JP2008514978A - The camera module - Google Patents

Abstract

The camera module has a plurality of lenses arranged along an optical axis that receives or transmits light from a scene to be imaged by the camera module. At least one lens is mounted on a platform movable along the optical axis and is moved by the operation of a piezoelectric motor. At least one lens may be mounted on a second platform that is movable along the optical axis. The second platform may be driven by a second piezoelectric motor or may be moved by movement of the first platform.
[Selection] Figure 1A

Description

Related Applications This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. P2004-283060 filed September 29, 2004, Japanese Patent Application No. P2004-283306, filed September 29, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 35 U.S. of Japanese Patent Application No. P2004-283193 filed on September 29, 2000. S. C. 119 (a) claims its advantages.

  The present invention relates to a camera, and more particularly to a camera module suitable for incorporation into a portable communication device such as a mobile phone, and a portable communication device having such a camera module.

  A camera module embedded in a mobile phone provides many of the same characteristics as those provided by conventional digital cameras, and includes many of the same components as those of conventional digital cameras. A cell phone camera module generally has an autofocus (AF) function and a zoom function, and a scene is imaged and recorded by the camera module. In many cases, a CCD having a resolution similar to that of a conventional camera or Includes a photosensitive surface such as a CMOS photosensitive surface. In order to provide AF and zoom functions, cell phone camera modules typically have a first lens or lens system (hereinafter collectively referred to as an “autofocus” lens) that serves to focus the image on the photosensitive surface of the module. AF lens)) and a second lens or lens system (hereinafter collectively referred to as “zoom lens”) that provides a zoom function. The AF lens and the zoom lens are respectively first and second platforms referred to as AF and zoom platforms for convenience of the lens transport device so that the optical axes of the AF and zoom lenses coincide along the common “camera module” optical axis. Mounted on top. Appropriate motors or actuators included in the transport device move the AF and zoom platforms to position the AF and zoom lenses and provide focus and zoom functions, i.e. to position the lenses in various telephoto and wide angle configurations. Image the scene.

  Unlike conventional digital cameras, camera modules suitable for embedding in mobile phones are generally configured to fit within a relatively small space available for camera functions of such phones. . In addition, there is a need for mobile phone camera modules to provide image quality and functionality that is consistent with the ever-increasing image quality and ever increasing functionality that traditional digital cameras provide, while mobile phones are becoming thinner and smaller. Accordingly, the space in which the camera module can be used inside the mobile phone is generally decreasing.

  According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a camera module is provided having an improved transport device with an AF and zoom platform for moving and positioning an AF and zoom lens included in the camera module.

  According to an aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, since the transport device is configured to be very small, the camera module can be embedded in a portable communication device such as a mobile phone.

  According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the transport device comprises at least one rod (hereinafter referred to as “thread”) that engages a corresponding thread formed on the AF and / or zoom platform of the transport device. Referred to as a “worm drive shaft”). The at least one worm drive axis is parallel to the optical axis of the camera module, and rotation of the axis moves the AF and / or zoom platform and the lens attached thereto along the optical axis of the camera module.

  The at least one worm drive shaft may have at least two worm drive shafts. The AF platform of the worm drive system is provided with a thread that engages with one of the at least two worm drive shafts, and the zoom platform has at least two worm drive shafts. Among them, a thread that engages with another worm drive shaft is provided.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the AF and zoom platforms are each attached to at least one guide rail that is also provided parallel to the optical axis of the camera module, and the platform is slidable along the guide rail. is there. The at least one guide rail serves to stabilize the direction of the platform and to accurately control movement and positioning. An optional piezoelectric motor is coupled to each of the at least one worm drive shaft, and the shaft is rotated to select the coupled AF or zoom platform, and thus the lens or lens system, along the optical axis of the camera module. Telescopic or wide-angle imaging and focusing of the scene is possible by controlling the positioning so that it can be positioned automatically.

  For convenience of explanation, a transport device having a worm drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention is referred to as a “worm drive” device.

  According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the transport device has a thread in a region of the inner surface and is rotatable about its axis that coincides with the optical axis of the camera module (hereinafter “drive tube”). Called). At least one piezoelectric motor is connected to the drive tube and controls the drive shaft to rotate. For convenience of explanation, a transport device with a drive tube according to an embodiment of the present invention is referred to as a “turret drive” device.

  The AF platform of the turret drive is formed with a thread that matches that of the drive tube and is connected to the drive tube by inserting the platform into the drive tube so that the platform thread engages that of the drive tube. ing. At least one linear guide rail along which the AF platform is slidable prevents the platform from rotating as the drive tube rotates. Thus, when the at least one piezoelectric motor rotates the drive tube, the AF carrier platform moves along the optical axis of the camera module. The piezoelectric motor controls the position of the AF platform, and hence the AF lens attached to the platform, along the optical axis of the camera module by controlling the angle at which the motor rotates the drive tube.

  The zoom platform of the turret drive is also mounted inside the drive tube. The zoom platform may not include a thread that engages that of the drive tube. The movement of the zoom platform, and thus the zoom lens along the optical axis of the camera module, is optionally controlled by an AF platform that can be selectively connected to or disconnected from the zoom platform so that the AF lens moves or does not move through the zoom platform, respectively. The The zoom platform may be capable of providing a telephoto or wide-angle image of the scene by selectively “docking” along the axis to a telephoto or wide-angle position along the optical axis of the camera module. The zoom lens docking can optionally be realized by at least one flexible latch and a corresponding at least one catch. The zoom platform docks in a wide angle or telephoto position when the at least one flexible latch is locked into a corresponding appropriate catch. At any position of the zoom lens, the AF platform is positioned along the optical axis of the camera module by rotation of the drive tube so that the scene image can be properly focused on the photosensitive surface of the module. .

  One aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is a transmission comprising at least one linear rail (hereinafter referred to as “drive rail”) parallel to the optical axis of a camera module to which an AF and / or zoom platform is mounted. A camera module is provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one piezoelectric motor is attached to the AF platform, and the connecting surface of the motor elastically presses one of the at least one drive rail. The motor can be controlled to generate vibrations at the connecting surface that moves the motor, and thus the AF platform, "climbing" along the drive rail. For convenience of explanation, a transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the platform climbs along the drive rail is referred to as a “sine drive” device.

  The at least one drive rail may include a plurality of drive rails, and the at least one motor may include a plurality of motors. Each motor may be configured such that the connecting surface of the motor presses the drive rail by being elastically pressed toward another one of the plurality of drive rails. The transmission may include at least one guide rail along which the carrier platform may be configured to slide or rotate. The guide rail serves to stabilize the direction of the platform and to accurately control the movement and positioning of the platform. The at least one motor may be attached to the platform and pressed toward the drive rail to generate torque that serves to align and align the platform with the at least one drive rail and / or guide rail.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, since at least one piezoelectric motor is similarly mounted on the zoom platform, the connecting surface of the motor elastically presses one of the at least one drive rail. To do. The motor is controllable to climb and move the zoom platform and thus the zoom lens along the drive rail.

