KR20240082213A - Camera actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

The camera actuator according to the present invention includes a housing, a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, and a third lens assembly disposed inside the housing and arranged in the optical axis direction, and the second lens assembly and the third lens assembly are aligned with the optical axis. It includes a driving unit that moves in one direction and a plurality of first ball units disposed on the second lens assembly and a plurality of second ball units disposed on the third lens assembly, wherein the second lens assembly is a second lens assembly. a lens group, wherein the third lens assembly includes a third lens group, the plurality of first ball units are arranged along the optical axis direction, and the plurality of second ball units are arranged along the optical axis direction. The second lens assembly has a first partition wall portion disposed between the plurality of first ball units, and the plurality of first ball units include a first cloud portion and a second cloud portion, and the first cloud portion includes the first cloud portion. Overlapping with the second lens group in the first direction, the second cloud portion does not overlap with the second lens group in the first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and the second cloud portion is driven. A camera actuator whose distance is greater than the driving distance of the first cloud part is provided.

Description

Camera actuator {CAMERA ACTUATOR}

The present invention relates to camera actuators.

A camera is a device that takes photos or videos of a subject, and is mounted on portable devices, drones, vehicles, etc.

To improve image quality, the camera device or camera module has an Image Stabilization (IS) function that corrects or prevents shaking caused by the user's movement, and automatically adjusts the distance between the image sensor and the lens to adjust the focal length of the lens. It can have an Auto Focusing (AF) function to align the camera and a zooming function to increase or decrease the magnification of a distant subject through a zoom lens.

However, as the lens assembly moves along the optical axis through electrical interaction within the camera module, overcurrent and overload occur in the lens assembly, and friction occurs with the plurality of ball units provided for easy movement, resulting in overcurrent and overload. There was a problem that the problem could not be solved.

Accordingly, there is a need for a means to solve problems that occur during the movement of the lens assembly.

The present invention is an invention made to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and its object is to prevent overcurrent and overload during the movement of the lens assembly.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned here will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described object includes a housing, a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, and a third lens assembly disposed inside the housing and arranged in the optical axis direction, and the second lens assembly. It includes a driving unit that moves the lens assembly and the third lens assembly in the optical axis direction, a plurality of first ball units disposed on the second lens assembly, and a plurality of second ball units disposed on the third lens assembly. The second lens assembly includes a second lens group, the third lens assembly includes a third lens group, the plurality of first ball units are arranged along the optical axis direction, and the plurality of first ball units are disposed along the optical axis direction. 2 ball units are disposed along the optical axis direction, the second lens assembly has a first partition wall portion disposed between the plurality of first ball units, and the plurality of first ball units include a first cloud portion and a second cloud portion. wherein the first cloud part overlaps the second lens group in the first direction, the second cloud part does not overlap the second lens group in the first direction, and the first direction is the optical axis direction. is perpendicular to and the driving distance of the second cloud part is greater than the driving distance of the first cloud part.

Here, the driving unit includes a first driving unit and a second driving unit, and the second lens assembly and the third lens assembly may be disposed between the first driving unit and the second driving unit.

At this time, the first driving unit includes a first magnet disposed on the second lens assembly and a first coil facing the first magnet in the first direction, and the second driving unit includes the third lens assembly. It may include a second magnet disposed on the second magnet and a second coil facing the second magnet in the first direction.

In addition, one of the plurality of first ball units may be spaced to overlap in a second direction with the first magnet in between, and the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction. there is.

Here, one of the plurality of second ball units is spaced apart to overlap in a second direction with the second magnet interposed therebetween, and the second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction.

At this time, the second ball unit includes a third cloud part and a fourth cloud part spaced apart in the optical axis direction, and the fourth cloud part may overlap the third lens group in the first direction.

Meanwhile, the third lens assembly has a second partition wall portion disposed between the plurality of second ball units, and one of the plurality of second ball units may overlap the third lens group in the first direction. .

Here, the second lens assembly includes a second barrel portion surrounding the second lens group and a second extension portion extending from the second barrel portion in the first direction, and the third lens assembly includes the third lens group. It may include a third barrel portion surrounding the and a third extension portion extending from the third barrel portion in the first direction.

At this time, the second extension part may extend away from the first lens assembly in the optical axis direction, and the third extension part may extend closer to the first lens assembly in the optical axis direction.

In addition, the second extension portion includes a first rail groove, and the first rail groove may be divided into a plurality of partition spaces in the optical axis direction by the first partition wall portion.

In addition, the partition space is divided into at least two first spaces in which the first ball unit is disposed and a second space in which the first ball unit is not disposed, and the plurality of first spaces are located in different directions of the optical axis. It can have a length of .

In addition, the third extension portion includes a second rail groove, and the second rail groove may be divided into a plurality of partition spaces in the optical axis direction by the second partition wall portion.

Here, the partition space is divided into at least two third spaces in which the second ball unit is disposed and a fourth space in which the second ball unit is not disposed, and the plurality of third spaces are oriented in different optical axis directions. It can have a length of .

Additionally, at least one of the partition spaces may have a different length in the optical axis direction.

