CN214409546U

CN214409546U - Camera module and portable electronic device

Info

Publication number: CN214409546U
Application number: CN202022932619.XU
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李敬勳; 郑凤元; 徐普盛
Original assignee: Samsung Electro Mechanics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electro Mechanics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-12-13
Filing date: 2020-12-09
Publication date: 2021-10-15
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-09
Also published as: KR20210075822A; KR102344510B1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a camera module and a portable electronic device, the camera module including: an optical path folding member, a driving assembly, and first and second ball bearings, wherein the optical path folding member is configured to refract or reflect light incident along a first optical axis in a direction of a second optical axis intersecting the first optical axis; the driving assembly is configured to provide a driving force to rotate the optical path folding member on a plane intersecting the first optical axis; the first and second ball bearings support the optical path folding member such that the optical path folding member can rotate on a plane. The distance from the first ball bearing to the first optical axis is smaller than the distance from the second ball bearing to the first optical axis. The camera module according to the present disclosure can quickly correct hand trembling by driving the prism.

Description

Camera module and portable electronic device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of korean patent applications No. 10-2019-.

Technical Field

The following description relates to a camera module configured to be capable of image-capturing or video-capturing a moving object.

Background

The refractive camera module includes: one or more prisms. The one or more prisms are configured to reflect or refract light incident in the first optical axis direction in the second optical axis direction. The refractive camera module may have a thin structure. For example, the camera module is configured to have a low height in the first optical axis direction.

The refractive camera module may be configured to reduce a phenomenon of resolution reduction caused by hand trembling of a user. For example, a refractive camera module may include: a drive assembly for moving the one or more lenses in a direction intersecting the first optical axis. However, since the refractive camera module may not have enough space to move one or more lenses in a direction intersecting the first optical axis, a driving assembly for driving the prism to achieve an image stabilization effect is required.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The summary of the invention is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one general aspect, a camera module includes: an optical path folding member, a driving assembly, and first and second ball bearings, wherein the optical path folding member is configured to refract or reflect light incident along a first optical axis in a direction of a second optical axis intersecting the first optical axis; the driving assembly is configured to provide a driving force to rotate the optical path folding member on a plane intersecting the first optical axis; the first and second ball bearings support the optical path folding member such that the optical path folding member can rotate on a plane. The distance from the first ball bearing to the first optical axis is smaller than the distance from the second ball bearing to the first optical axis.

The first ball bearing may be arranged to coincide with the first optical axis.

The second ball bearings may include a plurality of second ball bearings arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction around the first optical axis.

The drive assembly and the second ball bearings may be disposed at intervals in a circumferential direction around the first optical axis.

The driving components may be arranged in a left-right symmetrical manner centered on the second optical axis.

The drive assembly may include: a magnet member configured to rotate integrally with the optical path folding member; and a coil member disposed on the plane.

The polarity of the magnet member may be formed in a left-right asymmetrical manner centering on the second optical axis.

The magnet members may include left and right magnet members, and the coil members may include left and right coil members. The first ball bearings may be located on a virtual straight line connecting the winding center of the left coil member and the winding center of the right coil member.

A distance from the first optical axis to a winding center of the coil member may be smaller than a distance from the first optical axis to the second ball bearing.

The camera module may further include a lens module including one or more lenses and configured to image light emitted from the optical path folding member on the image sensor.

In another general aspect, a camera module includes: an optical path folding member configured to refract or reflect light incident along a first optical axis in a direction of a second optical axis intersecting the first optical axis; a first movable body arranged on the fixed body and configured to rotate in a first planar direction intersecting the first optical axis; a second movable body arranged on the first movable body, receiving the optical path folding member, and configured to rotate in a second planar direction including the first optical axis and the second optical axis; and first and second ball bearings configured to support the first movable body to rotate in a first planar direction with respect to the fixed body. The first ball bearing forms a center of rotation of the first movable body.

The camera module may further include a third ball bearing disposed between the first movable body and the second movable body.

The camera module may further include a first driving assembly disposed between the fixed body and the first movable body and configured to provide a driving force to rotate the first movable body in the first planar direction.

The camera module may further include a second driving assembly disposed between the fixed body and the second movable body and configured to provide a driving force to rotate the second movable body in the second planar direction.

The first drive assembly may include: a first magnet member disposed on the first movable body and arranged in a left-right symmetrical manner with the second optical axis as a center; and a first coil member disposed on the fixed body and disposed to face the first magnet member.

The first magnet member may have polarities formed in a left-right asymmetrical manner centering on the first ball bearing.

In another general aspect, a portable electronic device includes a housing and a prism module disposed in the housing. The prism module includes: a movable body; and a prism held by the movable body and configured to refract or reflect light incident along the first optical axis in a direction of a second optical axis intersecting the first optical axis. The portable electronic device includes: a magnet member, a coil member, and first and second ball bearings, wherein the magnet member is disposed on the movable body; a coil member disposed on a surface of the housing and configured to interact with the magnet member to rotate the movable body on a first plane intersecting the first optical axis; the first and second ball bearings are disposed on a surface of the housing and support the movable body for rotation on a first plane. The distance from the first ball bearing to the first optical axis is smaller than the distance from the second ball bearing to the first optical axis.

