CN101819314B

CN101819314B - Lens control device

Info

Publication number: CN101819314B
Application number: CN 200910215151
Authority: CN
Inventors: 范健明; 林小军; 郑国星; 杨华; 范永明
Original assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute ASTRI
Current assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute ASTRI
Priority date: 2009-12-23
Filing date: 2009-12-23
Publication date: 2012-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-23
Also published as: CN101819314A

Abstract

The invention discloses a lens control device capable of automatically focusing and moving. According to one embodiment, the lens control device capable of automatically focusing and moving comprises an imaging lens control device which is provided with an imaging lens unit, an imaging lens bracket and a plurality of actuators, wherein the actuators are installed in an imaging lens control device and drives the imaging lens bracket to move to different directions; the embodiment of the imaging control device comprises a case, an imaging lens unit, an imaging lens bracket, an automatic focusing actuator, a first lateral actuator and a second lateral actuator, wherein the imaging lens bracket installed in the case can move along the optical axis direction, and the imaging lens unit and the imaging lens bracket can swing in the case; the automatic focusing actuator is installed in the case and drives the imaging lens unit and the imaging lens bracket to move along the optical axis direction; the first lateral actuator provides an acting force to ensure that the imaging lens bracket swings along the first direction; and the second lateral actuator provides an acting force to ensure that the imaging lens bracket swings along the second direction.

Description

Lens control device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a lens control device, and more particularly, to a lens control device for auto-focus and motion correction functions in an optical imaging module.

Background

Conventional cameras include a plurality of electronic controls to assist in capturing images. For example, an autofocus device may be used to take an image desired by the user into focus. This can be achieved by moving the lens along the optical axis to control the distance between the lens and the image pickup mechanism. Another electronic control device is a shake compensation device that compensates for camera body shake, such as camera shake due to hand shake. This technique generally requires that a lens within the lens module be movable relative to the image capture device to reduce image blur effects (image blurrigeffect) caused by camera motion.

Currently, camera modules are used in cellular phones. Existing jitter compensation devices are not suitable for handsets because they are typically bulky and cannot be placed inside a handset. Accordingly, there is a need for a lens control device that overcomes these and other deficiencies of prior devices.

Summary of The Invention

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a lens control device capable of providing both autofocus and motion control is disclosed. The lens control device comprises a housing (casting); an imaging lens holder which carries an imaging lens unit, the imaging lens holder being movable in the housing along an optical axis direction of the imaging lens unit, the imaging lens holder being further swingable in the housing; an autofocus actuator disposed within the housing, wherein the autofocus actuator is disposed within the housing to drive the imaging lens holder to move in the direction of the optical axis; a first lateral actuator disposed within the housing, wherein the first lateral actuator is capable of providing a force on the imaging lens support to cause the imaging lens support to oscillate in a first direction; and a second lateral actuator disposed within the housing, wherein the second lateral actuator is capable of providing a force on the imaging lens support to cause the imaging lens support to swing in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other, wherein at least a portion of the autofocus actuator is coupled to the imaging lens support, and at least a portion of the first lateral actuator and at least a portion of the second lateral actuator are each coupled to the imaging lens support.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a lens control device is disclosed that provides both autofocus and motion control, the operation of which is controlled by signals sent from a controller. The lens control device comprises a shell; an imaging lens holder movable in the housing in the direction of the optical axis, the imaging lens holder being further swingable within the housing; the automatic focusing control mechanism receives a focusing signal of the controller and drives the imaging lens bracket according to the focusing signal so as to enable the imaging lens bracket to move along the direction of the optical axis; and a motion control mechanism, wherein the motion control mechanism is capable of receiving a motion control signal from the controller and controlling the swinging of the imaging lens holder according to the motion control signal.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an imaging lens control apparatus is disclosed that provides autofocus and motion control. The imaging lens control device includes a housing; an imaging lens unit movable within the housing along the optical axis, the imaging lens unit being further swingable within the housing; an autofocus actuator disposed within the housing, wherein the autofocus actuator is disposed within the housing to drive the imaging lens unit to move in the direction of the optical axis; a first lateral actuator disposed within the housing, wherein the first lateral actuator is capable of providing a force on the imaging lens unit to cause the imaging lens unit to oscillate in a first direction; and a second lateral actuator disposed within the housing, wherein the second lateral actuator is capable of providing a force on the imaging lens unit to cause the imaging lens unit to oscillate in a second direction, wherein at least a portion of the autofocus actuator is coupled to the imaging lens unit, and at least a portion of the first lateral actuator and at least a portion of the second lateral actuator are each coupled to the imaging lens unit.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a lens control apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the lens control apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the lens control apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the lens control apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the lens control device of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial schematic view of a lens holder and an autofocus actuator of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial schematic view of a lens holder and motion control actuator of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a lens control apparatus of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is an exploded view of the lens control device of FIG. 8 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a partial top view of an electrical connection between one coil and one lower spring of the autofocus actuator in the lens control device of FIG. 8 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9C is a partial schematic view of an electrical connection between two motion control actuators and an upper spring of the lens control apparatus of FIG. 8 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a lens control device of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial schematic view of the lens holder and motion control actuator of FIG. 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Detailed Description

