion (110) facing the guide unit (300) may include a second-1 groove (115) and a second-2 groove (116) in which the first ball unit (313, 316), to be described later, is disposed. Here, the shapes of the second-1 groove (115) and the second-2 groove (116) may differ. Specifically, the second-1 groove (115) may be in contact with the first ball unit (313, 316) on four sides, and the second-2 groove (116) may be in contact with the first ball unit (313, 316) on two sides. This can effectively reduce the frictional force between the first ball unit (313, 316) and the second-1 groove (115) and the second-2 groove (116) that occurs during the process of the mover (200) tilting. In addition, the 2-1 groove (115) and the 2-2 groove (116) can be spaced apart in the 1st direction.

[0098] At this time, one surface of the first protrusion (110) facing the guide unit (300) may include at least one first magnet (114) facing the first yoke (340) of the guide unit (300) in a third direction and at least one sixth groove (113) into which the first magnet (114) is disposed. Based on FIG. 4, a pair of first magnets (114) may be disposed, and a pair of sixth grooves (113) may be formed corresponding to the number of first magnets (114).

[0099] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, the mover (200) includes a second inclined surface (201) parallel to the first inclined surface (111), and the second inclined surface (201) may be positioned in a direction toward the first inclined surface (111). Additionally, the mover (200) includes a second protrusion (232) that protrudes from the second inclined surface (201) in a direction toward the first inclined surface (111), a seventh groove is formed on the inner side of the second protrusion (232), and a second yoke (231) may be positioned on the inner side of the seventh groove. Through this, the second magnet (112) positioned on the first inclined surface (111) and the second yoke (231) positioned on the second protrusion (232) formed on the second inclined surface (201) may be positioned to face each other. Through this, the mover (200) can be effectively fixed by receiving force in a direction toward the protrusion.

[0100] Additionally, the mover (200) further includes a pair of third protrusions (212, 222) that protrude toward the second ball unit (323, 333) to be described later, and a fourth-1 groove (211) that contacts the second ball unit (323, 333) may be formed in one of the pair of third protrusions (212, 222), and a fourth-2 groove (212) that contacts the second ball unit (323, 333) may be formed in the other of the pair of third protrusions (212, 222). At this time, the shapes of the fourth-1 groove (211) and the fourth-2 groove (212) may be different. Specifically, the 4-1 groove (211) may be in contact with the 2nd ball unit (323, 333) on two sides, and the 4-2 groove (212) may be in contact with the 2nd ball unit (323, 333) on four sides. At this time, the 3rd protrusion (212, 222) where the 4-1 groove (211) is formed is defined as the 3-1 protrusion (212), and the 3rd protrusion (212, 222) where the 4-2 groove (212) is formed is defined as the 3-2 protrusion (222). This distinction is made merely for convenience of explanation and should not be interpreted as being limited to the mentioned 3-1 and 3-2.

[0101] Here, the third-1 protrusion (212) and the third-2 protrusion (222) on the second inclined surface (201) may protrude in a direction inclined toward the first direction. Specifically, the third-1 protrusion (212) and the third-2 protrusion (222) may protrude at a 45-degree angle toward the first direction, and the second inclined surface (201) may be positioned to be inclined at a 45-degree angle toward the first direction. Additionally, the directions in which the second inclined surface (201), the third-1 protrusion (212), and the third-2 protrusion (222) protrude may be perpendicular to each other. However, this is merely an exemplary description and is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0102] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 6 to explain the guide unit (300), as illustrated in FIG. 6, the guide unit (300) includes a plurality of first ball units (313, 316) forming a first axis (T1) parallel to a first direction and a plurality of second ball units (323, 333) forming a second axis (T2) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. At this time, the plurality of first ball units (313, 316) may include a first-1 ball member (313) and a first-2 ball member (316) spaced apart in the first direction, and the plurality of second ball units (323, 333) may include a second-1 ball member (323) and a second-2 ball member (333) spaced apart in the second direction.

[0103] Additionally, the guide unit (300) includes a body portion (301), a first seating portion (311, 314) that protrudes in a third direction from the body portion (301) and in which a first-1 ball member (313) and a first-2 ball member (316) are disposed, and the first seating portion (311, 314) may include a first-1 seating portion (311) in which a first-1 ball member (313) is disposed and a first-2 seating portion (314) in which a first-2 ball member (316) is disposed. Furthermore, a first-1 groove (312) that contacts the first-1 ball member (313) may be formed in the first-1 seating portion (311), and a first-2 groove (315) that contacts the first-2 ball member (316) may be formed in the first-2 seating portion (314).