Meanwhile, the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, and a third lens assembly disposed inside the housing and arranged in the optical axis direction, the second lens assembly, and the third lens assembly. It includes a driving unit that moves the lens assembly in the optical axis direction, a plurality of first ball units disposed on the second lens assembly, and a plurality of second ball units disposed on the third lens assembly, wherein the second The lens assembly includes a first recess and a second recess spaced apart in the optical axis direction, the plurality of first ball units are disposed on both the first recess and the second recess, and the second The length of the recess in the optical axis direction is greater than the length of the first recess in the optical axis direction.

The camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention to solve the above problems can be effective in preventing overcurrent and overload during the movement of the lens assembly.

At this time, since the control unit is provided in the space formed by the length difference, heat generated by the control unit can be efficiently dissipated and the camera actuator can be miniaturized.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

In addition, the effects of the present invention can be explained in more detail in the detailed description of the present invention, and may not necessarily be limited to what is presented above.

The above-described summary as well as the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present application described below may be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings for the purpose of illustrating the invention.
However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact arrangement and means shown.
1 is a diagram for general explanation of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded view showing a camera module of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an AA' cross-section of a camera module of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second lens assembly of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a first partition wall portion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third lens assembly of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second partition wall portion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating movement of a second lens assembly of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating movement of the third lens assembly of the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Since the present invention can make various changes and have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as second, first, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. Terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, the second component may be referred to as the first component without departing from the scope of the present invention, and similarly, the first component may also be referred to as the second component. The term and/or includes any of a plurality of related stated items or a combination of a plurality of related stated items.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. It should be. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a component is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

The terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that it does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present application. No.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, but identical or corresponding components will be assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Additionally, in this specification, a camera actuator is a device that moves a lens, but is described as including both concepts including a lens and not including a lens. Hereinafter, the first and second camera actuators will be described as each including a lens. Additionally, the camera actuator that moves the lens may be called a 'lens moving device' or a 'lens driving device'.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which the object of the present invention can be realized in detail, will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

First, before describing the lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, reference may be made to FIGS. 1 to 3 for a general description of examples and configurations in which the present invention is specifically utilized.

Specifically, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall explanation of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exploded view of a camera module of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the AA' cross section of the camera module of the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment may be composed of a cover (CV), a first camera actuator (A1), a second camera actuator (A2), and a circuit board (B). there is. Here, the first camera actuator A1 may be used interchangeably as the first actuator, and the second camera actuator A2 may be used interchangeably as the second actuator.

The cover CV may cover the first camera actuator A1 and the second camera actuator A2. The coupling force between the first camera actuator A1 and the second camera actuator A2 can be improved by the cover CV.

Furthermore, the cover CV may be made of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. Accordingly, the first camera actuator A1 and the second camera actuator A2 within the cover CV can be easily protected.

And the first camera actuator A1 may be an Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) actuator. For example, the first camera actuator A1 may move the optical member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (axis of incident light).

The first camera actuator A1 may include a fixed focal length lens disposed in a predetermined barrel (not shown). A fixed focal length lens may also be referred to as a “single focal length lens” or “single lens.”

The first camera actuator A1 can change the path of light. In an embodiment, the first camera actuator A1 may vertically change the optical path through an internal optical member (eg, a prism or mirror). For example, the optical member may change light from the second direction to the optical axis direction. With this configuration, even if the thickness of the mobile terminal is reduced, a lens configuration larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal is placed within the mobile terminal through a change in the optical path, so that magnification, auto focusing (AF), zoom, and OIS functions can be performed. You can.

However, it is not limited to this, and the first camera actuator A1 can change the optical path multiple times vertically or at a predetermined angle.

The second camera actuator A2 may be placed behind the first camera actuator A1. The second camera actuator A2 may be combined with the first camera actuator A1. And mutual bonding can be achieved in various ways.

Additionally, the second camera actuator A2 may be a zoom actuator or an auto focus (AF) actuator. For example, the second camera actuator A2 supports one or more lenses and can perform an auto-focusing function or a zoom function by moving the lenses according to a control signal from a predetermined control unit.

And one or more lenses may move independently or individually along the optical axis direction.

The circuit board (B) may be placed behind the second camera actuator (A2). The circuit board (B) may be electrically connected to the second camera actuator (A2) and the first camera actuator (A1). Additionally, there may be a plurality of circuit boards (B).

The camera module 1000 according to the embodiment may be composed of a single or multiple camera modules 1000. For example, the plurality of camera modules may include a first camera module and a second camera module.

And a single camera module 1000 may include a single or multiple actuators. For example, a single camera module 1000 may include a first camera actuator A1 and a second camera actuator A2. Furthermore, the camera module 1000 may be used interchangeably with various terms such as camera device and imaging device.

Additionally, the camera module 1000 may be placed in a predetermined case (not shown) and may include an actuator (not shown) capable of driving the lens unit. This will be explained in more detail through the drawings to be described later.

The actuator may be a voice coil motor, micro actuator, silicon actuator, etc., and may be applied in various ways such as electrostatic method, thermal method, bimorph method, and electrostatic force method, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, in this specification, the camera actuator may be referred to as an actuator, etc. Additionally, the camera module 1000, which consists of a plurality of camera modules, can be mounted in various electronic devices such as mobile terminals. Furthermore, an actuator may be a device that moves or tilts a lens or optical member. However, hereinafter, the actuator will be described as including a lens or optical member. Furthermore, the actuator may be called a 'lens transfer device', 'lens transfer device', 'optical member transfer device', 'optical member transfer device', etc.