The magnet member may include two magnet members spaced apart from the second optical axis in opposite directions. The coil member may include: two coil members spaced apart from the second optical axis in opposite directions.

The first ball bearings may be located on a virtual straight line connecting winding centers of the coil members.

The second ball bearings may include two second ball bearings configured to move along a rail in guide grooves on a surface of the housing.

The camera module according to the present disclosure can quickly correct hand trembling by driving the prism.

Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a plan view taken along line I-I of the prism module shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a bottom view taken along line II-II of the prism module shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 to 7 are plan views taken along line I-I of the prism module, showing other configurations of the first driving assembly and the first and second ball bearings.

Fig. 8 is a coupled perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the prism module shown in fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the fixed body and the movable body shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the fixing body shown in fig. 10.

Fig. 12A and 12B are operation state diagrams of the movable body shown in fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the first movable body and the second movable body shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 14A and 14B are operation state diagrams of the second movable body shown in fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a coupled perspective view of the prism module shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 16 is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view of the prism module shown in fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a prism module according to an embodiment.

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the fixed body and the movable body shown in fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a plan view of the fixing body shown in fig. 18.

Fig. 20A and 20B are operation state diagrams of the movable body shown in fig. 18.

Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the fixed body and the movable body shown in fig. 17.

Fig. 22A and 22B are operation state diagrams of the second movable body shown in fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a coupled perspective view of the prism module shown in fig. 17.

Fig. 24 is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view of the prism module shown in fig. 22.

Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings and detailed description. The figures may not be drawn to scale and the relative sizes, proportions and depictions of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration and convenience.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a thorough understanding of the methods, devices, and/or systems described herein. Various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, devices, and/or systems described herein will, however, be apparent to those skilled in the art after understanding the present disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely an example, and is not limited to the order set forth herein, except as may occur in certain orders, and may vary considerably upon understanding the disclosure of the present application. In addition, descriptions of features well known in the art may be omitted for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

The features described herein may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways to implement the methods, apparatus and/or systems described herein, which will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application.

In this document, it should be noted that use of the phrase "may" in relation to an embodiment or example (e.g., in relation to what an embodiment or example may include or implement) means that there is at least one embodiment or example in which such feature is included or implemented, and all embodiments and examples are not limited thereto.

Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, region or substrate is described as being "on," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, "connected to" or "coupled to" the other element or one or more other elements may be present between the element and the other element. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there may be no other elements intervening between the element and the other element.

As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any one of the associated listed items as well as any combination of any two or more of the items.

Although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers or sections are not limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first member, component, region, layer or section referred to in an example can also be referred to as a second member, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein.

Spatially relative terms such as "above … …," "upper," "below … …," and "lower" may be used herein for descriptive convenience to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the figures. These 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" or "upper" relative to other elements would then be oriented "below" or "lower" relative to the other elements. Thus, the phrase "above … …" encompasses both an orientation of "above. The device may also be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," and "having" specify the presence of stated features, integers, operations, elements, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The shapes of the illustrations as a result of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances may vary. Accordingly, examples described herein are not limited to the particular shapes shown in the drawings, but include changes in shapes that occur during manufacturing.

The features of the examples described herein may be combined in various ways that will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of the present application. Further, while the examples described herein have a variety of configurations, it will be apparent that other configurations are possible after understanding the disclosure of the present application.

Fig. 1 to 3 show a camera module 10 according to an embodiment.

The camera module 10 may be mounted to a portable electronic product. For example, the camera module 10 may be mounted on a mobile phone, a laptop computer, or the like. However, the application of the camera module 10 is not limited to the above-described electronic products. For example, the camera module 10 may be installed in an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), a television for interactive broadcasting, and the like.

The camera module 10 includes, for example, a prism module 20 and a lens module 30. However, the configuration of the camera module 10 is not limited to these modules. For example, the camera module 10 may include a fixed body 220 and an image sensor 340. For example, the fixing body 220 may form a housing constituting the exterior of the camera module 10.

The prism module 20 may include an optical path folding member. For example, the optical path folding member may be a prism 210. However, the optical path folding member is not limited to the prism. For example, the reflector may be used as another form of the optical path folding member. The prism 210 is configured to transform an optical path incident on the camera module 10. For example, the prism 210 may refract or reflect light incident in the direction of the first optical axis C1 (hereinafter, referred to as "first optical axis direction") in the direction of the second optical axis C2 (hereinafter, referred to as "second optical axis direction").

For convenience, the following description includes references to the prism 210 in relation to other components, elements, and features of the camera module 10. However, it should be understood that the following description is applicable to other types of optical path folding members.

The prism module 20 may include a structure supporting the optical prism 210. For example, the prism module 20 may include a first movable body 230. The first movable body 230 may be coupled to the prism 210. For example, the first movable body 230 may be coupled to at least one of the back and side surfaces of the prism 210 to support the position of the prism 210 so that the prism 210 does not move outside the set range. The first movable body 230 may be disposed on the fixed body 220. The prism 210 and the first movable body 230 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the fixed body 220. For example, the fixed body 220 may rotate together with the prism 210 on a first plane (e.g., a bottom surface of the fixed body 220) intersecting the first optical axis C1.

