Camera module including a lens barrel

Disclosed is a camera module. The camera module according to one embodiment includes a lens barrel disposed in a housing to receive a lens; a driving unit moving the lens barrel relative to the housing; and a circuit board electrically connected to the driving unit. The driving unit includes a first driving unit in the lens barrel; and a second driving unit in the housing. A portion of the second driving unit directly makes contact with the circuit board.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICTIONS

This application is a U.S National Stage Application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT Application No. PCT/KR2013/005776, filed Jun. 28, 2013, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0071203, filed Jun. 29, 2012, whose entire disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiment relates to a camera module.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, a camera module has been installed in a mobile communication terminal, an information technology (IT) device, such as a PDA or an MP3 player, a vehicle, and an endoscope. As the technology has been developed toward the high-pixel camera module from the conventional VGA camera equipped with 0.3 mega pixels, the camera module has been manufactured in a small size with a slim structure according to targets to which the camera module is installed. In addition, the camera module has been equipped with various additional functions, such as auto-focusing or optical zoom functions, at the low manufacturing cost.

Meanwhile, the camera module manufactured in these days is equipped with an image sensor module, which is manufactured through a COB (chip of board) scheme, a COF (chip of flexible) scheme or a CSP (chip scale package) scheme, and is usually connected to a main substrate through an electric connection unit, such as a PCB (printed circuit board) or an FPCB (flexible printed circuit board).

However, users recently request the camera module, which can be directly mounted on the main substrate similar to a general passive element, in such a manner that the manufacturing process for the camera module can be simplified while reducing the manufacturing cost.

The camera module is generally manufactured by attaching an image sensor, such as a CCD or a CMOS, to a substrate through a wire bonding scheme or a flip chip scheme. An image of a subject is focused by the image sensor and the focused image is stored as data in a memory, which is installed inside or outside the camera module. In addition, the stored data are converted into electric signals and the electric signals are displayed as images through a display medium, such as an LCD or a PC monitor provided in a device.

A camera module according to the related art includes a housing, an image sensor supported on a bottom of the housing to convert an image signal received through a lens into an electric signal, a lens group to focus an image signal of a subject to the image sensor, and a barrel in which the lens group are stacked. The housing, the lens group and the barrel are sequentially coupled with each other.

In addition, an FPCB mounted thereon with chip components, which are electric components serving as a condenser and a resistor to drive the image sensor including a CCD or a CMOS, is electrically connected to the bottom of the housing.

In the camera module having the above structure according to the related art, in a state that a plurality of circuit components have been mounted on the FPCB, an ACF (anisotropic conductive film) is inserted between the substrate and the image sensor, and heat and pressure are applied thereto in such a manner that the substrate, the image sensor and the ACF are fixedly bonded and conducted with each other and an IR cut-off filter is attached to an opposite side.

In addition, in a state that the barrel provided therein with a plurality of lens groups is temporally screw-coupled with the housing, as described above, the assembled PCB used for mounting devices is fixedly bonded to the bottom of the housing by an adhesive.

Meanwhile, after the PCB, to which the image sensor is attached, has been fixedly bonded to the housing coupled with the barrel, a focus adjustment is carried out with respect to a subject (resolution chart) located in front of the barrel and spaced apart from the barrel by a predetermined distance. At this time, the focus adjustment of the camera module can be achieved between the lens group and the image sensor while adjusting the vertical displacement by rotating the barrel screw-coupled with the housing.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

The embodiment provides a camera module capable of effectively preventing hand-shaking.

Solution to Problem

According to the embodiment, there is provided a camera module including a lens barrel disposed in a housing to receive a lens; a driving unit moving the lens barrel relative to the housing; and a circuit board electrically connected to the driving unit, wherein the driving unit comprises: a first driving unit in the lens barrel; and a second driving unit in the housing, and wherein a portion of the second driving unit directly makes contact with the circuit board.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The camera module according to the embodiment can compensate for hand-shaking by driving the lens barrel with respect to the housing. That is, the driving unit can compensate for hand-shaking by moving the lens barrel relative to the housing.

In particular, the camera module according to the embodiment moves the lens barrel by applying magnetic force in the direction inclined with respect to the reference horizontal plane. Thus, the camera module according to the embodiment can move the lens barrel in the 3-axis directions. Therefore, the camera module according to the embodiment can compensate for the shaking in the left and right directions and can adjust the focus.