Referring to FIG. 3, the camera module according to the embodiment may include a first camera actuator (A1) performing an OIS function, and a second camera actuator (A2) performing a zooming function and an AF function.

Light may be incident into the camera module 1000 or the first camera actuator A1 through an opening area located on the upper surface of the first camera actuator A1. That is, light is incident into the inside of the first camera actuator A1 along the optical axis direction, and the optical path can be changed vertically through the optical member. And the light may pass through the second camera actuator A2 and be incident on the image sensor IS located at one end of the second camera actuator A2 (PATH).

Additionally, in this specification, the inside may be a direction from the cover CV toward the first camera actuator A1, and the outside may be a direction opposite to the inside. For example, the first camera actuator (A1) and the second camera actuator (A2) are located inside the cover (CV), and the cover (CV) is located outside the first camera actuator (A1) or the second camera actuator (A2). can do.

The camera module 1000 according to an embodiment can improve the spatial limitations of the first camera actuator A1 and the second camera actuator A2 by changing the path of light. The camera module 1000 according to an embodiment may expand the optical path while minimizing the thickness of the camera module 1000 in response to a change in the optical path. Furthermore, it should be understood that the second camera actuator A2 may provide a high range of magnification by controlling focus, etc. in an expanded optical path.

In addition, the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment can implement OIS through control of the optical path through the first camera actuator A1, thereby minimizing the occurrence of decenter or tilt phenomenon. and can produce the best optical characteristics.

Furthermore, the second camera actuator A2 may include an optical system and a lens driving unit. For example, the second camera actuator A2 may include at least one of the first lens assembly 200, the second lens assembly 300, and the third lens assembly 400. This will be explained in more detail through the drawings to be described later.

also. The second camera actuator A2 is equipped with a coil and a magnet and can perform a high-magnification zooming function and an autofocus function.

For example, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 may be moving lenses that move through a coil, magnet, and guide pin, and the first lens assembly 200 may be a fixed lens. It may be, but is not limited to this. For example, the first lens assembly 200 may perform the function of a focator that forms an image of light at a specific location, and the distance to the subject or the image distance may vary depending on the movement of the second lens assembly 300. may change a lot, resulting in a large change in magnification. And the second lens assembly 300, which is a variable variable, can play an important role in changing the focal length or magnification of the optical system. Meanwhile, the image formed in the second lens assembly 300, which is a variable sensor, may differ slightly depending on the location. Accordingly, the third lens assembly 400 can perform a position compensation function for the image formed by the variable angle lens. For example, the third lens assembly 400 may perform a compensator function to accurately image the point imaged by the second lens assembly 300, which is a variable sensor, at the actual image sensor position. .

And the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can be driven by electromagnetic force caused by the interaction between a coil and a magnet. The above description can be applied to the lens assembly described later. Additionally, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can move along the optical axis direction. Additionally, the second lens assembly 300 to the third lens assembly 400 may move in the direction of the optical axis independently or dependent on each other.

Furthermore, the first lens assembly 200 may be located at the front end of the second lens assembly 300 or at the rear end of the third lens assembly 400. That is, the first lens assembly 200 may be located adjacent to the first camera actuator or adjacent to the image sensor. And the first lens assembly 200 may be in a fixed state.

In the present invention, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 can move along the optical axis direction. And the first lens assembly 200 may be located at the front end of the second lens assembly 300 or at the rear end of the third lens assembly 400. And the first lens assembly 200 may not move in the optical axis direction. That is, the first lens assembly 200 may be a fixed part. Additionally, the second and third lens assemblies may be moving parts.

Meanwhile, when the OIS actuator and the AF/Zoom actuator are arranged according to an embodiment of the present invention, magnetic field interference with the AF/Zoom magnet can be prevented when OIS is driven. Since the magnet of the first camera actuator A1 is disposed separately from the second camera actuator A2, magnetic field interference between the first camera actuator A1 and the second camera actuator A2 can be prevented. In this specification, OIS may be used interchangeably with terms such as hand shake correction, optical image stabilization, optical image correction, and shake correction.

Before explaining the lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention will be described based on the second camera actuator (A2). This is only a limited description to facilitate a sufficient understanding of the invention, and must be used in conjunction with the second camera actuator A2. 2 It may not be limited to only the camera actuator (A2).

In addition, in the detailed description of the present invention, the arrangement relationship specifically combined with the background as described above has been mentioned in order to facilitate a sufficient understanding of the invention, but it is not necessarily limited thereto, and is explained in detail through the drawings to be described later. 2 This may be to help you understand the camera actuator (A2).

Each configuration of the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention can be described through FIGS. 4 to 9 with reference to the background to aid understanding of the present invention described above.

Specifically, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second lens assembly of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a first partition wall portion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. , FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third lens assembly of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second partition wall portion of a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a drawing.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 100, a first lens assembly 200, a second lens assembly 300, a third lens assembly 400, and a first lens assembly 400. It may include a driving unit 500 including a driving unit 510 and a second driving unit 520.

Here, the housing 100 may form the exterior of the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a space may be formed inside.