The lens module 30 may include one or more components configured to image light emitted from the prism 210 to the image sensor 340. For example, the lens module 30 may include one or more lenses. The lens module 30 may be configured to be movable. For example, the lens module 30 may be moved along the second optical axis C2 to enable focus adjustment of the camera module 10.

The camera module 10 may also include a drive assembly. For example, the camera module 10 may include a first driving assembly 250 configured to provide a driving force to drive the rotational motion of the prism 210. The first drive assembly 250 may include a first magnet member 252 and a first coil member 254. The first magnet member 252 may be arranged to rotate integrally with the prism 210. For example, the first magnet member 252 may be disposed on the prism 210 or the first movable body 230, and may rotate and move on the first plane together with the prism 210. The first coil member 254 may be disposed on a first plane and used as a reference for the rotational movement of the optical path folding device. For example, the first coil member 254 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the fixing body 220. The first driving assembly 250 may be arranged in a left-right symmetrical manner centering on the second optical axis C2. For example, the first magnet member 252 may be disposed on the prism 210 or the first movable body 230 in a left-right symmetrical manner centered on the second optical axis C2, and the first coil member 254 may be disposed on the fixed body 220 in a left-right symmetrical manner centered on the second optical axis C2. That is, the first magnet member 252 may include a left first magnet member 252 disposed on the left side of the second optical axis C2 and a right first magnet member 252 disposed on the right side of the second optical axis C2, and the first coil member 254 may include a left first coil portion disposed on the left side of the second optical axis C2 and a right first coil portion disposed on the right side of the second optical axis C2.

The polarity of each first magnet member 252 may be formed along the second optical axis C2. For example, the polarity of the first magnet member 252 may be formed in the order of N-pole and S-pole, or S-pole and N-pole along the second optical axis C2. The polarity of the first magnet member 252 may be formed in a left-right asymmetrical manner centering on the second optical axis C2. For example, the polarity of the first magnet member 252 (e.g., the left first magnet member 252) disposed on one side of the second optical axis C2 may be formed in the order of an N pole and an S pole, and the polarity of the first magnet member 252 (e.g., the right first magnet member 252) disposed on the other side of the second optical axis C2 may be formed in the order of an S pole and an N pole (see fig. 3).

The camera module 10 may further include means for supporting the optical path folding means so as to perform a rotational movement of the optical path folding means. For example, the camera module 10 may include a first ball bearing 272 and a second ball bearing 274. The first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 may be disposed between the optical path folding device and the first plane. In other words, the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 may be disposed between the fixed body 220 and the first movable body 230 so that they enable the prism 210 and the first movable body 230 to smoothly rotate.

Either one of the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 may be disposed adjacent the first optical axis C1. For example, the first ball bearing 272 may be disposed adjacent the first optical axis C1, or may be disposed coincident with the first optical axis C1. The first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 may be disposed at different distances from the first optical axis C1. For example, the distance LB1 from the first ball bearing 272 to the first optical axis C1 may be less than the distance LB2 from the second ball bearing 274 to the first optical axis C1. The first ball bearings 272 may be arranged side-by-side with the first coil member 254. For example, the first ball bearings 272 may be located on a virtual straight line LC connecting the centers CP1 of the windings of the left first coil member 254 and the centers CP2 of the windings of the right first coil member 254, respectively.

Since the rotational motion of the prism module 20 (the prism 210 and the first movable body 230) can be performed centering on the first optical axis C1 or the first ball bearing 272 in the camera module 10 configured as above, the configuration for directly fixing the prism 210 or the prism module 20 to the rotational axis of the fixed body 220 can be omitted. Therefore, in the camera module 10, the assembly process can be simplified, and the assembly parts can be simplified.

Next, another arrangement of the first drive assembly 250 and the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 will be described with reference to fig. 4-7.

First, another arrangement of the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 will be described with reference to fig. 4.

Referring to fig. 4, the first ball bearing 272 may be configured as a rotation center of the prism 210. For example, as shown in fig. 4, the first ball bearing 272 may be disposed coincident with the first optical axis C1. Further, the first ball bearings 272 may be arranged side by side with the left and right

first coil members

254 and 254. For example, the first ball bearings 272 may be arranged on a virtual straight line LC connecting the center CP1 of the winding of the left first coil member 254 and the center CP2 of the winding of the right first coil member 254.

The left and right

first coil members

254 and 254 may be arranged in an asymmetrical shape based on a virtual straight line BB connecting the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274. For example, a first coil member 254 (e.g., a left first coil member 254) disposed on one side of a line BB may be spaced apart from the second ball support 274 by a first distance G1, and a first coil member 254 (e.g., a right first coil member 254) disposed on the other side of the line BB may be spaced apart from the second ball support 274 by an amount equal to the first distance G1.