Meanwhile, the driving unit of the camera module according to the embodiment includes the coil which directly makes contact with the circuit board. Thus, the coil can be connected to the circuit board without using a spring or a pin so that the structure and the manufacturing process can be simplified. In addition, the defective rate can be reduced by reducing the number of soldering processes.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

In the description of the embodiments, it will be understood that when each lens, unit, part, hole, protrusion, groove or layer is referred to as being “on” or “under” another lens, unit, part, hole, protrusion, groove or layer, it can be “directly” or “indirectly” on the other lens, unit, part, hole, protrusion, groove or layer or one or more intervening layers may also be present. Such a position has been described with reference to the drawings. The thickness and size of each layer shown in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted or schematically drawn for the purpose of convenience or clarity. In addition, the size of elements does not utterly reflect an actual size.

FIG. 1is an exploded perspective view showing a camera module according to the embodiment,FIG. 2is a perspective view showing the camera module according to the embodiment,FIG. 3is a view showing an elastic member,FIG. 4is a perspective view showing a lens barrel and a driving unit,FIG. 5is a cross sectional view of the camera module according to the embodiment,FIG. 6is a longitudinal sectional view of the camera module according to the embodiment,FIG. 7is a view showing a portion of the driving unit andFIG. 8is a view showing another portion of the driving unit.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 8, the camera module according to the embodiment includes a lens barrel100, a lens assembly200, an elastic member300, a housing400, an IR cut-off filter unit500, a sensor unit600, a circuit board700and driving units710,720. . . and700N.

The lens barrel100receives the lens assembly200therein.

The lens barrel100has a receiving groove110for receiving the lens assembly200. The receiving groove110may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the lens assembly200. When viewed from the bottom, the receiving groove110may have a circular shape. In detail, when viewed from the bottom, the receiving groove110may have a circular shape. That is, the outer portion of the receiving groove110may have a circular shape. In addition, the outer portion of the receiving groove110may have a rectangular shape.

The lens barrel100may have a rectangular shape. That is, the outer portion of the lens barrel100may have a rectangular shape.

The lens barrel100may be connected with the housing400. In detail, the lens barrel100is connected to the housing400through the elastic member300. That is, the lens barrel100may be movably connected to the housing400by the elastic member300.

In addition, the lens barrel100includes a light incident groove, which is open upward (toward an object). The light incident groove exposes the lens assembly200. An image is incident into the lens assembly200through the light incident groove.

The lens assembly200is disposed in the lens barrel100. In detail, the lens assembly200is disposed in the receiving groove110. The lens assembly200is inserted into the receiving groove110. The lens assembly200may have a first outer profile. In detail, the lens assembly200may have a circular outer profile. In more detail, the lens assembly may have a circular shape when viewed from the top. In addition, the lens assembly200may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the top.

The lens assembly200includes a plurality of lenses210,220and230. For instance, the lens assembly200may include a first lens210, a second lens220, and a third lens230. The third lens230, the second lens220, and the first lens210may be sequentially laminated.

Further, a first spacer221and a second spacer222may be interposed among the lenses210,220,230, and240. The lenses210,220,230, and240are spaced apart from each other through the first spacer221and the second spacer222.

Although it has been described that the lens assembly200includes three lenses, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the lens assembly200may include one or two lenses or at least four lenses.

The elastic member300is disposed in the housing400. The elastic member300is fixed to the housing400. Further, the elastic member300is fixed to the lens barrel100. The elastic member300movably fixes the lens barrel100to the housing400.

The elastic member300may include a spring. In detail, the elastic member300may include a leaf spring. The elastic member300may include four elastic sections310,320,330and340. For instance, the elastic member300may include a first elastic section310, a second elastic section320, a third elastic section330and a fourth elastic section340.

One end of the first elastic section310is fixed to the lens barrel100and the other end of the first elastic section310is fixed to the housing400.

In addition, one end of the second elastic section320is fixed to the lens barrel100and the other end of the second elastic section320is fixed to the housing400.

Further, one end of the third elastic section330is fixed to the lens barrel100and the other end of the third elastic section330is fixed to the housing400.

In addition, one end of the fourth elastic section340is fixed to the lens barrel100and the other end of the fourth elastic section340is fixed to the housing400.

The elastic member300may further include a first fixing link350and a second fixing link360.