In addition, the second lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 are located inside the housing 100 and are moved along the optical axis direction by the first driver 510 and the second driver 520, and the first lens assembly 300 and the third lens assembly 400 are positioned inside the housing 100. The lens assembly 200 may be fixed to the outside of the housing 100.

At this time, the first lens assembly 200 is fixed to the outside of the housing 100, and a separate cover member may be provided between the first lens assembly 200 and the housing 100, but is not limited to this. You can.

Meanwhile, the second lens assembly 300 may be moved along the optical axis direction by the driving unit 500 including the first driving unit 510 and the second driving unit 520.

Here, the first driving unit 510 includes a first magnet 511 provided on the second lens assembly 300 as shown in FIG. 5, and a first magnet 511 provided to face the first magnet 511 in the first direction. It may include a coil 512.

Accordingly, the second lens assembly 300 may be moved along the optical axis direction due to the electrical interaction between the first magnet 511 and the first coil 512.

Meanwhile, the second driving unit 520 includes a second magnet 521 provided on the third lens assembly 400 and a second coil 522 provided to face the second magnet 521 in the first direction. can do.

Accordingly, the third lens assembly 400 may be moved along the optical axis direction due to the electrical interaction between the second magnet 521 and the second coil 522.

At this time, the optical axis direction may mean the direction of the optical path through which light passes through the first camera actuator (A1) and is incident on the second camera actuator (A2), the first direction is perpendicular to the optical path, and the first It may mean a direction from the coil 512 toward the second coil 522 and a direction from the second coil 522 toward the first coil 512.

Additionally, the second direction may mean a direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the optical axis direction, which is the optical path.

That is, the second direction may mean a direction from the front to the back and a direction from the back to the front based on the housing 100, and the optical axis direction, the first direction, and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other.

Meanwhile, a second lens assembly 300 and a third lens assembly 400 are provided between the first coil 512 and the second coil 522, or between the first magnet 511 and the second magnet 521. The first coil 512 and the first magnet 511 move the second lens assembly 300 in the optical axis direction through electrical interaction, and the second coil 522 and the second magnet 521 move the second lens assembly 300 through electrical interaction. The third lens assembly 400 can be moved in the optical axis direction through interaction.

Here, the second lens assembly 300 may include a second lens group 301, a second barrel portion 330, and a second extension portion 340, as shown in FIG. 6.

At this time, the second lens group 301 may mean an assembly of a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis direction, and the second barrel portion 330 may be provided in a form surrounding the second lens group 301. there is.

In addition, the second extension portion 340 extends from the second barrel portion 330 in a first direction away from the second lens group 301, and may extend obliquely in a direction away from the first lens assembly 200. .

In addition, a first seating portion 513 is provided between the first magnet 511 and the second extension portion 340, and the first seating portion 513 is provided in a form that surrounds the first magnet 511. It may include a wall portion 513a and a first insertion portion 513b extending in a first direction away from the first magnet 511.

In addition, a first rail groove is formed in the optical axis direction in the second extension part 340, and at least two first partition walls 320 are provided in the first rail groove, and the first rail groove is a first partition wall part ( 320), a plurality of partition spaces can be provided.

In addition, first ball units 311 and 312 are inserted into a portion of the plurality of partition spaces where the first rail groove is partitioned by the first partition 320, and the first ball units 311 and 312 are positioned in the optical axis direction. It is divided into a first cloud part 311 and a second cloud part 312 that are spaced apart from each other, and the first cloud part 311 may overlap the second lens group 301 in the first direction.

Here, one of the first ball units 311 and 312 is overlapped and spaced apart in the second direction with the first magnet 511 therebetween, and at least a distance between the plurality of first ball units 311 and 312 in the optical axis direction is provided. Two or more first partition walls 320 may be provided.

In addition, a pair of first rail grooves is provided and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and a first cloud part 311 and a second cloud part 312 are provided in each of the first rail grooves, and the first cloud part 311 is The position on the first rail groove may be fixed by the first partition wall portion 320.

In addition, a first insertion groove 342 for inserting the first insertion portion 513b is formed between the pair of first rail grooves in the second direction, and the first insertion groove 342 is the first insertion portion ( It may be depressed in a direction from the first coil 512 to the second coil 522 in a form corresponding to 513b).

That is, considering only the shape of the second barrel portion 330 and the second extension portion 340, it is long in the first direction, is provided in a shape bent in the direction of the optical axis at one end, and the second extension is provided in a shape bent in the direction of the optical axis. First ball units 311 and 312 may be provided in the first rail groove of the unit 340.

Expressed differently, one of the first ball units 311 and 312 is arranged to overlap the second lens group 301 in the first direction, and the first ball units 311 and 312 are arranged in the optical axis direction. You can.

The effects, functions, and advantages of this will be explained in more detail through drawings to be described later.

Meanwhile, FIG. 7 may be referred to for a more detailed description of the partition space where the first rail groove is partitioned by the first partition wall portion 320.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, the first ball units 311 and 312 are provided only in some of the plurality of partition spaces in which the first rail groove is partitioned in the first partition 320, and the first ball units 311, The first cloud part 311 and the second cloud part 312 of 312) may be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction.