[0104] Additionally, the guide unit (300) may further include a second seating portion (321, 331) that protrudes toward the mover (200) from the end region in the second direction of the body portion (301). Here, the second seating portion (321, 331) may be positioned to face the third protrusion (212, 222) described above. That is, the second seating portion (321, 331) may be positioned at an angle with respect to the first direction. The second seating portion (321, 331) includes a second-1 seating portion (321) in which a second-1 ball member (323) is placed and a second-2 seating portion (331) in which a second-2 ball member (333) is placed, and a third-1 groove (322) in which contacts the second-1 ball member (323) is formed in the second-1 seating portion (321), and a third-2 groove (332) in which contacts the second-2 ball member (333) can be formed in the second-2 seating portion (331).

[0105] Additionally, the guide unit (300) further includes a first yoke (340) disposed in the body portion (301), and the first yoke (340) may be disposed facing the first magnet (114) in a third direction.

[0106] To explain this in detail, refer to FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the first yoke (340) is formed long in the second direction and may include a first part (341) positioned between the third-1 groove (322) and the third-2 groove (332) in the first direction, a second part (342) extending from the first part (341) in the first direction opposite to the bottom part (101), and a third part (343) extending from the first part (341) in the first direction toward the bottom part (101).

[0107] Here, a pair of second parts (342) may be formed. A pair of second parts (342) may be positioned in the second direction with the third-1 groove (322) in between. Additionally, a pair of third parts (343) may be formed, and a pair of third parts (343) may be positioned in the second direction with the third-2 groove (332) in between. At this time, one of the second parts (342), one of the third parts (343), and a portion of the first part (341) may be positioned to face one of the first magnets (114) in the third direction, and another portion of the other second part (342), another third part (343), and the first part (341) may be positioned to face another first magnet (114) in the third direction.

[0108] At this time, the first yoke (340) may be fixed to the body portion (301) through an adhesive member. However, this is merely an exemplary description and should not be interpreted as being limited thereto.

[0109] As the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114) described above are positioned to face each other, an attractive force can be applied. Through this, the first ball member (313) positioned between the first groove (312) and the second groove (115) can be effectively attached to the first groove (312) and the second groove (115). Additionally, the first ball member (316) positioned between the first groove (315) and the second groove (116) can also be effectively attached to the first groove (315) and the second groove (116). Furthermore, due to the attractive force between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114), the body part (301) can be effectively fixed.

[0110] Meanwhile, reference may be made to FIG. 8 to describe the second housing (400). As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second housing (400) may include a fifth groove (410) that is recessed toward the third direction of the mover (200) on one side opposite to the direction toward the third direction of the mover (200), and a third yoke (420) disposed on the fifth groove (410).

[0111] Here, a third drive magnet (531) may be placed together in the fifth groove (410). Specifically, the inner surface of the fifth groove (410) in the third direction and one surface of the third yoke (420) in the third direction may be in contact, and the other surface of the third yoke (420) in the third direction may be in contact with the third drive magnet (531). That is, unlike the first drive unit (511, 512, 513) and the second drive unit (521, 522, 523) described above, the third drive unit (531, 532, 533) may not face directly with the mover (200).

[0112] Generally, the third driving unit (531, 532, 533) for tilting the mover (200) is positioned in an opening formed on the bottom part (101), so there was a problem of reduced power efficiency because the distance from the reference point for tilting the mover (200) was relatively far. However, the camera actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first protrusion (110) protruding from the bottom part (101), and the third driving magnet (531) can be positioned adjacent to the guide unit (300) by placing it in the fifth groove (410) of the second housing (400), which may have the advantage of improving the power efficiency of the camera actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the second housing (400) may include a first region (401) inserted into the inside of the mover (200) and a second region (402) not inserted into the mover (200). At this time, the first region (401) may be inserted into the inside of the mover (200) in a first direction. Also, the upper end of the first region (401) in the first direction contacts the inner surface of the mover (200), and an adhesive member may be disposed between the upper end of the first region (401) in the first direction and the inner surface of the mover (200). That is, the second housing (400) may also be tilted together during the process of tilting the mover (200).

[0114] Meanwhile, for a detailed description of the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, reference may be made to FIGS. 10 to 14.

[0115] First, as shown in FIG. 10, the second yoke (231) placed on the second inclined surface (201) can be positioned facing the second magnet (112) placed on the first inclined surface (111). That is, an attractive force can be applied between the second yoke (231) and the second magnet (112). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11, the third-1 groove (322) and the fourth-1 groove (211) can be effectively brought into close contact with the second-1 ball member (323). In addition, the third-2 groove (332) and the fourth-2 groove (212) can be effectively brought into close contact with the second-2 ball member (333) by the attractive force between the second yoke (231) and the second magnet (112).

[0116] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 12, the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114) are arranged to face each other in a third direction, and an attractive force can be applied between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10, the first-1 groove (312) and the second-1 groove (115) can be effectively in close contact with the first-1 ball member (313). Furthermore, the first-2 groove (315) and the second-2 groove (116) can also be effectively in close contact with the first-2 ball member (316) by the attractive force between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114).

[0117] According to this arrangement relationship, the guide unit (300) is not fixed through an adhesive member, but can be fixed in a position where it is effectively positioned to face the first protrusion (110) by the attractive force between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114).