The camera module 10 having the above-described arrangement of the

ball bearings

272 and 274 and the first driving assembly 250 can rapidly rotate and move the prism 210 using the first ball bearing 272 as a rotation axis.

Other configurations of the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 will be described with reference to fig. 5 and 6.

Referring to fig. 5, a plurality of second ball bearings 274 may be provided. For example, only one first ball bearing 272 may be provided, and two second ball bearings 274 may be provided. The second ball bearings 274 may be arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction around the first optical axis C1. For example, two second ball bearings 274 may be arranged at intervals on a circumference having a predetermined radius RB2 around the first optical axis C1. The first ball bearings 272 may be disposed at positions symmetrical to the two second ball bearings 274 around the first optical axis C1. The distance RB1 from the first ball bearing 272 to the first optical axis C1 may be less than the distance RB2 from the second ball bearing 274 to the first optical axis C1.

According to another example, as shown in fig. 6, the first ball bearing 272 may be arranged to coincide with a first optical axis C1. The second ball bearing 274 and the first coil member 254 may be disposed at intervals in a circumferential direction about the first optical axis C1. For example, the two second ball bearings 274 may be arranged at intervals on a circumference having a predetermined radius RB2 around the first optical axis C1, and the left and right

first coil members

254 and 254 may be arranged at intervals on a circumference having a predetermined radius RC1 around the first optical axis C1. The first coil member 254 may be disposed closer to the first optical axis C1 than the second ball bearing 274. For example, the distance RC1 from the first optical axis C1 to the center CP1 of the windings of the first coil member 254 and to the center CP2 of the windings may be less than the distance from the first optical axis C1 to the second ball bearing 274.

The camera module 10 having the above-described configuration of the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 can stably support the prism 210 through the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 and also enables the prism 210 to smoothly rotate.

Another arrangement of the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 will be described with reference to fig. 7.

Referring to fig. 7, the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 may be disposed in the fixing groove 222 and the guide groove 224, respectively, formed on the fixing body 220. For example, the first ball bearings 272 may be disposed in the fixing grooves 222, and the two second ball bearings 274 may be disposed in the respective guide grooves 224. The fixing groove 222 may have a different form from the guide groove 224. For example, the fixing groove 222 may be formed to have a triangular shape such that the first ball bearing 272 can only rotate, and the guide groove 224 may have a curved shape having a predetermined length such that the second ball bearing 274 can orbit.

The camera module 10 configured as described above may restrict the position of the first ball bearing 272 such that the first ball bearing 272 may be fixed to the rotation center of the prism 210. In addition, the camera module 10 may enable the second ball bearing 274 to orbit through the guide groove 224, so that the prism 210 may perform a smooth rotational motion through the second ball bearing 274.

Fig. 8 to 16 show a camera module 10-1 according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 8, a camera module 10-1 may be mounted on a portable terminal. For example, the camera module 10-1 may be mounted on a portable phone, a portable laptop computer, or the like. The camera module 10-1 may include a prism module 20-1 and a lens module 30.

Referring to fig. 8, the lens module 30 may include a housing 310 and a lens barrel 320. In addition, the lens module 30 may further include a third driving assembly 330 and an image sensor 340. The housing 310 is configured to receive a lens barrel 320. The lens barrel 320 may include one or more lenses and may be configured to move along a longitudinal direction of the housing 310. The third drive assembly 330 may include a third magnet member 332 and a third coil member 334. The third driving assembly 330 may drive the lens barrel 320. For example, two third magnet members 332 may be disposed on opposite sides of the lens barrel 320, respectively, and two third coil members 334 may be disposed on opposite sides of the housing 310, respectively. The two third magnet members 332 and the two third coil members 334 may respectively interact to move the lens barrel 320 toward one end or the other end of the housing 310. The movement of the lens barrel 320 may enable the camera module 10-1 to make a focus adjustment or a focus magnification adjustment.

Referring to fig. 9 to 16, the prism module 20-1 is configured to change an optical path. For example, the prism module 20-1 may reflect or refract light incident along the first optical axis C1 (hereinafter, referred to as "first optical axis direction") in a direction of the second optical axis C2 (hereinafter, referred to as "second optical axis direction") intersecting the first optical axis C1. The prism module 20-1 may include a prism 210, a fixed body 220, a first movable body 230, and a second movable body 240. The prism module 20-1 may also include a configuration for driving the prism 210. For example, the prism module 20-1 may further include a first driving assembly 250, a second driving assembly 260, a first ball bearing 272, a second ball bearing 274, and a base member 280. The prism module 20-1 may further include a structure for shielding electromagnetic waves. For example, the prism module 20-1 may further include a shield cover 290 covering the fixed body 220, the first movable body 230, and the second movable body 240.

The prism 210 is configured to convert an optical path. For example, the prism 210 may refract or reflect light incident in the first optical axis direction in the second optical axis direction. The prism 210 may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. For example, the incident surface and the reflective surface of the prism 210 may be formed at an angle of 90 degrees, and the reflective surface may be formed at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the incident surface and the reflective surface, respectively.

