Patent Description:
In general, a camera module is mounted on a vehicle, an endoscope or an IT (Information Technology) appliance such as a mobile communication terminal or a laptop computer. Such a camera module is developed to have hundreds of thousands or millions of pixels. In addition, various studies and researches have been performed to miniaturize the camera module and to add various functions such as an AF (Auto Focusing) or an optical zoom to the camera module at a low cost. A relevant prior art document is <CIT>.

Therefore, the embodiment is provided to miniaturize a camera module and to add various functions to the camera module. That is, the embodiment is provided to add a shake correction function and an AF control function to a camera module. In addition, the embodiment is provided to miniaturize a camera module.

According to the embodiment, there is provided a camera module including a housing; a lens barrel disposed in the housing to receive a lens; and an elastic member connecting the housing to the lens barrel, and comprising a first elastic part and a second elastic part bent from the first elastic part to have a height from a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens, which is different from a height of the first elastic part.

According to the embodiment, the camera module may automatically correct a shake and may adjust a focus. That is, the driving unit may move the lens barrel corresponding to the housing and the elastic member may provide the restoring force corresponding to the lens barrel, so that the camera module may effectively correct the shake, and at the same time, may adjust the focus. In addition, since the functions of correcting the shake and adjusting the focus through the driving unit and the elastic member are achieved, the miniaturization of the camera module may be implemented. In other words, since various functions may be achieved without adding many components, the miniaturization of the camera module may be implemented.

Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same elements throughout the drawings. In addition, a detailed description of known functions and configurations which make the subject matter of the disclosure unclear will be omitted.

In the description of the embodiments, it will be understood that, when a lens, a unit, a part, a hole, a protrusion, a groove, or a layer is referred to as being "on" or "under" another unit, part, hole, protrusion, groove, or layer, it can be "directly" or "indirectly" on the other unit, part, hole, protrusion, groove, or layer, or one or more intervening elements may also be present. Such a position of an element has been described with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a camera module according to the embodiment. Further, <FIG> is a sectional view showing a camera module according to the embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the camera module <NUM> according to the embodiment includes a lens assembly <NUM>, a lens barrel <NUM>, a filter unit <NUM>, a sensor unit <NUM>, a circuit substrate <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, a driving unit <NUM> and an elastic member <NUM>.

The lens assembly <NUM> includes at least one lens <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. When the lens assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of lenses <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, the lenses <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are sequentially stacked. For example, the lens assembly <NUM> may include first to third lenses <NUM> to <NUM>. The second lens <NUM> may be stacked on the first lens <NUM>, and the third lens <NUM> may be stacked on the second lens <NUM>. In this case, spacers (not shown) may be interposed between the lenses <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The spacers may allow the lenses <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> to be spaced apart from each other so that gaps may be maintained between the lenses <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The lens assembly <NUM> may have a circular outer shape. Or, the lens assembly <NUM> may have a rectangular outer shape.

The lens barrel <NUM> receives the lens assembly <NUM>. That is, the lens barrel <NUM> has a receiving groove <NUM> formed therein such that the lens assembly <NUM> is received in the receiving groove <NUM>. The receiving groove <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the lens assembly <NUM>. The receiving groove <NUM> may have a circular shape. The receiving groove <NUM> may have a rectangular shape. The lens barrel <NUM> exposes the lens assembly <NUM>. That is, the lens barrel <NUM> exposes the lens assembly <NUM> such that light is incident upon the lens assembly <NUM>.

The filter unit <NUM> is disposed below the lens barrel <NUM>. The filter unit <NUM> filters the light incident from the lens assembly <NUM>. In this case, the filter unit <NUM> may block infrared rays. That is, the filter unit <NUM> may block the light having a long wavelength. The filter unit <NUM> may be formed by alternately deposing titanium oxide and silicon oxide on an optical glass. The optical property of the filter unit <NUM> for blocking infrared rays may be adjusted with the thicknesses of the titanium oxide and the silicon oxide.

The sensor unit <NUM> is disposed below the filter unit <NUM>. The sensor unit <NUM> converts the incident light from the filter unit <NUM> into an electric image signal. The sensor unit <NUM> includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor).

The circuit substrate <NUM> is disposed below the sensor unit <NUM>. That is, the sensor unit <NUM> is mounted on the circuit substrate <NUM>. The circuit substrate <NUM> is electrically connected to the sensor unit <NUM>. The sensor unit <NUM> is fixed to the circuit substrate <NUM>. The circuit substrate <NUM> may include a PCB (Printed Circuit Board).

