CN116615691A

CN116615691A - Power supply for movable aperture unit

Info

Publication number: CN116615691A
Application number: CN202080107875.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 熱田一也; 江原悠介; 米山厚司
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-18
Filing date: 2020-12-18
Publication date: 2023-08-18
Also published as: WO2022126570A1

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a technique for supplying power to a diaphragm unit that moves with a lens unit in a camera module, in which a flexible printed circuit is not required to couple the diaphragm unit with an external power source or an external coil to enable the diaphragm unit to operate. Embodiments of the present application supply power to an aperture unit that moves together with a lens unit by one or more springs that movably support a bracket on which the aperture unit and the lens unit are mounted.

Description

Power supply for movable aperture unit

Technical Field

Embodiments of the application generally relate to a camera module. More particularly, embodiments of the present application relate to supplying power to an iris diaphragm unit movable together with a lens unit in a camera module.

Background

In recent years, the performance of camera modules of mobile cameras has been increasing. As used herein, a camera module may refer to a camera module in a dedicated mobile camera, as well as a camera module in a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, notebook, etc.

In some cases, the lens unit of the camera module may adjust the amount of light entering the lens with the aperture unit. The lens unit is movable to realize functions of Auto Focus (AF), optical anti-shake (optical image stabilization, OIS), and the like.

The aperture unit may be installed to move together with the lens unit due to consideration of optical performance, external dimensions, and the like. However, when the diaphragm unit moves together with the lens unit, supplying power thereto becomes an issue that is not easily solved.

JP2019-148699 describes a blade drive device in an aperture unit in which, when a drive current is applied through a flexible printed circuit (flexible printed circuit, FPC), the blade moves to adjust the size of an opening formed by the blade. In the embodiment, the completely opened or completely closed aperture state can be obtained without supplying power. The aperture unit of this application does not move with the lens unit. However, when the diaphragm unit moves together with the lens unit, the supply of power through the FPC is problematic because the reaction force exerted by the FPC may affect the movement of the lens unit, thereby adversely affecting functions such as AF and OIS. The supply of power through the FPC may also increase the overall size.

US2020/0068100A1 recognizes that if the aperture module is provided with a power connection for receiving power to drive the coil or other parts of the aperture module, the power connection may interfere with the vertical movement of the lens when the camera module performs auto-focusing. The proposed camera module comprises an aperture module for mounting on a lens module, the aperture module comprising a plurality of blades and further for forming aperture holes of various sizes with the plurality of blades; an aperture driving portion including a moving portion including a driving magnet opposite to the driving coil and a driving coil, the moving portion being directly or indirectly connected to the plurality of blades to enable the moving portion to move the plurality of blades. The moving portion is configured to move in response to power supplied to the driving coil, thereby causing movement of the plurality of blades. In one embodiment, when power is removed from the drive coil, the position of the moving portion is fixed to maintain the diameter of the aperture hole. As a result, power consumption is significantly reduced since it is not necessary to continuously supply power to the driving coil to maintain the diameter of the diaphragm aperture. According to this application, it is not necessary to supply power to the diaphragm unit itself to adjust the size of the diaphragm. The plurality of blades move when the moving portion moves in response to power supplied to the driving coil outside the moving portion. But this does not provide a method of supplying power to an aperture module mounted in the lens module.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present application provide a technique for supplying power to a diaphragm unit that moves with a lens unit in a camera module, in which an FPC is not required to couple the diaphragm unit with an external power source, nor is an external coil required to cause the diaphragm unit to adjust its diaphragm.

Specifically, an embodiment of the present application supplies power to an aperture unit that moves together with a lens unit by one or more springs that movably support a holder on which the lens unit is mounted.

In a specific embodiment, power is supplied to the aperture unit that moves with the lens unit by one or more top springs that movably support a bracket on which the aperture unit is mounted. Specifically, one embodiment provides a camera module including: a lens unit; an aperture unit for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit; a holder on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the diaphragm unit is for moving together with the holder; a base, wherein the stand is movably supported by the base by one or more top springs, wherein one or more power terminals of the aperture unit are electrically coupled to the respective one or more top springs, and the one or more top springs are electrically coupled to the power unit.

Since power can be supplied to the diaphragm unit without using the FPC, lens driving is not affected by the force applied by the FPC. Further, since the diaphragm unit does not require an external coil (e.g., a lens unit and a diaphragm unit) outside the moving part to operate, the overall size can be smaller than if such an external coil is provided.