In the following description, specific embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of description with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that structural and other changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention, as well as other embodiments. Moreover, various aspects of the various embodiments and each of their different embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. In each of the drawings, like elements are represented by like reference numerals.

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a lens control device having auto-focus and motion control functions. According to one embodiment, a lens control apparatus includes an imaging lens holder for carrying an imaging lens unit; and a plurality of actuators provided in the imaging lens control device to drive the imaging lens holder to move in a preset direction. The imaging lens support moves according to the autofocus control signal and the motion control signal. For example, when acting as a camera component, the imaging lens support may be moved closer to or farther away from the imaging target to adjust the focal length. Also, the imaging lens mount may be moved or swung (pivot) to compensate for any wobble or other movement that occurs while the camera is in use. For example, considering that the optical axis of the imaging lens unit is directed toward the image pickup object, the imaging lens holder may swing horizontally and vertically to handle movements in two different directions.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, a lens control apparatus 100 is shown. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a lens control apparatus 100, fig. 2 is a side view of the lens control apparatus 100 shown in fig. 1, and fig. 3 is a top view of the lens control apparatus 100 shown in fig. 1. The lens control apparatus 100 includes an upper housing 102, a lower housing 104, an imaging lens unit 106, and a holder 116. The upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104 are joined to form a housing of the lens control apparatus 100. The working components of the lens control apparatus 100 are all mounted within this housing according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the lens control apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cross-sectional view is taken along line a in fig. 3. In cross-sectional views, the configuration and operation of the lens control device components are shown and described, including those shown in fig. 1 through 3. Upper housing 102, lower housing 104, imaging lens unit 106, and autofocus actuator magnetic component 108 are shown. The imaging lens unit 106 is engaged with the imaging lens holder 110. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the imaging lens unit 106 is threaded and the imaging lens support 110 is also threaded, which corresponds to the threads of the imaging lens unit 106, and the imaging lens unit 106 is coupled to the imaging lens support 110 by a threaded engagement. The coil 112 is attached to the imaging lens support 110, wherein movement of the coil 112 causes corresponding movement of the imaging lens support 110. There are a plurality of corner posts (corner posts) 114 on the lower housing 102, one on each corner of the lower housing 102, each corner post 114 engaging a corresponding one of the standoffs 116. Each support 116 is typically located at an angular position of the imaging lens control apparatus 100. A set of 4 autofocus actuator magnetic components 108 are disposed within the housing, one at each corner of the lower housing 104. Each support 116 engages a corresponding autofocus actuator magnetic feature 108. Each autofocus actuator magnetic component 108 is capable of generating an interaction force with respect to the coil 112. The coil 112 and autofocus actuator magnetic assembly 108 form an autofocus actuator 119. Thus, an autofocus mechanism is provided for controlling the autofocus movement of the imaging lens unit 106.

A set of actuator magnetic components can interact with the first coil 120 and the second coil 124 (shown in fig. 5). The first magnetic component 118 of the actuator magnetic component is positioned proximate to the first coil 120. The first magnetic part 118 and the first coil 120 constitute a first actuator 121. The second magnetic part 122 (shown in fig. 5) and the second coil 124 (shown in fig. 5) of the actuator magnetic part group constitute a second actuator 125. Thus, a motion control mechanism is provided for controlling the imaging lens unit to make a wobbling motion in both directions.