[0118] Additionally, a virtual line connecting the center of the first-1 ball member (313) and the center of the first-2 ball member (316) can form a first axis (T1). That is, the mover (200) can be tilted based on the first axis (T1) formed by connecting the center of the first-1 ball member (313) and the center of the first-2 ball member (316). Furthermore, due to the attractive force of the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114), the first-1 ball member (313) is in close contact with the first-1 groove (312) and the second-1 groove (115), and the first-2 ball member (316) is in close contact with the first-2 groove (315) and the second-2 groove (116), so the rolling phenomenon can be effectively prevented.

[0119] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 11, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the surface (321a) where the first-1 seating portion (311) faces the third-1 protrusion (212) may be parallel to the surface (222a) where the third-1 protrusion (212) faces the first-1 seating portion (311). That is, the first inclined surface (111), the second inclined surface (201), the surface (321a) of the first-1 seating portion (311), and the surface (222a) of the third-1 protrusion (212) may be parallel to each other.

[0120] Additionally, referring to FIG. 12, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the third yoke (420) and the first magnet (114) are arranged so that a portion of them overlap each other in a third direction, thereby creating a certain attractive force between the third yoke (420) and the first magnet (114). At this time, the attractive force acting between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114) may be greater than the attractive force acting between the second yoke (231) and the second magnet (112) and the attractive force acting between the third yoke (420) and the first magnet (114). This may be because the guide unit (300) is fixed by the attractive force between the first yoke (340) and the first magnet (114).

[0121] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 13, a virtual line connecting the center of the second-1 ball member (323) and the center of the second-2 ball member (333) can form a second axis (T2). That is, the mover (200) can be tilted based on the second axis (T2) formed by connecting the center of the second-1 ball member (323) and the center of the second-2 ball member (333). At this time, the first axis (T1) and the second axis (T2) can be placed on the same plane as the point where the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) intersect each other.

[0122] To explain this in detail, refer to FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the first axis (T1) formed by connecting the center of the first-1 ball member (313) and the center of the first-2 ball member (316) and the second axis (T2) formed by connecting the center of the second-1 ball member (323) and the center of the second-2 ball member (333) intersect each other, and the point where the first axis (T1) and the second axis (T2) intersect may be the same as the optical center (OC) where the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) intersect each other. That is, the virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of first ball units (313, 316), the virtual line connecting the centers of the plurality of second ball units (323, 333), and the optical axis of the incident light (IL) incident on the optical member (10) are arranged on the same plane.

[0123] Due to this arrangement, the optical center (OC), the first axis (T1), and the second axis (T2) are positioned on the same plane as each other, which can significantly improve the power efficiency generated during the tilting process of the mover (200).

[0124] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14, the third yoke (420) may overlap with at least some of the plurality of first ball units (313, 316) and at least some of the plurality of second ball units (323, 333) in a third direction. Accordingly, the tilt of the mover (200) through the third drive unit (531, 532, 533) can be effectively performed and power efficiency can be improved.

[0125] Meanwhile, to specifically describe a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention, refer to FIG. 15. A camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first housing (1100), a mover (1200), a second housing (1300), and a guide unit (1400).

[0126] Here, the first housing (1100) includes a bottom portion (1101), a first wall portion (1120) that extends in the first direction from one of the periphery portions in the third direction of the bottom portion (1101) and is disposed between the second housing (1300) and the yoke (1500) in the third direction, a second wall portion (1130) that extends in the first direction from both ends in the second direction, and a third wall portion (1140). At this time, the first wall portion (1120) may have a first opening (1121) that opens in the third direction, the second wall portion (1130) may have a second opening (1131) that opens in the second direction, and the third wall portion (1140) may have a third opening (11141) that opens in the second direction. This will be explained in more detail through the drawings to be described later.

[0127] The mover (1200) may be placed within the first housing (1100). Specifically, it may be placed in the internal space of the first housing (1100) formed by the bottom portion (1101), the first wall portion (1120), the second wall portion (1130), and the third wall portion (1140). Additionally, an optical member (10) is placed on the mover (1200), and the mover (1200) may be tilted with respect to the first axis (T1) and the second axis (T2) by a driving unit.

[0128] The second housing (1300) may be positioned inside the first wall (1120). Specifically, it may be positioned between the mover (1200) and the first wall (1120) in a third direction. Additionally, as will be explained in more detail through the drawings described later, the mover (1200) and the second housing (1300) are combined, and the mover (1200) and the second housing (1300) may be tilted together during the process of tilting with respect to the first axis (T1) or the second axis (T2).

[0129] The guide unit (1400) may be positioned to face the first protrusion (1110) of the first housing (1100) to be described later. Specifically, it may be positioned between the mover (1200) and the first protrusion (1110) in a third direction. The guide unit (1400) includes a plurality of first ball units (1410) and a plurality of second ball units (1420). A plurality of first ball units (1410) may be positioned on one side of the guide unit (1400) facing the first protrusion (1110) in a third direction, and a plurality of second ball units (1420) may be positioned on the other side of the guide unit (1400) facing the mover (1200) in a third direction.