  Piezoelectric motors attached to the AF and zoom platforms move the AF and zoom platforms along the optical axis of the camera module to move the AF and / or zoom platform, and hence the associated lens, to a telephoto or wide angle along the optical axis. It can be controlled to selectively position at a position.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, only the AF platform of the shinny driving device is provided with at least one piezoelectric motor that moves the AF platform and its AF lens along the optical axis of the camera module. The zoom platform is moved and positioned by the movement of the AF platform that is selectively connected to or disconnected from the zoom platform in order to prevent the movement of the zoom platform by the movement of the AF platform. But you can.

  The zoom platform may be capable of providing a telephoto or wide-angle image of the scene by selectively “docking” along the axis to a telephoto or wide-angle position along the optical axis of the camera module. As in the turret drive described above, docking of the zoom lens is optionally realized by at least one catch corresponding to at least one flexible latch. In either the wide-angle or telephoto position of the zoom platform, the AF platform is positioned along the optical axis of the camera module by manipulating its at least one piezoelectric motor to properly focus the image on the photosensitive surface of the module. You can match.

  By controlling various piezoelectric motors, an accurately controlled amount of kinetic energy can be provided to the mechanical device and suitable for use in a transport device included in a camera module according to embodiments of the present invention. Yes. For example, US Pat. No. 5,616,980, granted to Mr. Zumeris et al. And PCT Publication WO 00/74153 entitled “Multilayer Piezoelectric Motor”, describe a piezoelectric motor suitable for the practice of the present invention.

  The piezoelectric motor described in the referenced patent and PCT publication includes a relatively thin rectangular piezoelectric vibrator having large parallel surfaces and short long and short edge surfaces. The surface area of the short edge of the vibrator or the surface of the “friction piece” on the short edge of the vibrator may function as a connection surface of the motor pressed against the contact surface of the movable body. In the case of the piezoelectric motor described on the surface of the vibrator or in WO 00/74153, the kinetic energy is transferred to the movable body through the contact surface of the moving body after the electrodes on the surface of the vibrator layer are energized. Vibration is excited by the friction piece of the transmitting motor. PCT application PCT / IL00 / 00698 entitled “Piezoelectric Motor and Motor Drive Configuration” describes various piezoelectric motors and methods for connecting these motors to a movable body. PCT application PCT / IL03 / 00613 entitled “High Resolution Piezoelectric Motor” describes a piezoelectric motor for positioning an object with relatively high accuracy and a method for operating the piezoelectric motor. All disclosures of the above references are cited herein.

  Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical module has at least one lens that receives and transmits light reaching the module from the scene to be imaged by the camera module, the thread being formed. At least one platform and different drive shafts having an axis parallel to the optical axis for each of the at least one platform and formed with threads that engage the threads in the platform; The contact surfaces connected to the drive shafts so that the drive shafts rotate when the contact surface rotates, and the contact surfaces, and thus the shafts, are rotated so that the threads are along the optical axis. A camera module comprising a piezoelectric motor that is controllable to move and position the platform that engages the thread of the shaft. To provide Le.

  The camera module is at least one linear guide parallel to the optical axis, along which the at least one platform moves substantially freely, and the thread engages with that of the platform. The linear guide may be configured to prevent the platform from rotating relative to the drive shaft.

  In addition, or alternatively, the contact surface may be a surface of a drive wheel having a rotation axis connected to the drive shaft and parallel to the rotation axis of the drive shaft.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the piezoelectric motor that rotates the contact surface has a connection surface that is pressed against the contact surface, and the contact surface, and thus the drive shaft, is rotated by the movement of the connection surface.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the piezoelectric motor includes a rectangular piezoelectric vibrator having a large parallel surface and long and short edge surfaces. The connection surface of the motor may be positioned on the edge surface of the vibrator. The edge surface may be a short edge surface.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes a motor mount that holds the piezoelectric motor at the long edge surface substantially parallel to the optical axis.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes an elastic element that biases the piezoelectric motor and presses the connecting surface against the contact surface.

  Additionally or alternatively, the camera module may comprise a camera module housing for mounting the motor mount. The camera module housing may have a substantially cubic shape. In addition, or alternatively, the camera module housing includes at least one bearing for each of the drive shafts, and the drive shafts are attached to the bearings. Of the at least one bearing, one bearing to which the drive shaft is attached may be subjected to a spring load.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one platform includes a plurality of platforms. The plurality of platforms may include two platforms.

  Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an inner surface that has an optical axis, is rotatable about the optical axis, has a thread formed thereon, a drive tube having a rotational axis that coincides with the optical axis, At least one mounted on the inside of the drive tube, having a thread that engages the thread of the drive tube, and receiving and transmitting light arriving from the scene where the module is about to image the camera module The first platform with a lens, and at least one guide rail that is slidable and prevents the platform from rotating when the drive tube rotates; At least one piezoelectric motor controllable to rotate the drive tube to move and position the first platform along the optical axis. To provide a camera module.

  The piezoelectric motor may include a connection surface that is pressed against a contact surface of the tube, and the motor may be configured to be controlled to generate a movement of rotating the tube at the connection surface. The drive tube may include an annular collar that is concentric with the shaft of the drive tube, and the contact surface may be a surface of the collar.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the piezoelectric motor includes a rectangular piezoelectric vibrator having a large parallel surface and long and short edge surfaces. The connection surface of the motor may be located on an edge surface of the vibrator. Further, the edge surface may be a short edge surface.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes a motor mount that holds the piezoelectric motor with the long edge substantially parallel to the optical axis. The camera module may include a camera module housing for mounting the motor mount.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes an elastic element that biases the piezoelectric motor and presses the connecting surface against the contact surface.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes a second platform that is attached to the inside of the drive tube and has at least one lens that receives and transmits light reaching the camera module from the scene. The second platform may not include a thread that engages the thread of the drive tube. Additionally or alternatively, the second platform may be configured to slide freely along the at least one guide rail.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, since the second platform is connected to the first platform, the second platform slides along the optical axis with respect to the first platform between the first and second positions. It is possible to move. In the first position, the first and second platforms may be substantially in contact with each other.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module comprises at least one latch operable to fix the second platform in at least one predetermined location along the optical axis, and a catch adapted thereto. The catch may include a groove formed in the second platform. The latch may extend along a direction parallel to the optical axis.

  Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one drive rail having an optical axis and parallel to the optical axis, and light reaching and transmitting the camera module from a scene to be imaged are received and transmitted. At least one lens and at least one first platform with at least one piezoelectric motor having a connecting surface in contact with the at least one drive rail, the at least one piezoelectric motor on the drive rail There is provided a camera module that can be controlled to move and position the first platform along the optical axis by exciting vibration at the connection surface to which force is applied.

  The at least one drive rail may have a plurality of parallel drive rails. The at least one piezoelectric motor may have a different piezoelectric motor for each of the drive rails, and the motor may have a motor connection surface that contacts the drive rail.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the platform has one arm for each of the at least one piezoelectric motor among the at least one piezoelectric motor that holds the motor and is connected to a central portion of the platform. is doing. The arm may be connected to the body of the platform by a relatively thin neck so that the arm bends elastically in a direction away from the body. Additionally or alternatively, the arm may be an integral part of the platform formed by a slot provided in the platform.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes an elastic body that presses the connecting surface so as to contact one of the at least one drive rail. The elastic body may act to urge the arm in a direction away from the main body of the platform.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module is at least one guide rail parallel to the drive rail, along which the platform moves substantially freely and the platform does not rotate relative to the drive rail. The guide rail is prevented. The force generated by the elastic body between the connecting surface of each motor and the drive rail against which the motor is pressed generates torque that biases the platform to the at least one guide rail. You may comprise.