In addition, the plurality of partition spaces in which the first rail groove is partitioned by the first partition 320 include a first space 341a where the first ball units 311 and 312 are disposed and the first ball units 311 and 312. ) is divided into a second space 341b in which the first space 341a is not arranged, and the first spaces 341a are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction, and may be specifically provided at both ends of the first rail groove.

In addition, the second space 341b is provided between the first space 341a, and the second space 341b contains the first ball units 311 and 312, that is, the first cloud part 311 and the second cloud part. (312) may not be placed.

Meanwhile, the first space 341a and the second space 341b may have different lengths, and the first spaces 341a may have different lengths. That is, the plurality of partition spaces may have different lengths.

To explain this in detail, the length in the optical axis direction of the first space 341a in which the first cloud part 311 is arranged is defined as the first length H1, and the first space 341a in which the second cloud part 312 is arranged is ) in the optical axis direction is the fourth length (H4), and the length of the second space (341b) in the optical axis direction from the first lens assembly 200 to the third lens assembly 400 is the second length (H2). , assuming the third length (H3), the first length (H1), the second length (H2), the third length (H3), and the fourth length (H4) may be different from each other.

More specifically, among the first length (H1) and the fourth length (H4), the fourth length (H4) is larger than the first length (H1), and the second length (H2) and the third length (H3) are equal to each other. or it may be different, and among the first to fourth lengths (H4) (H1, H2, H3, H4), the first length (H1) may be the smallest.

Additionally, the first length H1 may have a length equal to or similar to the diameter of the first cloud portion 311.

Accordingly, the first cloud part 311 disposed in any one of the first spaces 341a is disposed in the first space 341a having the first length H1, and is disposed in any one of the first spaces 341a The first cloud portion 311 disposed in is disposed in the first space 341a having a fourth length H4, and the first cloud portion 311 is disposed in the first space 341a having a first length H1. ) is fixed, and the second cloud 312 may flow in the optical axis direction in the first space 341a having the fourth length H4.

That is, the position of the first cloud 311 is fixed by the first partition 320 even while the second lens assembly 300 flows in the optical axis direction, and the second cloud 312 is the second lens. The position of the assembly 300 may be changed according to the movement of the second lens assembly 300 with a movement range within the fourth length H4.

This is a load applied to the upper part of the second lens assembly 300 where the second lens group 301 is provided by arranging the first cloud part 311 to overlap the second lens group 301 in the first direction. can be effectively supported through the first cloud part 311, and the lower side of the second lens assembly 300, where the second cloud part 312 is relatively light because the second lens group 301 is not provided, is provided. Friction caused by the second rolling part 312 can be minimized.

To explain this in detail, in the prior art, the second lens assembly 300 was unable to properly support the position that should be supported inside the first rail groove while flowing in the optical axis direction, so the second extension portion 340 was bent or suffered from load. A problem arises, and to prevent this, the plurality of first ball units 311, 312 are arranged in the direction of the optical axis so as to contact each other. However, as the plurality of first ball units 311, 312 are provided, the second lens There may be a problem in that the overall load of the assembly 300 increases, causing overcurrent and overload.

In addition, as the plurality of first ball units 311 and 312 are arranged in contact with each other in the optical axis direction, the positions of the first ball units 311 and 312 can be fixed within the first rail groove, but relatively many first ball units 311 and 312 are placed in contact with each other in the optical axis direction. As the ball units 311 and 312 are provided, there may be a problem in that the above-mentioned overcurrent and overload increase due to an increase in friction force generated.

However, the first ball units 311 and 312 according to an embodiment of the present invention have a first cloud part 311 that overlaps the second lens group 301 in the first direction by the first partition wall part 320. Even during the process of moving the second lens assembly 300 in the optical axis direction by being placed in the first space 341a having the first length H1, it can continuously overlap with the second lens group 301 in the first direction, , As a result, the above-described load and bending problems of the second extension portion 340 can be prevented.

In addition, the first rolling part 311 and the second rolling part 312 are arranged in one first rail groove, so that the above-mentioned problems can be solved with just two configurations, so the problems caused by overcurrent, overload, and increased friction can be effectively solved. There may be some advantages.

At this time, the space having the first length L1 among the pair of first spaces 341a, to put it another way, the space located relatively above in the optical axis direction is called the first recess, and is located relatively below the optical axis. The space where it is located can be divided into a second recess.

Here, the first recess, which is a space located relatively on the upper side in the optical axis direction, is relatively adjacent to the first lens assembly 200, and compared to the first recess, the second recess is relatively close to the first lens assembly 200. ) may be relatively far from

At this time, the length of the first recess in the optical axis direction is the first length (L1), the length of the second recess in the optical axis direction is the fourth length (L4), and the second recess is the first recess. It may be relatively longer in the optical axis direction.

Additionally, as described above, the first ball units 311 and 312 may be disposed in both the first recess and the second recess.

Meanwhile, the third lens assembly 400 may include a third lens group 401, a third barrel portion 430, and a third extension portion 440, as shown in FIG. 8.

At this time, the third lens group 401 may mean an assembly of a plurality of lenses arranged along the optical axis direction, and the third barrel portion 430 may be provided in a form surrounding the third lens group 401. there is.

In addition, the third extension portion 440 extends from the third barrel portion 430 in a first direction away from the third lens group 401, but may be obliquely extended in a direction closer to the first lens assembly 200. there is.