[0130] Here, a plurality of first ball units (1410) may include a first-1 ball member (1411) and a first-2 ball member (1412) spaced apart in a first direction. Additionally, a plurality of second ball units (1420) may include a second-1 ball member (1421) and a second-2 ball member (1422) spaced apart in a second direction. A virtual line connecting the center of the first-1 ball member (1411) and the center of the first-2 ball member (1412) may form a first axis (T1), and a virtual line connecting the center of the second-1 ball member (1421) and the center of the second-2 ball member (1422) may form a second axis (T2). Furthermore, the first axis (T1), the second axis (T2), and the optical axis of the incident light (IL) are arranged on the same plane. This will be explained in more detail through the drawings to be described later.

[0131] Meanwhile, a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention further includes a first driving unit, a second driving unit, a third driving unit, a substrate unit (1640), a yoke (1500), and a control unit (1700).

[0132] Here, the first driving unit includes a first magnet (1611), a first coil (1612), and a first Hall sensor. The first magnet (1611) is positioned on the second housing (1300), and the first coil (1612) is positioned facing the first magnet (1611). At this time, the first coil (1612) is positioned on the first opening (1121) described above and may come into contact with the substrate (1640). The first Hall sensor may be positioned inside the first coil (1612). Specifically, the first coil (1612) may be positioned in a manner that surrounds the first Hall sensor. The first Hall sensor may come into contact with the substrate.

[0133] The second driving unit includes a second magnet (1621), a second coil (1622), and a second Hall sensor. The second magnet (1621) is positioned on the mover (1200), and the second coil (1622) may be positioned to face the second magnet (1621) in a second direction. At this time, the second coil (1622) is positioned on the second opening (1131) described above and may come into contact with the substrate (1640). The second Hall sensor may be positioned inside the second coil (1622). Specifically, the second coil (1622) may be positioned in a manner that surrounds the second Hall sensor. The second Hall sensor may come into contact with the substrate.

[0134] The third driving unit includes a third magnet (1631), a third coil (1632), and a third Hall sensor. The third magnet (1631) is positioned on the mover (1200), and the third coil (1632) may be positioned facing the third magnet (1631) in a second direction. At this time, the third coil (1632) is positioned on the aforementioned third opening (1141) and may come into contact with the substrate (1640). The third Hall sensor may be positioned inside the third coil (1632). Specifically, the third coil (1632) may be positioned in a manner that surrounds the third Hall sensor. The third Hall sensor may come into contact with the substrate.

[0135] Meanwhile, the substrate portion (1640) may include a first-1 part, a first-2 part, and a first-3 part. Here, the first-1 part is an area that contacts the second wall portion (1130) in the second direction, the first-2 part is an area that contacts the third wall portion (1140) in the second direction, and the first-3 part is an area that contacts the first wall portion (1120) in the third direction. That is, the first coil (1612), the second coil (1622), and the third coil (1632) can be electrically connected through the first-1 part, the first-2 part, and the first-3 part of the substrate portion (1640).

[0136] The yoke (1500) may be positioned on the outside of the substrate portion (1640). Specifically, the yoke (1500) may be positioned between the first coil (1612) and the substrate portion (1640) in a third direction. Alternatively, it may be positioned on the outside of the first housing (1100) in a third direction, that is, on the outside of the first wall portion (1120). Additionally, the yoke (1500) may overlap at least partially with the first magnet (1611) in a third direction. As will be explained in more detail through the drawings described later, due to the attractive force between the yoke (1500) and the first magnet (1611), the guide unit (1400) can be effectively brought into close contact with the first protrusion (1110) and the mover (1200).

[0137] Meanwhile, the control unit (1700) may be positioned adjacent to the third coil (1632). The control unit (1700) can control the first drive unit, the second drive unit, and the third drive unit to tilt the mover (1200) with respect to the first axis (T1) or the second axis (T2). The control unit (1700) may be in contact with the substrate unit (1640) to receive power.

[0138] Refer to FIGS. 16 to 20 to explain the specific configuration thereof.

[0139] First, as illustrated in FIG. 16, a first housing (1100) according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a bottom portion (1101), a first wall portion (1120) extending in a first direction from one side of the bottom portion (1101) in a third direction, a second wall portion (1130) extending in a first direction from both ends of the bottom portion (1101) in a second direction, and a third wall portion (1140). Here, the first wall portion (1120) may include a first opening (1121) that is open in a third direction, the second wall portion (1130) may include a second opening (1131) that is open in a second direction, and the third wall portion (1140) may include a third opening (1141) that is open in a second direction.