  In an embodiment of the invention, the platform comprises at least one bearing having a component that rotates along the at least one guide rail.

  In addition, the rotating member and the guide rail are configured to have a corresponding complementary surface to substantially prevent the guide rail and the rotating member from being displaced laterally with respect to the guide rail. Also good. One of the complementary surfaces may be a convex surface and the other may be a concave surface.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the rotating member includes a wheel. The wheel may be formed with a groove adapted to the shape of the complementary surface of the guide rail.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one guide rail includes a plurality of parallel guide rails.

  In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one first platform includes two first platforms.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes a second platform having at least one lens that receives and transmits light reaching the camera module from the scene. The second platform is coupled to the first platform of the at least one first platform, and the first platform is located between the first and second positions along the optical axis. You may comprise so that it can slide with respect to. Moreover, you may comprise so that the said 1st and 2nd platform may contact substantially in the said 1st position.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes at least one latch operable to fix the second platform in at least one predetermined position along the optical axis, and a catch adapted thereto. . The catch may include a groove formed in the second platform. The latch may extend along a direction parallel to the optical axis.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module receives light reaching the camera module from the scene and transmits the received light toward the at least one lens in the at least one platform. Including a focusing lens.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module has a photosensitive surface that detects light from the scene imaged by the camera.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portable terminal provided with the camera module according to any of the claims is provided. The portable terminal may include a communication module that transmits and / or receives signals. In addition, or alternatively, the portable terminal includes a display screen.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable terminal includes a housing for housing the components of the terminal. The dimension of the housing may be approximately equal to the dimension of the camera module. The dimension of the housing may be the thickness of the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the dimension of the camera module is a maximum dimension of the camera module parallel to the optical axis.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable terminal includes a mobile phone.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable terminal includes a barcode reader.

  Non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same structures, elements, and parts shown in more than one drawing are given the same reference numerals in all the drawings in which they are shown. The dimensions and characteristics of the illustrated components are selected for the sake of easy understanding and do not necessarily represent actual scales.

  1A and 1B are schematic perspective views from different directions showing components of a camera module 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The camera module 20 includes AF and zoom platforms 31 and 41 for positioning an AF and zoom lens or lens system (not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) attached to the AF and zoom platform, respectively, within the camera module. The worm drive device 30 may be included. The focusing lens 21 may be attached to the focusing lens frame 22 and may have an optical axis that matches the optical axis indicated by the dotted line 23 of the camera module 20. The focusing lens 21 receives light from the scene where the camera module 20 forms an image, and transmits the focused light toward the zoom and AF lenses attached to the AF and zoom platforms 31 and 41. The worm drive 30 positions the AF and zoom lens platforms 31 and 41 so that each AF and zoom lens receives received light on a CCD or CMOS photosensitive surface 24 (FIG. 1B) having pixels 25. Selectively focus as a wide-angle or telephoto image of the scene. The photosensitive surface 24 may be mounted on a “wiring” board 26 having, for example, a configuration of circuit elements (not shown) for processing signals generated by the pixels 25 to provide an image of the scene, or It may be formed.

  The worm drive device 30 is provided with first and second worm drive shafts 32 and 42, each of which forms screw threads 33 and 43 and at least one guide rail, in parallel with the optical axis of the camera module 20. Also good. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the at least one guide rail may include two guide rails 51 and 52. Each of the worm drive shafts 32 and 42 is also provided with an elastic element, for example, a first bearing 53 which is spring loaded by an elastic element represented by a coil spring 54, and a second bearing attached to the camera housing. (Not shown) may be held. The second bearing is substantially rigidly attached to the housing. The element 54 elastically biases the first bearing 53 toward the second bearing so that the worm drive shafts 32 and 42 are stably seated in the second bearing and at the position of the drive shaft. Prevent or substantially reduce play on the bearings. Thus, the worm drive shaft, and hence the thread 33 or 43, is positioned relatively accurately along the length of the optical axis 23. The worm drive shafts 32 and 42 are attached to the housing 70 of the camera module 20 as shown in FIG. 1C and described later.

  The worm drive shafts 32 and 42 may be respectively attached to drive wheels 34 and 44 connected to drive wheels and thus to piezoelectric motors 35 and 45 operable to rotate the drive shafts 32 and 42, respectively. Also, each piezoelectric motor 35 and 45 is similar to the piezoelectric motor described in the above-mentioned US Pat. No. 5,616,980 and PCT publication WO 00/74153 with a friction piece 62 attached or formed on its narrow edge. A rectangular piezoelectric vibrator 61 is provided. Other suitable piezoelectric motors known in the art may be used in the practice of the present invention or may be substituted for the illustrated motor. Each motor 35 and 45 holds the motor and attaches it to a suitable motor mount that resiliently biases the motor toward its associated drive wheel 34 or 44 so that the friction piece 62 of the motor is It is elastically pressed towards the drive wheel. An outline of a motor mount according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1C and will be described later.

  The AF platform 31 has a thread that engages with the thread 33 of the worm drive shaft 32, and is formed to be coupled to at least one guide rail 51 and 52, for example. It is slidable along the guide rail. Therefore, the AF platform 31 moves along the optical axis 23 by the rotation of the worm drive shaft 32. The worm drive shaft 32 selectively rotates clockwise or counterclockwise by exciting the piezoelectric motor 35 and causing the friction piece 62 to vibrate appropriately, thereby applying a torque to the drive wheel 34. The platform 31 is controlled to move in a direction approaching or leaving the focusing lens 21. The clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the worm drive shaft 32 is determined with respect to a suitable direction along the axis of the drive shaft. Hereinafter, the directions approaching or leaving the focusing lens 21 are respectively referred to as up and down. Details of the operation of the piezoelectric motor 35 will be described later with reference to FIG. 1D.

  In order to connect the AF platform 31 to the worm drive shaft 32, the AF platform is provided with a connection protrusion 36 having a threaded hole for engaging the worm drive shaft thread 33 for passing the worm drive shaft 32. May be. In addition, the AF platform may be connected to the respective guide rails 51 and 52. In addition, in order to connect the first and second guide rails 51 and 52, the AF platform 31 includes a first guide protrusion 37 having a hole through which the first guide rail 51 is passed, and a second guide. There may be a branch guide projection 38 (FIG. 1B) having two arms 39 that “enclose” the rail 52.

  The zoom platform 41 may be coupled to the worm drive shaft 42 and the guide rails 51 and 52 in the same manner as the AF platform 31 is coupled to the worm drive shaft 32 and the guide rails 51 and 52. In addition, the zoom platform 41 may have a connecting projection 46 that has a threaded hole having a thread that engages the thread 43 of the worm drive shaft through which the worm drive shaft 42 passes. In addition, in order to connect to the first and second guide rails 51 and 52, the zoom platform 41 includes a first guide protrusion 47 having a hole through which the first guide rail 51 is passed, and a second guide rail. A bifurcated guide projection 48 (FIG. 1B) having two arms 49 surrounding 52 may be provided.

