Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a lens moving apparatus according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. Technology of a voice coil motor (VCM), which is used in existing general camera modules, is difficult to apply to a miniature low-power camera module, and studies related thereto have been actively conducted.

In the case of a camera module configured to be mounted in a small electronic product, such as a smart phone, the camera module may frequently receive shocks when in use, and may undergo fine shaking due to, for example, the shaking of a user's hand. In consideration thereof, technology enabling a device for preventing handshake to be additionally installed to a camera module is being developed. <CIT> relates to a lens drive that corrects camera shake (vibration) that occurs when a still image is taken with a small camera for a mobile phone so that an image without image blur can be taken. <CIT> relates to a lens driving device, a camera module, and an optical device. Intermediate document <CIT> relates to a lens driving device, a camera module, and an optical device.

The embodiments provide a lens moving apparatus capable of preventing disconnection or damage to a second coil caused by external impacts, performing soldering of the second coil to an upper spring without an additional line arrangement, and preventing movement or vibration of the second coil, thereby improving solderability when soldering.

The invention refers to a lens moving apparatus as defined in claim <NUM>.

The outer portion may be coupled to the housing at a corner of the housing.

The outer portion may include a second coupling portion disposed at a first side portion of the housing and coupled to the housing, a third coupling portion disposed at a second side portion adjacent to the first side portion of the housing and coupled to the housing, and a second connecting portion connecting the second coupling portion to the third coupling portion, wherein the first connecting portion comprises a third connecting portion connecting the second coupling portion to the first coupling portion, and a fourth connecting portion connecting the third coupling portion to the first coupling portion.

The damper may be disposed between the first extension and the second connecting portion, and the first extension may be spaced apart from each of the third and fourth connecting portions.

The first extension may include a second extension extending to the second coupling portion from the first coupling portion, a third extension extending to the third coupling portion from the first coupling portion, and a fourth extension extending to the second connecting portion from the first coupling portion.

The first extension may be increased in width moving toward the outer portion from the first coupling portion.

A portion of the first extension that corresponds to the outer portion may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the outer portion.

The first coupling portion may have a first length longer than a second length of the first coupling portion, wherein the first length is a distance between the coupling region and one end of the first coupling portion which extends in a direction in which the first extension extends, and the second length is a distance between the coupling region and a remaining end of the first coupling portion which extends in a direction opposite the direction in which the first extension extends.

The lens moving apparatus may further include a second coil disposed on an outer surface of a side portion of the housing so as to generate induction voltage by interaction with the first coil. The housing may include first and second projections disposed on an upper surface thereof, and the upper spring may include a first spring and a second spring, wherein a portion of the second coil is wound at least one turn around the first projection and is connected to the first spring, and a remaining portion of the second coil is wound at least one turn around the second projection and is connected to the second spring.

A lens moving apparatus according to another embodiment comprises a housing including first and second projections disposed on an upper surface thereof, a bobbin disposed in the housing, a first coil disposed on the bobbin, a magnet disposed on the housing, a second coil disposed on an outer surface of the housing, and first and second springs, which are coupled both to an upper portion of the bobbin and to an upper portion of the housing, wherein a portion of the second coil is wound at least one turn around the first projection and is connected to the first spring, and a remaining portion of the second coil is wound at least one turn around the second projection and is connected to the second spring.

The second coil may include a first portion disposed on the outer surface of the housing, a second portion wound around the first projection, a third portion connecting one end of the first portion to one end of the second portion, a fourth portion wound around the second projection, and a fifth portion connecting the other end of the first portion to one end of the fourth portion.

The lens moving apparatus according to another embodiment may further include a first solder, conductively connecting the second portion of the second coil to the first spring, and a second solder, conductively connecting the fourth portion of the second coil to the second spring.

The second coil may further include a sixth portion extending to the first spring from the other end of the second portion, and a seventh portion, extending to the second spring from the other end of the fourth portion. The lens moving apparatus may further include a first solder, conductively connecting the sixth portion to the first spring, and a second solder, conductively connecting the seventh portion to the second spring.

The housing may include a first side portion, a second side portion, a third side portion, a fourth side portion, a first corner portion positioned between the first and second side portions, a second corner portion positioned between the second and third side portions, a third corner portion positioned between the third and fourth side portions, a fourth corner portion positioned between the fourth and first side portions, a first protrusion disposed on an upper surface of the first corner portion and coupled to the first spring, a second protrusion disposed on an upper surface of the first side portion and coupled to the first spring, a third protrusion disposed on an upper surface of the second corner portion and coupled to the second spring, and a fourth protrusion disposed on an upper surface of the third side portion and coupled to the second spring, wherein the first and second side portions face each other, and the second and fourth side portions face each other.

The first projection may be provided on the first side portion, which is positioned between the first and second protrusions, and the second projection may be provided on the third side portion, which is positioned between the third and fourth protrusions.

The outer surface of the housing may include a first groove in which the first portion of the second coil is disposed, a second groove, which is connected to the first groove and in which the third portion of the second coil is disposed, and a third groove, which is connected to the first groove and in which the fifth portion of the second coil is disposed.

The first spring may include a first zone, disposed at the first corner portion and coupled to the first protrusion, and a second zone, extending to an upper surface of the first side portion from the first zone and coupled to the second protrusion, and the second spring may include a third zone, disposed at the second corner portion and coupled to the third protrusion, and a fourth zone, extending to an upper surface of the third side portion from the third zone and coupled to the fourth protrusion.

The second groove may be positioned at an outer surface of the first side portion of the housing, the third groove may be positioned at an outer surface of the third side portion of the housing, and the second and third grooves may be positioned above the first groove.

The second coil may not overlap the first coil in a direction parallel to the optical axis and may not overlap the first coil in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Embodiments are able to prevent disconnection or damage to the second coil caused by external impacts, to perform soldering of the second coil to the upper spring without an additional line arrangement, and to prevent movement or vibration of the second coil, thereby improving solderability when soldering.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be clearly elucidated via description thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, it will be understood that, when an element such as a layer (film), region, pattern, or structure is referred to as being "on" or "under" another element, it can be "directly" on or under another element, or can be "indirectly" formed such that an intervening element may also be present. In addition, it will also be understood that the criteria for "on" or "under" are determined on the basis of the drawings.

In the drawings, the dimensions of layers may be exaggerated, omitted or illustrated schematically for clarity and convenience of description. In addition, the dimensions of constituent elements may not accurately reflect the actual dimensions.

For the convenience of description, although the lens moving apparatus is described using a rectangular coordinate system (x, y, z), the lens moving apparatus may be described using some other coordinate systems, and the embodiments are not limited thereto. In the respective drawings, the X-axis and the Y-axis mean directions perpendicular to an optical axis, i.e. the Z-axis, and the optical axis (Z-axis) direction or a direction parallel to the optical axis is referred to as a "first direction", the X-axis direction may be referred to as a "second direction", and the Y-axis direction may be referred to as a "third direction".

A "handshake correction device", which is applied to a subminiature camera module of a mobile device such as, for example, a smart phone or a tablet PC, may be a device that is configured to prevent the contour line of a captured image from being indistinctly formed due to vibration caused by shaking of the user's hand when capturing a still image.

In addition, an "auto-focusing device" is a device that automatically focuses an image of a subject on an image sensor surface. The handshake correction device and the auto-focusing device may be configured in various ways, and the lens moving apparatus according to an embodiment may move an optical module, which is constituted of at least one lens, in the first direction, which is parallel to the optical axis, or relative to a plane defined by the second and third directions, which are perpendicular to the first direction, thereby performing handshake correction motion and/or auto-focusing.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a lens moving apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is an exploded view of the lens moving apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a view illustrating the assembled state of the lens moving apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>, from which a cover <NUM> is removed.

Referring to <FIG>, the lens moving apparatus <NUM> includes a bobbin <NUM>, a first coil <NUM>, magnets <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, an upper elastic member <NUM>, a lower elastic member <NUM>, and a second coil <NUM>.

The lens moving apparatus <NUM> further includes a circuit board <NUM>.

The lens moving apparatus <NUM> further includes support members <NUM>.

The lens moving apparatus <NUM> further includes a third coil <NUM> and a position sensor <NUM>. The lens moving apparatus <NUM> may further include a cover member <NUM> and a base <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> will be described.

The cover member <NUM> accommodates the components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, in the space defined between the cover member <NUM> and the base <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> may take the form of a box that has an open bottom and comprises a top plate and a side plate. The bottom of the cover member <NUM> may be coupled to the top of the base <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> has an opening formed in the top plate thereof in order to expose a lens (not shown), coupled to the bobbin <NUM>, to outside light.

Although the material of the cover member <NUM> may be a non-magnetic material such as, for example, SUS in order to prevent the cover member <NUM> from being attracted by the magnets <NUM>, the cover member <NUM> may be formed of a magnetic material, and may thus function as a yoke for increasing electromagnetic force caused by interaction between the cover member <NUM> and the first coil <NUM>.

Next, the bobbin <NUM> will be described.

The bobbin <NUM> may allow a lens or a lens barrel to be mounted thereon and is disposed in the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a first perspective view of the bobbin <NUM> and the first coil <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a second perspective view of the bobbin <NUM> and the first coil <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bobbin <NUM> includes first projections <NUM>, which project from the upper surface of the bobbin <NUM> in the first direction, and second projections <NUM>, which project from the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin <NUM> in the second and/or third direction.

Each of the first projections <NUM> of the bobbin <NUM> may include a first guide portion 111a and a first stopper 111b. The first guide portion 111a of the bobbin <NUM> serves to guide the positioning of the upper elastic member <NUM>. For example, the first guide portion 111a of the bobbin <NUM> may guide a first frame-connecting portion <NUM> of the upper elastic member <NUM>.