The base may also movably support the bottom side of the bracket by one or more bottom springs.

The top spring may serve as a leaf spring coupled to the top surface of the bracket and a portion of the base flush with the top surface of the bracket.

The top spring may be coupled to the aperture unit by one or more first metal members. The top spring may be coupled to the power supply unit by one or more second metal members.

In a more general class of embodiments, a first implementation provides a camera module comprising: a lens unit; a first unit including one or more power terminals; a holder on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the first unit is for movement with the holder; a base, wherein the cradle is movably supported by the base by one or more first springs, wherein the one or more power terminals of the first unit are electrically coupled to the respective one or more first springs, and the one or more first springs are electrically coupled to the power unit.

Since power can be supplied to the first unit without using the FPC, lens driving is not affected by the force applied by the FPC. Further, since the diaphragm unit does not require an external coil (e.g., a lens unit and a first unit such as a diaphragm unit) outside the moving part to operate, the overall size can be smaller than if such an external coil were provided.

In a second implementation, the unit including one or more power terminals is an aperture unit for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit.

In a third implementation, the one or more power terminals of the aperture unit are electrically coupled to the one or more respective first springs through one or more respective first metal members.

In a fourth implementation, the one or more first metal members are at least partially inserted into the bracket.

In a fifth implementation, the one or more first metal members are connected to the bracket.

In a sixth implementation, the camera module further comprises one or more additional components mounted on the stand, and the one or more first metal members are at least partially inserted into or connected to the one or more additional components.

In a seventh implementation, the first spring is a top spring coupled to a top surface of the bracket, and the base movably supports a bottom side of the bracket by one or more bottom springs.

In an eighth implementation, the first spring is electrically coupled to the power supply unit by one or more second metal members inserted into or connected to the base.

In a ninth implementation, the first spring is a top spring that acts as a leaf spring coupled to a top surface of the bracket and a portion of the base that is flush with the top surface of the bracket.

In a tenth implementation, the camera module further comprises one or more coils on the support for driving the support through electromagnetic interaction with one or more magnets, wherein power is supplied to the one or more coils through the one or more bottom springs to move the support through electromagnetic interaction between the one or more coils and one or more magnets for auto-focusing or optical anti-shake.

In a tenth implementation, the aperture unit includes one of the group consisting of: mechanical diaphragms, liquid diaphragms, and electrochromic diaphragms.

In a second class of embodiments, power is supplied to the aperture unit by one or more bottom springs instead of top springs.

A first implementation of the second class of embodiments provides a camera module comprising: a lens unit; an aperture unit for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit; a holder on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the diaphragm unit is for moving together with the holder; a base movably supporting the bracket by one or more bottom springs, wherein the one or more power terminals of the aperture unit are electrically coupled to the one or more corresponding bottom springs, and the one or more bottom springs are electrically coupled to the power unit.

As in the previous embodiments, since power can be supplied to the aperture unit without using the FPC, lens driving is not affected by the force applied by the FPC. Further, since the diaphragm unit does not require an external coil (e.g., a lens unit and a diaphragm unit) outside the moving part to operate, the overall size can be smaller than if such an external coil is provided.

In a second implementation of the second class of embodiments, the carriage is also movably supported by the base by one or more top springs.

In a third implementation of the second class of embodiments, the one or more top springs are one or more leaf springs coupled to a top surface of the bracket and a portion of the base flush with the top surface of the bracket.

In a fourth implementation of the second class of embodiments, the one or more power terminals of the aperture unit are electrically coupled to the respective one or more bottom springs through one or more respective first metal members.

In a fifth implementation of the second class of embodiments, the one or more first metal members are at least partially inserted into the bracket.

In a sixth implementation of the second class of embodiments, the one or more first metal members are connected to the bracket.

In a seventh implementation of the second class of embodiments, the camera module further comprises one or more additional components coupled to the mount, and the one or more first metal members are at least partially inserted into or connected to the one or more additional components.

In an eighth implementation of the second class of embodiments, the camera module further comprises one or more coils on the support for driving the support through electromagnetic interaction with one or more magnets, wherein power is supplied to the one or more coils through the one or more top springs to move the support through electromagnetic interaction between the one or more coils and one or more magnets for auto-focusing or optical anti-shake.