The fixing body 220 may fix the position of the prism module 20-1 within the camera module 10-1. For example, the fixing body 220 may be fixed not to move on one side of the camera module 10-1, and may fix the relative position of the prism module 20-1 with respect to the lens module 30. The fixed body 220 is configured to receive the first movable body 230. For example, the inside of the fixed body 220 may form a space for receiving the first movable body 230, and the front surface of the fixed body 220 may be open to facilitate the insertion and withdrawal of the first movable body 230.

A space for arranging the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 may be formed on the fixed body 220. For example, the fixing groove 222 and the guide groove 224 may be formed on the bottom of the fixing body 220. The fixing groove 222 may be formed such that the first ball bearing 272 can perform only a rotational motion. For example, the maximum width of the fixing groove 222 may be equal to or less than the diameter of the first ball bearing 272. The fixing groove 222 may be formed to substantially coincide with the optical axis of the prism 210. For example, the center of the fixing groove 222 may substantially coincide with the first optical axis C1 of the prism 210. The guide groove 224 may be formed to enable the rolling motion of the second ball bearing 274. For example, the maximum length of the guide slot 224 may be greater than the diameter of the second ball bearing 274. The guide groove 224 may be arranged in a circumferential direction around the fixing groove 222. For example, the two guide grooves 224 may be formed to form an acute angle around the fixing groove 222.

A space in which some components of the first driving assembly 250 may be disposed may be formed in the fixed body 220. For example, a first slit part 228 may be formed on the bottom of the fixed body 220, the first slit part 228 being used to arrange the first coil member 254 of the first driving assembly 250. The first cutout portion 228 may be formed in a symmetrical manner centering on the fixing groove 222. For example, the two first cutout portions 228 may be arranged in a left-right symmetrical manner centering on the fixing groove 222.

The fixing groove 222, the guide groove 224, and the first coil member 254 may be disposed on the bottom of the fixing body 220, and may have a predetermined shape, as shown in fig. 11. For example, a distance R2 from the center of the first coil member 254 to the center of the fixing groove 222 may be smaller than a distance R1 from the center of the guide groove 224 to the center of the fixing groove 222. The center of the fixing groove 222 may be disposed on a straight line connecting the centers CP1 of the first coil members 254. The second ball bearings 274 disposed in the guide grooves 224 may be disposed substantially in a circumferential direction around the fixing groove 222. The arrangement of the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 may allow smooth rotational movement and may minimize a driving force required for rotational driving of the first movable body 230.

A space in which some components of the second driving assembly 260 may be disposed may be formed on the fixed body 220. For example, a second cut-out portion 229 may be formed on the rear surface of the fixed body 220, and the second coil member 264 of the second driving assembly 260 is disposed or exposed in the second cut-out portion 229.

The first movable body 230 is configured to be disposed on the fixed body 220. For example, the first movable body 230 may be completely received in the inner space of the fixed body 220. The first movable body 230 may be configured to rotate with respect to the fixed body 220. For example, the first movable body 230 may rotate about the first ball bearing 272 disposed in the fixing groove 222. The first movable body 230 may be configured such that the position of the first movable body 230 with respect to the fixed body 220 may be aligned. For example, a groove for receiving a portion of the first ball bearing 272 may be formed on the bottom surface of the first movable body 230.

The first movable body 230 is configured to support the second movable body 240. For example, left and right receiving

portions

232 and 232 configured to receive the protruding portion 242 of the second movable body 240 may be formed on both sides of the first movable body 230, respectively. The receiving portion 232 may be formed to restrict the coupling direction of the second movable body 240. For example, the receiving portion 232 may have a shape in which a front surface of the receiving portion 232 is opened so that the second movable body 240 may be coupled with the first movable body 230 through the front surface of the first movable body 230. Elements and structures that enable vertical rotation of the second movable body 240 with respect to the first movable body 230 may be disposed in the receiving portion 232. For example, third ball bearings 278, which serve as rotation shafts, may be disposed in the grooves 234 of the left and right receiving

portions

232 and 232, respectively. An element for preventing the second movable body 240 from being separated may be coupled to the receiving portion 232. For example, a clip 248 may be fitted to each receiving portion 232 to prevent the protruding portions 242 from separating.

The first movable body 230 may be configured to directly or indirectly support the back of the second movable body 240. For example, the bearing portion 236 having a predetermined inclination may be formed in the first movable body 230. A magnet attached to the second movable body 240 and a yoke or magnet for providing an attractive force may be disposed on the support portion 236.

The second movable body 240 may be rotatably arranged in a vertical direction on the first movable body 230. The third ball bearings 278 may be disposed between the first movable body 230 and the second movable body 240 to enable the second movable body 240 to perform a rotational motion. For example, the third ball bearings 278 may be disposed between the receiving portion 232 of the first movable body 230 and the protruding portion 242 of the second movable body 240 so that the second movable body 240 can rotate in a vertical direction around the third ball bearings 278.

The second movable body 240 may be configured to support the prism 210. For example, a portion of the second movable body 240 may be inclined to be in close contact with the reflection surface of the prism 210.