The second projections <NUM> of the bobbin <NUM> may project from the outer peripheral surface 110b of the bobbin <NUM> in the second and/or third direction. In order to avoid spatial interference with the first frame-connecting portions <NUM>, the upper surfaces of the second projections <NUM> is positioned lower than the upper surface of the bobbin <NUM>. For example, each of the second projections <NUM> may be an escape groove, and the escape groove may have a shape that is depressed from the upper surface of the bobbin <NUM>.

The bobbin <NUM> includes second stoppers <NUM>, which project from the lower surface thereof.

The bobbin <NUM> includes side portions 110b-<NUM>, which correspond to or face the magnets <NUM>, and side portions 110b-<NUM> positioned between the side portions 110b-<NUM>.

The bobbin <NUM> is provided in the outer peripheral surface thereof with a first coil groove (not shown), to which the first coil <NUM> is disposed or mounted. The number and shape of first coil grooves may correspond to the number or shape of the first coils <NUM> disposed on the outer peripheral surface 110b of the bobbin <NUM>. In another embodiment, the bobbin <NUM> may not have the first coil groove, and the first coil <NUM> may be directly wound around the outer peripheral surface 110b of the bobbin <NUM> and may be secured thereto.

Furthermore, the bobbin <NUM> is provided on the upper surface thereof with protrusions <NUM>, which are fitted into holes 151a in first inner frames <NUM>.

Each of the protrusions <NUM> includes a first upper protrusion 113a and a second upper protrusion 113b, which are disposed on the side portion 110b-<NUM> so as to be spaced apart from each other.

The first upper protrusions 113a are intended to be fused to the first inner frames <NUM> of the upper elastic member <NUM>, and the second upper protrusions 113b are intended to be conductively connected to the first inner frames <NUM> of the upper elastic member <NUM> via solder or conductive adhesive members. For example, the diameter of the first upper protrusion 113a may be larger than the diameter of the second upper protrusion 113b.

The bobbin <NUM> may be provided in the lower surface thereof with a first lower coupling groove <NUM>, which is coupled or secured to a hole 161a in the lower elastic member <NUM>. In another embodiment, for coupling with the hole 161a in the lower elastic member <NUM>, the lower surface of the bobbin <NUM> may be provided with a support protrusion.

The bobbin <NUM> may be provided in the inner peripheral surface thereof with a threaded line <NUM> for engagement with a lens or a lens barrel. The threaded line <NUM> may be formed in the inner peripheral surface of the bobbin <NUM> in the state in which the bobbin <NUM> is held by means of a jig, and the upper surface of the bobbin <NUM> may have jig-holding grooves 15a and 15b formed therein. For example, the jig-holding grooves 15a and 15b may be provided in upper surfaces of side portions 110b-<NUM> that are opposite each other, without being limited thereto.

Next, the first coil <NUM> will be described.

The first coil <NUM> is a drive coil, which is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 110b of the bobbin <NUM> so as to perform electromagnetic interaction with the magnets <NUM> disposed on the housing <NUM>.

In order to create electromagnetic force through interaction with the magnets <NUM>, a drive signal (for example, drive current or voltage) is applied to the first coil <NUM>.

The drive signal applied to the first coil <NUM> may be an AC signal, for example, AC current. For example, the drive signal applied to the first coil <NUM> may be a sinusoidal wave or a pulse signal (for example, a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal).

In another embodiment, the drive signal that is applied to the first coil <NUM> may include an AC signal and a DC signal.

An AF movable unit or an AF mover may be moved in the first direction by virtue of electromagnetic force resulting from the interaction between the first coil <NUM> and the magnets <NUM>. By controlling the intensity and/or polarity of a drive signal applied to the first coil <NUM> (for example, the direction in which current flows) and thus controlling the intensity and/or direction of electromagnetic force resulting from the interaction between the first coil <NUM> and the magnets <NUM>, it is possible to control the movement of the AF movable unit in the first direction, thereby performing an autofocus function.

The AF movable unit or the mover includes the bobbin <NUM>, which is elastically supported by the upper and lower elastic members <NUM> and <NUM>, and components that are mounted on the bobbin <NUM> and are moved therewith. The AF movable unit includes the bobbin <NUM>, the first coil <NUM>, and a lens (not shown) mounted on the bobbin <NUM>.

The first coil <NUM> may be wound or disposed around the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin <NUM> in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the optical axis. In another embodiment, the first coil <NUM> may be embodied as a coil ring, which is wound or disposed in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis. Although the number of coil rings may be equal to the number of magnets <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The first coil <NUM> is conductively connected to the upper elastic member <NUM> and may be conductively connected to the circuit board <NUM> via the upper elastic member <NUM> or the lower elastic member <NUM> and the support members <NUM>. The first coil <NUM> is conductively connected to third and fourth upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

Next, the housing <NUM> will be described.

The housing <NUM> accommodates therein the bobbin <NUM>, with the first coil <NUM> disposed thereon.

<FIG> is a first perspective view of the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a second perspective view of the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the lens moving apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>, which is taken along line A-B in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may be configured to have the overall shape of a cylinder having an opening therein, and includes a plurality of side portions <NUM> and <NUM>, which define the opening.

The housing <NUM> includes the side portions <NUM>, which are spaced apart from each other, and the side portions <NUM>, which are spaced apart from each other. Each of the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is disposed or positioned between two adjacent side portions <NUM> so as to connect the two adjacent side portions <NUM> to each other, and may include a flat surface having a predetermined depth.

Since the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM> correspond to the corner regions of the housing <NUM>, the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM> are represented as "corner portions".

As illustrated in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes first to fourth side portions and first to fourth corner portions 501a to 501d.

The first side portion and the third side portion face each other in the second direction, and the second side portion and the fourth side portion face each other in the third direction.

The first corner portion 501a is positioned between the first side portion and the second side portion of the housing <NUM>, and the second corner portion 501b is positioned between the second side portion and the third member of the housing <NUM>. The third corner portion 501c is positioned between the third side portion and the fourth side portion of the housing <NUM>, and the fourth corner portion 501d is positioned between the fourth side portion and the first side portion of the housing <NUM>.

Although the side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may correspond to or face the side portion 110b-<NUM> of the bobbin <NUM> and the side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may correspond to or face the side portion 110b-<NUM> of the bobbin <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The magnets <NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed or mounted on the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and the support members <NUM> may be disposed on the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In order to support or receive the magnets <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>, the housing <NUM> may include magnet mounts 141a, which are provided on the inner surfaces of the side portions <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may be provided in the outer surface thereof with a first groove <NUM>, in which the second coil <NUM> is wound or received.

For example, the first groove <NUM> in the housing <NUM> may be configured to have a shape that is depressed from the outer surfaces of the side portions <NUM> and the outer surfaces of the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and may be configured to have a ring shape, without being limited thereto.

For example, the first groove <NUM> in the housing <NUM> may be provided in the upper ends of the outer surfaces of the side portions <NUM> and the upper ends of the outer surfaces of the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

For example, the first groove <NUM> in the housing <NUM> may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the housing <NUM>, and may be provided above the magnets <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> disposed on the housing <NUM>.

At least one of the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may have grooves 61a, 61b and <NUM> formed therein.

For example, the second groove 61a may be formed in the first side portion of the housing <NUM>, and a third portion 17c of the second coil <NUM> may be disposed in the second groove 61a. The third groove 61b may be formed in the third side portion of the housing <NUM>, and a fifth portion 17e of the second coil <NUM> may be disposed in the third groove 61b.

For example, the groove <NUM> may be formed in each of the first to fourth side portions of the housing <NUM>.

For example, each of the grooves 61a, 61b and <NUM> may be a slot, which is formed through the side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and is open at the upper surface thereof.

Although two grooves 61a, 61b and <NUM>, which are spaced apart from each other, are provided in each of the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in <FIG>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Each of the grooves 61a, 61b and <NUM> may be connected to the first groove <NUM> and may be positioned above the first groove <NUM>.

For example, the second groove 61a may be disposed between a protrusion 143b disposed on the first corner portion 501a and a projection 31a disposed on the first side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the first corner portion 501a.

For example, the third groove 61b may be disposed between a protrusion 143b1 disposed on the second corner portion 501b and a projection 31b disposed on the third side portion of the housing adjacent to the second corner portion 501b.

The grooves <NUM> are positioned between a protrusion 32b disposed on the third side portion of the housing <NUM> and a protrusion 143b disposed on the third corner portion 501c and between a protrusion 32a disposed on the first side portion of the housing <NUM> and a protrusion 143a disposed on the fourth corner portion 501d.

The grooves 61a, 61b and <NUM> are positioned above the first groove <NUM>, in which a first portion 17a of the second coil <NUM> is disposed, and are provided at the lower ends thereof with openings communicating with the first groove <NUM>.

The first and second grooves 61a and 61b in the housing <NUM> may serve as paths through which a portion or another portion of the second coil <NUM> extends, and the grooves 61a, 61b and <NUM> in the housing <NUM> may serve as injection ports through which adhesive for attaching the magnets <NUM> to the housing <NUM> is injected.

The housing <NUM> may include guide projections <NUM> disposed on the inner surface thereof so as to guide the adhesive injected into the grooves 61a, 61b and <NUM>. The guide projections <NUM> may serve to block the introduction of the adhesive into the housing <NUM>.

The side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM> are disposed parallel to the side plate of the cover member <NUM>. The side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM> are provided with holes 147a through which the support members <NUM> extend. Each of the holes 147a is configured such that the diameter thereof is gradually increased moving toward the lower surface from the upper surface of the housing <NUM>. The reason for this is to allow a damper, which will be described later, to be easily disposed in the hole 147a.