In a ninth implementation of the second class of embodiments, the aperture unit comprises one of the group consisting of: mechanical diaphragms, liquid diaphragms, and electrochromic diaphragms.

One particular embodiment provides a camera module comprising: a lens unit; an aperture unit for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit; a holder on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the diaphragm unit is for moving together with the holder; a base movably supporting the stand by one or more bottom springs, wherein the stand is further movably supported by the base by one or more top springs, wherein one or more power terminals of the aperture unit are electrically coupled to the respective one or more top springs by one or more respective first metal members, and the top springs are electrically coupled to the power unit by one or more respective second metal members.

Another particular embodiment provides a camera module comprising: a lens unit; an aperture unit for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit; a holder on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the diaphragm unit is for moving together with the holder; a base movably supporting the stand by one or more bottom springs, wherein the stand is further movably supported by the base by one or more top springs, wherein one or more power terminals of the aperture unit are electrically coupled to the respective one or more bottom springs by one or more respective first metal members, and the bottom springs are electrically coupled to the power unit by one or more respective second metal members.

Corresponding methods are also provided.

One embodiment provides a method of supplying power to an aperture unit of a camera module, wherein the camera module includes a lens unit; an aperture unit for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit; a holder on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the diaphragm unit is for moving together with the holder; a base movably supporting the bracket by one or more bottom springs, wherein the bracket is movably supported by the base by one or more top springs, wherein the method comprises conducting power from the power supply unit to the respective one or more top springs, the respective one or more first metal members, and the respective one or more power terminals of the aperture unit through one or more second metal members coupled to the power supply unit.

Another embodiment provides a method of supplying power to an aperture unit of a camera module, wherein the camera module includes a lens unit; an aperture unit for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit; a holder on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the diaphragm unit is for moving together with the holder; a base movably supporting the bracket by one or more bottom springs, wherein the bracket is movably supported by the base by one or more top springs, wherein the method comprises conducting power from the power supply unit to the respective one or more bottom springs, the respective one or more first metal members, and the respective one or more power terminals of the aperture unit through one or more second metal members coupled to the power supply unit.

Some embodiments relate to a camera module in which a top spring or a bottom spring is used to supply current to one or more coils on a cradle. Electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the external magnet drives a mount on which the lens unit is mounted for Auto Focus (AF) and/or optical anti-shake (optical image stabilization, OIS).

One embodiment provides a camera module including: a lens unit; an aperture unit for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit; a holder on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the diaphragm unit is for moving together with the holder; one or more coils on the support for driving the support through electromagnetic interaction with one or more magnets; a base movably supporting the carriage by one or more bottom springs, wherein the carriage is further movably supported by the base by one or more top springs, wherein power is supplied to the one or more coils by the one or more bottom springs to move the carriage by electromagnetic interaction between the one or more coils and one or more magnets.

Another embodiment provides a camera module including: a lens unit; an aperture unit for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit; a holder on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the diaphragm unit is for moving together with the holder; one or more coils on the support for driving the support through electromagnetic interaction with one or more magnets; a base movably supporting the carriage by one or more bottom springs, wherein the carriage is further movably supported by the base by one or more top springs, wherein power is supplied to the one or more coils by the one or more top springs to move the carriage by electromagnetic interaction between the one or more coils and one or more magnets.

It is also possible to provide a product comprising the camera module according to any of the above embodiments.

An embodiment provides a mobile camera comprising the camera module of any of the above embodiments.

Another embodiment provides a smart phone comprising the camera module of any of the above embodiments.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a top view of a camera module provided by an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 2 illustrates components of a camera module provided by the embodiment of the application illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A illustrates a power terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application that electrically couples a top spring to an aperture unit through a first metal member;

FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of the present application providing for electrically coupling a top spring to the exterior of a camera module through a second metal member;

FIG. 4 illustrates a first metal component provided by an embodiment of the present application assembled as an additional part of a stent rather than being inserted into the stent;

FIG. 5 illustrates an additional component assembled as a bracket rather than a first metal member inserted into the bracket provided by an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the application, wherein one or more bottom springs may be coupled to a power terminal of the aperture unit by one or more first metal members;

fig. 7 shows different types of aperture units;

fig. 8 illustrates a smart phone that may include a camera module provided by an embodiment of the present application.

The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the application and are not to be construed as limiting the application to any particular embodiment.