The first drive assembly 250 may include a first magnet member 252, a first coil member 254, and a first yoke member 256. The first magnet member 252 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the first movable body 230, and the first coil member 254 may be disposed in the first cutout portion 228 of the fixed body 220. The first coil member 254 is configured to receive an electrical current through the base member 280. For example, the first coil member 254 may be formed on the upper surface of the base member 280. The first yoke member 256 is configured to generate a predetermined amount of attractive force with the first magnet member 252 even when no current is supplied to the first coil member 254. For example, the first yoke member 256 may be formed around the base member 280 on the lower surfaces of the base member 280 opposite to the first coil member 254, respectively. The winding center of the first coil member 254 may be formed substantially on the same line as the fixing groove 222 of the fixing body 220. For example, the center of the fixing groove 222 may be located on a straight line connecting the centers of the first coil members 254. The polarity of the first magnet member 252 may be formed in a left-right asymmetrical manner centering on the fixing groove 222. The polarity of the left first magnet member 252 disposed on one side of the fixing groove 222 may be formed in the order of N-pole and S-pole, and the polarity of the right first magnet member 252 disposed on the other side of the fixing groove 222 may be formed in the order of S-pole and N-pole.

The first drive assembly 250 is configured to generate a drive force required for the rotational operation of the first movable body 230. For example, the first magnet member 252 disposed on the bottom of the first movable body 230 and the first coil member 254 disposed on the first cutout portion 228 of the fixed body 220 interact with each other so that the first movable body 230 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about the first ball bearing 272, as shown in fig. 12A and 12B. The first drive assembly 250 may be symmetrically disposed about the second optical axis C2. For example, the first coil member 254 may be symmetrically arranged at the bottom of the fixed body 220 centering on the second optical axis C2.

The second drive assembly 260 may include a second magnet member 262, a second coil member 264, and a second yoke member 266. The second magnet member 262 may be disposed on the rear surface of the second movable body 240, and the second coil member 264 may be disposed on the second cut-out portion 229 of the fixed body 220 or in the second cut-out portion 229 of the fixed body 220. The second coil member 264 is configured to receive a current through the base member 280. For example, the second coil member 264 may be formed on the upper surface of the base member 280. The second yoke member 266 and the second magnet member 262 are configured to generate an attractive force having a predetermined magnitude even when no current is supplied to the second coil member 264. For example, the second yoke member 266 may be formed on a lower surface of the base member 280 opposite to the second coil member 264. The center of the windings of second coil member 264 may be formed to be on the same line as the center of third ball support 278. For example, the center of the third ball support 278 and the winding center of the second coil member 264 may be arranged on a straight line intersecting the first optical axis C1 of the prism 210.

The second drive assembly 260 is configured to generate a driving force that drives the vertical rotation of the second movable body 240. For example, second magnet member 262 and second coil member 264 may interact such that second movable body 240 may rotate upward or downward about third ball bearing 278, as shown in fig. 14A and 14B. The rotation center of the second movable body 240 may be formed to substantially coincide with the rotation center of the first movable body 230. For example, the centers of the third ball bearings 278 may be disposed substantially on the same line as the first ball bearings 272, as shown in FIG. 16.

The camera module 10-1 configured as above may perform image stabilization by rotating the prism 210 around the first and third ball supports 272 and 278, respectively. In addition, the camera module 10-1 may allow image capturing or video capturing of a slowly moving or rapidly moving object by actively rotating the prism 210.

Fig. 17 to 24 illustrate a prism module 20-2 according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 17 to 24, the prism module 20-2 is configured to change an optical path. For example, the prism module 20-2 may refract or reflect light incident along the first optical axis C1 in a direction of the second optical axis C2 (hereinafter, referred to as "second optical axis direction") intersecting the first optical axis C1. The prism module 20-2 may include a prism 210, a fixed body 220, a first movable body 230-1, and a second movable body 240. The prism module 20-2 may further include a component for driving the prism 210. For example, the prism module 20-2 may further include a first driving assembly 250, a second driving assembly 260, a first ball bearing 272, a second ball bearing 274, and a base member 280. The prism module 20-2 may further include a structure for shielding electromagnetic waves. For example, the prism module 20-2 may further include a shield cover 290 covering the fixed body 220 and the first and second movable bodies 230-1 and 240.

The fixing body 220 may fix the position of the prism module 20-2 within the camera module 10. For example, the fixing body 220 may be fixed not to move on one side of the camera module 10, so that the relative position of the prism module 20-2 may be fixed with respect to the lens module 30. The fixed body 220 is configured to receive the first movable body 230-1. For example, the inside of the fixed body 220 may form a space for receiving the first movable body 230-1, and the front surface of the fixed body 220 may be open to facilitate the insertion and withdrawal of the first movable body 230-1.

