CAMERA MODULE

A camera module includes a lens unit including at least one lens, a first carrier configured to accommodate a portion of the lens unit and move in an optical axis direction, a second carrier configured to accommodate the first carrier and move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a connection substrate disposed to surround a side surface of the second carrier, wherein a first ball group and a second ball group spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, are included between the first carrier and the second carrier, the number of balls of the first ball group is greater than the number of balls of the second ball group, and the connection substrate is disposed to surround the second carrier toward the second ball member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(a) of Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2023-0001897 filed on Jan. 5, 2023, 10-2023-0075086 filed on Jun. 12, 2023, and 10-2023-0121310 filed on Sep. 12, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a camera module.

2. Description of the Background

Camera modules may be standardly installed in portable electronic devices (mobile terminals) such as tablet personal computers (PCs), laptop computers, and the like, as well as in smartphones. An autofocusing (AF) function, an optical image stabilization (OIS) function, a zoom function, and the like, may be added to camera modules for mobile terminals.

However, in order for such camera modules to implement various functions, the size and weight of the camera module are bound to increase, which may again cause deterioration of the performance of the camera module. For example, the number of lenses installed in camera modules may be increasing; however, when performing a focusing function and/or optical image stabilization, the weight of a moving unit may increase, which may interfere with stable operations.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, a camera module includes a lens unit including at least one lens, a first carrier configured to accommodate a portion of the lens unit and move in an optical axis direction, a second carrier configured to accommodate the first carrier and move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a connection substrate disposed to surround a side surface of the second carrier, wherein a first ball group and a second ball group spaced apart from each other in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, are included between the first carrier and the second carrier, the number of balls of the first ball group is greater than the number of balls of the second ball group, and the connection substrate is disposed to surround the second carrier toward the second ball member.

The camera module may further include a housing configured to accommodate the second carrier, wherein the connection substrate may include a first substrate disposed in the second carrier, a connection portion disposed in the housing, and an extension portion connecting the first substrate and the connection portion, and having a curved shape at a portion thereof.

The extension portion may include a first portion disposed between one side surface of the second carrier and a side surface of the housing facing the one side surface of the second carrier, and a second portion disposed between the other side of the second carrier and a side of the housing facing the other side of the second carrier.

The housing may include a through-hole on a side surface on which the connection portion is disposed, and the second portion may be disposed to pass through the through-hole.

The camera module may further include a first magnet disposed on the first carrier between the first ball group and the second ball group, and a first coil mounted on the first substrate and facing the first magnet, wherein the first magnet and the first coil may form driving force for moving the first carrier in the optical axis direction.

The camera module may further include a second magnet and a third magnet disposed on two different side surfaces of the second carrier, respectively, and a second coil and a third coil mounted on the second substrate and disposed in the housing so as to face the second and third magnets, respectively, wherein the second and third magnets and the second coil and third coils may form driving force for moving the second carrier in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

The camera module may further include a frame disposed between the second carrier and the housing, a third ball group disposed between the second carrier and the frame, and configured to move in a rolling motion in a first axis direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a fourth ball group disposed between the frame and the housing, and configured to move in a rolling motion in a second axis direction perpendicular to both the optical axis and the first axis.

The first carrier and the second carrier may include a plurality of guide grooves on surfaces facing each other with the first ball group and the second ball group interposed therebetween, and among the plurality of guide grooves, guide grooves facing each other with the second ball group interposed therebetween may have different cross-sectional shapes.

The lens unit may include a first lens unit coupled to the second carrier, and a second lens unit coupled to the first carrier and configured to move in the optical axis direction relative to the first lens unit.

The first lens unit may further include a lens stage fixedly coupled to an upper surface of the second carrier.

The camera module may further include a stopper disposed between the first lens unit and the second lens unit.

A portable electronic device may include the camera module and an image sensor configured to convert light passing through the at least one lens into an electrical signal.