The first fixing link350surrounds the outer peripheral portion of the receiving groove110of the lens barrel100. The first fixing link350is connected to one end of the first elastic section310, one end of the second elastic section330, one end of the third elastic section330and one end of the fourth elastic section340.

The first fixing link350may be fixed to the lens barrel100. In addition, the first fixing link350may fix the position of the first to fourth elastic sections310to340.

The second fixing link360is disposed along sidewalls410,420,430and440of the housing400. The second fixing link360is connected to the other end of the first elastic section310, the other end of the second elastic section330, the other end of the third elastic section330and the other end of the fourth elastic section340.

The second fixing link360may be fixed to the housing400. In addition, the second fixing link360may fix the position of the first to fourth elastic sections310to340.

The housing400receives the lens barrel100, the sensor unit600and the IR cut-off filter unit500. The housing400is connected to the lens barrel100through the elastic member300.

The housing400may include plastic or metal. The housing400may have a rectangular container shape. For instance, the housing400may include four sidewalls410,420,430and440. The sidewalls410,420,430and440may surround the lens barrel100.

The sidewalls410,420,430and440may be integrally formed with each other. The sidewalls410,420,430and440may face the outer surfaces of the lens barrel100, respectively. The sidewalls410,420,430and440may include a first sidewall410, a second sidewall420, a third sidewall430and a fourth sidewall440.

Although not shown in the drawings, a cover section may be further provided. The cover section extends from the sidewalls410,420,430and440to cover the lens barrel100. The cover section may include an opening area to partially expose the lenses210,220and230.

The housing400is fixed to the circuit board800. The housing400may be coupled with the circuit board800.

The IR cut-off filter unit500is disposed in the housing400. The IR cut-off filter unit500is fixed to the circuit board800and may be fixed to the housing400. The IR cut-off filter unit500filters an incident IR. The IR cut-off filter unit500may filter light having an excessively long wavelength introduced into the sensor unit600.

The IR cut-off filter unit500may be formed by alternately depositing titanium oxide and silicon oxide on optical glass. In order to cut-off the IR, thicknesses of the titanium oxide and the silicon oxide may be suitable adjusted.

The sensor unit600is received in the housing400. The sensor unit600includes a CCD image sensor and a CMOS image sensor. In addition, the sensor unit600further includes the circuit board800connected to the image sensor. The sensor unit600converts an incident image into an electrical signal.

The sensor unit600is fixed to the circuit board800. The sensor unit600may be mounted on the circuit board800. The sensor unit600is electrically connected to the circuit board800.

The circuit board800may cover a bottom of the housing400. The circuit board800is coupled with the housing400. The circuit board800may include a printed circuit board (PCB). The circuit board800may be electrically connected to the sensor unit600. The circuit board800may apply a signal for driving the sensor unit600. Further, the circuit board800may receive a signal from the sensor unit600.

The sensor unit600is mounted on the circuit board800. In detail, the sensor unit600may be fixed to the circuit board800. That is, the sensor unit600may be fixed to the housing400through the circuit board800.

Further, the circuit board800may be electrically connected to the driving units710,720. . . and700N. That is, a signal for driving the driving units710,720. . . and700N may be applied to the driving units710,720. . .700N through the circuit board800. Some of the driving units710,720. . .700N may directly make contact with the circuit board800, which will be described later.

The driving units710,720. . . and700N drive the lens barrel100with respect to the housing400. The driving units710,720. . . and700N drive the lens barrel100relative to the housing400. In more detail, the driving units710,720. . . and700N may drive the lens barrel100in 3-axis directions relative to the housing400.

The driving units710,720. . . and700N may move the lens barrel100relative to the housing400by magnetic force. At this time, the magnetic force is applied in the direction inclined with respect to the optical axis OA of the lens assembly200.

The driving units710,720. . . and700N may include a first driving unit710, a second driving unit720, a third driving unit730, a fourth driving unit740, a fifth driving unit750, a sixth driving unit760, a seventh driving unit770, and an eighth driving unit780.

A reference horizontal plane R, which is perpendicular to the optical axis OA of the lens assembly200, may be defined. The reference horizontal plane R may pass through the center of the first driving unit710. The reference horizontal plane R may divide the first driving unit710into two half parts.

In addition, an object-side direction may be defined toward the object of the lens assembly200in the optical axis OA direction, that is, an upward direction in the drawing. In addition, an image-side direction may be defined toward the sensor unit600directed to the image of the lens assembly200in the optical axis OA direction, that is, the downward direction in the drawing.