Detailed Description

In recent years, the performance of camera modules of mobile cameras has been increasing. As used herein, a camera module may refer to a camera module in a dedicated mobile camera, as well as a camera module in a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, notebook, or the like.

In general, a camera module has an Auto Focus (AF) function and an optical anti-shake (optical image stabilization, OIS) function. Autofocus (AF) involves moving a lens unit in the optical axis direction, thereby adjusting the focus by changing the distance between the lens and the imaging device (sensor). Optical anti-shake (optical image stabilization, OIS) is a technique for reducing image blur due to camera motion. Unlike digital anti-shake, in which anti-shake is performed by a processing unit of a camera on digital image data obtained by an imaging device (e.g., a sensor) of the camera, optical anti-shake adjusts a position of a lens with respect to the sensor so as to stabilize an image captured by the imaging device (sensor). (embodiments in which digital anti-shake is additionally or alternatively performed by the processing unit of the mobile camera are also contemplated by the present application.)

In some cases, a lens unit of the camera module may be accompanied by an aperture unit to adjust the amount of light entering the lens and/or transmitted through the lens unit. The aperture unit may be located in front of the lens unit. (as used herein, "in front of the lens unit" refers to the side of the lens unit where light enters.) or, alternatively, the lens unit may be located between two parts that make up the lens unit. Any suitable placement of the aperture unit relative to the lens unit is contemplated. By adjusting the aperture, an aesthetically pleasing or appropriate photograph can be taken, whether the environment is bright or dark. The aperture unit typically includes a power terminal for receiving power required for the function of the aperture unit (i.e., required to adjust the amount of light entering the lens).

The aperture unit itself is known to the person skilled in the art. Mechanical diaphragms are commonly used in conventional diaphragm units, one or more physical members may block part of the light from entering the lens, and these physical members are moved to adjust the amount of light entering the lens. The aforementioned references JP2019-148699 and US2020/0068100 disclose a mechanical aperture unit comprising a plurality of movable blades forming an aperture hole.

Other forms of aperture units are also possible. For example, a liquid aperture may adjust the amount of light passing through by adjusting the diffusion of black (or opaque) droplets in transparent oil. For another example, an electrochromic aperture may adjust the amount of light passing through by adjusting the color (absorption of light) of the electrochromic material according to the applied voltage. The application is not limited to any particular type of aperture unit. Any conventional aperture unit may be suitable for use in the present application.

The aperture unit may be installed to move together with the lens unit due to consideration of optical performance, external dimensions, and the like. For example, in a camera module used in a small-sized product, it is difficult to provide a separate diaphragm unit. In an embodiment, the aperture unit may be mounted on the lens unit. Alternatively, the diaphragm unit may be mounted on a bracket on which the lens unit is mounted. However, when the diaphragm unit moves together with the lens unit, supplying power from the power supply unit to such a movable diaphragm unit becomes an issue that is not easily solved. The diaphragm unit requires power to adjust the amount of light entering the lens.

As used herein, a power supply unit may be a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery or any other suitable unit that can supply electrical power.

One way to supply power to such a movable aperture unit is to couple the movable aperture unit to a power supply via a flexible printed circuit (flexible printed circuit, FPC). However, the FPC may interfere with movement of the lens unit that moves together with the aperture unit, and thus may adversely affect performance of an Auto Focus (AF) or optical anti-shake (optical image stabilization, OIS) function. The use of FPC may also increase the external size of the camera module.

Another way of operating the aperture unit is to use an external coil which moves the aperture unit by electromagnetic interaction, wherein the movement causes the blades of the aperture unit to move. However, such an external coil may cause an increase in size.

Accordingly, an embodiment of the present application provides a technique for supplying power to a diaphragm unit that moves with a lens unit in a camera module, in which an FPC is not required to couple the diaphragm unit with an external power source, and an external coil is not required to cause the diaphragm unit to adjust its diaphragm.

An embodiment of the present application achieves the object by supplying power to an aperture unit that moves together with a lens unit through one or more springs that movably support a holder on which the lens unit is mounted.

Embodiments of the present application will be illustrated below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

Fig. 1 is a top view of a camera module provided by an embodiment of the present application, and fig. 2 illustrates components of the camera module shown in fig. 1.

The camera module includes an aperture unit 102, a lens unit 104, one or more top springs 106, a mount 108, one or more bottom springs 110, a mount 112, one or more first metal members 114, and one or more second metal members 116.