Furthermore, the housing <NUM> may be provided on the upper surface thereof with second stoppers <NUM> so as to prevent the housing <NUM> from directly colliding with the inner surface of the cover member <NUM>. For example, although the second stoppers <NUM> may be respectively disposed on the first to fourth corner portions 501a to 501d of the housing <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In order to guide positioning of first outer frames <NUM> of the upper elastic member <NUM> when the upper elastic member <NUM> is placed on the upper surface of the housing <NUM>, the housing <NUM> may be provided on the upper surface thereof with second guide portions <NUM>.

The second guide portions <NUM> may be disposed on the corner portions 501a to 501d of the housing <NUM> so as to be respectively spaced apart from the second stoppers <NUM>. For example, each of the second guide portions <NUM> may face a corresponding one of the second stoppers <NUM> in a diagonal direction. Here the diagonal direction may be the direction toward the second stopper <NUM> from the center of the housing <NUM>. Furthermore, the second guide portions <NUM> may also serve as stoppers for preventing the upper surface of the housing <NUM> from directly colliding with the inner surface of the cover member <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may include one or more first protrusions 143a, 143b, 143a1 and 143b1, which are provided on the upper surfaces of the side portions <NUM> for coupling into holes 152a1 and 152a2 in the first outer frame <NUM> of the upper elastic member <NUM>.

The first protrusions 143a, 143b, 143a1 and 143b1 may be disposed on at least one of the upper surfaces of the first to fourth corner portions 501a to 501d of the housing <NUM>.

For example, the housing <NUM> may include first protrusions 143a and 143a1, which are disposed at one side of the second guide portion <NUM>, and first protrusions 143b and 143b1, which are disposed at the other side of the second guide portion <NUM>.

For example, although the first protrusions 143a and 143b may be configured to have the same shape, the disclosure is not limited thereto. Each of the one or more first protrusions 143a1 and 143b1 may be configured to each have a shape different from the shape of a corresponding one of the first protrusions 143a and 143b.

Furthermore, the housing <NUM> may include one or more second protrusions 32a and 32b disposed on the upper surfaces of the side portions <NUM> for coupling with the holes <NUM> in the first outer frames <NUM> of the upper elastic member <NUM>.

For example, although the second protrusions 32a and 32b may be disposed on the upper surfaces of two side portions <NUM> that face each other, among the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

For example, the second protrusion 32a may be positioned at the upper surface of one of the side portions <NUM>, for example, the first side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the first corner portion 501a. The second protrusion 32b may be positioned at the upper surface of another one of the side portions <NUM>, for example, the third side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the second corner portion 501b.

For example, the second protrusions 32a and 32b may be positioned at two side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM> that face each other in the second or third direction.

Furthermore, the housing <NUM> may include projections 31a and 31b, which are provided on the upper surfaces of the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM> so as to stably hold a portion (for example, a starting portion) and another portion (for example, an ending portion) of the second coil <NUM>.

The projections 31a and 31b may be disposed on the upper surfaces of two side portions that face each other, among the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, for example, on the upper surfaces of the first side portion and the third side portion of the housing <NUM>. The projections 31a and 31b may be disposed on the first and third side portions of the housing <NUM>, at which the second protrusions 32a and 32b are positioned.

For example, the first projection 31a may be disposed between the first protrusion 143b disposed on the first corner portion 501a and the second protrusion 32a disposed on the upper surface of the first side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the first corner portion 501a.

The second projection 31b may be disposed between the first protrusion 143b1 disposed on the corner portion 501b and the second protrusion 32b disposed on the upper surface of the third side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the second corner portion 501b.

The first groove 61a may be positioned between the first protrusion 143b disposed on the first corner portion 501a and the first projection 31a disposed on the first side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the first corner portion 501a, and the second groove 61b may be positioned between the second protrusion 143b1 disposed on the second corner portion 501b of the housing <NUM> and the second projection 31b disposed on the third side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the second corner portion 501b.

Since the first and second grooves 61a and 61b are respectively positioned adjacent to the first and second projections 31a and 31b, a portion and another portion of the second coil <NUM> may be easily wound around the first and second projections 31a and 31b, respectively.

The housing <NUM> may include one or more protrusions <NUM> disposed on the lower surfaces of the side portions of the housing <NUM> so as to be coupled or secured to holes 162a in second outer frames <NUM> of the lower elastic member <NUM>. Although the protrusions <NUM> may be disposed on at least one of the first to fourth corner portions 501a to 501d of the housing <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In order to ensure not only paths through which the support members <NUM> extend but also spaces that are filled with silicone for damping, the housing <NUM> may have recesses 142a formed in the lower portions of the side portions <NUM>. The recesses 142a in the housing <NUM> may be filled with, for example, damping silicone.

The housing <NUM> may have third stoppers <NUM>, which project from the outer surfaces of the side portions <NUM> in the second or third direction. Although the housing <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> as having two third stoppers 149a and 149b on each of the outer surfaces of the side portions <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The third stoppers <NUM> are intended to prevent the housing <NUM> from colliding with the inner surfaces of the side portions of the cover member <NUM> when the housing <NUM> moves in the second and third directions.

In order to prevent the bottom surface of the housing <NUM> from colliding with the base <NUM>, the third coil <NUM> and/or the circuit board <NUM>, which will be described later, the housing <NUM> may further include a fourth stopper (not shown) projecting from the lower surface thereof.

Next, the magnets <NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> will be described.

Although the magnets <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> are disposed in the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the magnets <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed outside the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The magnets <NUM> may be disposed on the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM> so as to correspond to or be aligned with the first coil <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis at the initial position of the bobbin <NUM>.

For example, the magnets <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> disposed on the housing <NUM> may overlap the first coil <NUM> in the second or third direction at the initial position of the bobbin <NUM>.

Here, the initial position of the bobbin <NUM> may be the initial position of the AF movable unit in the state in which power is not applied to the first coil <NUM>, and may be the position of the AF movable unit when the upper elastic member <NUM> and the lower elastic member <NUM> are elastically deformed by only the weight of AF movable unit.

Furthermore, the initial position of the bobbin <NUM> may be the position of the AF movable unit when gravity is applied toward the base <NUM> from the bobbin <NUM> or toward the bobbin <NUM> from the base <NUM>. The AF movable unit may include the bobbin <NUM> and components mounted on the bobbin <NUM>, i.e. the first coil <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the magnet mounts 141a may not be provided in the side portions of the housing <NUM>, and the magnets <NUM> may be disposed inside or outside the side portions of the housing <NUM>.

Although each of the magnets <NUM> may have a shape that corresponds to a corresponding one of the side portions of the housing <NUM>, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Although each of the magnets <NUM> may be a monopolemagnetized magnet which is constructed such that a surface thereof that faces the first coil <NUM> is an S pole and the opposite second surface thereof is an N pole or a bipolemagnetized magnet, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the reverse disposition is also possible.

Although the number of magnets <NUM> is four in the embodiment, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number of magnets <NUM> may be at least two. Although each of the surfaces of the magnets <NUM> that faces the coil <NUM>, may be a flat surface, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the surface may be a curved surface.

Next, the upper elastic member <NUM> and the lower elastic member <NUM> will be described.

Each of the upper elastic member <NUM> and the lower elastic member <NUM> is coupled both to the bobbin <NUM> and to the housing <NUM> so as to elastically support the bobbin <NUM>. In the upper elastic member <NUM> and/or the lower elastic member <NUM>, the term "elastic member" may be replaced with the term "elastic unit".

The upper elastic member <NUM> is coupled both to the upper portion, the upper surface or the upper end of the bobbin <NUM> and to the upper portion, the upper surface or the upper end of the housing <NUM>, and the lower elastic member <NUM> may be coupled both to the lower portion, the lower surface or the lower end of the bobbin <NUM> and to the lower portion, the lower surface or the lower end of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the upper elastic member <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of a first outer frame <NUM> of a first upper spring <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is an assembled perspective view of the upper elastic member <NUM>, the lower elastic member <NUM>, the third coil <NUM>, the circuit board <NUM> and the base <NUM>, which are shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the third coil <NUM>, the circuit board <NUM>, the base <NUM>, first and second position sensors 240a and 240b, and an amplifier <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the upper elastic member <NUM> is divided or separated into two or more.

The upper elastic member <NUM> includes first to fourth upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>, which are spaced apart from one another. Here, the term "upper spring" may be replaced with the term "spring".

Each of the upper elastic member <NUM> and the lower elastic member <NUM> is embodied as a leaf spring.

Each of the first to fourth upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> includes a first inner frame <NUM> coupled to the upper portion, the upper surface or the upper end of the bobbin <NUM>, a first outer frame <NUM> coupled to the upper portion, the upper surface or the upper end of the housing <NUM>, and a first frame-connecting portion <NUM> connecting the first inner frame <NUM> to the first outer frame <NUM>.

The first frame-connecting portion <NUM> connects the first outer frame <NUM>, i.e. a third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, to the inner frame.

Each of the first and second frame-connecting portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the upper and lower elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> are bent or curved (or rounded) at least once or more so as to form a pattern having a predetermined shape. The upward and/or downward movement of the bobbin <NUM> in the first direction is elastically (flexibly) supported through positional variation and fine deformation of the first and second frame-connecting portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first outer frame <NUM> of each of the first to fourth upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> includes an outer portion <NUM> coupled to the housing <NUM>, a first coupling portion <NUM> coupled to a corresponding one of the support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>, and a first connecting portion <NUM> connecting outer portions 510a to 510d to the first coupling portion <NUM>.

The first coupling portion <NUM> includes a first extension <NUM>, which extends toward the outer portions 510a to 510d from the first coupling portion <NUM>.

Each of the outer portions 510a to 510d is disposed on the corner portion and at least one side portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the corner portion.