  By controlling the motor 45 to selectively rotate the drive wheel 44 and thus the drive shaft 42 clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the appropriate direction along the axis of the drive shaft, the zoom platform 41 can It moves up and down selectively along the axis 23.

  FIG. 1C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the camera module 20 is attached to the inside of the camera module housing 70 together with the focusing lens 21 and the worm driving device 30. The housing 70 provides details of the camera module 20 and, in particular, details of the motor mount that supports the piezoelectric motors 35 and 45 to be properly connected to their respective drive wheels 34 and 44, according to embodiments of the present invention. Partially cut away for clarity. In the perspective view of FIG. 1C, the piezoelectric motor 35 and its motor mounting base 80 are shown. Although not shown, the piezoelectric motor 45 may be attached in the same manner as the method of attaching the piezoelectric motor 35 to the housing 70. The camera housing 70 may be substantially cubic.

  The motor mount 80 may have a holding frame 81 connected by two flexible extensor arms 82 attached to the base block 84. Base block 84 is secured to housing 70 using any of a variety of methods known in the art, such as by adhesion and / or press fit into a recess in housing 70. The extensor arm 82 has flexibility in a direction parallel to the length of the piezoelectric motor 35 to the arm, but has a sufficient width in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the motor, so that it is relatively in that direction. A relatively thin region 88 having rigidity is formed. Since the elastic element, for example, the coil spring 90 urges the holding frame 81 toward the drive wheel 34, the friction piece 62 of the piezoelectric motor 35 elastically presses the drive wheel. Alternatively, the flexible element 90 may be attached to the support stub 91 of the housing 70 and extend into the recess 92 at the top of the holding frame 81.

  The inset 85 shows the details of how the holding frame 80 supports the piezoelectric motor 35 and the electrodes 101-104 formed on the motor vibrator 61 described below with reference to FIG. 1D. It is a figure which shows the detail of arbitrary structures schematically. The holding frame 81 includes two elastic elements 86 positioned inside a frame that presses the vibrator 61 of the piezoelectric motor 35 against, for example, two support pieces 87 positioned on opposite sides of the elastic element. The support piece 87 and the elastic element 86 may be configured to come into contact with the vibrator 61 at a node of resonance vibration of the vibrator that is excited by the energizing electrodes 101 to 104 to generate vibration in the friction piece 62.

  The camera module 20 may include a monitoring device that monitors the rotation of the respective worm drive shafts 32 and 42 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). Any position monitoring sensor and device known in the prior art may be used for the rotation monitoring device for monitoring the rotation angle of the worm drive shaft. The monitoring device is attached to a standard mark 94 around each drive wheel 34 and 44 (shown only on the drive wheel 34 in FIG. 1C) and a housing 70 that detects movement of the mark and generates a corresponding signal. An optical sensor 96 may be included. The signal is suitable for controlling the piezoelectric motors 35 and 45 using that signal to enable the drive shafts 32 and 42 to rotate to the desired position and thus the AF and zoom platforms 31 and 41 to the desired position. It may be configured to be transmitted to a control device (not shown).

  FIG. 1D schematically shows how the piezoelectric motor 35 operates to move the AF platform 31 by rotating the drive wheel 34 and thus the worm drive shaft 32.

  The piezoelectric motor 35 includes four quadrant electrodes 101-104 formed on the first large surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 61 and a single large electrode (not shown) on the second large surface of the vibrator. May be provided. The electrodes on the diagonal line may be electrically connected.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, in order to control the motor 35 to rotate the drive wheel 34 and the worm drive shaft 32 in the clockwise direction, the electrodes 101 and 103 on the diagonal line are set at the first AC voltage at the resonance frequency of the vibrator, You may energize in proportion to a large electrode. The diagonal electrodes 102 and 104 may be energized with a second AC voltage that is 180 degrees out of phase with the first voltage. By energizing the electrodes, the vibrator 61 has a longitudinal vibration parallel to the long dimension of the vibrator and a lateral “bending vibration” parallel to the short dimension of the vibrator in the plane of the vibrator. Vibrate. The vibration produces a clockwise elliptical vibration (as viewed from the reader's point of view) in the friction piece 62 having an “activation” represented schematically by a “clockwise” ellipse 106. Along the bottom of the ellipse 106, the friction piece 62 contacts the drive wheel 34 due to part of each cycle of the elliptical vibration 106, and is a thick arrow that turns the drive wheel clockwise (as viewed from the top of the drive shaft 32). The force indicated by 107 is applied. For the remainder of the elliptical cycle 106, the friction piece does not contact the drive wheel. By reversing the polarity of the AC voltage across the diagonal electrode pairs 101 and 103 and 102 and 104, the elliptical vibration is reversed and counterclockwise as schematically represented by the counterclockwise ellipse 108. It becomes a vibration. The counterclockwise vibration applies a force indicated by a thick arrow 109, which is the direction opposite to the thick arrow 107, to the drive wheel 34, whereby the drive wheel rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

  Other energization configurations known in the prior art may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention to operate the piezoelectric motor 35 and rotate the worm drive shaft 32. For example, the drive shaft 32 may be rotated by operating the piezoelectric motor 35 in the asymmetric pulse mode. In this mode, the electrode on the piezoelectric vibrator 61 is energized with an asymmetric pulse, which causes the piezoelectric vibrator to bend in its plane and displace the friction piece to one side relatively quickly or relatively slowly. And then return the friction piece in the opposite direction relatively slowly or relatively quickly. During a relatively quick displacement, the friction between the friction piece 62 and the drive wheel 34 is relatively large and the drive wheel moves and rotates with the friction piece. While the friction piece 62 is operating relatively quickly, the friction between the piece and the drive wheel is relatively low so that the friction piece slides on the surface of the drive wheel 34 against which it was pressed and driven. The wheel does not substantially move with the friction piece and does not substantially rotate. In each cycle of quick and slow movement of the friction piece 62, the drive wheel 34 makes a pure rotation in the direction determined by the slow displacement of the friction piece.

  As an example, in operation in the asymmetric pulse mode, the electrodes 101 and 104 may be electrically connected and configured to pulse with the same unipolar asymmetric pulse having a relatively short rise time and a relatively long fall time. Good. The electrodes 102 and 104 may be electrically connected and energized with a pulse opposite to that for energizing the electrodes 101 and 104. Due to the asymmetric pulse applied to the electrodes, the vibrator 61 moves the friction piece 62 to the right (assuming proper communication is established between the polarity of the pulse and the polarization of the piezoelectric vibrator 61) during the pulse rise time. To bend and displace. During the relatively long descent time, the piezoelectric vibrator 61 slowly relaxes and returns to the bent state, and returns the friction piece 62 to its original position relatively slowly.

  Methods for exciting piezoelectric motors similar to piezoelectric motors 35 and 45 are described in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 5,616,980, PCT publication WO 00/74153, PCT applications PCT / IL00698 and PCT / IL03 / 00613, It can be used in the practice of the present invention. US Pat. No. 5,616,980 describes a number of different energization configurations for energizing the electrodes of a piezoelectric motor similar to piezoelectric motors 35 and 45 to operate the motor in an asymmetric pulse mode.