There may be fewer components than shown. For example, some embodiments do not require a first metal member and/or a second metal member.

There may be more components than shown. For example, there may be a mechanism for driving a lens unit for Auto Focus (AF) and/or optical anti-shake (optical image stabilization, OIS) purposes. For example, the lens unit may be driven by electromagnetic interaction between one or more coils on the mount (e.g., coils wound on the mount) and one or more external magnets. Alternatively, the magnets may be mounted on a support and the coils may be provided externally, but it is advantageous to provide the coils on the support in view of the weight, overall size, magnetic efficiency, magnetic interference, etc. of the magnets. The driving of the lens unit for AF or OIS itself is beyond the scope of the present application, and thus, in order not to obscure the present application, it is not described in detail.

In one embodiment of the application, the bracket 108 is supported by a base 112 through one or more bottom springs 110. In one embodiment, the lens unit 104 is fixed to the mount 108. In one embodiment, the aperture unit 102 is also fixed to the bracket 108 (directly or indirectly) and moves with the bracket.

In one embodiment, one or more top springs 106 are coupled to the top surface of the bracket 108 and to a protruding portion of the base 116 that is flush with the top surface of the bracket 108, as shown in FIG. 3A. Thus, mechanically, the base movably supports the bracket by one or more top springs 106. Thus, in one embodiment, the bracket 108 is coupled to the base by a top spring 106 and a bottom spring 110. ( As used herein, the terms "top" and "bottom" refer to the directions in fig. 2. The term "top surface" of the bracket refers to a substantially planar surface on the top side of the bracket, but not necessarily the uppermost portion of the bracket. )

In one embodiment, the top spring may be a leaf spring.

In an embodiment, one or more top springs are electrically coupled to one or more power terminals of aperture unit 112. As used herein, the expression "electrically coupled" may mean directly contacting or indirectly coupled through one or more intermediary components without any intermediary components. Any configuration is possible as long as conductivity is achieved.

Fig. 3A shows one of the one or more top springs coupled to a power terminal of the aperture unit 112 through one or more first metal members 114. (the metal members may also be referred to as metal parts, metal assemblies, metal connectors, metal tabs, etc., as appropriate.) specifically, in the embodiment of fig. 3A, one or more first metal members 114 are at least partially inserted into the bracket 108 (e.g., by insert molding). In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 4, one or more first metal members 114 may be assembled as an additional part rather than being inserted into the bracket 108 by insert molding. In yet another embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, one or more first metal members 114 may be assembled into an additional component 118 that is mounted on the bracket 108, rather than being inserted into the bracket 108. In still other embodiments, the top spring may be directly coupled to the power terminal of the aperture unit 112 without the need to insert the first metal member.

In an embodiment, the top spring, which is electrically coupled to one or more power terminals of the aperture unit, is also electrically coupled to an external power source (not shown). As shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the top spring is coupled to the outside through one or more second metal members 116. The second metal member may be inserted into the base or attached to the base. Typically, the second metal member extends at least partially in and/or on the base. The second metal member extending "in" the base means that the second metal member is below the surface of the base. The second metal member extending "on" the base means that the second metal member extends along a surface of the base. The second metal member extending "in and on" the base means that some portions of the second metal member extend in the base and other portions of the second metal member extend on (the surface of) the base.

In short, electric power is supplied from an external power source to the second metal member 116, the top spring 106, the first metal member 114, and then to the power terminal of the diaphragm unit 102. As described above, the top spring may be directly coupled to the power terminal of the diaphragm unit. In this case, electric power is supplied from an external power source to the second metal member 116, the top spring 106, and then to the power supply terminal of the diaphragm unit 102.

The diaphragm unit 102 shown in fig. 1 and 2 has three power terminals. Fig. 3B shows three second metal members coupled to corresponding top springs (only two shown in fig. 3B) open to the outside. The number of power terminals, top springs, etc. is not limited to the number shown. Any suitable number is suitable. For example, if the aperture unit has four terminals, there may be (at least) four metal members and four top springs.

As used herein, when referring to more than one spring, the springs may be individual springs or may be individual springs that are divided into more than one section. A single spring that is divided into more than one portion may be a single spring that is electrically divided into more than one portion, but maintains physical integrity. The number of the top springs may be the same as or different from the number of the power terminals of the diaphragm unit. The top spring may be more than the power terminals.