In another general aspect, a camera module includes a lens unit including a first lens unit and a second lens unit disposed in an optical axis direction, a moving unit configured to accommodate the second lens unit and move in the optical axis direction, together with the second lens unit, and a fixed unit configured to accommodate the moving unit and not to move in the optical axis direction, wherein the first lens unit is coupled to the fixed unit and configured not to move in the optical axis direction.the moving unit may include a first carrier, and the fixed unit may include a second carrier, and the first lens unit may be coupled to the second carrier, and may be moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, together with the second carrier, the first carrier, and the second lens unit.

The camera module may further include a first magnet and a first coil configured to form driving force for moving the first carrier in the optical axis direction, a second magnet and a second coil configured to form driving force for moving the second carrier in a first axis direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and a third magnet and a third coil configured to form driving force for moving the second carrier in a second axis direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first axis, wherein the first coil may be disposed in the second carrier, and the second and third coils may be disposed in the housing.

The camera module may further include a connection substrate connecting the second carrier and the housing, wherein the connection substrate may include a first substrate on which the first coil is disposed, a connection portion disposed in the housing, and an extension portion extending between the first substrate and the connection portion and configured to support a movement of the second carrier.

The extension portion may include a first portion supported by a side surface of the second carrier, and a second portion spaced apart from the second carrier and the housing.

The moving unit may include a first carrier, and the fixed unit may include a housing, and the first lens unit may be coupled to the housing.

A portable electronic device may include the camera module and an image sensor configured to convert light passing through the first lens unit and the second lens unit into an electrical signal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, while examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is noted that examples are not limited to the same.

Furthermore, in this specification, an optical axis direction may refer to a direction extending up and down an optical axis of a lens unit, i.e., a direction in parallel with the optical axis, a first axis direction may refer to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a second axis direction may refer to a direction perpendicular to both the optical axis direction and the first axis direction.

An aspect of the present disclosure may provide a camera module having improved calibration performance during image capturing and a camera module having a super macro function.

The present disclosure relates to a camera module1mounted in a portable electronic device2(FIG.17). For example, portable electronic devices may be any type of portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a laptop computer.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a camera module according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.2is a schematic exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the camera module1according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing unit100, a lens unit200, a focus adjustment unit300, a shaking correcting unit400, and an image sensor unit500.

The housing unit100may include a housing110having an internal space and a case130coupled to the housing110to cover the internal space.

The housing110may be provided in a shape of a square box in which an upper portion and a lower portion thereof are open, and may have an internal space.

The lens unit200, the focus adjustment unit300, and the shaking correcting unit400may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing110. In an example embodiment, the lens unit200, focus adjustment unit300, and shaking correcting unit400may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing110in order in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and a portion of the lens unit200may protrude outside of the case130. The case130may include an opening131in which the lens unit200protruding to the outside is disposed.

The image sensor unit500may be coupled to a lower surface of the housing110.

FIG.3is a view illustrating a state in which a case is removed fromFIG.1, andFIG.4is a view illustrating a state in which a first lens unit is removed fromFIG.3.

Referring toFIGS.2to4, a lens unit200may include a first lens unit210and a second lens unit230disposed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the first lens unit210may be disposed on an upper side of the second lens unit230and may be also disposed in the opening131of the case130.

The first lens unit210may include a first lens barrel211, and the second lens unit230may include a second lens barrel231. At least one lens may be mounted inside the first and second lens barrels211and231in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

The first lens unit210may further include a lens stage213to which the first lens barrel211is coupled.

The lens stage213may have a square plate shape including an opening213a. The first lens barrel211may be disposed in the opening213a. Furthermore, the lens stage213may include a guide protrusion213bprotruding in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) along a circumference of the opening213a. The guide protrusion213bmay guide a coupling position of the first lens barrel211so that a central portion of the first lens barrel211is disposed on an optical axis (Z-axis) (or coincides with a central portion of the second lens barrel231).

