CN106547068B - Camera module - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a camera module including: a fixed unit of a space for accommodating the mobile unit therein; a shield case surrounding an outer surface of the fixing unit; a magnet member disposed on a surface of the fixing unit; a coil member disposed on an inner surface of the shield case and facing the magnet member.

Description

Camera module

This application claims the benefits of korean patent application No. 10-2015-0132613, filed on 18.9.2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, to the korean patent office.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a camera module having an auto-focus function.

Background

Camera modules are typically mounted on portable electronic devices. For example, the camera module may be mounted on a smartphone.

The camera module may have an auto-focus function. Here, the camera module may include an actuator for adjusting a position of the lens module according to a distance of the object.

In one of the above actuators, a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) is used. In the case of using the VCM, it is necessary to perform a process of connecting the coil end to the substrate and then connecting the substrate to the main board.

However, when the above processes are performed, the shape of the product and the assembly process thereof may become relatively complicated, resulting in a decrease in yield and an increase in the defective rate of the product.

Therefore, there is a need to develop a VCM actuator having a simple shape and a simple manufacturing process.

Disclosure of Invention

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a camera module including an actuator unit having a simple shape and a simple assembly process.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a camera module may include: a fixed unit having a space for accommodating the moving unit; a shield case for surrounding an outer surface of the fixing unit; a magnet member disposed at one surface of the fixing unit; and a coil member disposed on one inner surface of the shield case and facing the magnet member.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a camera module may include: a fixed unit having a space for accommodating the moving unit; a shield case having a side surface cover for surrounding a side surface of the fixing unit and an upper surface cover for surrounding an upper surface of the fixing unit; and an actuator unit including a coil member disposed on an inner surface of the side surface cover and a magnet member disposed on one surface of the moving unit and facing the coil member, wherein the coil member is coupled to connection pads exposed to the outside through connection pad exposure grooves of the side surface cover.

Drawings

The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2A is a perspective schematic view illustrating a camera module with an upper surface cover removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 2B is a detailed schematic perspective view of fig. 2A;

fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a fixing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 is a schematic assembled perspective view of a side surface cover and a fixing unit of a shield can according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a side surface cover and a fixing unit of a shield can in an assembled state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a bottom view of a side surface cover and a fixing unit of a shield can in an assembled state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 8A is a schematic perspective view of a side surface cover of a shield can according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 8B is a schematic perspective view illustrating a coil member that has been coupled to the shield can shown in fig. 8A;

fig. 9A is a front view of a side surface cover of a shield case of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 9B is a schematic front view illustrating a coil member that has been coupled to the shield case shown in fig. 9A.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the inventive concept will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the specific examples described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

In this specification, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region or wafer (substrate) is referred to as being "on" or "connected to" or "bonded to" another element, it can be directly on or connected to or bonded to the other element or other elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there may not be an intervening element or layer between the two. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used in this document, "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Such terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as "above …," "upper," "below …," "lower," or other similar terms, may be used herein to facilitate describing one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "above" other elements or "upper" other elements would then be oriented "below" the other elements or features or "lower" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "above …" can include both an orientation of "above …" and "below …" depending on the particular orientation of the figure. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concept. As used herein, singular terms are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Hereinafter, the inventive concept will be described with reference to schematic drawings showing embodiments of the inventive concept. In the drawings, variations from the example shapes of the illustrations in the drawings are to be expected due to factors such as manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances. Thus, embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes shown, but are to include variations in shapes that result from manufacturing. The following embodiments may also be constituted by one embodiment or a combination of embodiments.

The inventive concept described below may have different forms of construction, and only one of the required forms of construction is presented here, but is not limited to the forms of construction described here.

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; fig. 2A is a schematic perspective view illustrating a camera module with an upper surface cover removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 2B is a detailed schematic perspective view of fig. 2A; fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a fixing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 1 to 4, the camera module 10 may include a fixed unit 100 and a mobile unit 200. The stationary unit 100 may accommodate the mobile unit 200 therein. As an example, a space 102 for accommodating the moving unit 200 is provided in the fixed unit 100.

The stationary unit 100 may be configured such that the mobile unit 200 is movable. As an example, the fixing unit 100 is provided with a first receiving groove 140 and a second receiving groove 142 to guide the movement of the moving unit 200 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction in fig. 3). The rolling assembly 700 having a spherical structure is disposed in the receiving grooves 140 and 142.

The fixed unit 100 may refract light by the lens of the moving unit 200 so that the light is incident to the image sensor. As an example, a substantially rectangular or square entrance window 160 is provided on the bottom of the stationary unit 100.