The housing <NUM> receives the lens barrel <NUM>, the filter unit <NUM> and the sensor unit <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is mounted on the circuit substrate <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is fixed to the circuit substrate <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes first and second housings <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> receives the lens barrel <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> includes an outer part <NUM> and a cover part <NUM>. The outer part <NUM> surrounds the lens barrel <NUM>. The outer part <NUM> covers an upper portion of the lens barrel <NUM>. A light input groove <NUM> is formed at the central portion of the cover part <NUM>, so that the lens assembly <NUM> is exposed through the light input groove <NUM>. That is, the cover part <NUM> allows the lens assembly <NUM> to be exposed therethrough such that light is incident upon the lens assembly <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may have a rectangular outer shape. Or, the first housing <NUM> may have a circular outer shape. In addition, the first housing <NUM> may be formed of plastic or metal.

The second housing <NUM> receives the filter unit <NUM> and the sensor unit <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> is coupled to a lower portion of the first housing <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> is mounted on the top surface of the circuit substrate <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> is fixed to the circuit substrate <NUM>. The filter unit <NUM> may be fixed to the second housing <NUM>. That is, the second housing <NUM> may allow the filter unit <NUM> to be disposed between the lens assembly <NUM> and the sensor unit <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> may have an outer shape corresponding to that of the first housing <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> may have a rectangular outer shape. Or, the second housing <NUM> may have a circular outer shape. In addition, the second housing <NUM> may be formed of plastic or metal.

The driving unit <NUM> is fixed to the lens barrel <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The driving unit <NUM> drives the lens barrel <NUM> with respect to the housing <NUM>. That is, the driving unit <NUM> moves the lens barrel <NUM>. In other words, the driving unit <NUM> moves the lens barrel <NUM> in three-axis directions of up/down, front/rear and left/right directions. In the following description, the left/right direction will be referred to as an X-axis direction, the front/rear direction will be referred to as a Y-axis direction and the up/ down direction will be referred to as a Z-axis direction. That is, X-axis and Y-axis are perpendicular to each other in perpendicular to an OA (Optical Axis), and Z-axis corresponds to the OA. The driving unit <NUM> utilizes a magnetic force. The driving unit <NUM> includes a first driving unit <NUM> and a second driving unit <NUM>.

The first driving unit <NUM> is fixed to the housing <NUM>. The first driving unit <NUM> may be attached to the inner surface of the housing <NUM>. The first driving unit <NUM> includes a horizontal driving unit <NUM> and a vertical driving unit <NUM>. The horizontal driving unit <NUM> is fixed to the first housing <NUM>. The horizontal driving unit <NUM> is disposed on a side portion of the lens barrel <NUM>. The horizontal driving unit <NUM> may be attached to the inner surface of the outer part <NUM>. The horizontal driving unit <NUM> may apply a magnetic force in the direction perpendicular to the OA, that is, in the front/ rear direction or the left/right direction. The vertical driving unit <NUM> is fixed to the second housing <NUM>. The vertical driving unit <NUM> is disposed at the lower portion of the lens barrel <NUM>. The vertical driving unit <NUM> is disposed at an end of the receiving groove <NUM>. The vertical driving unit <NUM> may apply a magnetic force in the direction parallel with the OA, that is, in the up/down direction.

The first driving unit <NUM> may include a coil. The horizontal driving unit <NUM> may be formed by winding the coil about the axis perpendicular to the OA. Further, the vertical driving unit <NUM> may be formed by winding the coil about the axis parallel with the OA. In addition, the first driving unit <NUM> may be electrically connected to the circuit substrate <NUM>. The first driving unit <NUM> may apply a magnetic force at an angle in the range of about <NUM>° to about <NUM>° from the plane perpendicular to the OA.

The second driving unit <NUM> is fixed to the lens barrel <NUM>. The second driving unit <NUM> may be attached to an outer surface of the lens barrel <NUM>. The second driving unit faces the first driving unit <NUM>. The second driving unit <NUM> faces the vertical driving unit <NUM> in the direction parallel with the OA. The second driving unit <NUM> faces the horizontal driving unit <NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the OA. The second driving unit <NUM> faces the first driving unit <NUM> while the second driving unit <NUM> is spaced apart from the first driving unit <NUM>. A gap between the first and second driving units <NUM> and <NUM> may be in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In addition, the second driving unit <NUM> may have a plate shape. The second driving unit <NUM> may have a rectangular shape.