In one embodiment, both the first actuator 121 and the second actuator 125 are configured to produce lateral motion. However, because of the lower spring 126 and the upper spring 128, a fulcrum is actually created along the optical axis between the lower spring 126 and the upper spring 128. However, according to different implementations, the fulcrum may be generated at different locations within the control device. For ease of describing the movement of the imaging lens support 110, the pivot point should generally be considered a reference standard, rather than the location about which one physical component or another component swings. The position of the imaging lens holder 110 will change accordingly during the longitudinal movement (autofocus movement), so that the lateral movement of the first 121 and second 125 lateral actuators causes a swinging movement of the imaging lens holder 110 about the fulcrum. Because the first and second

lateral actuators

121 and 125 exert forces on the imaging lens support 110, either together or separately, a tilting motion is produced, causing the imaging lens support 110 to swing about a pivot point. In another embodiment, the first and second

lateral actuators

121, 125 may be positioned at different locations relative to the upper and lower springs to increase the length of the moment arm from the fulcrum, which may reduce the force required to produce the tilting motion and avoid unnecessary lateral movement.

The lower spring 126 is located within the lower housing 104 and the upper spring 128 is located within the upper housing 102. The lower spring 126 is mounted between the lower housing 104 and the imaging lens support 110, while the upper spring 128 is positioned between the upper housing 102 and the imaging lens support 110. Lower spring 126 and upper spring 128 assist in controlling the movement of imaging lens support 110 within the housing. For example, the lower spring 126 and the upper spring 128 may each be a coil spring (coil spring) having a diameter larger than the diameter of the imaging lens holder 110. The lower spring 126 and the upper spring 128 may also each be a leaf spring (leaf spring), or one or more leaf springs may be positioned near respective ends of the imaging lens holder 110. The upper and lower springs may also be located in different positions. For example, the lower spring 126 and the upper spring 128 may be disposed adjacent to each other on one end of the imaging lens support 110.

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the lens control apparatus shown in fig. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The lens control apparatus 100 includes an upper housing 102 and a lower housing 104 that enclose the remaining components of the lens control apparatus. The imaging lens unit 106 is disposed within a housing, and both the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104 have openings set in the upper and

lower housings

102, 104 to allow movement through the openings or to allow image capture using the imaging lens unit 106. FIG. 5 also shows an upper spring 128, a lower spring 126, the imaging lens support 110, an autofocus actuator including the coil 112 and autofocus actuator magnetic feature 108, a first lateral actuator including the first magnetic feature 118 and the first coil 120, a second lateral actuator including the second magnetic feature 122 and the second coil 124.

Although "up" and "down" are described with reference to the orientation of the lens control apparatus 100 as shown in the drawings, in actual operation, the optical axis is aligned with the direction in which the lens control apparatus 100 takes a picture. For example, if the optical axis is generally horizontal to the ground, the first transverse optical axis should be horizontal to the ground and generally perpendicular to the optical axis. The second transverse optical axis is generally perpendicular to the optical axis and in a plane with the first transverse optical axis.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an imaging lens holder and an autofocus actuator of one embodiment of the invention. The autofocus actuator includes a coil 112 and autofocus actuator magnetic component 108. In the illustrated embodiment, 4 magnetic elements 108 are shown, one at each corner of the housing of the lens control apparatus 100 (FIG. 1). When current is supplied to the coil 112, the coil 112 generates power. The coil 112 is fixedly attached to the imaging lens support 110 such that movement of the coil 112 ultimately causes movement of the imaging lens support 110. Autofocus actuator magnetic components 108 are proximate to coils 112 such that an electromagnetic field induced by a current flowing through each coil 112 interacts with the magnetic field of each autofocus actuator magnetic component 108, which facilitates movement of coils 112. In accordance with one embodiment, the autofocus actuator magnetic feature 108 is perpendicular to the surface of the coil 112 to enhance the translational movement of the imaging lens support 110 relative to the autofocus actuator magnetic feature 108. The autofocus actuator magnet 108 is typically secured within the housing, such as by the support 116 (FIG. 3) and the lower housing 104 (FIG. 3), such that the coil 112 and the imaging lens support 110 move in opposite directions relative to the magnet 108.

Due to the interaction between the magnetic field of the magnetic member 108 and the electromagnetic field caused by the current flowing through the coil 112, a force is generated in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and as a result, the imaging lens unit 106 is moved vertically along the optical axis. The vertical movement of the coil 112 is converted into a vertical movement of the imaging lens holder 110 which is at least partially connected to the coil 112. The bottom of the magnetic component 108 faces the coil 112 and the top of the magnetic component 108 faces a portion of the imaging lens holder 110 to receive the force applied by the coil 112.