  FIGS. 1E and 1F show a worm included in the camera module 20 in which the piezoelectric motors 35 and 45 are controlled to position the AF and zoom platforms 31 and 41 so that their respective AF and zoom lenses are in a wide-angle and telephoto configuration, respectively. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a drive device 30. In these drawings, the AF and zoom lenses are included in the AF and zoom platforms 31 and 41 and are schematically indicated by dotted single lens sections 110 and 111.

  In the wide-angle configuration shown in FIG. 1E, the AF and zoom lenses 110 and 111 are located relatively far from the focusing lens 21. The double-headed arrow 112 indicates the positional range of the AF lens 110 when the piezoelectric motor 35 moves the AF lens and focuses the scene to be imaged by the camera module 20 with respect to the position of the zoom lens 111 shown in FIG. 1E. Is shown schematically. In the telephoto configuration shown in FIG. 1F, the AF and zoom lenses 110 and 111 are positioned relatively close to the focusing lens 21. The double arrow 113 indicates the positional range of the AF lens 110 when the piezoelectric motor 35 moves the AF lens and focuses the scene to be imaged by the camera module 20 with respect to the position of the zoom lens 111 shown in FIG. 1F. Shown schematically.

  FIG. 1G is a schematic plan view of a portable terminal equipped with a communication module for transmitting and / or receiving signals. The portable terminal may include a mobile phone 115 including a camera module such as the camera module 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile phone 115 may include a first panel 116 having a user interface including a keyboard 117 and a second panel 118 including a display screen 119. Because panel 118 is hinged to first panel 116 by hinge 114, it can be opened and closed with respect to the first panel, and the panel can use any of a variety of methods and apparatus known in the art. Thus, they are electrically connected to each other and signal communication is possible. The camera module 20 may be attached to the panel 118, and the camera housing 70 (FIG. 1C) is schematically indicated by a dashed line. The focusing lens 21 of the camera module 20 can be seen from the hole in the second panel 118, and the focusing lens focuses the light from the scene imaged by the camera module 20 through the hole. The camera module 20 is controlled to image a scene in response to the operation of an arbitrarily provided button on either one of the panels 116 or 118 and / or a dedicated button and / or key on the keyboard 117. The imaged scene may be displayed on the display screen 119.

  FIG. 2A is a schematic exploded view of a camera module 120 with a turret driver 122 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating a partially assembled camera module 120. For convenience of explanation, the focusing lens 21 shown in FIG. 2A attached to the housing 202 is not shown in FIG. 2B.

  The turret driving device 122 includes an AF platform 160, a zoom platform 180, and a guide rail 200 to which a base 130, a driving tube 140, an AF and a zoom lens of the camera module 120 are respectively attached. The camera module 120 also includes a housing 202 that partially functions as a component of the turret driving device, and a focusing lens 21 having an optical axis that coincides with the optical axis 23 of the camera module 120.

  The base 130 includes a circular well portion 131, an annular recess 132 concentric with the well portion, and a bearing having a suitable configuration known in the prior art, for example, indicated by two wheels 134, and the bearing is the interior of the base. Or it can comprise so that it may attach with respect to a base so that it may protrude inside the surface of an annular recessed part, or be mounted on the surface. The photosensitive surface 24, such as a CCD or CMOS, may be located on the bottom of the well portion 131 on a suitable substrate comprising, for example, a wiring substrate for the photosensitive surface.

  The drive tube 140 includes a drive collar 141 with a thread 142 formed on its inner surface. The drive tube has a shape that can be seated in the well portion 131 so that the drive collar 141 is placed in contact with the wheel 134. For example, it is similar to the piezoelectric motors 35 and 45, and at least one piezoelectric motor 60 including the piezoelectric vibrator 61 and the friction piece 62 is connected to the driving collar 141, and applies a force to the driving collar under control to thereby drive the driving collar. Can be selectively rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the optical axis 23 of the camera module.

  In order to connect each of the at least one piezoelectric motor 60 to the driving collar 141, the friction piece of the motor is driven to the driving collar by urging the motor toward the collar by an elastic element displayed as a coil spring 143. To press. Although the elastic element 143 is shown as a coil spring, the elastic member may be a suitable elastic element known in the prior art, such as a leaf spring, or a mass of a suitably shaped elastic material, such as rubber. For example, in FIG. 2A, the at least one piezoelectric motor 60 includes two piezoelectric motors. Each motor 60 may be configured to be pressed so as to come into contact with the drive collar 141 at a position on the opposite side of the drive collar where the other wheel 134 contacts.

  The AF platform 160 has only one thread 162 on its outer surface for receiving the thread 162 that fits the thread 142 formed on the drive tube 140 and the guide rail 200, although only one is shown in FIG. It has the arbitrary cylindrical part 161 in which the guide rail hole 163 was formed. The AF platform 160 includes a plurality of connecting arms 170 for connecting the AF platform to the zoom lens platform 180, each of which extends “upward” toward the zoom platform and faces the optical axis 23. A short “tooth” 171 is formed at the tip.

  For each connecting arm 170, the zoom platform 180 may have a region 181 on its outer surface formed with a step 182 that mates with the connecting arm teeth 171. The zoom platform 180 is inserted between the connecting arms 170, and the teeth 171 of the connecting arms 170 snap into the step 182 to connect the zoom platform to the AF platform, but the zoom platform can slide along the connecting arm. You may comprise so that it may become. The zoom platform 180 is configured to be slidable with respect to the AF platform 160 from a position where the two platforms are in contact with each other, and at that distance, the tooth 171 is caught by the step 182 so that the platform is not further separated. Also good.

  FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the two connecting arms 170 of the partially assembled camera module 120 and the step 182, and the zoom platform 180 is a distance at which the teeth 171 do not get caught by the step 182. A state of being displaced along the optical axis 23 is shown. Similarly, FIG. 2C schematically shows that the AF lens 110 and the zoom lens 111 are attached to the AF and zoom platforms 160 and 180, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the zoom platform 180 also shows only one in FIG. 2A for receiving at least one surface region 184 having upper and lower grooves 185 and 186, respectively, and a guide rail 200. Guide rail holes 187) are provided. As shown, the at least one surface region 184 may include two symmetrically located surface regions 184.

  In each surface region 184 of the zoom platform 180, the housing 202 includes a resilient latch 206 having latching teeth 207 that act as catches for latches that are formed to mate with grooves 185 and 186 on the surface region. The latch 206 and the upper groove 185 cooperate to dock the zoom platform 180 in the wide angle position, and the latch 206 and the bottom groove 186 dock the zoom platform in the telephoto position. When the latch teeth 207 are seated in the upper groove 185, the zoom platform, and thus the zoom lens 111 attached thereto, is fixed at a wide-angle position along the optical axis 23. When the latch teeth 207 are seated in the bottom groove 186, the zoom platform, and thus the zoom lens 111, is fixed at a telephoto position along the optical axis 23. Further, when the zoom platform 180 is docked at any position, the AF platform 160 moves with respect to the platform 180 from the position where the two platforms come into contact with each other until the tooth 171 is caught by the step 182 and is focused. The position can be adjusted (the range of movement of the platform 160 relative to the platform 180 is as already described).