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the second lens unit230may be configured to relatively move in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) with respect to the first lens unit210. Referring toFIG.4, the second lens unit230may be accommodated in a first carrier310described below, and may be moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) together with the first carrier310during focus adjustment. On the other hand, referring toFIG.3, since the first lens unit210is coupled to a second carrier410described below (in detail, the lens stage213of the first lens unit210is coupled to an upper surface of the second carrier410), the first lens unit210may not be moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

That is, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, during the focus adjustment, a relative position of the second lens unit230in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) with respect to the first lens unit210may be changed, thereby implementing a super macro function.

In the above-described example embodiment, since the first lens unit210is coupled to the second carrier410, the first lens unit210may move in directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) perpendicular to the optical axis, together with the second carrier410during shaking correction. Meanwhile, referring toFIG.4, the first carrier310may be accommodated in the second carrier410, and accordingly, the first carrier310and the second lens unit230accommodated in the first carrier310may also be moved in directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) perpendicular to the optical axis, together with the second carrier410. Accordingly, during the shaking correction, the first lens unit210and the second lens unit230may be moved together in directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) perpendicular to the optical axis.

Referring toFIG.2, a stopper150may be disposed between the first lens unit210and the second lens unit230.

The stopper150may serve to regulate a movement range of the first carrier310in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) and alleviating impacts caused by collisions between components.

The stopper150may be coupled to the second carrier410to cover an upper surface of the first carrier310. Furthermore, although not illustrated in the drawing, the stopper150may include a buffer member on a surface oriented toward the first carrier310(i.e., a lower surface of the stopper150based on the drawing).

The image sensor unit500may include an image sensor and a sensor substrate on which the image sensor is disposed.

The image sensor may be disposed on the sensor substrate so that a central portion thereof coincides with the optical axis (Z-axis) of a plurality of lenses constituting the lens unit200.

The image sensor may convert light passing through the plurality of lenses into an electrical signal. For example, the image sensor may be a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

The image sensor unit500may further include an infrared blocking filter disposed between the lens unit200and the image sensor. The infrared blocking filter may block light in an infrared region among light which passes through the lens unit200and is incident on the image sensor.

FIG.5is an exploded perspective view of a carrier and a housing according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

A camera module1according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a focus adjustment unit300for moving a portion of a lens unit200(the second lens unit230) in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and a shaking correcting unit400for moving the lens unit200(i.e., the first lens unit210and the second lens unit230) in directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) perpendicular to the optical axis.

Referring toFIG.5, the focus adjustment unit300and the shaking correcting unit400may be accommodated in an internal space of a housing110in order in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). That is, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the focus adjustment unit300may be accommodated in the shaking correcting unit400, and a structure in which the focus adjustment unit300is accommodated in the shaking correcting unit400may be advantageous for stable operations because a weight of a portion moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) is relatively light during the focus adjustment.

Furthermore, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, as described above, because only a portion of the lens unit200(the second lens unit230) is moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), the weight of the portion moved during the focus adjustment may be further reduced.

FIG.6is an exploded perspective view of a second lens unit and a first carrier according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.7is an exploded perspective view of a first carrier and a second carrier according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIGS.8A and8Bare views illustrating example optical axis direction distances between a first lens unit and a second lens unit before and after autofocus adjustment;

The focus adjustment unit300may include a first carrier310for accommodating the second lens unit230and a first driver330for generating driving force to move the first carrier310in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

The second lens unit230may be moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) together with the first carrier310by the driving force generated by the first driver330. In this process, a distance in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) between the second lens unit230and the image sensor may be changed.

Furthermore, as the second lens unit230moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), distances d1and d2in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) between the second lens unit230and the first lens unit210may also be changed. As the second lens unit230moves to narrow the distance from the first lens unit210, a super macro function may be implemented.

The first driver330may include a first magnet331and a first coil333.

The first magnet331and the first coil333may be disposed separately in the first carrier310and the second carrier410. For example, the first magnet331may be disposed in one side surface of the first carrier310, and the first coil333may be disposed in one side surface of the second carrier410oriented toward the one side surface of the first carrier310. Accordingly, the first magnet331and the first coil333may face each other in a direction (Y-axis direction in the drawing) perpendicular to an optical axis.