In addition, a second seating portion 523 is provided between the second magnet 521 and the third extension portion 440, and the second seating portion 523 is a second seating portion 523 that is provided in a form surrounding the second magnet 521. It may include a wall portion 523a and a second insertion portion 523b extending in a first direction away from the second magnet 521.

In addition, a second rail groove is formed in the optical axis direction in the third extension part 440, and at least two second partition walls 420 are provided in the second rail groove, and the second rail groove is a second partition wall part ( 420), a plurality of partition spaces can be provided.

In addition, second ball units 411 and 412 are inserted into a portion of the plurality of partition spaces where the second rail groove is partitioned by the second partition 420, and the second ball units 411 and 412 are positioned in the optical axis direction. It is divided into a third cloud part 411 and a fourth cloud part 412 that are spaced apart from each other, and the fourth cloud part 412 may overlap the third lens group 401 in the first direction.

Here, one of the second ball units 411 and 412 is overlapped and spaced apart in the second direction with the second magnet 521 therebetween, and at least a space between the plurality of second ball units 411 and 412 in the optical axis direction is provided. Two or more second partition walls 420 may be provided.

In addition, a pair of second rail grooves is provided and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and a third cloud part 411 and a fourth cloud part 412 are provided in each of the second rail grooves, and the fourth cloud part 412 is The position may be fixed on the second rail groove by the second partition wall portion 420.

In addition, a second insertion groove 442 for inserting the second insertion portion 523b is formed between a pair of second rail grooves in the second direction, and the second insertion groove 442 is a second insertion portion ( It may be depressed in a direction from the second coil 522 toward the first coil 512 in a shape corresponding to 523b).

That is, considering the shape of the third barrel portion 430 and the third extension portion 440, it is long in the first direction, is provided in a shape bent in the direction of the optical axis at one end, and the third extension is provided in a shape bent in the direction of the optical axis. Second ball units 411 and 412 may be provided in the second rail groove of the part 440.

Expressed differently, one of the second ball units 411 and 412 is arranged to overlap the third lens group 401 in the first direction, and the second ball units 411 and 412 are arranged in the optical axis direction. You can.

The effects, functions, and advantages of this will be explained in more detail through drawings to be described later.

Meanwhile, FIG. 9 may be referred to for a more detailed description of the partition space where the second rail groove is partitioned by the second partition wall portion 420.

First, as shown in FIG. 9, the second ball units 411 and 412 are provided only in some of the plurality of partition spaces where the second rail groove is partitioned in the second partition 420, and the second ball units 411, The third cloud part 411 and the fourth cloud part 412 of 412 may be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction.

In addition, the plurality of partition spaces in which the second rail groove is partitioned by the second partition wall portion 420 include a third space 441a where the second ball units 411 and 412 are disposed and the second ball units 411 and 412. ) is divided into a fourth space 441b in which the third space 441a is not arranged, and the third space 441a is arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the optical axis direction, and may be specifically provided at both ends of the second rail groove.

In addition, the fourth space 441b is provided between the third space 441a, and the third space 441a is provided with the second ball units 411 and 412, that is, the third cloud part 411 and the fourth cloud part. (412) may not be placed.

Meanwhile, the third space 441a and the fourth space 441b may have different lengths, and the third spaces 441a may have different lengths. That is, the plurality of partition spaces may have different lengths.

To explain this in detail, the length in the optical axis direction of the third space 441a in which the third cloud part 411 is arranged is the eighth length H8, and the third space 441a in which the fourth cloud part 412 is arranged is ) in the optical axis direction is the fifth length (H5), and the length of the fourth space 441b in the optical axis direction from the first lens assembly 200 to the third lens assembly 400 is the seventh length (H7). , assuming the sixth length H6, the fifth length H5, sixth length H6, seventh length H7, and eighth length H8 may be different from each other.

More specifically, among the eighth length (H8) and the fifth length (H5), the eighth length (H8) is larger than the fifth length (H5), and the seventh length (H7) and the sixth length (H6) are equal to each other. or may be different, and among the fifth to eighth lengths (H8) (H5, H6, H7, H8), the fifth length (H5) may be the smallest.

Additionally, the fifth length H5 may have a length equal to or similar to the diameter of the fourth cloud portion 412.

Accordingly, the third cloud part 411 disposed in any one of the third spaces 441a is disposed in the third space 441a having the eighth length H8, and is disposed in any one of the third spaces 441a The fourth cloud part 412 disposed in is disposed in the third space 441a having the fifth length H5, and the fourth cloud part 412 is disposed in the third space 441a having the fifth length H5. ) is fixed, and the third cloud part 411 may flow in the optical axis direction in the third space 441a having the eighth length H8.

That is, the position of the fourth cloud part 412 is fixed by the second partition wall part 420 even while the third lens assembly 400 flows in the optical axis direction, and the third cloud part 411 is a third lens assembly. The position of the assembly 400 may vary according to the movement of the third lens assembly 400 with a range of movement within the eighth length H8.