In the above-described embodiment, the top spring is used to electrically couple the power supply terminals of the power supply unit and the diaphragm unit. Alternatively, a bottom spring may be used to electrically couple the power supply terminals of the power supply unit and the aperture unit.

Fig. 6 shows a bottom spring that may be coupled to a power terminal of the aperture unit by one or more first metal members inserted into the bracket. As with the embodiments described above, the first metal member may also be attached to the bracket as an additional component rather than being inserted into the bracket (e.g., by insert molding). The first metal member may also be connected to or inserted into another component mounted on the bracket. Some embodiments may couple the bottom spring directly to the power terminal of the aperture unit without the need for an intermediate first metal member.

Fig. 7 shows different types of aperture units: (a) a liquid aperture, (b) an electrochromic aperture, and (c) a mechanical aperture. These aperture units, known per se to the person skilled in the art, are described above and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

Fig. 8 illustrates a smart phone that may include a camera module provided by an embodiment of the present application. Although the application may be applied to small, mobile or portable products, such as smartphones, it may be applied in other products. The application of the application need not even be limited to use with aperture units in camera modules. The application may be used in applications requiring the appropriate supply of power to any movable component of the device.

In the above, the top spring or the bottom spring that movably supports the holder on which the lens unit is mounted is used to supply electric power from an external power source to the diaphragm unit. Additionally or alternatively, a top spring or bottom spring may be used to supply current to one or more coils on the carriage to move the carriage through electromagnetic interaction between the coils and the one or more magnets. The holder may be driven in the direction of the optical axis of the lens unit for Auto Focus (AF) or in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis for optical anti-shake (optical image stabilization, OIS).

In some embodiments, a top spring may be used to electrically couple the power supply to the aperture unit and a bottom spring may be used to supply current to drive the carriage. In other embodiments, a bottom spring may be used to electrically couple the power supply to the aperture unit and a top spring may be used to supply current to drive the carriage.

While various embodiments have been described above and shown in the drawings, the application is not limited to the specific embodiments described or shown.

The division of cells disclosed by embodiments of the present application is not limiting and embodiments may use other component division configurations.

Where appropriate, some of the functions may be implemented in the form of a computer program for causing a processor or computing device to perform one or more functions. For example, digital anti-shake may be implemented as such a computer program. The various control functions may also be implemented as computer programs. The computer program may be embodied on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The storage medium may be any medium capable of storing a computer program, and may be a solid state memory such as a USB drive, a flash drive, a read-only memory (ROM), and a random-access memory (RAM); magnetic storage media such as removable or non-removable hard disks; or an optical storage medium such as an optical disc.

The above description is only intended to illustrate various embodiments of the application and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. Any variations which would be apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of the present application are intended to be within the scope of the present application. For example, the individually disclosed measures may be combined in a single embodiment as appropriate, provided that the measures are not mutually exclusive. Reference signs in the claims are only used to indicate examples corresponding to the corresponding features in the claims and should not be construed as limiting the application.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising:

a lens unit (104);

a first unit (102) comprising one or more power supply terminals;

a holder (108) on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the first unit is for movement with the holder;

a base (112),

wherein the carriage is movably supported by the base by one or more first springs (106, 110),

wherein the one or more power terminals of the first unit are electrically coupled to the respective one or more first springs, and the one or more first springs are electrically coupled to the power unit.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the first unit is an aperture unit for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit.

3. The camera module of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first spring is a top spring (106) coupled to a top surface of the bracket, and the base movably supports a bottom side of the bracket by one or more bottom springs (110).

4. A camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more power terminals of the first unit are electrically coupled to the one or more respective first springs by one or more respective first metal members.

5. The camera module of claim 4, wherein the one or more first metal members are at least partially inserted into the bracket.

6. The camera module of claim 4, wherein the one or more first metal members are connected to the bracket.

7. The camera module of claim 4, further comprising one or more additional components mounted on the bracket, and the one or more first metal members are at least partially inserted into or connected to the one or more additional components.

8. The camera module of any of claims 1-7, wherein the first spring is electrically coupled to the power supply unit through one or more second metal members inserted into or connected to the mount.

9. The camera module of claim 8, wherein the first spring is a top spring (106) that acts as a leaf spring coupled to a top surface of the bracket and a portion of the base that is flush with the top surface of the bracket.