A back yoke (not illustrated) may be disposed between the first magnet331and the first carrier310. For example, the back yoke may be inserted into the first carrier310so that at least a portion thereof is exposed to one side surface of the first carrier310in which the first magnet331is disposed. The back yoke may prevent leakage of magnetic flux by focusing magnetic force of the first magnet331.

The first coil333may be disposed on one side surface of the second carrier410while being mounted on a first substrate611. The second carrier410may include an opening411on one side surface in which the first substrate611is disposed, and the first coil333may face directly the first magnet331through the opening411.

For example, a connection substrate610may be disposed outside the second carrier410. Since at least a portion of the connection substrate610is formed of a flexible material, the connection substrate610may have a shape that entirely surrounds a side surface of the second carrier410.

The first substrate611on which the first coil333is mounted may be a portion of the connection substrate610. A detailed description of the connection substrate610will be described below.

When power is applied to the first coil333, electromagnetic force may be formed between the first magnet331and the first coil333, and the first carrier310and the second lens unit230may be moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) by the electromagnetic force.

Furthermore, the first magnet331disposed on the first carrier310may be moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) together with the first carrier310. However, the first coil333disposed in the second carrier410may not be moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

The first driver330may include a first position sensor335for sensing a position of the lens unit200, specifically, the second lens unit230, in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the first position sensor335may be a hall sensor.

The first position sensor335may be mounted on the first substrate610together with the first coil333, and may face the first magnet331in a direction (Y-axis direction in the drawing) perpendicular to the optical axis.

A plurality of ball members for guiding a movement of the first carrier310in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) may be disposed between the first carrier310and the second carrier410.

The plurality of ball members includes a first ball group B1and a second ball group B2comprised of one or more balls (spheres), preferably a plurality of balls (spheres) disposed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

The first ball group B1and the second ball group B2may be spaced apart from each other in a direction (X-axis direction in the drawing) perpendicular to the optical axis. For example, the first ball group B1and the second ball group B2may be disposed on both sides of the first magnet331in a longitudinal direction, respectively.

The first carrier310may include a first guide groove g1and a third guide groove g3extending in a direction in parallel with the optical axis (Z-axis) on both sides of the first magnet331in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

The second carrier410has a second guide groove g2and a fourth guide groove g4in positions facing the first guide groove g1and the third guide groove g3formed in the first carrier310, respectively. The second guide groove g2and the fourth guide groove g4may also be extended in a direction in parallel with the optical axis (Z-axis).

The first ball group B1may be disposed between the first guide groove g1and the second guide groove g2, and the second ball group B2may be disposed between the third guide groove g3and the fourth guide groove g4.

In a state in which the balls (spheres) included in the first ball group B1and the second ball group B2may be disposed in guide grooves formed in the first carrier310and the second carrier410, the balls may move in a rolling motion in the optical axis direction (Z-axis).

One of the first ball group B1and the second ball group B2may serve as a main guide for guiding a movement of the first carrier310in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction), and the other thereof may serve as an auxiliary guide for supporting the movement of the first carrier310in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

For example, cross-sections of the first guide groove g1and the second guide groove g2are in a ‘v’ shape, and among the plurality of balls (spheres) forming the first ball group B1, two balls (spheres) disposed on an outermost side in at least the optical axis direction (the Z-axis direction) may be in two-point contact with the first guide groove g1and the second guide groove g2, respectively. Accordingly, the first ball group B1may serve as a main guide for guiding the movement of the first carrier310in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

Meanwhile, a cross-section of the third guide groove g3may be in a ‘—’ shape, a cross-section of the fourth guide groove g4may be in a ‘v’ shape (and vice versa), and the plurality of balls (spheres) forming the second ball group B2may be in one-point contact with the third guide groove g3and may be in two-point contact with the fourth guide groove g4. Accordingly, the second ball group B2may serve as an auxiliary guide for supporting the movement of the first carrier310in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

As long as the first ball group B1serves as the main guide and the second ball group B2serves as the auxiliary guide, the second ball group B2may include fewer balls (spheres) than the first ball group B1.