The second driving unit <NUM> may include a magnetic material. The second driving unit <NUM> may be formed of a magnetic material. The magnetic material includes iron oxide, CoFe2O4, or ferrite. The second driving unit <NUM> may be electrically connected to the circuit substrate <NUM>. The magnetization direction of the second driving unit <NUM> may be inclined to the OA. The magnetization direction of the second driving unit <NUM> may be inclined from the plane perpendicular to the OA. An angle between the magnetization direction of the second driving unit <NUM> and the plane perpendicular to the OA may be in the range of about -<NUM>° to about -<NUM>°.

Meanwhile, although it is describe in the embodiment that the first driving unit <NUM> includes a coil and the second driving unit <NUM> includes a magnetic material, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, even though the first driving unit <NUM> includes a magnetic material and the second driving unit <NUM> includes a coil, the embodiment may be implemented.

A repulsive force or an attractive force may be generated between the first and second driving units <NUM> and <NUM>. That is, the first driving unit <NUM> may apply the repulsive force or the attractive force to the second driving unit <NUM>. Since the repulsive force and the attractive force have the relative concept, the repulsive force or the attractive force applied from the first driving unit <NUM> to the second driving unit <NUM> may be substantially identical to the repulsive force or the attractive force applied from the second driving unit <NUM> to the first driving unit <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> is disposed in the housing <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> connects the lens barrel <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> allows the lens barrel <NUM> to be move relative to the housing <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> is fixed to the lens barrel <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> is fixed to the first housing <NUM>. In addition, the elastic member <NUM> may be fixed to the first housing <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> can be fixed to the first housing <NUM> while being spaced apart from the first housing <NUM> in the direction parallel with the OA by at least <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> provides a restoring force. That is, the elastic member <NUM> provides a restoring force corresponding to the movement of the lens barrel <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. In this case, the elastic member <NUM> may provide a restoring force in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the lens barrel <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may include a spring. The elastic member <NUM> may include a plate-type spring. The elastic member <NUM> may have a thickness in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In addition, the elastic member <NUM> may include a metallic material. An elastic part <NUM> may be made of a metallic alloy. The elastic member <NUM> may include a polymer material. In this case, the elastic part <NUM> may be made of a polymer material.

<FIG> is a plan view showing an elastic member according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view showing the first modification example of the elastic member according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view showing the second modification example of the elastic member according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view showing the third modification example of the elastic member according to the first embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> according to the embodiment includes an inner frame <NUM>, an outer frame <NUM> and a plurality of elastic parts <NUM>.

The inner frame <NUM> is disposed at the inmost portion of the elastic member <NUM>. The inner frame <NUM> may have a closed shape. The inner frame <NUM> may surround the OA. In this case the inner frame <NUM> may surround the receiving groove <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the inner frame <NUM> may have a circular shape. As shown in <FIG>, the inner frame <NUM> may have a polygonal shape. The inner frame <NUM> may be fixed to the lens barrel <NUM>.

The outer frame <NUM> is disposed at the outmost portion of the elastic member <NUM>. The outer frame <NUM> may have a closed shape. The outer frame <NUM> may surround the OA. In this case, the outer frame <NUM> may surround the inner frame <NUM> at an outside of the inner frame <NUM>. That is, the outer frame <NUM> may surround the inner frame <NUM> at the position spaced apart from the inner frame <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the outer frame <NUM> may have a polygonal shape. Although not shown, the outer frame <NUM> may be disposed on the same plate as that of the inner frame <NUM>. That is, the outer frame <NUM> may have the same height as that of the inner frame <NUM> on the plane perpendicular to the OA. The outer frame <NUM> may be fixed to the housing <NUM>.

The elastic parts <NUM> connect the inner frame <NUM> to the outer frame <NUM>. In this case, the elastic parts <NUM> are disposed between the inner frame <NUM> and the outer frame <NUM>. The elastic parts <NUM> are distributed at the same rotation angle about the OA. For example, when the elastic member <NUM> includes three elastic parts <NUM>, the three elastic parts <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other at the rotation angle of <NUM>°. Meanwhile, when the elastic member <NUM> includes four elastic parts <NUM>, the four elastic parts <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other at the rotation angle of <NUM>°.

In addition, the elastic parts <NUM> may have the same shape. As shown in <FIG>, the elastic parts <NUM> may have the same shape. For example, the elastic parts <NUM> may have an L-shape on the plane perpendicular to the OA. Further, the elastic parts <NUM> may be rotated at mutually different angles, respectively, at their positions.