The fixing unit 100 may block penetration of foreign materials. As an example, a foreign matter collecting groove 150 collecting foreign matters introduced through a gap between the fixing unit 100 and the moving unit 200 is opened at a bottom of the fixing unit 100. The foreign-matter collecting groove 150 may be disposed around the above-described entrance window 160.

The fixing unit 100 can prevent the generation of contamination by injecting a lubricant into the receiving grooves 140 and 142. As an example, a separate lubricant receiving groove (not shown) may be formed at the bottom of the fixing unit 100, wherein the lubricant receiving groove may receive the lubricant flowing down from the receiving grooves 140 and 142. A lubricant receiving groove (not shown) may be formed in a portion facing the receiving grooves 140 and 142.

The fixing unit 100 may be provided with a groove portion 190. As an example, the groove portion 190 may be formed by inwardly recessing a portion of one surface of the fixing unit 100 facing a connection pad exposure groove 916 (to be described later) of the shield can 900. The groove portions 190 may also be formed longitudinally along the optical axis direction on both sides of one surface of the fixing unit 100. The groove 190 may also be biased toward the lower portion of the fixing unit 100.

The groove portion 190 may include a connection pad support portion 192 formed on an inner surface thereof. As an example, the connection pad support portion 192 may protrude from an inner surface of the groove portion 190 toward the connection pad exposure groove 916, and a protruding end surface of the connection pad support portion 192 may contact the connection pad 918 to support the connection pad 918.

The mobile unit 200 may form an image of an object on the image sensor. As an example, the moving unit 200 may include a plurality of lenses to enlarge or reduce the size of the image of the object. For example, the mobile unit 200 may include a plurality of lenses having positive and negative refractive powers. The mobile unit 200 may house at least some of the rolling assemblies 700 therein. As an example, the third and fourth receiving grooves 230 and 232 may be formed on one surface of the mobile unit 200. The third and fourth receiving grooves 230 and 232 are formed longitudinally in the optical axis direction. The third and fourth receiving grooves 230 and 232 may respectively face the first and second receiving grooves 140 and 142. For example, the third and fourth receiving grooves 230 and 232 of the moving unit 200 may respectively face the first and second receiving grooves 140 and 142 of the fixing unit 100 with the rolling assembly 700 disposed therebetween. For reference, lubricating oil may be applied to each of the receiving grooves 140, 142, 230, and 232 to allow the rolling assembly 700 to freely roll.

The moving unit 200 may include a lens barrel 210 and a barrel base 220. The lens barrel 210 may receive a plurality of lenses therein, and the barrel housing 220 may receive a portion of the actuator unit 300 therein. The lens barrel 210 may be mounted in the barrel housing 220.

In the moving unit 200 configured as above, any one of the lens barrel 210 and the barrel base 220 can be selectively replaced, so that repair for defects of products can be relatively easily performed.

The camera module 10 may include an actuator unit 300 that may actively move the mobile unit 200. As an example, the actuator unit 300 may move the moving unit 200 in the optical axis direction. Accordingly, the camera module 10 can adjust the focal length through the actuator unit 300.

The actuator unit 300 may include a coil member 310 and a magnet member 320. The coil member 310 may be disposed on an inner surface of the shield can 900 described below. As an example, the coil member 310 may be bonded to the inner surface of the shield can 900 by an adhesive. An insulating assembly for insulation may also be provided between the shield can 900 and the coil member 310.

The advantage of the coil member 310 is that it is thin. For example, the height of the coil member 310 according to the present exemplary embodiment in the optical axis direction can be significantly reduced. As an example, the winding width W of the coil member 310 may be greater than the height h of the central hole formed in the coil member 310. As another example, the height h of the hole may be less than 1/2 for the winding width W. As another example, the length L (in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis) of the coil member 310 may be two or more times the height H (in a direction along the optical axis) of the coil member 310.

The magnet member 320 may be disposed on the moving unit 200. As an example, the magnet member 320 may be attached to a side surface of the mobile unit 200, and the magnet member 320 and the coil member 310 may be arranged face to face.

The side surface of the moving unit 200 may be configured such that the magnet member 320 is easily attached thereto. As an example, the side surface of the mobile unit 200 is processed to have a predetermined roughness so that an adhesive that can be applied on the surface area thereof can be increased. As another example, a fine groove into which an adhesive may be infiltrated may be formed in a side surface of the mobile unit 200.

The magnet member 320 may have a first polarity and a second polarity. As an example, a portion of the magnet member 320 may have a first polarity, and another portion of the magnet member 320 may have a second polarity. The first and second polarities of the magnet 320 may be arranged in the same direction. For example, the first and second polarities of the magnet 320 may be arranged in the optical axis direction or the moving direction of the moving unit 200.