A first yoke350may be disposed in the second carrier410. The first yoke350may be disposed on the other surface of the first substrate611(a surface opposite to one surface in which the first coil333and the first position sensor335are disposed).

The first yoke350may be disposed to face the first magnet331with the first coil333interposed therebetween, thereby preventing leakage of the magnetic flux.

Furthermore, the first yoke350may be formed of a magnetic material, thus generating attractive force with the first magnet331. The first yoke350and the first magnet331may generate an attractive force in a direction facing each other, for example, a direction (Y-axis direction in the drawing) perpendicular to the optical axis.

The first ball group B1and the second ball group B2may maintain contact with the first carrier310and the second carrier410by the attractive force between the first yoke350and the first magnet331.

FIG.9is an exploded perspective view of a second carrier and a housing according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIGS.10A and10Bare top and bottom perspective views of a ball guide according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

A shaking correcting unit400may include a second carrier410for accommodating a first carrier310, and second and third drivers430aand430bfor generating driving force for moving a second carrier410in directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) perpendicular to the optical axis.

Referring toFIG.9, like the housing110, the second carrier410may be provided in a square box shape in which an upper portion and a lower portion thereof are open, and may have an internal space. The second carrier410may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing110while accommodating the first carrier310in the internal space.

Second and third drivers430aand430bmay include second and third magnets431aand431band second and third coils433aand433b.

The second and third magnets431aand431band the second and third coils433aand433bmay be separately disposed in the second carrier410and the housing110. For example, the second and third magnets431aand431bmay be disposed on two side surfaces of the second carrier410, perpendicular to each other, and the second and third coils433aand433bmay be disposed on two side surfaces of the housing110facing the two side surfaces of the second carrier410, perpendicular to each other. Accordingly, the second and third magnets431aand431band the second and third coils433aand433bmay face each other in directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) perpendicular to the optical axis, respectively.

A back yoke (not illustrated) may be disposed between the second and third magnets431aand431band the second carrier410. For example, the back yoke may be inserted into the second carrier410so that at least a portion thereof is exposed to two side surfaces of the second carrier410, perpendicular to each other, in which the second and third magnets431aand431bare disposed. The back yoke may prevent leakage of magnetic flux by focusing the magnetic force of the second and third magnets431aand431b.

The second and third coils433aand433bmay be disposed on two side surfaces of the housing110, perpendicular to each other, while being mounted on a second substrate630. The housing110may include openings111on two side surfaces in which the second substrate630is disposed, and the second and third coils433aand433bmay directly face the second and third magnets431aand431bthrough the openings111.

When power is applied to the second coil433a, the electromagnetic force may be formed between the second magnet431aand the second coil433a, and the second carrier410, the first carrier310and the lens unit200may be moved in a first axis direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis, by the electromagnetic force. Furthermore, when power is applied to the third coil433b, electromagnetic force may be formed between the third magnet431band the third coil433b, and the second carrier410, the first carrier310, and the lens unit200may be moved in a second axis direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis, by the electromagnetic force.

In this case, the second and third magnets431aand431bdisposed on the second carrier410may be moved in directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) perpendicular to the optical axis, together with the second carrier410. However, since the housing110is a fixed member, the second and third coils433aand433bdisposed in the housing110may also be fixed members.

The second and third drivers430aand430bmay include second and third position sensors435aand435bfor sensing a position of the lens unit200in the directions (x-axis and y-axis directions) perpendicular to the optical axis. For example, the second and third position sensors435aand435bmay be hall sensors, and the second position sensor435amay sense the position of the lens unit200in the first axis direction (X-axis direction), and the third position sensor435bmay sense the position of the lens unit200in the second axis direction (Y-axis direction).

The second and third position sensors435aand435bmay be mounted on the second substrate630together with the second and third coils433aand433b, and the second and third magnets431aand431bmay face the second and third coils433aand433bin the directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) perpendicular to the optical axis.

A plurality of ball members for guiding a movement of the second carrier410in the directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) perpendicular to the optical axis, may be disposed between the second carrier410and the housing110.