Further, the elastic parts <NUM> may have mutually different shapes. As shown in <FIG>, the elastic parts <NUM> may have mutually different shapes. For example, some of the elastic parts <NUM> may have an L-shape. In addition, some of the elastic parts <NUM> may be rotated at mutually different angles, respectively, at their positions. The remaining of the elastic parts <NUM> may have a reverse-L shape. In addition, the remaining of the elastic parts <NUM> may be rotated at mutually different angles, respectively, at their positions.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the elastic parts <NUM> may have a shape such that the elastic parts <NUM> are symmetrical to each other about the plane formed by one axis perpendicular to the OA. That is, the elastic parts <NUM> may have a shape such that the elastic parts <NUM> are symmetrical to each other about the plane formed by, for example, the Z and X-axes. Of course, the elastic parts <NUM> may have a shape such that the elastic parts <NUM> are symmetrical to each other about the plane formed by, for example, the Z and Y-axes.

Meanwhile, as shown in <FIG>, the elastic parts <NUM> may be symmetrical to each other about the plane formed by the OA and one axis as well as the plane formed by the OA and the other axis perpendicular to the one axis. That is, the elastic parts <NUM> may have a shape such that the elastic parts <NUM> are symmetrical to each other about the plane formed by the Z and Y-axes as well as the plane formed by the Z and X-axes.

<FIG> is a view showing a first example of the elastic part of the elastic member according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view showing the elastic part and <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-B of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the elastic part <NUM> includes first and second elastic parts <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first elastic part <NUM> is fixed to the housing <NUM>. The first elastic part <NUM> is fixed to the outer frame <NUM>. That is, the first elastic part <NUM> is fixed to the first housing <NUM> through the outer frame <NUM>.

The second elastic part <NUM> extends from the first elastic part <NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> is fixed to the lens barrel <NUM>. In this case, the second elastic part <NUM> is fixed to the inner frame <NUM>. That is, the second elastic part <NUM> is fixed to the lens barrel <NUM>.

The second elastic part <NUM> includes a group of unit pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The group of unit pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> includes a first unit piece <NUM>, a second unit piece <NUM>, a third unit piece <NUM> and a fourth unit piece <NUM>. The elastic part <NUM> is defined by six connecting points P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM> and P<NUM>. The first to fourth unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM> may be sequentially connected to each other at the six connecting points P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM> and P<NUM>, and may be distinguished from each other based on at least one of a gradient from the OA and a height from the plane perpendicular to the OA.

The first elastic part <NUM> is connected to the first housing <NUM> at the first connecting point P<NUM>. The first elastic part <NUM> extends from the first connecting point P<NUM> to the second connecting point P<NUM>. The first elastic part <NUM> has a first length L<NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the OA.

The second elastic part <NUM> is connected to the first elastic part <NUM> at the second connecting point P<NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> extends from the second connecting point P<NUM> to the sixth connecting point P<NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> is connected to the lens barrel <NUM> at the sixth connecting point P<NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> includes a first unit piece <NUM>, a second unit piece <NUM>, a third unit piece <NUM> and a fourth unit piece <NUM>.

The first unit piece <NUM> is connected to the second connecting point P<NUM>. The first unit piece <NUM> extends from the second connecting point P<NUM> to the third connecting point P<NUM>. The first unit piece <NUM> extends in the direction inclined at a first gradient θ<NUM>. The first gradient θ<NUM> may be in the range of about <NUM>°to about <NUM>°. The first unit piece <NUM> has a first unit length L<NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the OA.

The second unit piece <NUM> is connected to the first unit piece <NUM>. The second unit piece <NUM> extends from the third connecting point P<NUM> to the fourth connecting point P<NUM>. The second unit piece <NUM> extends in the direction perpendicular to the OA. The height of the second unit piece <NUM> from the plane perpendicular to the OA may be different from that of the first elastic part <NUM>. The second unit piece <NUM> has a second unit length L<NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the OA.

The third unit piece <NUM> is connected to the second unit piece <NUM> at the fourth connecting point P<NUM>. The third unit piece <NUM> extends from the fourth connecting point P<NUM> to the fifth connecting point P<NUM>. The third unit piece <NUM> extends in the direction inclined at a second gradient θ<NUM> from the OA. The second gradient θ<NUM> may be in the range of about <NUM>°to about -<NUM>°. The third unit piece <NUM> has a third unit length L<NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the OA.

The fourth unit piece <NUM> is connected to the third unit piece <NUM> at the fifth connecting point P<NUM>. The fourth unit piece <NUM> extends from the fifth connecting point P<NUM> to the sixth connecting point P<NUM>. The fourth unit piece <NUM> is connected to the lens barrel <NUM> at the sixth connecting point P<NUM>. The fourth unit piece <NUM> extends in the direction perpendicular to the OA. The height of the fourth unit piece <NUM> from the plane perpendicular to the OA may be different from that of the first elastic part <NUM> or the second unit piece <NUM>. In addition, the fourth unit piece <NUM> has a fourth unit length L<NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the OA.