Each of the outer portions 510a to 510d is coupled to the corner portion of the housing <NUM> and to at least one side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the corner portion or the other side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the corner portion.

The first outer portion 510a includes a second coupling portion <NUM>-a, which is disposed on the first side portion of the housing <NUM> and is coupled to the housing <NUM>, a third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, which is disposed on the second side portion adjacent to the first side portion of the housing <NUM> and is coupled to the housing <NUM>, and a second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> connecting the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> to the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

The first connecting portion <NUM> includes a third connecting portion 530a connecting the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> to the first coupling portion <NUM>, and a fourth connecting portion 530b connecting the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> to the first coupling portion <NUM>.

The first extension <NUM> is spaced apart from the outer portion 510a. The first extension <NUM> includes a portion, which is increased in width moving toward the outer portion 510a from the first coupling portion <NUM>. , the first extension <NUM> includes a portion, which is increased in width moving toward the center of the upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> from the first coupling portion <NUM>.

The portion of the first extension <NUM> that is increased in width is configured to have a sector shape. The central angle (θ, see <FIG>) of the sector-shaped first extension <NUM> about a coupling region 520a is in the range of <NUM> - <NUM> degrees. If the central angle (θ, see <FIG>) of the first extension <NUM> is smaller than <NUM> degrees, an effect of improving solderability may be decreased. Meanwhile, if the central angle of the first extension <NUM> is larger than <NUM> degrees, there may be spatial interference with the first connecting portion <NUM>.

The portion of the first extension <NUM> that corresponds to the outer portion 510a has a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer portion 510a.

The first extension <NUM> is spaced apart both from the third connecting portion 530a and from the fourth connecting portion 530b.

The first extension <NUM> includes a second extension, which extends to the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> from the first coupling portion <NUM>, a third extension, which extends to the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> from the first coupling portion <NUM>, and a fourth extension, which extends to the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> from the first coupling portion <NUM>.

A damping member <NUM> connects the first extension <NUM> to the outer portion 510a. The damping member <NUM> is disposed between the first extension <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

The second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> has therein a hole 152a2, which is coupled to the second protrusion 143b of the housing <NUM>, and the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> has therein a hole 152a1, which is coupled to the second protrusion 143a of the housing <NUM>.

The second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> is positioned at one side of a reference line (for example, <NUM>), and the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> is positioned at the other side of the reference line (for example, <NUM>).

Although each of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> is embodied as having through holes 152a1, 152a2, <NUM> and <NUM> in the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second and third coupling portions may also be embodied as having various shapes suitable for being coupled to the housing <NUM>, for example, grooves or the like.

Each of the holes 152a1 and 152a2 may have at least one slit 21a for allowing an adhesive member to be introduced into the clearance between the protrusions 143a and 143b and the holes 152a1 and 152a2.

The second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> may include the holes 152a2 and <NUM>, which are positioned at the first corner portion 501a and a first side portion of the housing adjacent to the first corner portion 501a, and a groove <NUM>, which is positioned between the holes 152a2 and <NUM>.

The second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> may include a first zone S1, which is disposed on the first corner portion 501a and in which the hole 152a2 is positioned, and a second zone S2, which is connected to the first zone S1 and which extends to the upper surface of the first side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the first corner portion 501a and is disposed thereon.

The second zone S2 may be provided with the groove <NUM>, in which the projection 31a of the housing <NUM> is fitted, and one end of the second zone S2 may be provided with the hole <NUM>, to which the second projection 32a of the housing <NUM> is coupled.

The first protrusion 143b of the first corner portion 501a of the housing <NUM> and the hole 152a2 in the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be fused to each other, and the second protrusion 32a of the housing <NUM> and the hole <NUM> in the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be fused to each other. The fusion coupling may mean that the second protrusion 32a is bonded to the upper spring by heat.

Since the protrusions 143b and 32a positioned at both sides of the first projection 31a of the housing <NUM> is fused to the outer portion of the first upper spring <NUM>-<NUM> of the upper spring <NUM>, the embodiment is able to stably secure the first outer portion 510a of the first upper spring <NUM>-<NUM> to the housing <NUM> and to stably couple one end of the second coil <NUM> to the first outer portion 510a of the first upper spring <NUM>-<NUM>. Accordingly, the embodiment is able to prevent disconnection of or damage to the second coil <NUM> caused by external impact.

The third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> may have one or more holes 152a1 and <NUM>, which are positioned at at least one of the first corner portion 501a and the other side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the first corner 501a.

The third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> may include a third zone S3, which is disposed on the first corner portion 501a and in which the hole 152a1 is disposed, and a fourth zone S4, which is connected to the third zone S3 and which extends to the upper surface of the other side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the first corner portion 501a and is disposed thereon.

One end of the fourth zone S4 may be provided with the hole <NUM> so as to be coupled to the housing <NUM> via an adhesive member. Although the hole <NUM> has a crisscross shape in <FIG>, the disclosure is not limited to that shape, and the hole may have, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape.

The second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> connects the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> to the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

The second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> connects the first zone S1 of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> to the third zone S3 of the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, and the mounting position of the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be guided by the second guide <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Although the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to be convex toward the first corner portion 501a of the housing <NUM> from a central point <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to be convex the central point of the housing <NUM> from the corner portion 501b of the housing <NUM>.

The first coupling portion <NUM> may have a hole <NUM> through which the support member <NUM> extends. One end of the support member <NUM> that has passed through the hole <NUM> may be coupled to the first coupling portion <NUM> via a conductive adhesive member or a solder <NUM>, and the first coupling portion <NUM> may be conductively connected to the support member <NUM>.

The first coupling portion <NUM> includes a coupling region 520a, which is coupled to the support member <NUM> via the solder <NUM>, and the coupling region 520a includes the hole <NUM> and a region around the hole <NUM> on which the solder is disposed.

The first connecting portion <NUM> may connect at least one of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> to the first coupling portion <NUM>.

For example, the first connecting portion <NUM> may include the third connecting portion 530a, connecting the first zone S1 of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> to the first coupling portion <NUM>, and the fourth connecting portion 530b, connecting the third zone S3 of the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> to the first coupling portion <NUM>.

Although each of the third connecting portion 530a and the fourth connecting portion 530b includes a bent portion, which is bent at least once, or a curved portion, which is curved at least once, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the third connecting portion 530a and the fourth connecting portion 530b may be linear.

The width W31 of the third connecting portion 530a or the fourth connecting portion 530b of the first connecting portion <NUM>, which is bent at least once, may be smaller than a first width W11 or W12 of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, a second width W21 or W22 of the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> or a third width W1 of the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

For example, the first width W11 or W12 may be the minimal width along the entire region of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, the second width W21 or W22 may be the minimal width along the entire region of the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, and the third width W3 may be the minimal width along the entire region of the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

Since the relationships between the widths are W31<W12, W31<W22 and W31<W3, the first connecting portion <NUM> may be easily movable in the first direction, whereby it is possible to distribute the stress applied to the upper elastic member <NUM> and the stress applied to the support member <NUM>.

The first extension <NUM> may extend by a predetermined length L1 in a direction toward the outer portion 510a from the coupling region 520a of the first coupling portion <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as an "extension direction").

The predetermined length L1 may be, for example, <NUM> - <NUM>. If the length L1 is smaller than <NUM>, the effect of heat radiation and solderability may be deteriorated due to the decreased surface area of the first extension <NUM>. Meanwhile, if the length L1 is greater than <NUM>, there may be spatial interference with the first connecting portion <NUM> and the outer portion.

In order to sufficiently ensure improvement of solderability and elimination of interference with the first connecting portion <NUM> and the outer portion, the length L1 may be within a range of <NUM> - <NUM>.

The extension direction is a direction toward at least one of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the outer portion 510a from the coupling region 520a of the first coupling portion <NUM>.

The length L1 of the first coupling portion <NUM> may be larger than the length L2 of the coupling <NUM>. The length L1 may be a distance between the coupling region 520a and one end of the first coupling portion <NUM> that extends in the extension direction of the first extension <NUM>. The second length L2 may be a distance between the coupling region 520a and the other end of the first coupling portion <NUM> that extends in a direction opposite the extension direction of the first extension <NUM>.

The length L1 of the first extension <NUM> may be larger than the distance L2 between the coupling region 520a of the first coupling portion <NUM> and the end of the first coupling portion <NUM> in a direction opposite the extension direction (L1>L2).

The area of the upper surface of the first extension <NUM> may be larger than the area of the upper surface of the first coupling portion <NUM>.

The first extension <NUM> may serve to increase the surface area through which heat is transmitted to the first coupling portion <NUM> and to improve solderability when the first coupling portion <NUM> is soldered to the support member <NUM>.

The first extension <NUM> is spaced apart from the outer portion 510a and the first connecting portion <NUM>.

The first extension <NUM> is spaced apart from the first zone S1 of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, the third zone S3 of the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM>, the third connecting portion 530a and the fourth connecting portion 530b.

Although the distance between the first extension <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be smaller than the distance between the first extension <NUM> and the first zone S1 of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the distance between the first extension <NUM> and the third zone S3 of the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The distance between the first extension <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be, for example, within a range of <NUM> - <NUM>. If the distance between the first extension <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> is smaller than <NUM>, there may be spatial interference between the first extension <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM>. Meanwhile, if the distance the first extension <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> is larger than <NUM>, the distance may be increased, thereby making it difficult to form a damper between the first extension <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

In order to sufficiently ensure elimination of spatial interference and easy formation of a damper, the distance between the first extension <NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be within a range of <NUM> - <NUM>.

Although the first extension <NUM> may be configured such that the width thereof is increased in the extension direction in order to increase a heat transmission area, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The first extension <NUM> may be embodied so as to have various shapes.