A space for arranging the first and

second ball bearings

272 and 274 may be formed in the fixed body 220. For example, the fixing groove 222 and the guide groove 224 may be formed at the bottom of the fixing body 220. The fixing groove 222 may be formed such that the first ball bearing 272 can perform only a rotational motion. For example, the maximum width of the fixing groove 222 may be equal to or less than the diameter of the first ball bearing 272. The fixing groove 222 may be formed to substantially coincide with the optical axis of the prism 210. For example, the center of the fixing groove 222 may substantially coincide with the first optical axis C1 of the prism 210. The guide groove 224 may be formed to enable the rolling motion of the second ball bearing 274. For example, the maximum length of the guide slot 224 may be greater than the diameter of the second ball bearing 274. The guide groove 224 may be arranged in a circumferential direction around the fixing groove 222. For example, the two guide grooves 224 may be formed to form an acute angle around the fixing groove 222.

A space in which some components of the first driving assembly 250 may be disposed may be formed in the fixed body 220. For example, a first slit part 228 for arranging the first coil member 254 of the first driving assembly 250 may be formed on the bottom of the fixing body 220. The first cutout portions 228 may be arranged in a symmetrical manner centering on the fixing groove 222. For example, the two first cutout portions 228 may be arranged in a left-right symmetrical manner centering on the fixing groove 222.

As shown in fig. 19, the fixing groove 222, the guide groove 224, and the first coil member 254 may be arranged on the bottom of the fixing body 220 in a predetermined shape. For example, a distance R2 from the center CP1 of the first coil member 254 to the center of the fixing groove 222 may be smaller than a distance R1 from the center of the guide groove 224 to the center of the fixing groove 222. The center of the fixing groove 222 may be disposed on a straight line connecting the centers CP1 of the first coil members 254. The second ball bearing 274 and the guide groove 224 may be substantially circumferentially arranged around the fixing groove 222. This configuration enables the first movable body 230-1 to rotate smoothly while minimizing the driving force required for the rotational driving of the first movable body 230-1.

A space in which some components of the second driving assembly 260 may be disposed may be formed in the fixed body 220. For example, a second cut portion 229 for arranging or exposing the second coil member 264 of the second driving assembly 260 may be formed on the rear surface of the fixing body 220.

The first movable body 230-1 is configured to be disposed on the fixed body 220. For example, the first movable body 230-1 may be completely received in the inner space of the fixed body 220. The first movable body 230-1 may be configured to allow rotational motion with respect to the fixed body 220. For example, the first movable body 230-1 may rotate about the first ball bearing 272. The first movable body 230-1 may be configured such that the position of the first movable body 230-1 with respect to the fixed body 220 may be aligned. For example, a groove for receiving a portion of the first ball bearing 272 may be formed on the bottom surface of the first movable body 230-1.

The first movable body 230-1 is configured to support the second movable body 240. For example, a support portion 238 for supporting a rear portion of the second movable body 240 may be formed in the first movable body 230-1. A third ball bearing 278 enabling rotational movement of the second movable body 240 may be disposed on the bearing portion 238. For example, the second movable body 240 may rotate in a vertical direction around the third ball bearing 278. The first movable body 230-1 may be formed with a receiving portion 232, wherein the receiving portion 232 is to be coupled to a protruding portion 242 of the second movable body 240. The receiving portion 232 may be formed to restrict the coupling direction of the second movable body 240. For example, the receiving portion 232 may have a shape in which a front surface of the receiving portion 232 is opened so that the second movable body 240 may be coupled with the first movable body 230-1 through the front surface of the first movable body 230-1. The receiving portion 232 may be configured to prevent the second movable body 240 from being separated. For example, a clip 248 may be fitted to each receiving portion 232 to prevent the protruding portions 242 from separating.

The first movable body 230-1 may be configured to directly or indirectly support the back of the second movable body 240. For example, the bearing portion 236 having a predetermined inclination may be formed in the first movable body 230-1. A magnet attached to the second movable body 240 and a yoke or magnet for providing an attractive force may be disposed on the support portion 236.

The first drive assembly 250 may include a first magnet member 252, a first coil member 254, and a first yoke member 256. The first magnet member 252 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the first movable body 230-1, and the first coil member 254 may be disposed in the first cutout portion 228 of the fixed body 220. The first coil member 254 is configured to receive an electrical current through the base member 280. For example, the first coil member 254 may be formed on the upper surface of the base member 280. The first yoke member 256 is configured to generate an attractive force of a predetermined magnitude with the first magnet member 252 even when no current is supplied to the first coil member 254. For example, the first yoke member 256 may be formed on a lower surface of the base member 280 opposite to the first coil member 254. The winding center of the first coil member 254 may be formed to be approximately on the same line as the fixing groove 222 of the fixing body 220. For example, the center of the fixing groove 222 may be located on a straight line connecting the centers of the first coil members 254. The polarity of the first magnet member 252 may be formed in a left-right asymmetrical manner centering on the fixing groove 222. The polarity of the left first magnet member 252 disposed on one side of the fixing groove 222 may be formed in the order of N-pole and S-pole, and the polarity of the right first magnet member 252 disposed on the other side of the fixing groove 222 may be formed in the order of S-pole and N-pole.

The first drive assembly 250 is configured to generate a drive force to drive the rotational operation of the first movable body 230. For example, the first magnet member 252 and the first coil member 254 interact with each other so that the first movable body 230-1 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about the first ball bearing 272, as shown in fig. 20A and 20B.