<FIG> is a view showing a second example of the elastic part of the elastic member according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view showing the elastic part and <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-B of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the elastic part <NUM> according to the present example includes first and second elastic parts <NUM> and <NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> is formed by connecting at least two groups of unit pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> to each other. The groups of unit pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> have the same structure and shape.

In the present embodiment, since each group of the unit pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second elastic parts <NUM> and <NUM> is similar to the group described above, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, when the second elastic part <NUM> includes two groups, each of which includes the unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM>, the elastic part <NUM> is distinguished by ten connecting points P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM> and P<NUM>.

That is, the first elastic part <NUM> is connected to the first housing <NUM> at the first connecting point P<NUM>. The first elastic part <NUM> extends from the first connecting point P<NUM> to the second connecting point P<NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> is connected to the first elastic part <NUM> at the second connecting point P<NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> extends from the second connecting point P<NUM> to the tenth connecting point P<NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> is connected to the lens barrel <NUM> at the tenth connecting point P<NUM>.

In the second elastic part <NUM>, the groups of unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM> are connected to each other at the sixth connecting point P<NUM>. That is, the fourth unit piece <NUM> of the first group of the unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM> is connected to the first unit piece <NUM> of the second group of unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM> at the sixth connecting point P<NUM>. In addition, the fourth unit piece <NUM> of the second group of the unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM> is connected to the lens barrel <NUM> at the tenth connecting point P<NUM>.

Further, the first and second unit pieces <NUM> and <NUM> of the second group of the unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM> are connected to each other at the seventh connecting point P<NUM>. The second and third unit pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to each other at the seventh connecting point P<NUM>. The third and fourth unit pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to each other at the seventh connecting point P<NUM>. In addition, the fourth unit piece <NUM> is connected to the lens barrel <NUM> at the tenth connecting point P<NUM>.

Meanwhile, although the second elastic part <NUM> of the present example, which includes two groups of unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM>, is described, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, even if the second elastic part <NUM> includes two groups of unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM> or over, the embodiment can be implemented. In this case, the elastic part <NUM> may be defined by more than ten connecting points P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>,.

<FIG> is a view showing a third example of the elastic part of the elastic member according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view showing the elastic part and <FIG> are sectional views taken along line A-B of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the elastic part <NUM> according to the present example includes first and second elastic parts <NUM> and <NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> includes a group of unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM>. The group of unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM> includes first to eighth unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM>. The elastic part <NUM> is divided by ten connecting points P<NUM> to P<NUM>. The first to eighth unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM> are sequentially connected to each other at the ten connecting points P<NUM> to P<NUM>.

In the present example, since each of the unit pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second elastic parts <NUM> and <NUM> is similar to the above, the detailed description will be omitted. Only, the elastic part <NUM> of the present example further includes the fifth to eighth unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM>.

The fifth unit piece <NUM> is connected to the first elastic part <NUM> at the sixth connecting point P<NUM>. The fifth unit piece <NUM> extends from the sixth connecting point P<NUM> to the seventh connecting point P<NUM>. The fifth unit piece <NUM> extends in the direction inclined at the third gradient θ<NUM>. The third gradient θ<NUM> is in the range of about <NUM>°to about <NUM>°. The fifth unit piece <NUM> has a fifth unit length L<NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the OA.

The sixth unit piece <NUM> is connected to the fifth unit piece <NUM> at the seventh connecting point P<NUM>. The sixth unit piece <NUM> extends from the seventh connecting point P<NUM> to the eighth connecting point P<NUM>. The sixth unit piece <NUM> extends in the direction perpendicular to the OA. The height of the sixth unit piece <NUM> from the plane perpendicular to the OA may be different from that of at least one of the first elastic part <NUM>, the second unit piece <NUM> and the fourth unit piece <NUM>. In addition, the sixth unit piece <NUM> has a fourth unit length L<NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the OA.

The seventh unit piece <NUM> is connected to the sixth unit piece <NUM> at the eighth connecting point P<NUM>. The seventh unit piece <NUM> extends from the eighth connecting point P<NUM> to the ninth connecting point P<NUM>. The seventh unit piece <NUM> extends in the direction inclined at the fourth gradient θ<NUM>. The fourth gradient θ<NUM> is in the range of about <NUM>° to about -<NUM>°. The seventh unit piece <NUM> has a seventh unit length L<NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the OA.