  FIG. 2D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the partially assembled camera module 120 with the latch teeth 207 seated in the upper groove 185 and the zoom platform 180, and thus the zoom lens 111, at a wide angle along the optical axis 23. The state of being fixed to the position is shown. FIG. 2E shows a state where the partially assembled camera module 120 is seated and the latch teeth 207 are seated on the bottom groove 186 and the zoom platform 180, so that the zoom lens is fixed in the telephoto position along the optical axis. FIG.

  The housing 202 has two protrusions 203 each formed with a guide rail hole 204 for receiving the guide rail 200, and the motor is attached to the housing and the motor is biased toward the drive collar 141 by the elastic element 143. In order to be able to do so, you may have the recessed part 210 corresponding to each piezoelectric motor 60. FIG. In the perspective view of FIG. 2B, only one motor recess 210 is shown. A motor mounting base such as the motor mounting base 80 shown in FIG. 1C may be attached to the recess 210. The recess 210 may include a holding frame 209 that holds the motor 60 and maintains its position in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the motor. In addition, the recess 210 may include a support piece and an elastic element device similar to the support piece 87 and the elastic element 86 shown in the inset 85 of FIG. 1C to support the motor 60. The elastic element shown by the coil spring 143 shown in FIG. 2A that presses the motor 60 against the collar 141 includes a leaf spring 215 that fits on the top of the recess 210.

  The camera module 120 inserts the zoom platform 180 between the connecting arms 170 of the AF platform 160 and screws the platform into the interior of the drive tube 140 such that the thread 162 on the AF platform engages the thread 142 in the drive tube. May be assembled. The drive tube 140 is inserted into the well portion 131 so that the drive collar 141 contacts and is placed on the wheel 134. The piezoelectric motor 60 and the accompanying elastic element 143 that presses the motor against the driving collar 141 are attached to the recess 210 in the housing 202, and the housing is coupled to the base 130. The guide rail 200 is inserted through the guide rail hole 187 (FIG. 2A) in the zoom platform 180 and the guide rail hole 163 in the AF platform 160 into the guide rail hole 204 in the housing.

  The AF platform 160 and its AF lens 110 selectively move up and down along the optical axis 23 and control the piezoelectric motor 60 to rotate the driving collar 141 and thus the driving tube 140 appropriately clockwise or counterclockwise. By positioning, it is positioned along the optical axis. Since the thread 162 of the AF platform 160 engages the thread 142 of the drive tube and the guide rail 200 prevents the AF platform from rotating, the rotation of the drive tube moves the AF platform 160 along the optical axis 23.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the zoom platform 180 moves between the telephoto and wide angle positions by moving the AF platform 160. For example, assume that the zoom platform 180 is docked in the telephoto position shown in FIG. 2E with the latch 206 engaging the bottom groove 186 of the zoom platform. To move the zoom platform 180 to the wide-angle position, the piezoelectric motor 60 is controlled to rotate the drive tube 140, and the AF platform is moved downward until the teeth 171 of the connecting arm 170 (FIG. 2C) engage with the step 182. Let Thereafter, the latch platform 207 is separated from the bottom groove 186 by continuously moving the AF platform 160 downward, and the zoom platform 180 is engaged with the upper groove 185 so that the zoom platform 180 and its zoom lens 111 are engaged. Is pulled downward until it is docked in the wide-angle position shown in FIG. 2D. After docking the zoom lens 180 to its wide angle position, the AF platform 160 moves upward along the optical axis 23 by a distance schematically indicated by a double arrow 211 without disconnecting the zoom platform 180 from its wide angle position. You can do it. The AF platform 160 can focus a scene to be imaged by the camera module 120 having a wide-angle configuration at any point along the distance indicated by the double arrow 211.

  To return the zoom platform 180 to its telephoto position, the AF platform 160 contacts the zoom platform 180 and then pushes the zoom platform up until the latch 206 engages the bottom groove 186 and docks the zoom platform into the telephoto position. When the zoom platform 180 is located at the telephoto position, the AF platform 160 can be moved downward by the distance indicated by the double arrow 212 without disconnecting the zoom platform from the telephoto position. The AF platform 160 can focus the scene that the telescopic camera module 120 is to image at any point along the distance indicated by the double arrow 212 (at the “bottom” of the distance 212). The teeth 171 of the connecting arm 170 mesh with the step 182 (FIG. 2C), separating the zoom platform from the telephoto position and pulling the zoom platform toward the wide-angle position when the AF platform moves further.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module 120 is incorporated into a portable communication device such as a mobile phone in the same manner as the camera module 20 is incorporated into a mobile phone as shown in FIG. 1G. It is.

  3A and 3B are perspective views of a camera module 220 with a shinny drive 230 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Only the characteristics of the camera module 220 relevant to the description are shown in the figure.

  The shinny drive device 230 includes an AF platform 240, a zoom platform 280, for example, two drive rails 301, two guide rails 302, a top plate 303, and a bottom plate 304. The drive and guide rails are clearly shown in FIG. 3C, which is a schematic perspective view of the components of the shinny drive 230. The focusing lens 21 having an optical axis that coincides with the optical axis 23 of the camera module 220 may be attached to the upper plate 303. The CCD or CMOS photosensitive surface 24 (FIG. 3B) may be mounted on a bottom plate 304 that functions or has a wiring substrate for the photosensitive surface.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the AF platform 240 includes at least one guide wheel 241 mounted along each guide rail 302. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the at least one guide wheel may include two guide wheels 241. Details of the AF platform 240 are shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D above, which schematically represents a plan view of the AF platform 240. The AF platform 240 is formed with two slots 244, each of which may form an arm 245 attached to the center of the platform body by a relatively thin neck 247 (the arm 245 and the neck 247. Is easily understood in FIGS. 3C and 3D). The piezoelectric motor 60 is attached to the recess 248 of each arm 245.