For example, although the first extension <NUM> may be configured to have at least one first vertex M1, which is positioned at the left side of the reference line <NUM>, and at least one second vertex M2, which is positioned at the right side of the reference line <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Although the outer portion <NUM> may be bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the reference line in order to support the housing <NUM> in the balanced state without eccentricity, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the outer portion may not be bilaterally symmetrical.

For example, although the second and third coupling portions and the second connecting portions <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the reference line (for example, <NUM>), the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Although the first coupling portion <NUM> may be bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the reference line in order to support the housing <NUM> in the balanced state without eccentricity, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the outer portion may not be bilaterally symmetrical.

Although the first connecting portion <NUM> may be bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the reference line in order to support the housing <NUM> in the balanced state without eccentricity, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the outer portion may not be bilaterally symmetrical.

Although the first extension <NUM> may be bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the reference line in order to support the housing <NUM> in the balanced state without eccentricity, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the outer portion may not be bilaterally symmetrical.

The reference lines <NUM> to <NUM> may be lines, which extend the central point <NUM> (see <FIG>) and corresponding ones of the vertices (or corners) of the corner portions 501a to 501d of the housing <NUM>.

Here, the central point <NUM> may be the center of the housing or the center of the upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-4z.

The first frame-connecting portions <NUM> of the first to fourth upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be rotationally symmetrical (for example, rotation of <NUM>°) about the central point <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Each of the second to fourth upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to have a shape identical or similar to the first upper spring. For example, the description of the first upper spring <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG> may be applied to each of the second to fourth upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>.

Each of the second to fourth outer portions <NUM> to 510d of the second to fourth upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be a first coupling portion, a second coupling portion, a third coupling portion and a second connecting portion.

The shape of the first coupling portions of the second to fourth outer portions 510b to 510d may be identical to the shape of the first coupling portion <NUM> of the first upper spring <NUM>-<NUM>, and the description of the first upper spring may be applied to the second to fourth outer portions. In other words, the description of the first coupling portion of the first outer portion 510a may be applied to the first coupling portion of each of the second to fourth outer portions 510b to 510d.

The shape of at least one second or third coupling portion of the second to fourth outer portions 510b to 510d may be different from the shape of the second or third coupling portion of the first outer portion.

The second coupling portion of the second outer portion 510b may include the first zone having a hole 152a2, which is disposed in one region of the second corner portion 501b and which is coupled to the first protrusion 143a1 of the second corner portion 501b. The second coupling portion of the second outer portion 510b may not include a zone corresponding to the second zone S2 of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the first outer portion 510a. Alternatively, although the second coupling portion of the second outer portion 510b may include a zone corresponding to the second zone of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the first outer portion 510a, the length of the zone may be smaller than the length of the second zone.

The coupling portion of the second outer portion 510b may include a third zone having a hole 152a1, which is formed in the other region of the second corner portion 501b and which is coupled to the first protrusion 143b1 of the second corner portion 501b, and a fourth zone, which is connected to the third zone and which extends to the upper surface of the third member of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the second corner portion 501b.

The fourth zone of the second outer portion 510b may be provided with the groove <NUM> in which the projection 31b of the housing <NUM> is disposed, and one end of the fourth zone may be provided with the hole <NUM> to which the second protrusion 32b of the housing <NUM> is coupled.

For example, the first protrusion 143b of the second corner portion 501b of the housing <NUM> may be fused to the hole 152a1 in the second coupling portion of the second outer portion 510b, and the protrusion 32b of the housing <NUM> may be fused to the hole <NUM> in the second coupling portion of the second outer portion 510b.

Since the protrusions 143b1 and 32b, which are positioned at both sides of the second protrusion 31b of the housing <NUM>, are fused to the second outer portion 510b of the second upper spring <NUM>-<NUM>, the embodiment is able to stably secure the second outer portion 510b of the second upper spring <NUM>-<NUM> to the housing <NUM> and to stably couple the other end of the second coil <NUM> to the second outer portion 510b of the second upper spring <NUM>-<NUM>. Accordingly, the embodiment is able to prevent disconnection of or damage to the second coil <NUM> caused by external impact.

The second coupling portion of the third outer portion 510c may include the first zone, which is disposed at one region of the third corner portion <NUM> and which has a hole coupled to the first protrusion of the third corner portion 501c. The second coupling portion of the third outer portion 510c may not include a zone corresponding to the second zone S2 of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the first outer portion 510a. Alternatively, although the second coupling portion of the third outer portion 510c may include a zone corresponding to the second zone S2 of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the first outer portion 510a, the zone may have a smaller length.

The third coupling portion of the third outer portion 510c may be the same as the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the first outer portion 510a, and the description of the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the first outer portion 510a may be applied to the third coupling portion of the third outer portion 510c.

The second coupling portion of the fourth outer portion 510d may include the first zone, which is disposed at one region of the fourth corner portion 501d and which has a hole 152a2 coupled to the first protrusion 143b of the fourth corner portion 501d, and the second zone, which is connected to the first zone and which extends to the upper surface of the fourth side portion of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the fourth corner portion 501d.

The third coupling portion of the fourth outer portion 510d may include the third zone, which is disposed at the other region of the fourth corner portion 510d and which is coupled to the first protrusion 143a of the fourth corner portion 501d. The third coupling portion of the fourth outer portion 510d may not include a zone corresponding to the fourth zone of the first outer portion 510a. Alternatively, although the third coupling portion of the fourth outer portion 510d may include a zone corresponding to the fourth zone of the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the first outer portion 510a, the zone may have a smaller length.

The description of the second connecting portion of the first outer portion 501a may be applied to the second connecting portion of each of the second to fourth outer portions 510b to 510d.

Although the shape of the first outer portion 510a is partially different from the shapes of the second to fourth outer portions 510b to 510d in <FIG>, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the shape of each of the first to fourth outer portions may be configured to be the same as the shape of the first outer portion 510a shown in <FIG>.

In a further embodiment, the shape of at least one of the first to fourth outer portions of the upper elastic member <NUM> may be the same as the shape of at least one of the second to fourth outer portions 501b to 510d, or may be embodied as combinations of the shapes of the second to fourth outer portions 510b to 510d.

The lower elastic member <NUM> may include a second inner frame <NUM> coupled to the lower portion, the lower surface or the lower end of the bobbin <NUM>, a second outer frame <NUM> coupled to the lower portion, the lower surface or the lower end of the housing <NUM>, and a second frame-connecting portion <NUM> connecting the second inner frame <NUM> to the second outer frame <NUM>.

The lower elastic member <NUM> may have therein the hole 161a, which is formed in the second inner frame <NUM> and which is coupled to the first lower coupling groove <NUM> in the bobbin <NUM> via a solder or a conductive adhesive member, and the hole 162a, which is formed in the second outer frame <NUM> and which is coupled to the second protrusion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Each of the first and second frame-connecting portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the upper and lower elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> may be bent or curved at least once so as to define a predetermined pattern. The upward and/or downward movement of the bobbin <NUM> in the first direction may be elastically (or flexibly) supported by virtue of positional variation and fine deformation of the first and second frame-connecting portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

The lens moving apparatus <NUM> further includes the damping member <NUM> (see <FIG>), which is disposed between the second connecting portions <NUM>-<NUM> of the upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and the first extension <NUM>. The damping member <NUM> serves to absorb or buffer vibrations of the support members <NUM> or to buffer movement of the support members <NUM>.

The damping member <NUM> is brought into contact with the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the first extension <NUM> and is spaced apart from the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

The damping member <NUM> is disposed between the side surface of the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the side surface of the first extension <NUM>. Furthermore, the damping member <NUM> may also be disposed on the upper surface and/or the lower surface of the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM>, and may also be disposed between the upper surface and/or the lower surface of the first extension <NUM>.

Although the damping member <NUM> is spaced apart from the corner portions 501a to 501d of the housing <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the damping member <NUM> may also be brought into contact with the corner portions 501a to 501d of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a first extension 540a and a damping member <NUM> according to another embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, although the first extension <NUM> shown in <FIG> extends from the first coupling portion <NUM> to the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM>, the first extension 540a shown in <FIG> may include a second extension <NUM>-<NUM> extending from the first coupling portion <NUM> to the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, a third extension <NUM>-<NUM> extending from the first coupling portion <NUM> to the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM>, and a fourth extension <NUM>-<NUM> extending from the first coupling portion <NUM> to the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> so as to connect the second extension <NUM>-<NUM> to the third extension <NUM>-<NUM>.

The first extension 540a shown in <FIG> may further increase the surface area through which heat is transmitted to the first coupling portion <NUM>, and may further improve solderability when the first coupling portion <NUM> is soldered to the support member <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first distance between the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the first extension <NUM> is smaller than the second distance between the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the first extension <NUM> or the third distance between the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the first extension <NUM>.

In contrast, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first distance D1 between the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the first extension 540a may be equal to the second distance D2 between the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the first extension 540a and the third distance D3 between the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the first extension 540a (D1=D2=D3). Consequently, the embodiment is able to increase the heat transmission area of the first extension 540a, for example, the area of the upper and lower surfaces of the first extension 540a, and to improve the solderability thereof.

For example, D1, D2 and D3 may be within a range of <NUM> - <NUM>.

In order to ensure elimination of spatial interference between the first extension 540a and the coupling portions and easy formation of the damping member, D1, D2 and D3 may be within a range of <NUM> - <NUM>.

The lens moving apparatus <NUM> includes the damping member <NUM>, which is disposed in at least one of the space between the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the second extension <NUM>-<NUM>, the space between the third coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the third extension <NUM>-<NUM>, and the space between the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the fourth extension <NUM>-<NUM>. The damping member <NUM> serves to absorb or buffer vibrations of the support members <NUM> or serves to buffer movement of the support members <NUM>.