This is a load applied to the lower part of the third lens assembly 400 where the third lens group 401 is provided by arranging the fourth cloud part 412 to overlap the third lens group 401 in the first direction. can be effectively supported through the fourth cloud part 412, and the upper side of the third lens assembly 400, where the third cloud part 411 is relatively light because the third lens group 401 is not provided, is provided. Friction caused by the third cloud part 411 can be minimized.

To explain this in detail, in the prior art, the third lens assembly 400 was unable to properly support the position that should be supported inside the second rail groove while flowing in the optical axis direction, so the third extension portion 440 was bent or suffered from load. A problem occurs, and to prevent this, a plurality of second ball units 411, 412 are arranged in the direction of the optical axis so that they are in contact with each other. However, as a plurality of second ball units 411, 412 are provided, the third lens There could be a problem in that the overall load of the assembly 400 increases, causing overcurrent and overload.

In addition, as the plurality of second ball units (411, 412) are arranged to contact each other in the optical axis direction, the positions of the second ball units (411, 412) can be fixed inside the second rail groove, but relatively many second ball units (411, 412) are placed in contact with each other in the optical axis direction. As the ball units 411 and 412 are provided, there may be a problem in that the above-mentioned overcurrent and overload increase due to an increase in friction force generated.

However, the second ball units 411 and 412 according to an embodiment of the present invention have a fourth cloud part 412 that overlaps the third lens group 401 in the first direction by the second partition wall part 420. It is disposed in the third space 441a having the fifth length H5 and can continuously overlap with the third lens group 401 in the first direction even during the process of moving the third lens assembly 400 in the optical axis direction. , As a result, the above-described load and bending problems of the third extension portion 440 can be prevented.

In addition, the third rolling part 411 and the fourth rolling part 412 are arranged in one second rail groove, so that the above-mentioned problems can be solved with just two configurations, effectively solving problems caused by overcurrent, overload, and increased friction. There may be some advantages.

That is, to summarize the above, the first cloud part 311 continuously overlaps the second lens group 301 in the first direction during the movement of the second lens assembly 300, and the fourth cloud part 412 ) may continuously overlap with the third lens group 401 in the first direction during the movement of the third lens assembly 400.

At this time, the space having the fifth length L5 among the pair of third spaces 441a, to put it another way, the space located relatively lower in the optical axis direction is called the third recess, and the space relatively lower in the optical axis direction is The space to be located can be divided into a fourth recess.

Here, the third recess, which is a space located relatively lower in the direction of the optical axis, is relatively far from the first lens assembly 200, and compared to the third recess, the fourth recess is relatively closer to the first lens assembly 200. It may be relatively close to .

At this time, the length of the third recess in the optical axis direction is the fifth length (L5), the length of the fourth recess in the optical axis direction is the eighth length (L8), and the fourth recess is the third recess. It may be relatively longer in the optical axis direction.

Additionally, as described above, the second ball units 411 and 412 may be disposed in both the third and fourth recesses.

Meanwhile, based on the configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the features, functions, and utilization can be explained in detail through FIGS. 10 and 11.

Specifically, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the second lens assembly of the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the third lens assembly of the camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a drawing to explain movement.

First, as shown in FIG. 10, when the second lens assembly 300 is moved along the optical axis direction due to electromagnetic interaction between the first coil 512 of the first driver 510 and the first magnet 511, The first cloud part 311 is fixed on the first space 341a having the first length H1 by the first partition wall part 320, and is different from the second lens group 301 as described above. There can be continuous overlap in one direction.

Meanwhile, when the second lens assembly 300 is moved upward as shown in FIG. 10, the second cloud part 312 is divided into the bottom surface of the first space 341a having the fourth length H4. For explanation purposes, if it is defined as the first bottom surface 341aa, it can be rotated while in contact with the first bottom surface 341aa.

If the second lens assembly 300 is moved downward in a direction opposite to the direction shown in FIG. 10, the first cloud part 311 is fixed on the first space 341a having the first length H1. However, the second cloud part 312 may be spaced apart from the first bottom surface 341aa within the flow range of the first space 341a having the fourth length H4.

That is, the second cloud part 312 of the second extension part 340 in the first space 341a having a fourth length H4 capable of relatively partial support has a range of movement and is relatively similar to the second lens. The first rolling part 311 of the second extension part 340 of the first space 341a having a first length H1 that requires partial support by the group 301 may not have a flow range. , or may have only minimal range of motion.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 11, when the third lens assembly 400 is moved along the optical axis direction due to electromagnetic interaction between the second coil 522 of the second driver 520 and the second magnet 521, , the fourth cloud part 412 is fixed on the third space 441a having the fifth length H5 by the second partition wall part 420, and is different from the third lens group 401 as described above. There may be continuous overlap in the first direction.

Meanwhile, when the third lens assembly 400 is moved upward as shown in FIG. 11, the third cloud part 411 is divided into the bottom surface of the third space 441a having the eighth length H8. For explanation purposes, if it is defined as the second bottom surface 441aa, it can be rotated away from the second bottom surface 441aa.

If the third lens assembly 400 is moved downward in a direction opposite to the direction shown in FIG. 11, the fourth cloud part 412 is fixed on the third space 441a having the fifth length H5. However, the third cloud part 411 may be spaced apart from or in contact with the second bottom surface 441aa within the flow range of the third space 441a having the eighth length H8.