The camera module 10 may include a device that senses the position of the mobile unit 200. As an example, the camera module 10 may include a sensor assembly 800 that may sense the movement position of the mobile unit 200. The sensor assembly 800 may be disposed at a side surface of the fixing unit 100. As an example, the sensor assembly 800 may be disposed at a side surface of the fixing unit 100 adjacent to the exposure window 130 exposing the magnet member 320. Since the sensor assembly 800 arranged as above is spaced apart from the coil member 310 and the magnet member 320 by a large distance, the sensor assembly 800 may be less affected by the magnetic field formed by the coil member 310 and the magnet member 320. Therefore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the position of the mobile unit 200 may be accurately sensed by the sensor assembly 800.

A magnetic body 810 sensed by the moving assembly 800 may be disposed on the mobile unit 200.

The magnetic body 810 may be a permanent magnet. As an example, the magnetic body 810 may be a permanent magnet having an N pole and an S pole. The N-pole and S-pole of the magnetic body 810 may be arranged in a single direction. As an example, the N pole and the S pole of the magnetic body 810 may be arranged in the moving direction of the mobile unit 200. The rolling assembly 700 may be disposed between the stationary unit 100 and the mobile unit 200. As an example, the rolling assembly 700 is disposed between the receiving grooves 140 and 142 of the fixed unit 100 and the receiving grooves 230 and 232 of the mobile unit 200. The rolling assembly 700 arranged as described above can make the mobile unit 200 move smoothly.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the shield can 900 included inside the camera module 10 will be described with reference to fig. 5 to 9B.

The camera module 10 may also include a shield can 900. The shield case 900 may surround an outer surface of the fixing unit 100 to protect the camera module 10 from harmful electromagnetic waves. As an example, the shield can 900 may be made of metal that can easily shield harmful electromagnetic waves.

The shield 900 may be divided into a plurality of components. As an example, the shield can 900 includes a side surface cover 910 and an upper surface cover 920. The side surface cover 910 may cover a side surface of the camera module 10, and the upper surface cover 920 may cover an upper surface (object-facing surface) of the camera module 10.

The shield can 900 may be firmly coupled to the fixing unit 100. As an example, latches 912, 914, 922, and 924 may be formed on the side surface cover 910 and the upper surface cover 920 and respectively with the latch protrusions 170 (including 172 and 174) of the fixing unit 100. Latches 912, 914, 922 and 924 may be formed near the corners of shield 900. By way of example, latches 912, 914, 922, and 924 are formed near one corner of side surface cover 910 and near another corner of side surface cover 910 that faces the one corner of side surface cover 910. Thus, the latches 912, 914, 922, and 924 may be arranged in a symmetrical fashion with respect to the optical axis.

As another example, the latches 912, 914, 922, and 924 may be formed near one corner of the upper surface cover 910 and near another corner of the upper surface cover 910 facing the one corner of the upper surface cover 910. Accordingly, the latches 912, 914, 922, and 924 may be symmetrically arranged based on the optical axis.

The shield can 900 may be configured such that a portion of the actuator unit 300 may be disposed on an inner surface thereof. As an example, the coil member 310 may be bonded to an inner surface of the shield can 900. The coil member 310 may be coupled to an inner surface of the side surface cover 910 of the shield can 900. An insulating plate may be disposed between the coil member 310 and the shield can 900.

The coil member 310 may be disposed facing the magnet member 320 of the mobile unit 200. An electromagnetic interaction occurs between the coil member 310 and the magnet member 320 to move the moving unit 200 in the optical axis direction.

The coil end of the coil member 310 may be bonded to the connection pad 918. By way of example, the coil ends of the coil members 310 may be welded to the connection pads 918. The material of the connecting pads 918 is the same as the material of the shield case 900. By way of example, the connection pad 918 may be formed by cutting one side of the shield can 900.

The coil member 310 is coupled to the inner surface of the shield can 900 to omit a separate substrate for coupling the coil member 310, thereby simplifying the construction of the actuator unit and the assembly process thereof.

The shield case 900 may be provided with a connection pad exposure groove 916. By way of example, the connection pad exposure slots 916 may be deflected toward the lower portion of the shield can 900. The connection pad exposure slot 916 may be formed in a portion of the shield case 900 that is cut to form the connection pad 918.

The connection pad exposure groove 916 may face the groove portion 190 of the fixing unit 100. As an example, the connection pad exposure groove 916 communicates with the groove portion 190, thereby forming a single passage.

The connection pad 918 may be disposed inside the connection pad exposure groove 916 and exposed outside. As an example, the connection pad 918 is recessed toward the inside of the shield groove 900, compared to one surface of the shield groove 900 on which the connection pad exposure groove 916 is formed.

The connection pads 918 may be supported by connection pad support portions 192 disposed in the groove portions 190. For example, the connection pad 918 may be recessed toward the inside of the shield groove 900 and may contact the connection pad support portion 192 and be supported by the connection pad support portion 192, the connection pad support portion 192 protruding from the groove portion 190 toward the connection pad exposure groove 916.