10. A camera module according to claim 3, further comprising:

one or more coils on the support for driving the support through electromagnetic interaction with one or more magnets,

wherein power is supplied to the one or more coils through the one or more bottom springs to move the carriage through electromagnetic interaction between the one or more coils and one or more magnets for auto-focusing or optical anti-shake.

11. The camera module of claim 2, wherein the aperture unit is selected from the group consisting of: mechanical diaphragms, liquid diaphragms, and electrochromic diaphragms.

12. A camera module, comprising:

a lens unit (104);

an aperture unit (102) for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit, the aperture unit including one or more power terminals;

a holder (108) on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the aperture unit is for movement with the holder;

a base (112) movably supporting the stand by one or more bottom springs (110),

wherein the one or more power terminals of the aperture unit are electrically coupled to the one or more respective bottom springs, and the one or more bottom springs are electrically coupled to the power unit.

13. The camera module of claim 12, wherein the stand is further movably supported by the base by one or more top springs.

14. The camera module of claim 13, wherein the one or more top springs are one or more leaf springs coupled to a top surface of the bracket and a portion of the base that is flush with the top surface of the bracket.

15. The camera module of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the one or more power terminals of the aperture unit are electrically coupled to the respective one or more bottom springs through one or more respective first metal members.

16. The camera module of claim 15, wherein the one or more first metal members are at least partially inserted into the bracket.

17. The camera module of claim 15, wherein the one or more first metal members are connected to the bracket.

18. The camera module of claim 15, further comprising one or more additional components coupled to the bracket, and the one or more first metal members are at least partially inserted into or connected to the one or more additional components.

19. The camera module of claim 13 or 14, further comprising:

wherein power is supplied to the one or more coils through the one or more top springs to move the carriage through electromagnetic interaction between the one or more coils and one or more magnets for auto-focusing or optical anti-shake.

20. The camera module of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the aperture unit comprises one of the group consisting of: mechanical diaphragms, liquid diaphragms, and electrochromic diaphragms.

21. A camera module, comprising:

a lens unit (104);

a base (112) movably supporting the stand by one or more bottom springs (110),

wherein the carriage is also movably supported by the base by one or more top springs (106),

wherein the one or more power terminals of the aperture unit (102) are electrically coupled to the respective one or more top springs (106) by one or more respective first metal members (114), and the top springs (106) are electrically coupled to the power unit by one or more respective second metal members (116).

22. A camera module, comprising:

a lens unit (104);

a base (112) movably supporting the stand by one or more bottom springs (110),

wherein the one or more power terminals of the aperture unit (102) are electrically coupled to the respective one or more bottom springs (110) by one or more respective first metal members (114), and the bottom springs (110) are electrically coupled to the power unit by one or more respective second metal members (116).

23. A method for supplying power to an aperture unit of a camera module, the camera module comprising:

a lens unit;

an aperture unit for adjusting an amount of light transmitted through the lens unit;

a holder on which the lens unit is mounted, wherein the diaphragm unit is for moving together with the holder;

a base movably supporting the bracket by one or more bottom springs,

wherein the bracket is movably supported by the base through one or more top springs,

wherein the method comprises conducting power from the power supply unit to the respective one or more top springs (106), the respective one or more first metal members (114) and the respective one or more power terminals of the aperture unit (102) through one or more second metal members (116) coupled to the power supply unit.

24. A method for supplying power to an aperture unit of a camera module, the camera module comprising:

a lens unit;

a base movably supporting the bracket by one or more bottom springs,

wherein the method comprises conducting power from the power supply unit to the respective one or more bottom springs (110), the respective one or more first metal members (114) and the respective one or more power terminals of the aperture unit (102) through one or more second metal members (116) coupled to the power supply unit.

25. A camera module, comprising:

a lens unit (104);

an aperture unit (102) for adjusting the amount of light transmitted through the lens unit;

a base (112) movably supporting the stand by one or more bottom springs (110),

wherein current is supplied to the one or more coils through the one or more bottom springs to move the carriage through electromagnetic interaction between the one or more coils and one or more magnets.

26. A camera module, comprising:

a lens unit (104);

a base (112) movably supporting the stand by one or more bottom springs (110),

wherein current is supplied to the one or more coils through the one or more top springs to move the carriage through electromagnetic interaction between the one or more coils and one or more magnets.

27. A mobile camera comprising a camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. A smart phone comprising a camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 26.