[0140] At this time, a first coil (1612) may be disposed in the first opening (1121), a second coil (1622) may be disposed in the second opening (1131), and a third coil (1632) may be disposed in the third opening (1141). Here, the third wall (1140) may further include a seating space (1142) for a control unit (1700) to be disposed therein. At this time, the seating space (1142) may be recessed in the second direction from the outer surface of the third wall (1140) to form a space for the control unit (1700) to be disposed therein. The seating space (1142) may be disposed adjacent to the third opening (1141) in the third direction.

[0141] Additionally, the first housing (1100) includes a first protrusion (1110) protruding from the bottom portion (1101). The first protrusion (1110) may include a second-1 groove (1111) in which a first-1 ball member (1411) is disposed and a second-2 groove (1112) in which a first-2 ball member (1412) is disposed. Here, the shapes of the second-1 groove (1111) and the second-2 groove (1112) may be different. For example, the second-1 groove (1111) may be in contact with the first-1 ball member (1411) on four sides, and the second-2 groove (1112) may be in contact with two sides or one side.

[0142] Accordingly, during the process in which the mover (1200) is tilted relative to the first axis (T1), the second-1 groove (1111) supports the mover (1200) so that it does not roll (1Rolling), and the second-2 groove (1112) effectively reduces the frictional force generated when the first-2 ball member (1412) comes into contact with the second-2 groove (1112), thereby greatly improving power efficiency.

[0143] Here, the first protrusion (1110) may include an inclined area and a non-inclined area. In the first direction, the inclined area may be an area adjacent to the bottom part (1101), and the non-inclined area may be an area relatively spaced apart from the bottom part (1101) in the first direction. The inclined area may be an area where the length in the second direction decreases in the direction away from the bottom part (1101) in the first direction, and the non-inclined area may be an area where the length in the second direction is the same in the direction away from the bottom part (1101) in the first direction. This can prevent the first protrusion (1110) from breaking during the process in which the guide unit (1400) is pressed toward the first protrusion (1110) by the attractive force of the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500). Specifically, since the length in the second direction of the inclined area is relatively longer than that of the non-inclined area, the rigidity of the first protrusion (1110) can be effectively secured.

[0144] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 17, a mover (1200) of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a 4-1 groove (1211) in contact with a 2-1 ball member (1421) and a 4-2 groove (1221) in contact with a 2-2 ball member (1422). At this time, the mover (1200) may include an inclined surface (1230) formed to be inclined with respect to a first direction, and may include a 2-1 protrusion (1210) protruding from the inclined surface (1230) toward a 3-1 groove (1471) to be described later in a third direction and a 2-2 protrusion (1220) protruding toward a 3-2 groove (1472). At this time, a 4-1 groove (1211) may be formed in the 2-1 protrusion (1210), and a 4-2 groove (1221) may be formed in the 2-2 protrusion (1220).

[0145] Here, the shapes of the 4-1 groove (1211) and the 4-2 groove (1221) may be different. For example, the 4-1 groove (1211) may be in contact with the 2-1 ball member (1421) on two sides, and the 4-2 groove (1221) may be in contact with the 2-2 ball member (1422) on four sides.

[0146] Accordingly, during the process in which the mover (1200) is tilted relative to the second axis (T2), the 4-2 groove (1221) supports the mover (1200) so that it does not roll (1Rolling), and the 4-1 groove (1211) effectively reduces the frictional force generated when the 2-1 ball member (1421) contacts the 4-1 groove (1211), thereby greatly improving power efficiency.

[0147] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 18, a second housing (1300) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a fifth groove (1310) in which a first magnet (1611) is disposed, a second-1 part (1320) in which the fifth groove (1310) is formed, a second-2 part (1330) extending toward a mover (1200) in a third direction from one end of the second-1 part (1320) in a second direction, and a second-3 part (1340) extending toward a mover (1200) in a third direction from the other end of the second-1 part (1320) in a second direction.

[0148] At this time, as will be explained in more detail through the drawings to be described later, the upper region in the first direction of the 2-1 part (1320), 2-2 part (1330), and 2-3 part (1340) is inserted into the inside of the mover (1200), and one side in the third direction of the 2-2 part (1330) and 2-3 part (1340) may come into contact with the inner surface of the mover (1200). At this time, the inner surface of the mover (1200) may be a different surface from the inclined surface (1230) described above.

[0149] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, a guide unit (1400) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a body portion (1440) as shown in FIG. 19, a first wing portion (1451) extending from one end portion in the second direction of the body portion (1440), a second wing portion (1452) extending from the other end portion in the second direction of the body portion (1440), a first extension portion (1461) extending from the first wing portion (1451) in the first direction, and a second extension portion (1462) extending from the second wing portion (1452) in the first direction.

[0150] Here, the body portion (1440) includes a first-1 groove (1431) in which a first-1 ball member (1411) is disposed and a first-2 groove (1432) in which a first-2 ball member (1412) is disposed, and the first-1 groove (1431) and the first-2 groove (1432) may be spaced apart in a first direction. The first wing portion (1451) may extend along a second direction from one end area of ​​the body portion (1440). Specifically, it may extend along the second direction from a lower area in the first direction of the one end area of ​​the body portion (1440). Additionally, the second wing portion (1452) may extend along the second direction from a lower area in the first direction of the other end area of ​​the body portion (1440). The extension direction of the first wing portion (1451) and the extension direction of the second wing portion (1452) may be opposite directions.