The connection pad exposure groove 916 may be connected to a connection terminal 522 of the image sensor unit 500 described below. For example, the connection terminal 522 may be disposed below the connection pad exposure groove 916.

The connection pad 918 may be electrically connected to the connection terminal 522. For example, the connection pads 918 may be soldered to the connection terminals 522.

The connection pad 918 may be bonded to the connection pad exposure slot 916 by a connection 918 a. For example, the connecting portion 918a connects the connecting pad 918 and both edges of the connecting pad exposing groove 916.

Further, the connection portion 918a may connect the connection pad 918 to the connection pad exposure groove 916 such that the connection pad 918 and the connection pad exposure groove 916 are arranged on different planes. For example, the connection portion 918a connects the connection pad 918 to the connection pad exposure groove 916 so that the connection pad 918 is recessed toward the inside of the shield case 900.

The connection portion 918a may be made of the same material as the shield can 900. For example, the connection portion 918a may be formed by cutting a portion of the shield can 900.

Here, the connection portion 918a and the connection pad 918 may be formed simultaneously. For example, the connection portion 918a and the connection pad 918 may be formed by cutting one side of the shield case. Accordingly, the shield can 900, the connection pad 918, and the connection portion 918a may be integrally formed.

The connecting portion 918a is removable. For example, after the camera module 10 is assembled, the connection 918a may be removed through a separate cutting process.

The camera module 10 may include an image sensor unit 500. As an example, the image sensor unit 500 is coupled to a lower portion of the fixing unit 100.

The image sensor unit 500 may convert an optical signal into an electrical signal. As an example, the image sensor unit 500 may include an image sensor 510 that may convert an image incident through a lens of the mobile unit 200 into an electrical signal, and a printed circuit board 520 that connects the image sensor 510 and a connection pad 918 together. In addition, the image sensor unit 500 further includes a driving element 530. Further, the image sensor unit 500 may further include a connection terminal 522 electrically connected to the connection pad 918 and the sensor assembly 800.

As described above, in the camera module shown according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the shape of the actuator unit and the assembly process thereof may be simplified.

While exemplary embodiments have been particularly shown and described hereinabove, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (11)

1. A camera module, comprising:

a fixed unit having a space for accommodating the moving unit;

a shield case surrounding an outer surface of the fixing unit;

a magnet member disposed on one surface of the fixing unit;

a coil member disposed on an inner surface of the shield case and facing the magnet member,

wherein the shield case includes a connection pad exposure groove formed in one surface of the shield case, and a connection pad disposed in the connection pad exposure groove,

wherein the coil end of the coil member is bonded to the connection pad,

wherein the fixing unit includes a groove portion formed at a portion of the fixing unit corresponding to the connection pad exposure groove and recessed inward, and the groove portion includes a connection pad support portion formed on an inner surface of the groove portion and protruding toward the connection pad exposure groove,

wherein the connection pad contacts the connection pad support.

2. The camera module of claim 1, wherein the connection pads are made of the same material as the shield can.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the connection pad exposure groove is biased toward a lower portion of the shield can.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the connection pad and the connection pad exposure groove are bonded to each other by a connection portion.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the connection pad is recessed toward the inside of the shield can as compared with one surface of the shield can.

6. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein the shield case includes a latch that engages with a latch protrusion disposed on the fixing unit.

7. The camera module according to claim 2, further comprising an image sensor unit coupled to a lower portion of the fixing unit, wherein the connection pad is electrically connected to the image sensor unit.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein the image sensor unit includes:

an image sensor that converts an image incident through a lens of the moving unit into an electric signal; and

and a printed circuit board on which a circuit for connecting the image sensor and the connection pad is printed.

9. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein the image sensor unit includes a driving element that controls the actuator unit.

10. A camera module, comprising:

a fixed unit having a space for accommodating the moving unit;

a shield cover including a side surface cover surrounding a side surface of the fixing unit and an upper surface cover surrounding an upper surface of the fixing unit;

an actuator unit including a coil member disposed on an inner surface of the side surface cover and a magnet member disposed on one surface of the moving unit and facing the coil member,

wherein the coil member is bonded to connection pads exposed through connection pad exposure grooves on the side surface cover,

wherein the fixing unit includes a groove portion formed at a portion of the fixing unit corresponding to the connection pad exposure groove and recessed inward, and the groove portion includes a connection pad support portion formed on an inner surface of the groove portion and protruding toward the connection pad exposure groove,

wherein the connection pad contacts the connection pad support.

11. The camera module of claim 10, wherein the connection pads and the shield can are made of the same material.

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