Referring toFIG.9, a frame450may be disposed between the second carrier410and the housing110. The frame450may have a ‘┐’ shape and may be disposed along edges of two side surfaces, perpendicular to each other, in which the second and third drivers430aand430bare disposed.

The plurality of ball members may be disposed between the second carrier410and the frame450and between the frame450and the housing110, respectively.

The plurality of ball members may include a third ball group B3and a fourth ball group B4comprised of one or more balls (spheres), specifically, a plurality of balls (spheres) spaced apart from each other in the first or second axis direction (X-axis or Y-axis direction) on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The third ball group B3and the fourth ball group B4may include three balls (spheres). However, the number of balls (spheres) is not limited thereto, and three or more balls may be provided.

The third ball group B3and the fourth ball group B4may be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the third ball group B3may be disposed between the second carrier410and the frame450, and the fourth ball group B4may be disposed between the frame450and the housing110.

The second carrier410and the frame450may include a fifth guide groove g5and a sixth guide groove g6extending in a direction in parallel with the first axis (X-axis), respectively, on surfaces facing each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

Furthermore, the frame450and the housing110may include a seventh guide groove g7and an eighth guide groove g8extending in a direction in parallel with the second axis (Y-axis), respectively, on surfaces facing each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

That is, as illustrated inFIGS.10A and10B, the sixth guide groove g6may be provided on one surface (an upper surface) of the frame450, and the seventh guide groove g7may be provided on the other surface thereof (a lower surface). The sixth guide groove g6and the seventh guide groove g7may partially overlap each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

The third ball group B3may be disposed between the fifth guide groove g5and the sixth guide groove g6, and the fourth ball group B4may be disposed between the seventh guide groove g7and the eighth guide groove g8.

In a state in which the balls (spheres) forming the third ball group B3and the fourth ball group B4are disposed in guide grooves formed in the second carrier410and the frame450or in the frame450and the housing110, the balls may move in a rolling motion in the first or second axis direction (X-axis or Y-axis direction).

For example, the fifth guide groove g5and the sixth guide groove g6may extend in the direction in parallel with the first axis (X-axis), and the third ball group B3may perform the rolling motion in the direction in parallel with the first axis (X-axis) while being disposed in the fifth guide groove g5and the sixth guide groove g6. In this case, a movement in a direction in parallel with the second axis (Y-axis) may be restricted.

Similarly thereto, the seventh guide groove g7and the eighth guide groove g8may extend in the direction in parallel with the second axis (Y-axis), and the fourth ball group B4may perform the rolling motion in the direction in parallel with the second axis (Y-axis) while being disposed in the seventh guide groove g7and the eighth guide groove g8. In this case, a movement in the direction in parallel with the first axis (X-axis) may be restricted.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, since a movement direction of the third ball member B3and the fourth ball member B4is limited to one of the first and second axis directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions), the lens unit200may be moved only in the first and second axis direction (X-axis or Y-axis direction) by driving force formed by the second and third drivers430aand430b, and may not be rotated with respect to the optical axis (Z-axis).

A pulling yoke (not illustrated) may be disposed in the housing110. The pulling yoke may be disposed on a surface of the housing110oriented toward the frame450.

A plurality of pulling yokes may be provided to face the second and third magnets431aand431b, respectively. The pulling yokes and the second and third magnets431aand431bmay face each other in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Since the pulling yokes are formed of a magnetic material, the pulling yokes may generate attractive force in a direction facing the second and third magnets431aand431b, that is, in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

The third ball group B3and the fourth ball group B4may maintain contact with the second carrier410, the frame450, and the housing110by the attractive force between the pulling yokes and the second and third magnets431aand431b.

Second and third yokes470aand470bmay be disposed in the housing110. The second and third yokes470aand470bmay be disposed on the other surface of the second substrate630(i.e., a surface opposite to one surface on which the second and third coils433aand433band the second and third position sensors435aand435bare disposed).

The second and third yokes470aand470bmay be disposed to face the second and third magnets431aand431bwith the second and third coils433aand433binterposed therebetween, thereby preventing leakage of magnetic flux.