The damping member <NUM> is disposed between the side surfaces of the second and third coupling portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the side surfaces of the first extension 540a and between the side surface of the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the side surface of the first extension 540a, and may be brought into contact with the side surfaces of the second and third coupling portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, the side surface of the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the side surface of the first extension 540a.

The damping member <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface and/or the lower surface of at least one of the second and third coupling portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM>, and may also be disposed on the upper surface and/or the lower surface of the first extension 540a.

In another embodiment, the damping member may be disposed only between the second connecting portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the first extension 540a. Here, although D1 may be smaller than D2 and D3, the disclosure is not limited thereto. D1 may be larger than D2 and D3.

Although the damping member <NUM> is spaced apart from the corner portions 501a to 501d of the housing <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the damping member <NUM> may be brought into contact with the corner portions 501a to 501d of the housing <NUM>.

In order to absorb or buffer vibrations of the bobbin <NUM>, the lens moving apparatus <NUM> may further include first damping members (not shown), each of which is disposed between a corresponding one of the upper elastic members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

For example, each of the first damping members (not shown) may be disposed in the space between the first frame-connecting portion <NUM> of a corresponding one of the upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

The lens moving apparatus <NUM> may further include second damping members (not shown), each of which is disposed between a corresponding one of the second frame-connecting portions <NUM> of the lower elastic members <NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

The lens moving apparatus <NUM> may further include third damping members disposed between the support members <NUM> and the holes 147a in the housing <NUM>.

Furthermore, the lens moving apparatus <NUM> may further include fourth damping members, which are disposed at the first coupling portions <NUM> and the first ends of the support members <NUM>, and may further include fifth damping members, which are disposed at the other ends of the support members <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM>.

For example, a damping member (not shown) may also be disposed between the inner surface of the housing <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin <NUM>.

Next, the second coil <NUM> will be described.

The second coil <NUM> is disposed on the outer surface of the housing <NUM>.

For example, the second coil <NUM> may be disposed on upper sides of the outer surfaces of the side portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The second coil <NUM> may be a ring-shaped coil, which is wound about the optical axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. For example, the second coil <NUM> may be a ring-shaped coil, which is wound around the outer surfaces of the first and second side portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the housing <NUM> about the optical axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction so as to surround the outer surfaces.

The second coil <NUM> may be positioned below the upper elastic member <NUM> but above the magnets <NUM>.

The second coil <NUM> may not overlap the magnets <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the optical direction when the AF movable unit (for example, the bobbin <NUM>) is disposed at the initial position. The reason for this is to reduce the interference between the magnets <NUM> and the second coil <NUM>.

The second coil <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first coil <NUM> by a predetermined distance in the optical direction, and may not overlap the first coil <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the optical direction when the AF movable unit (for example, the bobbin <NUM>) is disposed at the initial position. Maintaining the predetermined distance between the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM> in the optical direction is to ensure the linearity of the induction voltage induced to the second coil <NUM> by the current of the first coil <NUM>.

Although the second coil <NUM> may overlap the magnets <NUM> in the optical direction when the AF movable unit is disposed at the initial position, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the two components may not overlap each other in the optical direction.

The second coil <NUM> may be disposed on the outer surfaces of the side portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the housing <NUM> such that at least a portion of the second coil <NUM> is positioned outside the support members <NUM>. For example, the outside of the support members <NUM> may be the opposite side of the center of the opening in the housing <NUM> with respect to the support members <NUM>.

The second coil <NUM> may be an induction coil for detecting the position or displacement of the AF movable unit, for example, the bobbin <NUM>. For example, the second coil <NUM> may be embodied as a wire-type coil, an FPCB-type coil or a fine-pattern (FP)-type coil.

When the AF movable unit is moved due to the interaction between the first coil <NUM>, to which a drive signal is applied, and the magnets <NUM>, induction voltage may be generated in the second coil <NUM>. The intensity of the induction voltage in the second coil <NUM> may vary according to the displacement of the AF movable unit. It is possible to detect the displacement of the AF movable unit by detecting the intensity of the induction voltage generated in the second coil <NUM>. It is possible to perform AF feedback motion using the detected displacement of the AF movable unit, thereby enabling precise motion of AF feedback.

<FIG> illustrates a mutual inductance according to the distance between the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM>. In this drawing, the x-axis represents displacement of the AF movable unit, and the y-axis represents the intensity of the mutual inductance.

Referring to <FIG>, as the distance between the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM> is decreased with movement of the bobbin <NUM>, the mutual inductance between the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM> may be increased. As the mutual inductance is increased, the induction voltage induced to the second coil <NUM> may be increased.

Meanwhile, as the distance between the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM> is increased, the mutual inductance between the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM> may be decreased. As the mutual inductance is decreased, the induction voltage induced to the second coil <NUM> may be decreased.

Accordingly, it is possible to detect displacement of the movable unit based on the intensity of the induction voltage generated in the second coil <NUM>.

Because implementation of autofocus feedback control typically requires a position sensor capable of detecting displacement of the AF movable unit, for example, the bobbin, and an additional power-connecting structure for driving the position sensor, there may be an increase in the price of the lens moving apparatus and difficulty in manufacturing operation.

Furthermore, a linear zone (hereinafter, referred to as a "first linear zone") in a graph plotted between the distance of movement of the bobbin and the magnetic flux of the magnet detected by the position sensor may be restricted by positional relationships between the magnet and the position sensor.

Since the embodiment does not require an additional position sensor for detecting the displacement of the bobbin <NUM>, it is possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing the lens moving apparatus and to facilitate the manufacture thereof.

Furthermore, since mutual induction between the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM> is employed, the linear zone in the graph plotted between the distance of movement of the bobbin <NUM> and the induction voltage of the second coil <NUM> may be increased. Accordingly, the embodiment is able to ensure linearity over a wider zone, to decrease a processing defect rate, and to perform more precise AF feedback control.

Next, the base <NUM>, the support members <NUM>, the third coil <NUM>, the position sensor <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM> will be described.

The base <NUM> may be coupled to the cover member <NUM> so as to define a space for accommodating the bobbin <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The base <NUM> may have an opening corresponding to the opening in the bobbin <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> and may have a shape that coincides with or corresponds to the shape of the cover member <NUM>, for example, a square shape.

The base <NUM> may be positioned under the bobbin <NUM> and the housing <NUM> and may have a support groove or a support portion, which is formed in a surface of the base <NUM> that faces a terminal portion <NUM> of the circuit board <NUM>.

The corners of the base <NUM> may have recesses <NUM>. When each of the corners of the cover member <NUM> has a projected shape, the projected portion of the cover member <NUM> may be coupled to the base <NUM> at the recesses <NUM>.

The base <NUM> may have position-sensor-mounting grooves <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, which are depressed from the upper surface of the base <NUM> and in which the position sensors 240a and 240b are disposed.

The position sensor <NUM>, which is a position sensor for optical image stabilization (OIS) feedback, may include the first position sensor 240a and the second position sensor 240b.

The first and second position sensors 240a and 240b is disposed in the position-sensor-mounting grooves 215a and 215b in the base <NUM> positioned under the circuit board <NUM>, and may be conductively connected to the circuit board <NUM>. Although the first and second sensors 240a and 240b may also be mounted on the rear surface of the circuit board <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Each of the first and second position sensors 215a and 215b may receive a drive signal from the circuit board <NUM>, and the output from each of the first and second position sensors 215a and 215b may be output to the circuit board <NUM>.

The first and second position sensors 240a and 240b may detect the displacement of the housing <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> in a direction (for example, the X-axis or the Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis (that is, the Z-axis direction). For example, when the housing <NUM> is moved in the second direction and/or the third direction, the first and second position sensors 240a and 240b may detect variation in electromagnetic force generated by the magnets <NUM>, and may output a signal based on the detected result.

For example, each of the first and second position sensors 240a and 240b may be embodied as a hall sensor alone, or may be embodied as a driver including a hall sensor. However, this is for illustration only, and any sensor other than one using magnetic force may be used as long as it can detect a position.

The third coil <NUM> is disposed above the circuit board <NUM>, and the first and second position sensors 240a and 240b may be disposed under the circuit board <NUM>.

The circuit board <NUM> is disposed on the upper surface of the base <NUM>, and may include an opening or bore that corresponds to the opening in the bobbin <NUM>, the opening in the housing <NUM> and/or the opening in the base <NUM>.

The circuit board <NUM> may include at least one terminal portion <NUM>, which is bent from the upper surface of the circuit board <NUM>, and a plurality of terminals <NUM> provided on the terminal portion <NUM>. Although the circuit board <NUM> may include two terminal portions, which are respectively disposed at two sides of the upper surface of the circuit board <NUM> that face each other, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The circuit board <NUM> includes first terminals, which are conductively connected to the support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> connected to the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM>, and second terminals, which are conductively connected to the third coils <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>.

Although the circuit board <NUM> may be an FPCB, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The terminals may be formed by forming terminals on the surface of a PCB or the surface of the base <NUM> through surface electrode technology.

The circuit board <NUM> may have holes 250a through which the support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> extend. The support members are conductively connected to the circuit pattern formed on the lower surface of the circuit board <NUM> through the holes 250a in the circuit board <NUM> through a soldering process or the like.

In another embodiment, the circuit board <NUM> may not have the holes 250a, and the support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> are conductively connected to the circuit pattern or the pad formed on the upper surface of the circuit board <NUM> through a soldering process or the like.

The circuit board <NUM> may further have holes, which are coupled to protrusions provided on the upper surface of the base <NUM> through thermal fusion bonding or bonding using an adhesive member.