The autofocus actuator 119 and the first and second

lateral actuators

121, 125 can both be operated and controlled independently. This independent operation thus allows precise control of the functions of the actuators, and the actuators may be operated individually or together as desired to achieve both autofocus and motion control functions. In another embodiment, the control of the autofocus function and the control of the motion control function may be performed independently, depending mainly on the requirements of the actual application.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an imaging lens support and motion control actuator of one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the first and second lateral actuators, each of the first and second

magnetic members

118, 122 is mounted in a position relative to each of the first and

second coils

120, 124, respectively, such that each of the first and second

magnetic members

118, 122 faces the imaging lens support 110 and is nearly perpendicular to the surface of the imaging lens support 110. When current is switched on, the first and

second coils

120, 124 move the first and second

magnetic members

118, 122, respectively, thereby creating a lateral motion. Since each of the first coil 120 and the second coil 124 is fixedly connected to the imaging lens support 110 or, according to another embodiment, is positioned close to the imaging lens support 110, the engagement of the first and second

lateral actuators

121, 125 causes the imaging lens support 110 to move in both directions. The lateral movement generated by the first and second

lateral actuators

121, 125 causes the imaging lens holder 110 to tilt, and the imaging lens unit 106 in the imaging lens holder 110 tilts simultaneously, which may counteract a reverse movement of the apparatus of the imaging lens control device 100.

The autofocus actuator 119 and the first and second

lateral actuators

121, 125 may be any suitable type of actuator. In another embodiment, the one or more actuators are Voice Coil Motor (VCM) actuators. In another embodiment, one or more of the actuators are piezoelectric actuators. The one or more actuators may also be electroactive polymer devices, or any other suitable type of actuator capable of producing the desired motion.

The

lateral actuators

121, 125 may be independently controlled or may be electrically connected in series, depending on the type of control desired. For motion control, according to one embodiment, the first coil 120 and the second coil 124 may be connected such that the current flowing through the first coil 120 and the second coil 124 can independently control each of the first and

second coils

120, 124.

The coil is made of an electrically conductive material. In addition to the coil and magnetic components, the components of the lens control device, such as the housing and imaging lens holder 110, may be made of non-magnetic materials, such as plastics or non-magnetic alloys, so as not to interfere with the magnetic fields of the coil and magnetic components.

Although imaging lens unit 106 and imaging lens support 110 are depicted as two separate components in the figures, according to another embodiment, imaging lens unit 106 and imaging lens support 110 may be integrated to form one component. Therefore, according to another embodiment, each of the autofocus actuator 119, the first lateral actuator 121, and the second lateral actuator 125 may act directly on the imaging lens unit 106. The imaging lens unit 106 and the imaging lens holder 110 are generally referred to as one imaging lens part. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the imaging lens component includes an imaging lens unit 106 and an imaging lens holder 110. In accordance with another embodiment, the imaging lens component includes an imaging lens unit 106, wherein the various components cooperate with the imaging lens unit 106, similar to that described above with reference to the imaging lens support 110. According to one embodiment, the imaging lens unit includes one or more optical lenses for imaging. Any suitable imaging lens unit 106 may be used, and the imaging lens unit may also include other components as needed to achieve the objectives of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a side sectional view of a lens control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the internal configuration of the lens control device. The external configuration is generally similar to that shown in figures 1 to 3. Thus, the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 8 is also taken from the dashed line A shown in FIG. 3.

There is shown an upper housing 102, a lower housing 104, an imaging lens unit 806, and an autofocus actuator magnetic component 108. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, imaging lens unit 806 is shown without any imaging lens support. Coil 112 is attached to imaging lens unit 806, wherein movement of coil 112 produces a corresponding movement of imaging lens unit 806. The lower housing 104 has a plurality of corner posts 114, one at each corner of the lower housing 104, that engage a respective one of the seats 116. The coil 112 and autofocus actuator magnetic assembly 108 form an autofocus actuator 119. A set of actuator magnetic components is arranged to be able to interact with the first coil 120 and the second coil (not shown in the figure). The first magnetic component 118 of the actuator magnetic component is proximate to the first coil 120. The first magnetic part 118 and the first coil 120 constitute a first actuator 121. The second magnetic member and the second coil of the actuator magnetic member group constitute a second actuator. Thus, a motion control mechanism is provided for controlling the wobbling motion of the imaging lens 806 in both directions. The embodiment of the imaging lens control apparatus described in fig. 8 operates similarly to the embodiment described in fig. 4.