The eighth unit piece <NUM> is connected to the seventh unit piece <NUM> at the ninth connecting point P<NUM>. The eighth unit piece <NUM> extends from the ninth connecting point P<NUM> to the tenth connecting point P<NUM>. The eighth unit piece <NUM> is connected to the lens barrel <NUM> at the tenth connecting point P<NUM>. The eighth unit piece <NUM> extends in the direction perpendicular to the OA. The height of the eighth unit piece <NUM> from the plane perpendicular to the OA may be different from that of at least one of the first elastic part <NUM>, the second unit piece <NUM>, the fourth unit piece <NUM> and the sixth unit piece <NUM>. In addition, the eighth unit piece <NUM> has an eighth unit length L<NUM> in the direction perpendicular to the OA.

Meanwhile, even though the second elastic part <NUM> is formed by connecting at least two groups of unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM> to each other, the embodiment can be implemented. The groups of unit pieces <NUM> to <NUM> have the same structure and shape. The elastic part <NUM> may be defined by more than ten connecting points P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P <NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>, P<NUM>,.

<FIG> is a plan view showing an elastic member according to the second embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the elastic member according to the second embodiment. <FIG> is an enlarged view of region A in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> according to the second embodiment includes an inner frame <NUM>, an outer frame <NUM> and a plurality of elastic parts <NUM>. Since the configurations of the inner frame <NUM>, the outer frame <NUM> and the plurality of elastic parts <NUM> are similar to those described above, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

However, each elastic part <NUM> includes an inner side connecting part <NUM>, an outer side connecting part <NUM>, a first elastic part <NUM> and at least one second elastic part <NUM>. The first elastic part <NUM> has the same thickness as that of the second elastic part <NUM>. In this case, the second elastic part <NUM> may be at least <NUM>% of the elastic part <NUM>.

The inner side connecting part <NUM> is connected to the inner frame <NUM>. In this case, the inner side connecting part <NUM> is fixed to the inner frame <NUM>. The inner side connecting part <NUM> may be fixed to the lens barrel <NUM> through the inner frame <NUM>. The inner side connecting part <NUM> may be protruded from the inner frame <NUM> toward the outer frame <NUM>. The inner side connecting part <NUM> may be disposed on the same plane as the inner frame <NUM>. That is, the inner side connecting part <NUM> may have the same height as that of the inner frame <NUM> from the plane perpendicular to the OA.

The outer side connecting part <NUM> is connected to the outer frame <NUM>. In this case, the outer side connecting part <NUM> is fixed to the outer frame <NUM>. The outer side connecting part <NUM> may be fixed to the housing <NUM> through the outer frame <NUM>. The outer side connecting part <NUM> may be protruded from the outer frame <NUM> toward the inner frame <NUM>. The outer side connecting part <NUM> may be disposed on the same plane as the outer frame <NUM>. That is, the outer side connecting part <NUM> may have the same height as that of the outer frame <NUM> from the plane perpendicular to the OA.

The first elastic part <NUM> is disposed between the inner and outer frames <NUM> and <NUM>. The first elastic part <NUM> may be bent at least one time. The first elastic part <NUM> is bent and extends on the plane perpendicular to the OA. For example, the first elastic part <NUM> may extend in the direction parallel with the Y-axis and then, may be bent such that the first elastic part <NUM> may extend in the direction parallel with the X-axis. Further, the first elastic part <NUM> may extend in the direction parallel with the X-axis and then, may be bent such that the first elastic part <NUM> may extend in the direction parallel with the Y-axis.

In this case, the first elastic part <NUM> may be directly connected to the inner side connecting part <NUM> or the outer side connecting part <NUM>. That is, the first elastic part <NUM> may extend from one of the inner and outer side connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM>. The first elastic part <NUM> may make contact with the inner side connecting part <NUM> or the outer side connecting part <NUM>. Also, the first elastic part <NUM> may extend from one of the inner and outer side connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM>. The first elastic part <NUM> may not be directly connected to the inner and outer side connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM>. That is, the first elastic part <NUM> may be spaced apart from the inner and outer side connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first elastic part <NUM> may be disposed on the same plane as at least one of the inner and outer side connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM>. That is, the first elastic part <NUM> may have the same height as that of at least one of the inner and outer side connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM> from the plane perpendicular to the OA. Here, the first elastic part <NUM> may have a thickness in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The second elastic part <NUM> is connected to the first elastic part <NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> extends from the first elastic part <NUM>. In this case, the second elastic part <NUM> may be connected to the inner side connecting part <NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> may be connected to the outer side connecting part <NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> is formed through a bending from the first elastic part <NUM>. That is, the second elastic part <NUM> may connect the inner side connecting part <NUM> and the first elastic part <NUM> to each other and may be bent from the inner side connecting part <NUM> and the first elastic part <NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> may connect the outer side connecting part <NUM> and the first elastic part <NUM> to each other and may be bent from the outer side connecting part <NUM> and the first elastic part <NUM>.