In addition, the first direction may be defined in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA as well as the first and fifth driving units710and750. Further, the second direction may be defined in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA as well as the third and seventh driving units730and770.

The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction.

In addition, the object-side direction is defined with a positive angle and the upper direction is defined with a negative angle about the reference horizontal plane R. That is, if the directional vector is biased to the object-side direction about the reference horizontal plane R, it is defined with the positive angle. Further, if the directional vector is biased to the image-side direction about the reference horizontal plane R, it is defined with the negative angle.

The first driving unit710is fixed to the lens barrel100. In detail, the first driving unit710is fixed to the outer portion of the lens barrel100. In more detail, the first driving unit710may be attached to the outer surface of the lens barrel100. The first driving unit710may be attached to the center of one outer surface of the lens barrel100.

The first driving unit710may include a magnetic material. The first driving unit710may be formed by the magnetic material. The first driving unit710may include iron oxide, CoFe2O4 or ferrite. The first driving unit710may have a plate shape. The first driving unit710may have a rectangular plate shape.

The magnetization direction of the first driving unit710may be inclined with respect to the optical axis OA. In addition, the magnetization direction of the first driving unit710may be inclined with respect to the first direction. Further, the magnetization direction of the first driving unit710may be inclined with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In detail, the magnetization direction of the first driving unit710may be set between the first direction and the image-side direction. That is, the magnetization direction of the first driving unit710may be located in a plane defined by the first direction and the image-side direction.

An angle θ1 between the magnetization direction of the first driving unit710and the reference horizontal plane R is in the range of about −20° to about −70°. In detail, the angle θ1 between the magnetization direction of the first driving unit710and the reference horizontal plane R is in the range of about −30° to about −50°.

The second driving unit720is fixed to the housing400. In detail, the second driving unit720may be disposed inside the housing400. In addition, the second driving unit720may be disposed at an outer surface of the housing400. The second driving unit720may be disposed at the first sidewall410.

The second driving unit720faces the first driving unit710. In addition, the first and second driving units710and720are spaced apart from each other while facing each other. The second driving unit720may be parallel to the first driving unit710. A distance d1between the first and second driving units710and720is in the range of about 50 μm to about 1000 μm, in detail, about 100 μm to about 500 μm.

The second driving unit720may include a coil. That is, the second driving unit720may be prepared in the form of a coil. In this case, the coil of the second driving unit720is wound about an axis extending in the first direction.

The coil of the second driving unit720may be electrically connected to the circuit board800. A portion of the second driving unit720may directly make contact with the circuit board800.

In detail, the second driving unit720includes extension parts721aand721b. The extension parts721aand721bextend from both ends of the second driving unit720, respectively. That is the extension parts721aand721bare drawn from the coil of the second driving unit720. The extension parts721aand721bmay be drawn from an outer portion of the coil of the second driving unit720. Although the extension parts721aand721bare illustrated as to be drawn from the outer portion of the coil, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the extension parts721aand721bmay be drawn from an inner portion of the coil of the second driving unit720. However, if the extension parts721aand721bare drawn from the inner portion of the coil of the second driving unit720, the extension parts721aand721bmay interfere with components so the drawing work is difficult.

End portions of the extension parts721aand721bmay directly make contact with the circuit board800. The extension parts721aand721bmay extend from the second driving unit720to the top surface of the circuit board800. Since end portions of the extension parts721aand721bdirectly make contact with the circuit board800, the coil can be connected to the circuit board800without using a spring or a pin so that the structure and the manufacturing process can be simplified. In addition, the defective rate can be reduced by reducing the number of soldering processes.

Although it has been described above that the first driving unit710includes the magnetic material, which is magnetized in the inclined direction, and the second driving unit720includes the coil, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For instance, the second driving unit720may include the magnetic material, which is magnetized in the inclined direction, and the first driving unit710may include the coil.

Attractive force or repulsive force may be generated between the first and second driving units710and720. The second driving unit720may apply the attractive force or repulsive force to the first driving unit710. Since the attractive force or repulsive force has the relative concept, the application of the attractive force or repulsive force from the second driving unit720to the first driving unit710is substantially identical to the application of the attractive force or repulsive force from the first driving unit710to the second driving unit720.