The lower spring 126 is positioned within the lower housing 104 and the upper spring 128 is positioned within the upper housing 102. The lower spring 126 is disposed between the lower housing 104 and the imaging lens unit 806, and the upper spring 128 is disposed between the upper housing 102 and the imaging lens unit 806. The lower spring 126 and the upper spring 128 assist in controlling the movement of the imaging lens unit 806 within the housing. For example, each of the lower spring 126 and the upper spring 128 may be a coil spring having a diameter larger than that of the imaging lens unit 806. Lower spring 126 and upper spring 128 may also each be a leaf spring, or one or more leaf springs may be positioned near each end of imaging lens unit 806.

Embodiments of the present invention may include a combination of an autofocus actuator and a motion control actuator that exert forces on an imaging lens holder to produce movement along an optical axis and movement that tilts the optical axis. Thus, the imaging lens support can be independently controlled in motion by the autofocus actuator and the motion control actuator, where one actuator moves the imaging lens support and the other actuator does not. As previously described, in operation, a fulcrum will be formed between the upper and lower springs. However, depending on the particular configuration, the fulcrum may be formed at other locations within the lens control device. In one embodiment, the upper and lower springs are symmetrical about one or more bisecting axes. The symmetry of the springs may affect the position of the fulcrum, which in turn affects the tilt motion of the imaging lens support 110. For example, the symmetry of the springs helps to keep the fulcrum position above the optical axis and minimize or limit translational movement of the imaging lens support 110.

Referring to fig. 9A, 9B and 9C, an embodiment of the present invention is shown in which a lower spring 926 and an upper spring 928 are used as electrodes. The lower spring 926 and the upper spring 928 are electrically connected to the coils of the autofocus actuator and the two lateral actuators. Referring to fig. 9B, the coil 912 of the autofocus actuator is electrically connected to the lower spring 926. Referring to fig. 9C, two anti-rattle actuator coils 920, 924 are electrically connected to the upper spring 928. Thus, each of the upper spring 928 and the lower spring 926 may be provided as an electrode. Also, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9C, it can be seen that the upper spring 928 is comprised of 4 individual leaf springs. However, any number of springs may be used.

A controller, circuitry and power supply may be provided to control the actuators such that each actuator may be simultaneously controlled, either independently or collectively, to provide both autofocus and motion control according to the desired performance.

Embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in small devices such as mobile phones and small camera devices. When used within the device, the lens control device may operate in conjunction with an image capture mechanism configured to capture images delivered by the imaging lens unit 106, a controller configured to drive the autofocus actuator 119 and the first and second

lateral actuators

121, 125, a memory configured to store instructions for the controller, a power source such as a battery to power the various components and a communication device such as a wire or circuit connection to facilitate communication between the various components of the lens control device 100.

The configuration of the actuator arranged around the imaging lens holder 110 has the advantage that the actuator can be compactly mounted in one housing. The housing interior and the imaging lens support 110 are complementary in size, shape, material and configuration so that the imaging lens support 110 can move smoothly and accurately within the housing.

It is a feature of an embodiment of the present invention that the autofocus actuator 119 and the first and second lateral actuators 121,125 are mounted in close proximity to the lens holder 110. In one embodiment, the autofocus actuator 119 and the first and second

lateral actuators

121, 125 are both proximate to the imaging lens support 110, and the autofocus actuator 119, the first lateral actuator 121, and the second lateral actuator 125 can act directly on the imaging lens support 110. Because the actuator is positioned adjacent to and directly engaged with imaging lens support 110, a reduced size lens control assembly 100 is provided and autofocus and motion control functions are achieved. A lens control device having a reduced size is desirable for a compact digital camera or a mobile phone having a camera module.

Referring now to fig. 10 and 11, there is shown an embodiment of the invention having differently configured coils and magnetic components. In the embodiment shown in fig. 10, the magnetic component 1008 is fixedly attached to the imaging lens support 110 so that movement of the coil 1008 urges the imaging lens support 110. According to one embodiment, the coil 1012 is positioned perpendicular to the surface of the magnetic component 1008 to enhance the translational motion driving force of the imaging lens support 110 relative to the coil 1012. The coil 1012 is secured within the housing, such as by the standoffs 116. The magnetic component 1008 and the coil 1012 form the autofocus actuator 119, the first magnetic component 1018 and the first coil 1020 form the first lateral actuator 121, and the second magnetic component 1022 and the second coil 1024 form the second lateral actuator 125.