The third coil <NUM> is disposed on the upper surface of the circuit board <NUM> so as to correspond to or be aligned with the magnets <NUM>. The number of third coils <NUM> may be one or more, and may be equal to the number of magnets <NUM>, without being limited thereto.

Although the third coil <NUM> may include, for example, a plurality of OIS coils <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>, which are formed in an additional board <NUM> separated from the circuit board <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the plurality of OIS coils <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed on the circuit board <NUM> so as to be spaced apart from each other without an additional board or circuit member.

The board <NUM>, in which the third coil <NUM> is formed, may have escape grooves <NUM>, which are respectively formed in corners of the board <NUM> and through which the support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> respectively extend.

The OIS coils <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be conductively connected to the circuit board <NUM>. A drive signal, for example, drive current, may be supplied to each of the OIS coils <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>.

The magnets <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and the OIS coils <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may face each other or may be aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the optical axis. The housing <NUM> may be moved in the second and/or third direction by virtue of electromagnetic force caused by the interaction between the magnets <NUM> and the OIS coils <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> to which a drive signal is applied. The handshake may be implemented by controlling the movement of the housing <NUM>.

Next, the support members <NUM> will be described.

Although the support members <NUM> are coupled at first ends thereof to the upper elastic member <NUM> and at second ends thereof to the circuit board <NUM> via a solder or a conductive adhesive member, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second ends of the support members <NUM> are coupled to the circuit member <NUM> and/or the base <NUM>. In this case, the circuit member <NUM> or the base <NUM>, which is coupled to the second ends of the support members <NUM>, is conductively connected to the circuit board <NUM>.

The support members <NUM> include a plurality of support members, and the plurality of support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned so as to correspond to the second side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> is coupled to the first coupling portion <NUM> of a corresponding one of the upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> via the solder <NUM>, and is conductively connected to the first coupling portion <NUM>.

The plurality of support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may support the bobbin <NUM> and the housing <NUM> such that the bobbin <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are movable in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Each of the plurality of support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed adjacent to a corresponding one of the four second side portions <NUM>. The support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned inside the ring-shaped second coil <NUM>.

Although one support member is disposed at each of the second side portions of the housing <NUM> in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, two or more support members may be disposed at each of the second side portions of the housing <NUM>, and the upper elastic member <NUM> may include two or more upper elastic members, which are disposed at at least one of the second side portions of the housing <NUM> and which are separated and spaced apart from each other. For example, two support members, which are disposed at one of the second side portions of the housing <NUM>, may be connected to a corresponding one of the two upper elastic members, which are disposed at the one second side portion and are separated from each other.

Each of the plurality of support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be spaced apart from the housing <NUM> and is directly connected to the first coupling portion <NUM> of the first outer frame <NUM> of the upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>.

In another embodiment, the support members <NUM> may be embodied as leaf springs, and may be disposed at the side portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The drive signal from the circuit board <NUM> may be transmitted to the first coil <NUM> through the plurality of support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and the upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>, and the induction voltage output from the second coil <NUM> may be transmitted to the circuit board <NUM>.

The induction voltage from the second coil <NUM> may be transmitted to the circuit board <NUM> through the second and third upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the second and third support members <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. Furthermore, the power or drive signal from the circuit board <NUM> may be transmitted to the first coil <NUM> through the first and fourth upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the first and fourth support members <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

The plurality of support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be made of additional members separated from the upper elastic member <NUM>, and may be embodied as members having elastic supporting ability, for example, leaf springs, coil springs, suspension wires or the like. In another embodiment, the support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be integrally formed with the upper elastic member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view of <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of a first dotted area <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of a second dotted area <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, a portion of the second coil <NUM> may be wound at least one turn around the first projection 31a of the housing <NUM>, may be coupled to the second zone S2 of the outer portion 510a of the upper spring (for example, <NUM>-<NUM>) via the first solder <NUM>, and may be conductively connected to the upper spring (for example, <NUM>-<NUM>).

The other portion of the second coil <NUM> may be wound at least one turn around the second projection 31b, may be coupled to the second zone S2 of the outer portion 510d of the first outer frame <NUM> of the upper spring (for example, <NUM>-<NUM>) via the second solder <NUM>, and may be conductively connected to the upper spring (for example, <NUM>-<NUM>).

A portion of the second coil <NUM> disposed on the housing <NUM> may be wound at least one turn around the first projection 31a of the housing <NUM> and may include a first extended line 17f, which extends to the first outer frame <NUM> of the upper spring <NUM>-<NUM>. The first solder <NUM> may be disposed on the first extended line 17f and the first outer frame <NUM> of the first upper spring <NUM>-<NUM>, and the first extended line 17f and the first outer frame <NUM> of the upper spring (for example, <NUM>-<NUM>) may be conductively connected to each other via the first solder <NUM>.

The other portion of the second coil <NUM> disposed on the housing <NUM> may be wound at least one turn around the second projection 31b of the housing <NUM>, and may include a second extended line <NUM>, which extends to the first outer frame <NUM> of the upper spring <NUM>-<NUM>. The second solder <NUM> may be disposed on the second extended line <NUM> and the first outer frame <NUM> of the first upper spring <NUM>-<NUM>, and the second extended line <NUM> and the first outer frame <NUM> of the upper spring (for example, <NUM>-<NUM>) may be conductively connected to each other via the second solder <NUM>.

The reason why both ends of the second coil <NUM> are wound around the first and second projections 31a and 31b of the housing <NUM> is to solder the first end of the second coil <NUM> to the first outer frame of the first upper spring <NUM>-<NUM> and to solder the second end of the second coil <NUM> to the first outer frame of the second upper spring <NUM>-<NUM> without an additional line arrangement. Furthermore, the reason for this is to prevent disconnection of the second coil <NUM> caused by impacts and to prevent movement or vibration of the second coil <NUM> and to thus improve solderability upon soldering by stably and firmly securing both ends of the second coil <NUM> to the first and second projections 31a and 31b of the housing <NUM>.

For example, the second coil <NUM> may include a first portion 17a disposed on the outer surface (for example, in the second coil-mounting groove <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>, a second portion 17b wound around the first projection 31a of the housing <NUM>, a third portion 17c connecting one end of the first portion 17a to the second portion 17b, a fourth portion 17d wound around the second projection 31b of the housing <NUM>, a fifth portion 17e connecting the other end of the first portion 17a to the fourth portion 17d, a sixth portion 17f extending from an end of the second portion 17b, and a seventh portion <NUM> extending from one end of the fourth portion 17d.

The third portion 17c of the second coil <NUM> may be disposed in the groove 61a positioned at the first side portion of the housing <NUM>, and the fifth portion 17e of the second coil <NUM> may be disposed in the groove 61b positioned at the third side portion of the housing <NUM>.

The first portion 17a, which is a portion at which induction voltage is generated due to the interaction with the first coil <NUM>, may be represented as a "main body" of the second coil <NUM>, and the second portion 17b may be represented as a "first winding portion". The third portion 17c may be represented as a "first connection line", and the fourth portion 17d may be presented as a "second winding portion". The fifth portion 17e may be represented as a "second connection line".

The first solder <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second portion 17b of the second coil <NUM>, and the second solder <NUM> may be spaced apart from the fourth portion 17d of the second coil <NUM>. Hence, it is possible to increase the length of the second coil <NUM>.

The second coil <NUM> may include a conductive line and a sheath (for example, an insulation portion) surrounding the conductive line, and the first extended line 17f of the second coil <NUM> and the conductive line of the second extended line <NUM> may be exposed from the sheath. The reason for this is to conductively connect the second coil <NUM>-<NUM> to the first and second lower springs <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> through connection between the exposed portion of the conductive line of the first extended line 17f (or the second extended line <NUM>) and the first solder <NUM> (or the second solder <NUM>).

Since the second coil <NUM> extends to the second zone S2 of the second coupling portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the first outer frame of the upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, it is possible to increase the length of the second coil <NUM> and thus to increase the resistance of the second coil <NUM> by virtue of the increased length of the second coil <NUM>. Hence, since the induction voltage induced to the second coil <NUM> is increased, it is possible to improve the sensitivity required to detect the position of the bobbin <NUM> for AF feedback driving.

In another embodiment, the first and second extended lines 17f and <NUM> may be omitted, and the second coil <NUM> may include the first to fifth portions 17a to 17e. Furthermore, the first solder may be disposed on the second portion 17b of the second coil and the second outer frame of the upper spring <NUM>-<NUM>, and the second solder may be disposed on the fourth portion of the second coil and the second outer frame of the upper spring <NUM>-<NUM>. Here, the conductive line of the second and fourth portions 17b and 17d of the second coil may be exposed from the sheath, and the second coil and the upper springs <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be conductively connected to each other via the first and second solders.

In another embodiment, the second coil <NUM> may include a first portion 17a disposed on the outer surface (for example, the second coil-mounting groove <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>, a second portion 17b wound around the first projection 31a of the housing <NUM>, a third portion 17d wound around the second projection 31b of the housing <NUM>, a first connection line (or a first connection portion) 17c connecting one end of the first portion 17a to the second portion 17b, a second connection line (or a second connection portion) 17e connecting the other end of the first portion 17a to the third portion 17d, a first extension 17f extending from one end of the second portion 17b, and a second extension <NUM> extending from one end of the fourth portion 17d.

The embodiment shown in <FIG> uses induction voltage caused by the mutual induction between the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM> in order to perform AF feedback motion. In contrary, another embodiment may omit the second coil <NUM> shown in <FIG> and may include an AF position sensor disposed on the housing <NUM> or the bobbin <NUM>. In this case, the housing <NUM> or the bobbin <NUM> may be provided with a mounting groove, in which the AF position sensor is mounted. Furthermore, another embodiment may further include a circuit board disposed on the housing <NUM> or the bobbin <NUM> in order to mount the AF position sensor thereto.