The second driving unit720may apply attractive force or repulsive force to the first driving unit710in a direction inclined with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In this case, the second driving unit720may apply the magnetic force to the first driving unit710at an angle of about +20° to about +70° with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In detail, the second driving unit720may apply the magnetic force to the first driving unit710at an angle of about +30° to about +50° with respect to the reference horizontal plane R.

In addition, the second driving unit720may apply the magnetic force to the first driving unit710in the first direction as well as the object-side direction. That is, the second driving unit720may apply the magnetic force to the first driving unit710in the lateral upward direction.

The third driving unit730is fixed to the lens barrel100. In detail, the third driving unit730is fixed to the other outer portion of the lens barrel100. In more detail, the third driving unit730is attached to the other outer surface of the lens barrel100. The third driving unit730may be attached to the center of the other outer surface of the lens barrel100.

The third driving unit730includes a magnetic material. The third driving unit730may be formed by using the magnetic material. The third driving unit730may include iron oxide, CoFe2O4 or ferrite. The third driving unit730may have a plate shape. The third driving unit730may have a rectangular plate shape.

The magnetization direction of the third driving unit730may be inclined with respect to the optical axis OA. In addition, the magnetization direction of the third driving unit730may be inclined with respect to the second direction. Further, the magnetization direction of the third driving unit730may be inclined with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In detail, the magnetization direction of the third driving unit730may be set between the second direction and the object-side direction. That is, the magnetization direction of the third driving unit730may be located in a plane defined by the second direction and the object-side direction.

An angle θ2 between the magnetization direction of the third driving unit730and the reference horizontal plane R is in the range of about +20° to about +70°. In detail, the angle θ2 between the magnetization direction of the third driving unit730and the reference horizontal plane R is in the range of about +30° to about +50°.

The fourth driving unit740is fixed to the housing400. In detail, the fourth driving unit740may be disposed at the other inner side of the housing400. In addition, the fourth driving unit740may be disposed at the other outer surface of the housing400. The fourth driving unit740may be disposed at the second sidewall420.

The fourth driving unit740faces the third driving unit730. In addition, the third and fourth driving units730and740are spaced apart from each other while facing each other. The fourth driving unit740may be parallel to the third driving unit730. A distance d2between the third and fourth driving units730and740is in the range of about 50 μm to about 1000 μm, in detail, about 100 μm to about 500 μm.

The fourth driving unit740may include a coil. That is, the fourth driving unit740may be prepared in the form of a coil. In this case, the coil of the fourth driving unit740is wound about an axis extending in the second direction.

The coil of the fourth driving unit740may be electrically connected to the circuit board800. A portion of the fourth driving unit740may directly make contact with the circuit board800.

In detail, the fourth driving unit740includes extension parts741aand741b. The extension parts741aand741bextend from both ends of the fourth driving unit740, respectively. That is the extension parts741aand741bare drawn from the coil of the fourth driving unit740. The extension parts741aand741bmay be drawn from an outer portion of the coil of the fourth driving unit740. Although the extension parts741aand741bare illustrated as to be drawn from the outer portion of the coil, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the extension parts741aand741bmay be drawn from an inner portion of the coil of the fourth driving unit740. However, if the extension parts741aand741bare drawn from the inner portion of the coil of the fourth driving unit740, the extension parts741aand741bmay interfere with components so the drawing work is difficult.

End portions of the extension parts741aand741bmay directly make contact with the circuit board800. The extension parts741aand741bmay extend from the fourth driving unit740to the top surface of the circuit board800. Since end portions of the extension parts741aand741bdirectly make contact with the circuit board800, the structure and the manufacturing process can be simplified. In addition, the defective rate can be reduced by reducing the number of soldering processes.

Although it has been described above that the third driving unit730includes the magnetic material, which is magnetized in the inclined direction, and the fourth driving unit740includes the coil, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For instance, the fourth driving unit740may include the magnetic material, which is magnetized in the inclined direction, and the third driving unit730may include the coil.

Attractive force or repulsive force may be generated between the third and fourth driving units730and740. The fourth driving unit740may apply the attractive force or repulsive force to the third driving unit730.

The fourth driving unit740may apply attractive force or repulsive force to the third driving unit730in a direction inclined with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In this case, the fourth driving unit740may apply the magnetic force to the third driving unit730at an angle of about −20° to about −70° with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In detail, the fourth driving unit740may apply the magnetic force to the third driving unit730at an angle of about −30° to about −50° with respect to the reference horizontal plane R.