FIG.11is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a connection substrate is separated according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.12is an exploded perspective view of a second carrier and a housing on which a connection substrate is mounted according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.13is a view of the second carrier ofFIG.12when viewed from a different direction.

A camera module1according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a connection substrate610for supporting a relative movement of a second carrier410with respect to a housing110. To this end, at least a portion of the connection substrate610may be formed of a flexible material.

Referring toFIG.11, the connection substrate610may include a portion (or a first substrate611) disposed in a second carrier410, a portion (or a connection portion615) disposed in the housing110, and a portion (or an extension portion613) disposed between the second carrier410and the housing110. The extension portion613may be a portion for connecting the first substrate611and the connection portion615. In the following description of the extension portion613, a first portion613amay refer to a portion adjacent to the first substrate611of the extension portion613, and a second portion613bmay refer to a portion adjacent to the connection portion615.

The first substrate611may be disposed on one side surface of the second carrier410in which an opening411is formed in a state in which a first coil333is mounted. For example, the first substrate611may be formed integrally with the extension portion613and the connection portion615, or may be formed separately from the extension portion613and the connection portion615, and may then be coupled to the extension portion613.

Since the first substrate611is disposed in the second carrier410, the first substrate611may be moved in the directions (X-axis and Y-axis directions) perpendicular to the optical axis, together with the second carrier410, and such a movement may be supported by the extension portion613.

The extension portion613may be provided to surround some side surfaces of the second carrier410. The extension portion613may be formed of a flexible material and may have a curved shape in a portion surrounding an edge of the second carrier410.

The extension portion613may include a first portion613aadjacent to the first substrate611and a second portion613badjacent to the connection portion615. In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, since the second carrier410has a square box shape, the extension portion613may be provided to surround two side surfaces of the second carrier410.

The first portion613amay be disposed at a gap G from the other side surface, perpendicular to one side surface of the second carrier410in which the first substrate611is disposed. For example, the first portion613amay be spaced apart from one side surface of the second carrier410and one side surface of the housing110facing the second carrier410in the second axis direction (Y-axis direction). The first portion613amay be spaced apart from the second carrier410in the second axis direction (Y-axis direction) and may support a movement of the second carrier410in the second axis direction (Y-axis direction).

The second portion613bmay be disposed between the housing110and another side surface facing (in parallel with) one side surface of the second carrier410in which the first substrate611is disposed. That is, the second portion613bmay be spaced apart from another side surface of the second carrier410and one side surface of the housing110facing the second carrier410in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The second portion613bmay be spaced apart from the second carrier410in the first axis direction (X-axis direction) to support a movement of the second carrier410in the first axis direction (X-axis direction).

Referring toFIG.12, the housing110may include a through-hole113formed in an upper end of a side surface facing the second portion613bin a longitudinal direction. The second portion613bmay be disposed to pass through the through-hole113, and accordingly, the connection portion615may be disposed on an external side surface of the housing110.

The housing110may include a settling groove115on an external side surface on which the connecting portion615is disposed, and the connecting portion615may be disposed in the settling groove115.

The connection portion615may be disposed on the external side surface of the housing110, and may receive electrical signals from the outside of the camera module1.

Meanwhile, a connection substrate610may have a shape entirely surrounding four side surfaces of the second carrier410in one direction.

For example, the connection substrate610may be provided to surround the second carrier410toward the second ball group B2, among the first ball group B1and the second ball group B2disposed on both sides in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first magnet331. In other words, in an example embodiment of the present disclosure, since the first ball group B1is the main guide and the second ball group B2is the auxiliary guide, the connection substrate610may be provided to surround the second carrier410toward the auxiliary guide. Accordingly, since a thickness of the second guide groove g2formed in the second carrier410and accommodating the first ball member B1is secured, a dent of the main guide may be reduced.

Meanwhile, the present disclosure may be modified and implemented as described below in relation to the above-described super macro function. In the following description of another example embodiment of the present disclosure, descriptions overlapping those of an example embodiment of the present disclosure may be omitted.