Furthermore, another embodiment may further include an additional sensing magnet, which corresponds to the AF position sensor in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. When the AF position sensor is disposed on the bobbin <NUM>, the sensing magnet may be disposed on the housing <NUM>. When the AF position sensor is disposed on the housing <NUM>, the sensing magnet may be disposed on the bobbin <NUM>.

The AF position sensor may be conductively connected to the circuit board <NUM> through the plurality of upper springs and/or at least one lower spring and the support members <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>.

The AF position sensor may be embodied as a driver including a hall sensor, or may be embodied as a position sensor such as a hall sensor alone.

The AF position sensor may include two input terminals, to which a drive signal is supplied from the circuit board <NUM>, and two output terminals which output a signal based on the result of detection of the intensity of electromagnetic force of the magnet and/or the sensing magnet with movement of the AF movable unit.

Meanwhile, the lens moving apparatuses according to the above-described embodiments may be used in various fields, such as, for example, those of a camera module or an optical device.

For example, the lens moving apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment may be included in an optical instrument, which is designed to form the image of an object in a space using reflection, refraction, absorption, interference, diffraction or the like, which is the characteristic of light, to extend eyesight, to record an image obtained through a lens or to reproduce the image, to perform optical measurement, or to propagate or transmit an image. For example, the optical instrument according to the embodiment may include a smart phone and a portable terminal equipped with a camera.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the camera module <NUM> may include a lens or a lens barrel <NUM>, the lens moving apparatus <NUM>, an adhesive member <NUM>, a filter <NUM>, a first holder <NUM>, a second holder <NUM>, an image sensor <NUM>, a motion sensor <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a connector <NUM>. The first holder <NUM> may also be represented as a "sensor base", and the second holder <NUM> may also be represented as a "circuit board" or a "board".

The lens or the lens barrel <NUM> may be mounted in the bobbin <NUM> of the lens moving apparatus <NUM>.

The first holder <NUM> may be located under the base <NUM> of the lens moving apparatus <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may be mounted on the first holder <NUM>, and the first holder <NUM> may have a raised portion <NUM> on which the filter <NUM> is seated.

The adhesive member <NUM> may couple or attach the base <NUM> of the lens moving apparatus <NUM> to the first holder <NUM>. In addition to the attachment function described above, the adhesive member <NUM> may serve to prevent contaminants from entering the lens moving apparatus <NUM>.

The adhesive member <NUM> may be, for example, epoxy, thermohardening adhesive, or ultraviolet hardening adhesive.

The filter <NUM> may serve to prevent light within a specific frequency band that passes through the lens barrel <NUM> from being introduced into the image sensor <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may be, for example, an infrared-light-blocking filter, without being limited thereto. In another embodiment, the filter <NUM> may be an infrared-transmitting filter. Here, the filter <NUM> may be oriented parallel to the X-Y plane.

The region of the first holder <NUM> in which the filter <NUM> is mounted may be provided with an opening in order to allow the light that passes through the filter <NUM> to be introduced into the image sensor <NUM>.

The second holder <NUM> may be disposed under the first holder <NUM>, and the image sensor <NUM> may be mounted on the second holder <NUM>. The image sensor <NUM> may include an active area, an imaging area or an effective area, which is an area on which an image included in the light that passes through the filter <NUM> and that is introduced thereinto is formed.

The second holder <NUM> may include, for example, various circuits, devices, and a controller in order to convert the image, formed on the image sensor <NUM>, into electrical signals and to transmit the electrical signals to an external component.

The second holder <NUM> may be embodied as a circuit board on which the image sensor <NUM> may be mounted, on which a circuit pattern may be formed, and to which various devices may be coupled.

The image sensor <NUM> may receive an image contained in the light introduced through the lens moving apparatus <NUM>, and may convert the received image into electrical signals.

The filter <NUM> and the image sensor <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other so as to be opposite each other in the first direction.

The motion sensor <NUM> may be mounted on the second holder <NUM>, and may be conductively connected to the controller <NUM> through the circuit pattern formed on the second holder <NUM>.

The motion sensor <NUM> may output rotational angular speed caused by motion. The motion sensor <NUM> may be embodied as a dual-axis or triple-axis gyro sensor or an angular speed sensor.

The controller <NUM> may be mounted on the second holder <NUM>. The second holder <NUM> may be conductively connected to the lens moving apparatus <NUM>. For example, the second holder <NUM> may be conductively connected to the first coil <NUM> and the second coil <NUM> of the lens moving apparatus <NUM>.

For example, a drive signal may be supplied to the first coil <NUM> through the second holder <NUM>, and the induction voltage from the second coil <NUM> may be transmitted to the second holder <NUM>. For example, the induction voltage from the second coil <NUM> may be received by the controller <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may be conductively connected to the second holder <NUM>, and may have a port for the electrical connection of an external component.

The image sensor <NUM> may include a pixel array including a plurality of unit pixels, a sensing controller for providing control signals for controlling transistors included in the unit pixels and an A/D converter for converting an analog signal output from the unit pixels of the pixel array <NUM> into a digital signal.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portable terminal 200A according to an embodiment. <NUM> is a view illustrating the configuration of the portable terminal 200A illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the portable terminal 200A (hereinafter referred to as a "terminal") may include a body <NUM>, a wireless communication unit <NUM>, an audio/video (A/V) input unit <NUM>, a sensing unit <NUM>, an input/output unit <NUM>, a memory unit <NUM>, an interface unit <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a power supply unit <NUM>.

The body <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> has a bar shape, without being limited thereto, and may be any of various types such as, for example, a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, or a swivel type, in which two or more sub-bodies are coupled so as to be movable relative to each other. The body <NUM> may include a case (e.g. casing, housing, or cover) defining the external appearance of the terminal.

The wireless communication unit <NUM> may include one or more modules, which enable wireless communication between the terminal 200A and a wireless communication system or between the terminal 200A and a network in which the terminal 200A is located. For example, the wireless communication unit <NUM> may include a broadcast-receiving module <NUM>, a mobile communication module <NUM>, a wireless Internet module <NUM>, a nearfield communication module <NUM>, and a location information module <NUM>.

The A/V input unit <NUM> serves to input audio signals or video signals, and may include, for example, a camera <NUM> and a microphone <NUM>.

The camera <NUM> may be the camera <NUM> including the camera module <NUM> according to the embodiment.

The sensing unit <NUM> may sense the current state of the terminal 200A, such as, for example, the opening or closing of the terminal 200A, the location of the terminal 200A, the presence of a user's touch, the orientation of the terminal 200A, or the acceleration/deceleration of the terminal 200A, and may generate a sensing signal to control the operation of the terminal 200A.

The input/output unit <NUM> serves to generate, for example, visual, audible, or tactile input or output. The input/output unit <NUM> may generate input data to control the operation of the terminal 200A, and may display information processed in the terminal 200A.

The input/output unit <NUM> may include a keypad unit <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, and a touchscreen panel <NUM>. The keypad unit <NUM> may generate input data in response to input to a keypad.

The display module <NUM> may include a plurality of pixels, the color of which varies in response to electrical signals applied thereto.

The sound output module <NUM> may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit <NUM> in, for example, a call signal reception mode, a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or a broadcast reception mode, or may output audio data stored in the memory unit <NUM>.

The touchscreen panel <NUM> may convert variation in capacitance, caused by a user's touch on a specific region of a touchscreen, into electrical input signals.

The memory unit <NUM> may store programs for the processing and control of the controller <NUM>. For example, the memory unit <NUM> may store images captured by the camera <NUM>, for example, pictures or moving images.

The interface unit <NUM> may receive power or data from the external component, and may transmit the same to respective constituent elements inside the terminal 200A, or may transmit data inside the terminal 200A to the external component.

The controller <NUM> may control the general operation of the terminal 200A. For example, the controller <NUM> may perform control and processing related to, for example, voice calls, data communication, and video calls.

The controller <NUM> may include a multimedia module <NUM> for multimedia playback, a camera controller <NUM> for controlling a camera, and a display controller <NUM> for controlling the input/output unit <NUM>.

The power supply unit <NUM> may supply power required to operate the respective constituent elements upon receiving external power or internal power under the control of the controller <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A lens moving apparatus comprising:
a housing(<NUM>);
a bobbin (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>);
a first coil (<NUM>) disposed on the bobbin (<NUM>);
a magnet (<NUM>) disposed on the housing (<NUM>);
an upper spring (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>) coupled both to an upper portion of the bobbin (<NUM>) and to an upper portion of the housing (<NUM>);
a circuit board (<NUM>) disposed under the housing (<NUM>);
a support member (<NUM>) conductively connecting the upper spring (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>) to the circuit board (<NUM>); and
wherein the upper spring (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>) comprises:
an outer portion (<NUM>) coupled to the housing (<NUM>);
a first coupling portion comprising a coupling region (520a) coupled to the support member (<NUM>); and
a first connecting portion (<NUM>) connecting the outer portion (<NUM>) to the first coupling portion (<NUM>),
wherein the first coupling portion (<NUM>) further comprises a first extension (<NUM>), which extends toward the outer portion (<NUM>) from the coupling region (520a),
characterized in that
a damping member (<NUM>; <NUM>) is disposed on the upper spring (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>), and
that the first extension (<NUM>) is spaced apart from the outer portion (<NUM>), and the damping member (<NUM>; <NUM>) connects the first extension (<NUM>) to the outer portion (<NUM>),
that the damping member (<NUM>; <NUM>) is spaced apart from the coupling region (520a), and the coupling region (520a) is positioned closer to the first extension portion (<NUM>) than the damping member (<NUM>;<NUM>).