In addition, the fourth driving unit740may apply the magnetic force to the third driving unit730in the second direction as well as the image-side direction. That is, the fourth driving unit720may apply the magnetic force to the third driving unit730in the lateral downward direction.

The fifth driving unit750is fixed to the lens barrel100. In detail, the fifth driving unit750is fixed to the other outer portion of the lens barrel100. In more detail, the fifth driving unit750is attached to the other outer surface of the lens barrel100. The fifth driving unit750may be attached to the center of the other outer surface of the lens barrel100.

In addition, the fifth driving unit750faces the first driving unit710. The fifth driving unit750sandwiches the lens barrel100together with the first driving unit710. That is, the fifth driving unit750faces the first driving unit710while interposing the lens barrel100therebetween.

The fifth driving unit750may include a magnetic material. The fifth driving unit750may be formed by using the magnetic material. The fifth driving unit750may include iron oxide, CoFe2O4 or ferrite. The fifth driving unit750may have a plate shape. The fifth driving unit750may have a rectangular plate shape.

The magnetization direction of the fifth driving unit750may be inclined with respect to the optical axis OA. In addition, the magnetization direction of the fifth driving unit750may be inclined with respect to the first direction. Further, the magnetization direction of the fifth driving unit750may be inclined with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In detail, the magnetization direction of the fifth driving unit750may be set between the first direction and the image-side direction. That is, the magnetization direction of the fifth driving unit750may be located in a plane defined by the first direction and the image-side direction.

An angle θ3 between the magnetization direction of the fifth driving unit750and the reference horizontal plane R is in the range of about −20° to about −70°. In detail, the angle θ3 between the magnetization direction of the fifth driving unit750and the reference horizontal plane R is in the range of about −30° to about −50°.

The sixth driving unit760is fixed to the housing400. In detail, the sixth driving unit760may be disposed at the other inner side of the housing400. In addition, the sixth driving unit760may be disposed at the other outer surface of the housing400. The sixth driving unit760may be disposed at the first sidewall410.

The sixth driving unit760faces the fifth driving unit750. In addition, the fifth and sixth driving units750and760are spaced apart from each other while facing each other. The fifth driving unit750may be parallel to the sixth driving unit760. A distance d3between the fifth and sixth driving units750and760is in the range of about 50 μm to about 1000 μm, in detail, about 100 μm to about 500 μm.

The sixth driving unit760may include a coil. That is, the sixth driving unit760may be prepared in the form of a coil. In this case, the coil of the sixth driving unit760is wound about an axis extending in the first direction.

The coil of the sixth driving unit760may be electrically connected to the circuit board800. A portion of the sixth driving unit760may directly make contact with the circuit board800.

In detail, the sixth driving unit760includes extension parts761aand761b. The extension parts761aand761bextend from both ends of the sixth driving unit760, respectively. That is the extension parts761aand761bare drawn from the coil of the sixth driving unit760. The extension parts761aand761bmay be drawn from an outer portion of the coil of the sixth driving unit760. Although the extension parts761aand761bare illustrated as to be drawn from the outer portion of the coil, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the extension parts761aand761bmay be drawn from an inner portion of the coil of the sixth driving unit760. However, if the extension parts761aand761bare drawn from the inner portion of the coil of the sixth driving unit760, the extension parts761aand761bmay interfere with components so the drawing work is difficult.

End portions of the extension parts761aand761bmay directly make contact with the circuit board800. The extension parts761aand761bmay extend from the sixth driving unit760to the top surface of the circuit board800. Since end portions of the extension parts761aand761bdirectly make contact with the circuit board800, the structure and the manufacturing process can be simplified. In addition, the defective rate can be reduced by reducing the number of soldering processes.

Although it has been described above that the fifth driving unit750includes the magnetic material, which is magnetized in the inclined direction, and the sixth driving unit760includes the coil, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For instance, the sixth driving unit760may include the magnetic material, which is magnetized in the inclined direction, and the fifth driving unit750may include the coil.

Attractive force or repulsive force may be generated between the fifth and sixth driving units750and760. The sixth driving unit760may apply the attractive force or repulsive force to the fifth driving unit750.