[0151] The first extension portion (1461) may include an area extending by a predetermined thickness in a third direction from the end of the first wing portion (1451) and an area extending in a first direction from the area extending by a predetermined thickness in the third direction described above. That is, the first wing portion (1451) may not overlap with the body portion (1440) and the first wing portion (1451) in the second direction.

[0152] The second extension portion (1462) may include an area extending by a predetermined thickness in a third direction from the end of the second wing portion (1452) and an area extending in a first direction from the area extending by a predetermined thickness in the third direction described above. That is, the second wing portion (1452) may not overlap with the body portion (1440) and the second wing portion (1452) in the second direction.

[0153] Additionally, referring to FIG. 20, as illustrated in FIG. 20, a third-1 groove (1471) in which a second-1 ball member (1421) is disposed is formed in the end region of the first extension (1461) in the first direction, and a third-2 groove (1472) in which a second-2 ball member (1422) is disposed is formed in the end region of the second extension (1462) in the first direction.

[0154] Additionally, the first-1 groove (1431) and the first-2 groove (1432) may be arranged in a direction toward the second housing (1300) in the third direction, and the third-1 groove (1471) and the third-2 groove (1472) may be arranged in a direction toward the mover (1200) in the third direction. At this time, the first-1 groove (1431) may be arranged to face the second-1 groove (1111) in the third direction, the first-2 groove (1432) may be arranged to face the second-2 groove (1112) in the third direction, the third-1 groove (1471) may be arranged to face the fourth-1 groove (1211) in the third direction, and the third-2 groove (1472) may be arranged to face the fourth-2 groove (1221) in the third direction.

[0155] Meanwhile, to explain the first axis (T1) of the camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention, refer to FIGS. 21 and 22. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the first axis (T1) can be formed along a virtual line connecting the center of the first-1 ball member (1411) and the center of the first-2 ball member (1412). Additionally, the second housing (1300) is coupled with the mover (1200), the first magnet (1611) is disposed in the fifth groove (1310), and the yoke (1500) is disposed facing the first magnet (1611) on the outer side of the substrate portion (1640), so that an attractive force can be applied between the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500).

[0156] When an attractive force is generated between the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500), the first magnet (1611) receives a force in the direction toward the yoke (1500), the second housing (1300) on which the first magnet (1611) is placed also receives a force in the direction toward the yoke (1500), and the mover (1200) is coupled with the second housing (1300) and can receive a force in the direction toward the yoke (1500) by the second housing (1300).

[0157] Here, the 4-1 groove (1211) is positioned to face the 3-1 groove (1471) with the 2-1 ball member (1421) in between in the 3rd direction, and the 4-2 groove (1221) is positioned to face the 3-2 groove (1472) with the 2-2 ball member (1422) in between in the 3rd direction, so that the force applied to the mover (1200) can be transmitted to the 1 extension part (1461) and the 2 extension part (1462).

[0158] When the first extension part (1461) and the second extension part (1462) receive force in the direction toward the yoke (1500) by the mover (1200), specifically by the attractive force between the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500), the body part (1440) is pressed in the direction toward the first protrusion (1110), and the first-1 groove (1431) and the second-1 groove (1111) can be effectively in contact with the first-1 ball member (1411), and the first-2 groove (1432) and the second-2 groove (1112) can be effectively in contact with the first-2 ball member (1412).

[0159] That is, the guide unit (1400) is fixed by the attractive force between the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500).

[0160] Additionally, referring to FIG. 22, with respect to the second-1 protrusion (1210), the second-1 protrusion (1210) protrudes from the inclined surface (1230) and protrudes along the third direction, so the attractive force between the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500) can be effectively transmitted to the first extension (1461).

[0161] For example, if the second-1 protrusion (1210) extends in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface (1230) and the third-1 groove (1471) is positioned at an angle to the first direction so as to face the second-1 protrusion (1210), a problem may arise in which the attractive force between the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500) is not properly transmitted, or the second-1 ball member (1421) fails to adhere to the third-1 groove (1471) and the fourth-1 groove (1211) due to the force transmitted at an angle. Furthermore, twisting may occur in which the second-1 ball member (1421) is displaced from the space between the third-1 groove (1471) and the fourth-1 groove (1211).

[0162] Therefore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the second-1 protrusion (1210) of the camera actuator may be formed to protrude along a third direction from the inclined surface (1230). Accordingly, the attractive force between the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500) can be effectively transmitted to the first extension (1461) and the second extension (1462).

[0163] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 23, the second axis (T2) of the camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention may be formed along a virtual line connecting the center of the second-1 ball member (1421) and the center of the second-2 ball member (1422). At this time, the second axis (T2) may intersect with the first axis R (T1) on a virtual plane formed by the second direction and the third direction.