FIG.14is a perspective view of a camera module according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.15is a schematic exploded perspective view of a camera module according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIGS.16A and16Bare views illustrating examples of optical axis direction distances between a first lens unit and a second lens unit before and after autofocus adjustment.

Referring toFIGS.14,15, and16, a camera module10according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing unit1000, a lens unit2000, a focus adjustment unit3000, and an image sensor unit5000. That is, the camera module10according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure may not include a shaking correcting unit400.

According to another example embodiment of the present disclosure, since the camera module10does not include the shaking correcting unit400, the connection substrate610configured to support the movement of the second carrier410may also be omitted. Accordingly, a first substrate6110on which a first coil3330is mounted may be disposed on a side surface of a housing1100.

The housing unit1000may include a housing1100having an internal space and a case1300coupled to the housing1100to cover the internal space.

The housing1100may be provided in the shape of a square box in which an upper portion and a lower portion thereof are open and may have the internal space, and the lens unit2000and the focus adjustment unit3000may be accommodated in the internal space. The image sensor unit5000may be coupled to a lower surface of the housing1100.

More specifically, a portion of the lens unit2000may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing1100, and another portion of the lens unit2000may protrude to the outside of the case1300. The case1300may include an opening1310in which another portion of lens unit2000is disposed.

The lens unit2000may include a first lens unit2100and a second lens unit2300disposed in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The first lens unit2100may be disposed in the opening1310of the case1300, and the second lens unit2300may be accommodated in a first carrier3100of the focus adjustment unit3000and may be disposed in the internal space of the housing1100.

The first lens unit2100and the second lens unit2300may include a first lens barrel2110and a second lens barrel2310, respectively, and at least one lens may be mounted therein in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

The first lens unit2100may further include a lens stage2130to which the first lens barrel2110is coupled.

The lens stage2130may have a square plate shape including an opening2130a, and the first lens barrel2110may be disposed in the opening2130a. Furthermore, the lens stage2130may include a guide protrusion2130bprotruding in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) along the circumference of the opening2130a.

Furthermore, the lens stage2130may further include a buffer member2135on a lower surface thereof, and the buffer member2135may protrude toward the second lens unit2300. The buffer member2135may serve to regulate a movement range of the first carrier3100in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) and alleviate impacts caused by collisions between components.

According to another example embodiment of the present disclosure, the second lens unit2300may be configured to relatively move with respect to the first lens unit2100in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). The second lens unit2300may be accommodated in the first carrier3100and moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) together with the first carrier3100during the focus adjustment. On the other hand, the first lens unit2100may be a fixing member coupled to the housing1100.

The focus adjustment unit3000may include a first carrier3100for accommodating the second lens unit2300and a first driver3300for generating driving force to move the first carrier3100in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction).

The first driver3300may include a first magnet3310and a first coil3330.

The first driver3300may include a first position sensor3350for sensing a position of the lens unit2000, specifically, the second lens unit2300, in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the first position sensor3350may be a hall sensor.

A first yoke3500may be disposed in the housing1100. The first yoke3500may be disposed on the other surface of the first substrate6110(a surface opposite to one surface in which the first coil3330and the first position sensor3350are disposed).

Accordingly, during the focus adjustment, distances d3and d4of the second lens unit2300with respect to the first lens unit2100in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) may be changed, thus implementing a super macro function.

As described above, according to the example embodiments of the present disclosure, since a weight of a portion moved in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) is reduced during focus adjustment, driving stability may be secured, and a focus adjustment function may be implemented with relatively little driving force. Accordingly, a macro function may be implemented by dividing a plurality of lenses into a first lens unit and a second lens unit and moving only a portion thereof in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, magnetic field interference from a shaking correcting driver that may occur during the focus adjustment may be avoided.

According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, correction performance of the camera module may be improved during capturing, and in particular, driving stability thereof may be ensured during a focus adjustment, thereby improving the correction performance during the capturing. Furthermore, a super macro function may be implemented even if the camera module has a short driving distance.