The sixth driving unit760may apply attractive force or repulsive force to the fifth driving unit750in a direction inclined with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In this case, the sixth driving unit760may apply the magnetic force to the fifth driving unit750at an angle of about +20° to about +70° with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In detail, the sixth driving unit760may apply the magnetic force to the fifth driving unit750at an angle of about +30° to about +50° with respect to the reference horizontal plane R.

In addition, the sixth driving unit760may apply the magnetic force to the fifth driving unit750in the first direction as well as the object-side direction. That is, the sixth driving unit760may apply the magnetic force to the fifth driving unit750in the lateral upward direction.

The seventh driving unit770is fixed to the lens barrel100. In detail, the seventh driving unit770is fixed to the other outer portion of the lens barrel100. In more detail, the seventh driving unit770is attached to the other outer surface of the lens barrel100. The seventh driving unit770may be attached to the center of the other outer surface of the lens barrel100.

In addition, the seventh driving unit770faces the third driving unit730. The seventh driving unit770sandwiches the lens barrel100together with the third driving unit730. That is, the seventh driving unit770faces the third driving unit730while interposing the lens barrel100therebetween.

The seventh driving unit770may include a magnetic material. The seventh driving unit770may be formed by using the magnetic material. The seventh driving unit770may include iron oxide, CoFe2O4 or ferrite. The seventh driving unit770may have a plate shape. The seventh driving unit770may have a rectangular plate shape.

The magnetization direction of the seventh driving unit770may be inclined with respect to the optical axis OA. In addition, the magnetization direction of the seventh driving unit770may be inclined with respect to the second direction. Further, the magnetization direction of the seventh driving unit770may be inclined with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In detail, the magnetization direction of the seventh driving unit770may be set between the second direction and the object-side direction. That is, the magnetization direction of the seventh driving unit770may be located in a plane defined by the second direction and the object-side direction.

An angle θ4 between the magnetization direction of the seventh driving unit770and the reference horizontal plane R is in the range of about +20° to about +70°. In detail, the angle θ4 between the magnetization direction of the seventh driving unit770and the reference horizontal plane R is in the range of about +30° to about +50°.

The eighth driving unit780is fixed to the housing400. In detail, the eighth driving unit780may be disposed at the other inner side of the housing400. In addition, the eighth driving unit780may be disposed at the other outer surface of the housing400. The eighth driving unit780may be disposed at the second sidewall420.

The eighth driving unit780faces the seventh driving unit770. In addition, the seventh and eighth driving units770and780are spaced apart from each other while facing each other. The seventh driving unit770may be parallel to the eighth driving unit780. A distance d4between the seventh and eighth driving units770and780is in the range of about 50 μm to about 1000 μm, in detail, about 100 μm to about 500 μm.

The eighth driving unit780may include a coil. That is, the eighth driving unit780may be prepared in the form of a coil. In this case, the coil of the eighth driving unit780is wound about an axis extending in the second direction.

The coil of the eighth driving unit780may be electrically connected to the circuit board800. A portion of the eighth driving unit780may directly make contact with the circuit board800.

In detail, the eighth driving unit780includes extension parts781aand781b. The extension parts781aand781bextend from both ends of the eighth driving unit780, respectively. That is the extension parts781aand781bare drawn from the coil of the eighth driving unit780. The extension parts781aand781bmay be drawn from an outer portion of the coil of the eighth driving unit780. Although the extension parts781aand781bare illustrated as to be drawn from the outer portion of the coil, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, the extension parts781aand781bmay be drawn from an inner portion of the coil of the eighth driving unit780. However, if the extension parts781aand781bare drawn from the inner portion of the coil of the eighth driving unit780, the extension parts781aand781bmay interfere with components so the drawing work is difficult.

End portions of the extension parts781aand781bmay directly make contact with the circuit board800. The extension parts781aand781bmay extend from the eighth driving unit780to the top surface of the circuit board800. Since end portions of the extension parts781aand781bdirectly make contact with the circuit board800, the structure and the manufacturing process can be simplified. In addition, the defective rate can be reduced by reducing the number of soldering processes.

Although it has been described above that the seventh driving unit770includes the magnetic material, which is magnetized in the inclined direction, and the eighth driving unit780includes the coil, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For instance, the eighth driving unit780may include the magnetic material, which is magnetized in the inclined direction, and the seventh driving unit770may include the coil.

Attractive force or repulsive force may be generated between the seventh and eighth driving units770and780. The eighth driving unit780may apply the attractive force or repulsive force to the seventh driving unit770.