  The slot 244 associated with the arm 245 and the relatively narrow neck 247 allow the arm to bend elastically about an axis located in the region of the neck 247 and approximately perpendicular to the plane of the AF platform 240. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an elastic element, such as a coil spring 246 (FIG. 3D), is inserted into each slot 244 to elastically deflect the arm 245 associated with the slot 244 from the body of the AF platform 240. Try to bend away. As a result, the arms 245 generate an elastic torque that urges each piezoelectric motor 60 toward the drive rail 301 associated therewith, so that the friction piece 62 of the motor elastically contacts the drive rail and the guide wheel 241 is The guide rail 302 is pressed elastically. Guide wheel 241 and guide rail 302 are formed to minimize lateral movement of the guide wheel relative to the rail and to maintain the AF platform 240 in precise alignment with the drive and guide rail. This can be achieved by, for example, forming a “V” -shaped groove 242 (FIG. 3D) in each guide wheel 241 and fitting a guide rail associated therewith.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, to receive the elastic element 246 with an optional arm 245, the arm is formed with a threaded through hole 330, shown schematically in dotted lines in FIG. Forms a blind hole 331 indicated by a dotted line. The elastic element 246 is inserted through the threaded hole 330 until it sits in the blind hole 331. A set screw 333 having a thread that matches that of the threaded hole 330 is screwed into the hole to lock the elastic element 246 in place. The depth at which the set screw 333 is screwed into the threaded hole 330 is adjusted, and a desired compression is applied to the elastic element 246, and thus a desired force that presses the piezoelectric motor 60 provided with the arm 245 is applied to the associated drive rail 301.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, each arm 245 is formed away from the body of the platform 240. In addition, the arm 245 may be formed with a hole in which the elastic element can be seated, for example, a blind hole, instead of the hole 330 in which the elastic element 246 can be inserted and seated in the blind hole 331 of the platform 240 body. The body of the platform 240 may be permanently attached to the arm 245, for example, after the elastic element 246 is located in the hole provided for the elastic element between the main body and the arm. The arm and body are then welded and permanently joined.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the material from which the platform 240 is formed and the structure of the neck 247 is such that the arm 245 bends to sufficiently open the slot 244 and the elastic element 246 is inserted between the arm and the platform body. It is configured to be possible.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the resilient element is located along the opposite edge of the motor friction piece 62 in the recess 248 that receives the piezoelectric motor 60 and causes the friction piece to move toward the drive rail 301 with the arm. Press. Further, in the embodiment in which the elastic element is located inside the recess 248, the AF platform 240 is formed without the slot 244 and may not have the arm 245. The elastic bend of the arm 245 is not utilized to press the friction piece 62 of the motor 60 toward its respective drive rail. FIG. 3E is a schematic top view of an AF platform 260 similar to the AF platform 240 but without the slots 244 and arms 245 formed. Each piezoelectric motor 60 attached to the platform is pressed against its respective drive rail 301 by an elastic element 261 located in a recess 248 in which the motor is attached.

  The AF platform 240 selectively controls the drive and guide rails 301 and 302 to move up and down, and thus energizes the electrodes of the piezoelectric motor 60 to generate an appropriate, for example, elliptical vibration in the friction piece 62. The AF lens (not shown) is moved and positioned along the optical axis 23 of the camera module 220 (as described above, “up” and “down” are the focusing lens 21 in FIGS. 3A and 3B). In the direction of approaching or leaving). Vibrations cause the motor, and thus the platform, to "climb up and down" up and down the rails. Also, the drive rail 301 is formed of a wear-resistant material and / or a region along the drive rail that is contacted by the friction piece 62 is covered with the protective wear-resistant material.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the AF platform 240 comprises a unique piezoelectric motor 60 for moving and positioning the AF platform along the optical axis 23, while in another embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 3A and 3B. The zoom platform 280 does not include, for example, a unique piezoelectric motor for moving the platform, as schematically shown in FIG. Instead, as in the case of the camera module 120 and its turret drive 122 (FIGS. 2A-2E), the zoom platform 280 of the shinny drive 230 includes, for example, two connecting arms for connecting the zoom platform to the AF platform. It moves by the operation of the AF platform 240 that forms 250. The connecting arm 250 clearly shows the details in FIG. 3C, but performs the same function as the connecting arm 170 of the turret driving device 122 and has teeth 251 formed on each. Next, the operation of the connecting arm and the operation of the zoom platform 280 will be described.

  The zoom platform 280 is connected to, for example, the drive rail 301 so that the zoom platform can be freely moved up and down along the drive rail with the cylindrical portion 281 to which the zoom lens (not shown) is attached and the lens mounting base. At least two arms 282. The tubular portion 281 is formed with a bottom edge 283 and upper and bottom grooves 284 and 285. The upper and bottom grooves 284 and 285 function as a catch for the elastic latch 290 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B that can extend downward from the top plate 303. Elastic latch 290 includes latch teeth 291 and grooves 284 and 285 have a shape that fits the latch teeth.

  The latch 290 and the upper groove 284 cooperate to dock the zoom platform 280 in the wide angle position, and the latch and the bottom groove 285 cooperate to dock the zoom platform in the telephoto position. As shown in FIG. 3A, when the latching tooth 291 is seated in the upper groove 284, the zoom platform 280, and thus the zoom lens attached thereto, is secured at a wide-angle position along the optical axis 23 that is relatively far from the focusing lens. When the latch teeth 291 are seated in the bottom groove 285 as shown in FIG. 3B, the zoom platform, and thus the zoom lens attached thereto, is fixed at a telephoto position along the optical axis 23.

  To move the zoom platform 280 from its telephoto position (FIG. 3B) to the wide-angle position (FIG. 3A), the piezoelectric motor 60 lowers the AF platform until the teeth 251 of the connecting arm 250 are caught on the bottom edge 283 of the zoom platform. Thereafter, when the AF platform 240 is continuously lowered, the latch teeth 291 are disconnected from the bottom groove 285, the latch engages the upper groove 284, and the zoom platform and its zoom lens are docked in the wide angle position shown in FIG. 3A. Pull 280 downward. After docking the zoom platform 280 in its wide-angle position, the AF platform 240 moves upward along the optical axis 23 by the distance indicated by the double arrow 293 without detaching the zoom platform 280. The AF platform 240 can focus a scene to be imaged by the wide-angle configuration camera module 120 at any point along the distance indicated by the double arrow 293.

  To return the zoom platform 280 to the telephoto position (FIG. 3B), contact the zoom platform 280 and then AF until the latch 290 engages the bottom groove 285 and pushes the zoom platform until it docks into the telephoto position. The platform 240 is moved upward. When the zoom platform 280 is in the telephoto position, the AF platform 240 can be moved downward by the distance indicated by the double arrow 294 without disconnecting the zoom platform from the telephoto position. The AF platform 240 can focus the scene that the telescopic camera module 120 is to image at any point along that distance 294.

  The latch 290 must, of course, not be attached to the upper plate 303 or extend downwardly therefrom. Other configurations of latches suitable for the function of the present invention can also be used and are advantageous. For example, FIG. 3F illustrates a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention that includes a shinny drive 322 similar to the shinny drive 230 (FIG. 3A) with a docking latch 324 attached and extending upward from the bottom plate 304. FIG.

  FIG. 3G is a diagram schematically illustrating another configuration of a latch 350 included in the cine drive 344 of the camera module 340, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the turret drive and shinny drive 122 and 230, the latch does not contact the connection arms 170 and 250 during operation of the device, but the latch 350 contacts the connection arm 250 during operation of the shinny drive 344. The latch has a shape such that the connecting arm contacts and applies force to the latch and separates the latch from the groove 284 or 285 in which they are seated.

  3H illustrates in detail the configuration of the latch 350 and the corresponding connecting arm 250 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3G in relation to the bottom edge 283 and the upper and bottom grooves 284 and 285 of the zoom platform 280. FIG. A portion of the AF platform 240 shown in FIG. 3G with the connecting arm 250 attached is shown in FIG.

  The latch 350 is formed of, for example, an elastic spring-like material, and is configured to snap into the grooves 284 and 285 to be hooked. It has an arm 351 formed with an extended release handle 353. As described above, the connecting arm 250 has the teeth 251, and the first and second inclined panels on both sides of the vertical (parallel to the optical axis 23 of the camera module 120 shown in FIG. 3G) plate 361. Or have surfaces 360 and 362. The tilt and vertical plates 360 to 362 engage the release handle 353 while the AF platform 240 is moving, and move the zoom platform 280 between the wide angle and telephoto positions to apply force to the handle, each seated The catch 352 of the latch 350 is disconnected by lifting it from the groove 284 or 285 that is open.