The second driving assembly 260 is configured to generate a driving force to drive the vertical rotation of the second movable body 240. For example, the second magnet member 262 and the second coil member 264 may interact such that the second movable body 240 may rotate upward or downward about the third ball bearing 278, as shown in fig. 22A and 22B. The rotation center of the second movable body 240 may be formed such that the rotation centers of the first and second movable bodies 230-1 and 240 substantially coincide. For example, the centers of the third ball bearings 278 may be disposed in substantially the same line as the first ball bearings 272, as shown in FIG. 24.

The camera module including the prism module 20-2 configured as described above may perform image stabilization by rotating the prism 210 around the ball first and third ball supports 272 and 278, respectively. In addition, the camera module may allow image photographing or video photographing of a slowly moving or rapidly moving object by actively rotating the prism 210.

As described above, the camera module according to the embodiments described herein may quickly correct hand trembling by driving the prism. Further, the camera module may drive the prism to quickly perform image photographing, continuous image photographing, and video photographing of a moving object.

While the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application that various changes in form and detail may be made to these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be construed in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may also be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order and/or if components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined and/or replaced or supplemented in a different manner and/or with other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is defined not by the detailed description but by the claims and their equivalents, and all modifications within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that the camera module comprises:

an optical path folding member configured to refract or reflect light incident along a first optical axis in a direction of a second optical axis intersecting the first optical axis;

a driving assembly configured to provide a driving force to rotate the optical path folding member on a plane intersecting the first optical axis; and

a first ball bearing and a second ball bearing that support the optical path folding member so that the optical path folding member can rotate on the plane,

wherein a distance from the first ball bearing to the first optical axis is less than a distance from the second ball bearing to the first optical axis.

2. A camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that the first ball bearing is arranged to coincide with the first optical axis.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that the second ball bearing comprises a plurality of second ball bearings arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction around the first optical axis.

4. The camera module of claim 1, wherein the drive assembly and the second ball bearing are spaced apart in a circumferential direction about the first optical axis.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the driving assemblies are arranged in a left-right symmetrical manner centered on the second optical axis.

6. The camera module of claim 5, wherein the drive assembly comprises:

a magnet member configured to rotate integrally with the optical path folding member; and

a coil member disposed on the plane.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein the polarity of the magnet member is formed in a left-right asymmetrical manner centered on the second optical axis.

8. The camera module of claim 6, wherein the magnet member comprises a left magnet member and a right magnet member, and the coil member comprises a left coil member and a right coil member, and

the first ball bearings are located on a virtual straight line connecting the winding centers of the left and right coil members.

9. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein a distance from the first optical axis to a winding center of the coil member is smaller than a distance from the first optical axis to the second ball bearing.

10. The camera module of claim 1, further comprising a lens module including one or more lenses and configured to image light emitted from the optical path folding member on an image sensor.

11. A camera module, characterized in that the camera module comprises:

a first movable body arranged on the fixed body and configured to rotate in a first plane direction intersecting the first optical axis;

a second movable body that is arranged on the first movable body, receives the optical path folding member, and is configured to rotate in a second planar direction including the first optical axis and the second optical axis; and

first and second ball bearings configured to support the first movable body to rotate in the first planar direction with respect to the fixed body;

wherein the first ball bearing forms a center of rotation of the first movable body.

12. The camera module according to claim 11, characterized in that the camera module further comprises a third ball bearing arranged between the first movable body and the second movable body.

13. The camera module according to claim 11, further comprising a first driving assembly disposed between the fixed body and the first movable body and configured to provide a driving force to rotate the first movable body in the first planar direction.

14. The camera module according to claim 11, further comprising a second driving assembly disposed between the fixed body and the second movable body and configured to provide a driving force to rotate the second movable body in the second planar direction.

15. The camera module of claim 13, wherein the first drive assembly comprises:

a first magnet member that is arranged on the first movable body and is arranged in a left-right symmetrical manner with the second optical axis as a center; and

a first coil member disposed on the fixed body and disposed to face the first magnet member.

16. The camera module according to claim 15, wherein the first magnet member has a polarity formed in a left-right asymmetrical manner centering on the first ball bearing.

17. A portable electronic device, comprising:

a housing;

a prism module disposed in the housing and including:

a movable body; and

a prism held by the movable body and configured to refract or reflect light incident along a first optical axis in a direction of a second optical axis intersecting the first optical axis;

a magnet member disposed on the movable body;

a coil member arranged on a surface of the housing and configured to interact with the magnet member to rotate the movable body on a first plane intersecting the first optical axis; and

first and second ball bearings disposed on the surface of the housing and supporting the movable body to rotate on the first plane,

18. The portable electronic device according to claim 17, wherein the magnet member comprises two magnet members spaced apart from the second optical axis in opposite directions, and

wherein the coil member includes two coil members spaced apart from the second optical axis in the opposite direction.

19. The portable electronic device according to claim 18, wherein the first ball bearing is located on a virtual straight line connecting winding centers of the coil members.

20. The portable electronic device of claim 17, wherein the second ball bearing comprises two second ball bearings configured to move along a track in guide grooves on the surface of the housing.