The eighth driving unit780may apply attractive force or repulsive force to the seventh driving unit770in a direction inclined with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In this case, the eighth driving unit780may apply the magnetic force to the seventh driving unit770at an angle of about −20° to about −70° with respect to the reference horizontal plane R. In detail, the eighth driving unit780may apply the magnetic force to the seventh driving unit770at an angle of about −30° to about −50° with respect to the reference horizontal plane R.

In addition, the eighth driving unit780may apply the magnetic force to the seventh driving unit770in the second direction as well as the image-side direction. That is, the eighth driving unit780may apply the magnetic force to the seventh driving unit770in the lateral downward direction.

The elastic member300may have elasticity in the object-side direction, the image-side direction, the first direction and the second direction. That is, the elastic member300may have elastic modulus in the object-side direction, the image-side direction, the first direction and the second direction. The lens barrel100may move in the object-side direction, the image-side direction, the first direction and the second direction and return to its initial position due to the elastic member300.

The camera module according to the embodiment may be operated as follows.

First, if the camera module according to the embodiment is shaken, a shake sensor senses the shake. At this time, the driving unit710,720. . .700N moves the lens barrel100to compensate for the shake under the control of the control unit.

In this case, the voltage applied to the second driving unit720and the sixth driving unit760is adjusted to compensate for the first directional component of the shake. In addition, the voltage applied to the fourth driving unit740and the eighth driving unit780is adjusted to compensate for the second directional component of the shake.

For instance, if the subject moves in the first direction due to the shake, the lens barrel100may be tilted in the moving direction of the subject by the first driving unit710, the second driving unit720, the fifth driving unit750and the sixth driving unit760.

In addition, if the subject moves in the second direction due to the shake, the lens barrel100may be tilted in the moving direction of the subject by the third driving unit730, the fourth driving unit740, the seventh driving unit770and the eighth driving unit780.

Further, the camera module according to the embodiment may automatically adjust the focus of the lens assembly200. That is, the camera module according to the embodiment can increase the distance between the lens assembly200and the sensor unit600by applying repulsive force to the first driving unit710, the second driving unit720, the fifth driving unit750and the sixth driving unit760.

In addition, the camera module according to the embodiment can reduce the distance between the lens assembly200and the sensor unit600by applying repulsive force to the third driving unit730, the fourth driving unit740, the seventh driving unit770and the eighth driving unit780.

In this manner, the camera module according to the embodiment can perform the shake compensation and focus adjustment by inclining the magnetization direction using eight driving units710to780.

As described above, the camera module according to the embodiment can compensate for the hand-shake by driving the lens barrel100relative to the housing400. That is, the driving units710to780move the lens barrel100relative to the housing400to compensate for the hand-shake.

In particular, the camera module according to the embodiment applies the magnetic force in the direction inclined with respect to the reference horizontal plane R to move the lens barrel100. Thus, the camera module according to the embodiment can move the lens barrel100in the 3-axis directions. Thus, the camera module according to the embodiment can compensate for the left-right shake and can adjust the focus.

Therefore, the camera module according to the embodiment may perform various functions with a smaller number of components and the size of the camera module can be reduced.

Hereinafter, a camera module according to another embodiment will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9is an exploded perspective view showing the camera module according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 9, a first driving unit710, a third driving unit730, a fifth driving unit750and a seventh driving unit770are formed in the lens barrel100and include coils.

In addition, the first driving unit710, the third driving unit730, the fifth driving unit750and the seventh driving unit770include extension parts that directly make contact with the circuit board800.

In detail, the first driving unit710includes extension parts711aand711b. The extension parts711aand711bextend from both ends of the first driving unit710. That is, the extension parts711aand711bare drawn from the coil of the first driving unit710. The extension parts711aand711bcan be drawn from the outer portion of the coil of the first driving unit710. Although the extension parts711aand711bare illustrated as to be drawn from the outer portion of the coil of the first driving unit710, the embodiment is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the extension parts711aand711bmay be drawn from the inner portion of the coil of the first driving unit710.

End portions of the extension parts711aand711bmay directly make contact with the circuit board800. The extension parts711aand711bmay extend from the first driving unit710to the top surface of the circuit board800.

Similar to the first driving unit710, the third driving unit730, the fifth driving unit750and the seventh driving unit770may also have the extension parts, respectively.