The second elastic part <NUM> may be bent at least one time. That is, the second elastic part <NUM> may be bent and extend on the plane perpendicular to the OA. For example, after the second elastic part <NUM> extends from the first elastic part <NUM> and is bent, the second elastic part <NUM> may extend. Here, the second elastic part <NUM> may be bent and extend from the first elastic part <NUM>. Further, after the second elastic part <NUM> extends from the inner or outer side connecting part <NUM> or <NUM>, the second elastic part <NUM> may be bent and extend. Here, after the second elastic part <NUM> is bent from the inner or outer side connecting part <NUM> or <NUM>, the second elastic part <NUM> may be bent.

Thus, the second elastic part <NUM> is disposed on the plane different from that of the first elastic part <NUM>. That is, the second elastic part <NUM> has a height different from that of the first elastic part <NUM> from the plane perpendicular to the OA. The second elastic part <NUM> may have a height higher than that of the first elastic part <NUM>. In this case, the second elastic part <NUM> has the same thickness as that of the first elastic part <NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> may have a thickness in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. A length of the second elastic part <NUM> may be equal to or longer than that of the first elastic part <NUM>. In this case, the second elastic part <NUM> may be at least <NUM>% of the elastic part <NUM>.

In addition, the second elastic part <NUM> includes a horizontal part <NUM> and a bending part <NUM>. A thickness of the horizontal part <NUM> is equal to that of the bending part <NUM>.

The horizontal part <NUM> is disposed in parallel with the plane perpendicular to the OA. That is, the horizontal part <NUM> has a height from the plane perpendicular to the OA, which is substantially different from that of the first elastic part <NUM>. In this case, the horizontal part <NUM> may be higher or lower than the first elastic part <NUM>. The horizontal part <NUM> may have a first horizontal length HL<NUM> between the first elastic part <NUM> and the inner side connecting part <NUM>. Further, the horizontal part <NUM> may have a second horizontal length HL<NUM> between the first elastic part <NUM> and the outer side connecting part <NUM>. In this case, the first horizontal length HL<NUM> is equal to or different from the second horizontal length HL<NUM>. In addition, the horizontal part <NUM> may have a thickness in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The bending part <NUM> connects the horizontal part <NUM> to the first elastic part <NUM>. The bending part <NUM> extends from the horizontal part <NUM>. The bending part <NUM> is connected to the first elastic part <NUM>. The bending part <NUM> may connect the inner side connecting part <NUM> to the horizontal part <NUM>. In this case, the bending part <NUM> may extend from the horizontal part <NUM> such that the bending part <NUM> may be connected to the inner side connecting part <NUM>. In addition, the bending part <NUM> may connect the outer side connecting part <NUM> to the horizontal part <NUM>. The bending part <NUM> may extend from the horizontal part <NUM> such that the bending part <NUM> may be connected to the outer side connecting part <NUM>.

In addition, the bending part <NUM> may be inclined from the first elastic part <NUM> at a gradient in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. The bending part <NUM> may be inclined from the first elastic part <NUM> and between the first elastic part <NUM> and the inner side connecting part <NUM> at a fifth gradient θ<NUM>. The bending part <NUM> may be inclined from the first elastic part <NUM> and between the first elastic part <NUM> and the outer side connecting part <NUM> at a sixth gradient θ<NUM>. The fifth gradient θ<NUM> may be equal to or different from the sixth gradient θ<NUM>. In addition, the bending part <NUM> has a thickness equal to that of the horizontal part <NUM>. The thickness of the bending part <NUM> may be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

For example, when the elastic part <NUM> includes a plurality of second elastic parts <NUM>, the second elastic parts <NUM> may connect the first elastic part <NUM> and the first elastic part <NUM> to the inner side connecting part <NUM> and the outer side connecting part <NUM>, respectively. In this case, the second elastic parts <NUM> may have the same height from the plane perpendicular to the OA. To the contrary, the second elastic parts <NUM> may have mutually different heights from the plane perpendicular to the OA.