FIG. 11 is a partially schematic illustration of the imaging lens mount and motion control actuator of FIG. 10, according to one embodiment of the invention. Referring to the first and second

lateral actuators

121, 125, each of the first and second

magnetic members

1018, 1022 is positioned relative to the first and

second coils

1020, 1024, respectively, with each of the first and

second coils

1020, 1024 facing the imaging lens support 110 and being approximately perpendicular to the surface of the imaging lens support 110. When current is switched on, the

magnetic components

1018, 1022 move away from the

coils

1020, 1024, thereby producing lateral motion. Since each

magnetic component

1018, 1022 is fixedly attached to the imaging lens support 110, or, according to another embodiment, is positioned proximate to the imaging lens support 110, the engagement of the first and second

lateral actuators

121, 125 causes lateral movement of the imaging lens support 110 in both directions. The lateral movement causes the imaging lens holder 110 to tilt.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the imaging lens support 110 may have a different configuration and the housing may have other shapes and configurations than those shown in the illustrated embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The number, arrangement, type and configuration of the one or more actuators may also be different from those shown in the illustrated embodiments. Thus, while two lateral actuators are described, two or more lateral actuators may be used. A single lateral actuator may also be used. Also, while the depicted embodiment of the autofocus actuator includes 4 magnetic components 108, embodiments including a greater or lesser number of magnetic components may also be used.

Therefore, the above description is intended to provide exemplary embodiments of the invention, and the scope of the invention is not limited to provide specific examples.

Claims

1. A lens control device for providing autofocus and motion control, the lens control device comprising:

a housing;

an imaging lens holder which carries an imaging lens unit, the imaging lens holder being movable in the optical axis direction within the housing, the imaging lens holder being swingable within the housing;

an auto-focus actuator disposed in the housing and driving the imaging lens holder to move in the optical axis direction; wherein the autofocus actuator includes a coil and an autofocus actuator magnetic component, and an electromagnetic force generated by the coil interacting with the magnetic component when energized is along an optical axis direction of the imaging lens holder; and the coil is fixedly connected to an imaging lens holder, the magnetic component being fixed within the housing;

a first lateral actuator disposed within the housing, the actuator including a first coil and a first magnetic component, and the first coil being fixedly attached to the imaging lens support, the first magnetic component being disposed within the housing, facing the imaging lens support and being substantially perpendicular to a surface of the imaging lens support; when the first coil is electrified, the first coil interacts with the first magnetic component to generate a transverse acting force to act on the imaging lens bracket, so that the imaging lens bracket swings along a first direction;

a second lateral actuator disposed within the housing, the actuator including a second coil and a second magnetic member, and the second coil being fixedly connected to the imaging lens holder, the second magnetic member being disposed within the housing, facing the imaging lens holder and being almost perpendicular to a surface of the imaging lens holder; when the second coil is electrified, the second coil interacts with the second magnetic component to generate another transverse acting force to act on the imaging lens bracket, so that the imaging lens bracket swings along a second direction; and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other and substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; and

an upper spring and a lower spring, both of which are disposed between the imaging lens holder and the housing, thereby regulating movement of the imaging lens holder;

wherein,

the upper and lower springs are positioned below the first and second lateral actuators, or alternatively, the upper and lower springs are positioned above the first and second lateral actuators; and

the first and second actuators and the autofocus actuator are operated and controlled independently of each other.

2. A lens control apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the autofocus actuator is arranged to generate a force on the imaging lens holder to move the imaging lens holder in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

3. The lens control device of claim 2, wherein the autofocus actuator is independently operable to generate a force on the imaging lens support, the first lateral actuator is further independently operable to generate a force on the imaging lens support in a first direction, and the second lateral actuator is independently operable to generate a force on the imaging lens support in a second direction.

4. The lens control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the imaging lens unit is for imaging the object, the imaging lens unit comprising at least one lens.

5. The lens control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the autofocus actuator, the first lateral actuator, and the second lateral actuator are controlled by a controller, wherein the autofocus actuator comprises a coil and at least one magnetic component, and the controller is capable of sending control signals to control operation of the actuators.

6. The lens control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first lateral actuator comprises at least one coil and at least one magnetic component, and the second lateral actuator comprises at least one coil and at least one magnetic component.

7. The lens control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second lateral actuators are each a Voice Coil Motor (VCM).

8. The lens control device of claim 6, wherein the coil of the autofocus actuator is electrically connected to the lower spring.

9. The lens control device of claim 6, wherein at least one coil of the first lateral actuator and at least one coil of the second lateral actuator are connected to an upper spring.

10. The lens control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator is coupled to a controller and a power source, the controller capable of connecting the current of the power source to the autofocus actuator, the first lateral actuator, and the second lateral actuator.