[0164] Specifically, the first axis (T1) formed by connecting the center of the first-1 ball member (1411) and the center of the first-2 ball member (1412) intersects with the second axis (T2) formed by connecting the centers of the second-1 ball member (1421) and the second-2 ball member (1422), and the center on the virtual line connecting the center of the second-1 ball member (1421) and the center of the second-2 ball member (1422) can be formed on the first axis (T1).

[0165] At this time, the first axis (T1) may overlap with the optical axis of the incident light (IL). Additionally, an optical center (OC) may be placed on the first axis (T1) where the optical axis of the incident light (IL) and the optical axis of the refracted light (RL) intersect each other. That is, the first axis (T1), the second axis (T2), the optical center (OC), and the optical axis of the incident light (IL) may be placed on the same plane.

[0166] In other words, as the tilt axis and the optical center (OC) are positioned on the same plane, optical image stabilization (OIS) can be effectively performed.

[0167] In addition, since the tilt axis, the first magnet (1611), and the first coil (1612) are arranged adjacent to each other, there may also be an advantage of significantly improving power efficiency, unlike the conventional technology of tilting the mover (1200) itself.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 24 to more easily explain the combination of the second housing (1300) and the mover (1200) described above and to specifically explain the technical features of a camera actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 24, the mover (1200) includes a first surface (1241) formed by being recessed in a first direction, a second surface (1242) and a third surface (1243) formed by being recessed in a third direction, and the first surface (1241), the second surface (1242), and the third surface (1243) may be surfaces that are distinct from the inclined surface (1230).

[0169] Here, the first surface (1241) is in contact with the upper surface in the first direction of the second-1 part (1320), the upper surface in the first direction of the second-2 part (1330), and the upper surface in the first direction of the second-3 part (1340), and an adhesive member is disposed in the area between the upper surface of the first part and the second-1 part (1320) in the first direction, the area between the upper surface of the first part and the second-2 part (1330) in the first direction, and the area between the upper surface of the first part and the second-3 part (1340) in the first direction so that the mover (1200) and the second housing (1300) can be joined more effectively.

[0170] Additionally, a portion of the mover (1200) may overlap with the upper region of the second housing (1300) in the first direction in the third direction. This can make the connection with the second housing (1300) more robust during the process of the mover (1200) tilting together with the second housing (1300).

[0171] Additionally, in the third direction, one side of the second-2 part (1330) may be in contact with the second side (1242) in the third direction, and one side of the second-3 part (1340) may be in contact with the third side (1243) in the third direction. Furthermore, an adhesive member may be disposed in the area between the second side (1242) and one side of the second-2 part (1330) in the third direction, and in the area between the third side (1243) and one side of the second-3 part (1340) in the third direction, so as to effectively improve the bonding strength between the mover (1200) and the second housing (1300).

[0172] Accordingly, the attractive force between the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500) placed in the second housing (1300) is effectively transmitted to the mover (1200), so that the mover (1200) can effectively bring the guide unit (1400) into close contact with the first protrusion (1110).

[0173] Meanwhile, since the mover (1200) is tilted with respect to the first axis (T1) or the second axis (T2), if the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500) cannot overlap in the third direction, a problem may arise in which the force cannot be sufficiently transmitted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25, it may be preferable for the area of ​​the first magnet (1611) to be smaller than the area of ​​the yoke (1500). Specifically, it may be preferable for the length of the first magnet (1611) in the first direction to be smaller than the length of the yoke (1500) in the first direction, and for the length of the first magnet (1611) in the second direction to be smaller than the length of the yoke (1500) in the second direction.

[0174] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the yoke (1500) may overlap with at least a portion of the first-1 ball member (1411), the first-2 ball member (1412), the second-1 ball member (1421), and the second-2 ball member (1422) in a third direction. This allows the attractive force between the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500) to effectively fix the first-1 ball member (1411), the first-2 ball member (1412), the second-1 ball member (1421), and the second-2 ball member (1422).

[0175] Meanwhile, to explain a camera actuator according to a modified example of the present invention, refer to FIG. 27. As shown in FIG. 27, the camera actuator according to a modified example of the present invention may further include a support member (1150).

[0176] Here, the support member (1150) may protrude in a first direction from the bottom member (1101). Additionally, it may be positioned in a third direction with the first protrusion (1110) and the body member (1440) in between. Furthermore, the length of the support member (1150) in the first direction may be smaller than the length of the first protrusion (1110) in the first direction and the length of the body member (1440) in the first direction. More specifically, the upper surface of the support member (1150) in the first direction may be positioned lower in the first direction than the center of the first-second ball member (1412).