Meanwhile, although it is disclosed in the embodiment as one example that the elastic part <NUM> includes one first elastic part <NUM>, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, even though the elastic part <NUM> includes the plurality of first elastic parts <NUM>, the elastic part <NUM> is applicable to the embodiment. In this case, the first elastic parts <NUM> are connected to each other through the second elastic part <NUM>. The second elastic part <NUM> is bent between the first elastic parts <NUM>.

According to the above described embodiments, the elastic part <NUM> may have elasticity corresponding to up/down, left/right and front/rear directions. In this case, the elastic part <NUM> may have each elastic modulus corresponding to up/down, left/right and front/rear directions. A ratio of a first elastic modulus corresponding to the up/ down direction to a second elastic modulus corresponding to the left/right direction (first elastic modulus/second elastic modulus) may be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. A ratio of the second elastic modulus corresponding to the left/right direction to the third elastic modulus corresponding to the front/rear direction (second elastic modulus/third elastic modulus) may be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The elastic part <NUM> may provide a restoring force in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the lens barrel <NUM> corresponding to the movement of the lens barrel <NUM>. That is, the elastic part <NUM> may be modified according to at least one of the up/down, left/right and front/rear directions. In this case, the elastic part <NUM> may provide the restoring force for restoring the elastic part <NUM> to a previous state. A ratio of a horizontal modification displacement corresponding to the left/right and front/rear directions to the vertical modification displacement corresponding to the up/down direction (horizontal modification displacement/vertical modification displacement) may be less than <NUM>.

Meanwhile, although it is disclosed in the embodiment as one example that the camera module <NUM> includes one elastic member <NUM>, the embodiment is not limited thereto. That is, even though the camera module <NUM> includes a plurality of elastic members <NUM>, the plurality of elastic members <NUM> is applicable to the embodiment. The elastic members <NUM> are stacked in parallel with the OA. The elastic members <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in parallel with the OA. For example, the gap distance between the elastic members <NUM> may be about <NUM> or more. The elastic members <NUM> may have the same shape or mutually different shapes. Further, the elastic members <NUM> are individually connected to the lens barrel <NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

In addition, the camera module <NUM> according to the embodiment may be driven by the following method.

That is, if a shake is sensed in the camera module <NUM>, the driving unit <NUM> allows the lens barrel <NUM> to move corresponding to the housing <NUM>. The driving unit <NUM> may move the lens barrel <NUM> according to a control signal received through the circuit substrate <NUM>. In this case, the lens barrel <NUM> may move in at least one of the left/right and front/rear directions according to a voltage applied to the horizontal driving unit <NUM> of the first driving unit <NUM>. The lens barrel <NUM> may move in the up/down direction according to a voltage applied to the vertical driving unit <NUM> of the first driving unit <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> provides the restoring force corresponding to the movement of the lens barrel <NUM>. Thus, the shake of the camera module <NUM> may be compensated.

In addition, the driving unit <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> automatically adjust the focus of the lens assembly <NUM>. That is, the driving unit <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> automatically adjust a focal length between the lens assembly <NUM> and the sensing unit <NUM>. In this case, the vertical driving unit <NUM> of the first driving unit <NUM> applies a repulsive force to the second driving unit <NUM>, so that the focal length may be increased. To the contrary, the vertical driving unit <NUM> of the first driving unit <NUM> applies an attractive force to the second driving unit <NUM>, so that the focal length may be decreased.

Claim 1:
A camera module, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including a first housing (<NUM>) and a second housing (<NUM>) disposed under the first housing (<NUM>);
a lens barrel (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>);
an elastic member (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and connecting the lens barrel (<NUM>) to the housing (<NUM>); and
a driving unit (<NUM>) including a first driving unit (<NUM>) and a second driving unit (<NUM>), the first driving unit (<NUM>) including a coil and the second driving unit (<NUM>) including a magnetic material, the first driving unit (<NUM>) including a horizontal driving unit (<NUM>) and a vertical driving unit (<NUM>),
characterised in that
the second housing (<NUM>) is coupled to a lower portion of the first housing (<NUM>),
wherein the second driving unit (<NUM>) faces the horizontal driving unit (<NUM>) in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens barrel (<NUM>) and the second driving unit (<NUM>) faces the vertical driving unit (<NUM>) in a direction parallel with the optical axis,
wherein the vertical driving unit (<NUM>) is formed by winding a coil about an axis parallel with the optical axis, and
wherein the driving unit (<NUM>) moves the lens barrel (<NUM>) with reference to the housing (<NUM>) in three axis directions perpendicular to each other.