That is, the third cloud part 411 of the third extension part 440 of the third space 441a having an eighth length H8 that can be relatively partially supported has a range of movement and is relatively similar to the third lens. The fourth cloud portion 412 of the third extension portion 440 of the third space 441a having the fifth length H5 that requires partial support by the group 401 may not have a flow range. , or may have only minimal range of motion.

We have looked at preferred embodiments of the invention, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that, in addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or scope. will be.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive, and thus the present invention is not limited to the above description but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

1000: Camera module
CV: Cover
A1: First camera actuator
A2: Second camera actuator
B: circuit board
H1: first length H2: second length
H3: Third length H4: Fourth length
H5: 5th length H6: 6th length
H7: 7th length H8: 8th length
100: housing
200: first lens assembly
300: second lens assembly
301: Second lens group
311: first cloud part 312: second cloud part
320: First bulkhead part
330: second barrel portion
340: second extension
341a: first space 341b: second space
400: Third lens assembly
401: Third lens group
411: 3rd cloud part 412: 4th cloud part
420: Second bulkhead part
430: Third barrel portion
440: third extension
441a: Third space 441b: Fourth space
500: driving unit
510: first driving unit
511: first magnet 512: first coil
513: First seating portion
513a: first wall portion 513b: first insertion portion
520: second driving unit
521: second magnet 522: second coil
523: Second seating portion
523a: second wall portion 523b: second insertion portion

Claims (15)

housing;
a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, and a third lens assembly disposed inside the housing and arranged in an optical axis direction;
a driving unit that moves the second lens assembly and the third lens assembly in the optical axis direction; and
Comprising a plurality of first ball units disposed on the second lens assembly and a plurality of second ball units disposed on the third lens assembly,
The second lens assembly includes a second lens group,
The third lens assembly includes a third lens group,
The plurality of first ball units are arranged along the optical axis direction,
The plurality of second ball units are arranged along the optical axis direction,
The second lens assembly includes a first partition wall portion disposed between the plurality of first ball units,
The plurality of first ball units include a first cloud part and a second cloud part,
The first cloud portion overlaps the second lens group in a first direction,
The second cloud portion does not overlap the second lens group in the first direction,
The first direction is perpendicular to the optical axis direction,
A camera actuator wherein the driving distance of the second cloud part is greater than the driving distance of the first cloud part. According to paragraph 1,
The driving unit includes a first driving unit and a second driving unit,
The second lens assembly and the third lens assembly are a camera actuator disposed between the first driving unit and the second driving unit. According to paragraph 2,
The first driving unit includes a first magnet disposed on the second lens assembly and a first coil facing the first magnet in the first direction,
The second driving unit is a camera actuator including a second magnet disposed on the third lens assembly and a second coil facing the second magnet in the first direction. According to paragraph 3,
One of the plurality of first ball units is spaced to overlap in a second direction with the first magnet therebetween,
The second direction is a camera actuator perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction. According to paragraph 3,
Any one of the plurality of second ball units is spaced to overlap in a second direction with the second magnet therebetween,
The second direction is a camera actuator perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction. According to clause 5,
The second ball unit includes a third cloud part and a fourth cloud part spaced apart in the optical axis direction,
The fourth cloud part overlaps the third lens group in the first direction. According to paragraph 1,
The third lens assembly includes a second partition wall portion disposed between the plurality of second ball units,
A camera actuator wherein one of the plurality of second ball units overlaps the third lens group in the first direction. In clause 7,
The second lens assembly includes a second barrel portion surrounding the second lens group and a second extension portion extending from the second barrel portion in the first direction,
The third lens assembly includes a third barrel portion surrounding the third lens group and a third extension portion extending from the third barrel portion in the first direction. According to clause 8,
The second extension portion extends away from the first lens assembly in the optical axis direction,
The third extension portion is a camera actuator extending close to the first lens assembly in the optical axis direction. According to clause 8,
The second extension includes a first rail groove,
A camera actuator wherein the first rail groove is divided into a plurality of partition spaces in the optical axis direction by the first partition wall portion. According to clause 10,
The partition space includes at least two first spaces where the first ball unit is disposed,
Divided into a second space where the first ball unit is not disposed,
A camera actuator wherein the plurality of first spaces have different lengths in the optical axis direction. According to clause 8,
The third extension includes a second rail groove,
The second rail groove is a camera actuator divided into a plurality of partition spaces in the optical axis direction by the second partition wall. According to clause 12,
The partition space includes at least two third spaces where the second ball unit is disposed,
It is divided into a fourth space where the second ball unit is not disposed,
A camera actuator wherein the plurality of third spaces have different lengths in the optical axis direction. According to claim 10 or 12,
A camera actuator wherein at least one of the partition spaces has a different length in the optical axis direction. housing;
a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, and a third lens assembly disposed inside the housing and arranged in an optical axis direction;
a driving unit that moves the second lens assembly and the third lens assembly in the optical axis direction; and
Comprising a plurality of first ball units disposed on the second lens assembly and a plurality of second ball units disposed on the third lens assembly,
The second lens assembly includes a first recess and a second recess spaced apart in the optical axis direction,
The plurality of first ball units are disposed on both the first recess and the second recess,
A camera actuator wherein the length of the second recess in the optical axis direction is greater than the length of the first recess in the optical axis direction.

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