[0177] Although the 2-1 protrusion (1210) and the 2-2 protrusion (1220) transmit the attractive force between the 1 magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500) to the 1 extension (1461) and the 2 extension (1462), and the body part (1440) is pressed against the 1 protrusion (1110) by the 1 extension (1461) and the 2 extension (1462), since the force is applied only to the upper part of the guide unit (1400) relatively, a problem may occur in which the 1-2 groove (1432) and the 2-2 groove (1112) are separated from the 1-2 ball member (1412) by a predetermined distance.

[0178] That is, the support member (1150) may be positioned facing the body member (1440) in a third direction to prevent the problem of lifting in the lower region of the body member (1440) in the first direction as described above. Additionally, as described above, since the lifting phenomenon may occur only in the lower region of the body member (1440) in the first direction, it may be preferable for the height of the support member (1150) in the first direction to be positioned lower than the center of the first-second ball member (1412) in the first direction.

[0179] In addition, although FIG. 27 shows the support member (1150) and the body member (1440) in a state of complete contact, it may be preferable for the support member (1150) and the body member (1440) to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in a third direction. This is to ensure sufficient clearance during the process of tilting the guide unit (1400) along the first axis (T1), and the distance between the support member (1150) and the body member (1440) in the third direction can be varied according to the design.

[0180] The camera actuator according to another embodiment and variation of the present invention described above has the advantage of fixing the guide unit (1400) by the attractive force between the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500), improving power efficiency by ensuring that the first axis (T1), the second axis (T2), and the optical axis of the incident light (IL) are placed on the same plane as each other, and effectively preventing rolling of the mover (1200) by the attractive force between the first magnet (1611) and the yoke (1500).

[0181] We have examined preferred embodiments according to the invention, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that, in addition to the embodiments described above, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

[0182] Therefore, the embodiments described above should be regarded as exemplary rather than limiting, and accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the description above but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. First housing; An optical element is disposed therein, and a mover disposed within the first housing; A second housing positioned facing the mover within the first housing; and It includes a guide unit disposed between the mover and the second housing and guiding the tilt of the mover, The first housing includes a protrusion that protrudes in a first direction parallel to the optical axis of light incident on the optical member from the bottom surface so as to face the guide unit, and The guide unit comprises a plurality of first ball units forming a first axis parallel to the first direction and a plurality of second ball units forming a second axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A camera actuator in which a virtual line connecting the centers of a plurality of first ball units, a virtual line connecting the centers of a plurality of second ball units, and the optical axis of light incident on the optical member are arranged on the same plane.

2. In Paragraph 1, The plurality of first ball units above include a first-1 ball member and a first-2 ball member spaced apart in the first direction, and The above plurality of second ball units is a camera actuator comprising a second-1 ball member and a second-2 ball member spaced apart in the second direction.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above guide unit is, Body part; and It includes a first seating portion that protrudes toward the protrusion from the body portion, and The above-mentioned first mounting portion is a camera actuator comprising a first-1 groove in which the first-1 ball member is disposed and a first-2 groove in which the first-2 ball member is disposed.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above protrusion is, A second-1 groove positioned facing the first-1 groove and in contact with the first-1 ball member; and A camera actuator comprising a second groove that is positioned facing the second groove and contacts the first groove.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above guide unit further includes a first yoke disposed in the body portion, and The above-mentioned protrusion is a camera actuator comprising at least one first magnet positioned to face the first yoke in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

6. In Paragraph 2, The above guide unit is, Body part; and It includes a second mounting portion extending toward the optical member from the end of the body portion in the second direction, and The above second mounting portion is a camera actuator comprising a third-1 groove in which the second-1 ball member is disposed and a third-2 groove in which the second-2 ball member is disposed.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above mover is, A fourth groove positioned facing the second groove and in contact with the second groove; and A camera actuator comprising a fourth-2 groove positioned facing the second-2 groove and in contact with the second-2 ball member.

8. In Paragraph 1, The first housing includes a wall portion extending in the first direction from a portion of the perimeter of the bottom portion and facing the second housing, and A yoke is disposed on the outer surface of the above wall, and a first magnet is disposed on one surface facing the direction in which the second housing faces the wall. The above guide unit is a camera actuator fixed by the attractive force of the yoke and the first magnet.

9. In Paragraph 8, The plurality of first ball units above include a first-1 ball member and a first-2 ball member, and The plurality of second ball units above include a second-1 ball member and a second-2 ball member, and A camera actuator in which the first axis formed along a virtual line connecting the center of the first-1 ball member and the center of the first-2 ball member and the second axis formed along a virtual line connecting the center of the second-1 ball member and the center of the second-2 ball member intersect each other.

10. In Paragraph 9, The guide unit includes a first groove in which the first-1 ball member is disposed and a first-2 groove in which the first-2 ball member is disposed. The first protrusion includes a second-1 groove facing the first-1 groove and a second-2 groove facing the first-2 groove, and The guide unit includes a third-1 groove in which the second-1 ball member is disposed and a third-2 groove in which the second-2 ball member is disposed. The above mover is a camera actuator comprising a 4-1 groove facing the 3-1 groove and a 4-2 groove facing the 3-2 groove.

Images