  The operation image of the connecting arm 250 and the latch 350 while the zoom platform 280 moves from the wide-angle position where the catch 352 meshes with the upper groove 284 to the telephoto position where the catch 352 meshes with the bottom groove 285 is shown in FIG. Show. The image in the figure shows the relative position of the latch and the connecting arm during operation of the zoom platform. In the figure, time advances from the left to the right, and alphabets are added respectively. It is arranged in the right direction in descending alphabetical order, and the right side is later in time than the left figure. An image of the operation of the connecting arm 250 and the latch 350 while the zoom platform 280 moves from its telephoto position to its wide-angle position is shown in FIG.

  The camera module of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3F, and 3G includes an AF platform having a piezoelectric motor and a zoom platform that does not have a piezoelectric motor and is moved by the AF platform. Both platforms move independently and are positioned by a unique piezoelectric motor.

  FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a camera module 400 with a shinny drive 402 having an AF platform 404 and a zoom platform 406, each with its own piezoelectric motor 60, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The platform may be similar. The platform may be the same except for the lens configuration to which they are attached and the components that attach the respective lenses to the platform.

  By independently controlling the operation and positioning of the AF and zoom platforms 404 and 406, their respective AF and zoom lenses can be positioned and moved independently of each other. As a result, the camera module 400 is generally more flexible than a camera module in which the zoom platform is moved by the AF platform and the number of fixed positions along the optical axis of the camera module is limited. is there. A camera module similar to the camera module 400 in which the AF and zoom platforms are independently controlled according to embodiments of the present invention generally increases the continuous magnification range provided by a camera module that is not independently controlled. It is configured.

  Although the camera module according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described as being sufficiently small to be incorporated into a mobile phone, the camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be formed in different dimensions, It is not limited to use for mobile phones and portable terminals. For example, a camera module similar to the exemplary embodiment of the camera module described above may be formed in “conventional dimensions” and used within or as a “conventional camera”. Relatively small camera modules according to embodiments of the present invention, such as those suitable for incorporation into small cellular phones, for example, can be incorporated into, for example, barcode readers and personal accessories, and / or key chains. It can also be worn like glasses.

  In the description and claims of the present application, verbs such as “comprising”, “including”, “having”, and their conjugations are not necessarily the object, component, element, or part of the subject of the verb. .

  Although the present invention has been described in detail by describing its embodiments in detail, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The described embodiments also include different characteristics, not all of which are required for all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present invention use only some or only possible combinations of their characteristics. Variations of the described embodiments of the present invention and embodiments of the present invention that include different combinations of the characteristics shown in the described embodiments will also be contemplated by those skilled in the art. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view from different directions of a worm drive device for a camera module having an AF and zoom platform for positioning an AF and zoom lens in a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a perspective view from different directions of a worm drive device for a camera module having an AF and zoom platform for positioning an AF and zoom lens in a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1C is a schematic partial cross-sectional perspective view of a camera module with the worm drive shown in FIGS. 1A and 1D according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram showing details of a piezoelectric motor with the worm drive shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and details of its operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1E is a schematic diagram showing the AF and zoom lens in the wide-angle and telephoto positions of the camera module worm drive shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1F is a schematic diagram showing the AF and zoom lens in the wide-angle and telephoto positions of the camera module worm drive device shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1G is a schematic diagram showing a mobile phone with the camera module shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a schematic exploded view of a camera module with a turret drive according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the camera module illustrated in FIG. 2A is partially assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the camera module shown in FIG. 2B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2D is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the AF and zoom platforms of the camera module shown in FIG. 2B in the wide-angle and telephoto positions, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2E is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the AF and zoom platform of the camera module shown in FIG. 2B in the wide-angle and telephoto positions, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view from different directions of a camera module cine drive with an AF and zoom platform for positioning AF and zoom lenses within the camera module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a schematic perspective view from different directions of a camera module cine drive with an AF and zoom platform for positioning an AF and zoom lens within the camera module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram showing details of the AF platform inside the shinny drive, partially disassembled from the shinny drive shown in FIGS. 3D is a schematic top view of the AF platform shown in FIG. 3C, according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3E is a schematic plan view illustrating a variation of the AF platform shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3F is a schematic diagram illustrating a variation of the shinny drive shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3G is a schematic diagram illustrating another variation of the shinny drive shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3H is a schematic diagram illustrating a latching mechanism for selectively docking a zoom lens platform in a telephoto or wide-angle position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3I is a schematic diagram showing an operation of the docking mechanism shown in FIG. 3H. FIG. 3J is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the docking mechanism shown in FIG. 3H. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another camera module cine drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (67)

At least one platform comprising at least one lens that is threaded and receives and transmits light reaching the module from the scene to be imaged by the camera module;
A different drive shaft having an axis parallel to an optical axis for each platform of the at least one platform and formed with threads that engage the threads in the platform;
A contact surface coupled to each drive shaft such that the drive shaft rotates when the contact surface rotates;
A piezoelectric motor that is controllable to rotate and position the contact surface, and thus the shaft, so as to move and position the platform whose threads engage the threads of the shaft along the optical axis; A camera module having the optical axis.   At least one linear guide parallel to the optical axis, the drive shaft along which the at least one platform moves substantially freely and whose thread engages that of the platform The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising: the linear guide that prevents the platform from rotating with respect to the camera module.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface is a surface of a drive wheel having a rotation axis that is connected to the drive shaft and is parallel to the rotation axis of the drive shaft.   The piezoelectric motor for rotating the contact surface has a connecting surface pressed against the contact surface, and the contact surface and thus the drive shaft is rotated by movement of the connecting surface. 4. The camera module according to any one of 3 above.   5. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric motor includes a rectangular piezoelectric vibrator having a large parallel surface and long and short edge surfaces. 6.   The camera module according to claim 5, wherein the connection surface of the motor is located on an edge surface of the vibrator.   The camera module according to claim 6, wherein the edge surface is a short edge surface.   The camera module according to claim 5, further comprising a motor mount that holds the piezoelectric motor with the long edge surface substantially parallel to the optical axis.   The camera module according to claim 4, further comprising an elastic element that urges the piezoelectric motor to press the connecting surface against the contact surface.   The camera module according to claim 8, further comprising a camera module housing for mounting the motor mount.   The camera module according to claim 10, wherein the camera module housing has a substantially cubic shape.   12. The camera module according to claim 10, wherein the camera module housing includes at least one bearing for each of the drive shafts, and the drive shaft is attached to the bearings.   The camera module according to claim 12, wherein a spring load is applied to one of the at least one bearings to which a drive shaft is attached.   The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one platform includes a plurality of platforms.   The camera module according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of platforms includes two platforms. A drive tube that is rotatable about an optical axis, has a threaded inner surface, and a rotational axis that coincides with the optical axis;
At least the light source that is attached to the inside of the drive tube, has a screw thread that engages the screw thread of the drive tube, and that receives and transmits light that reaches the camera module from a scene to be imaged A first platform with one lens;
At least one guide rail, wherein the first platform is slidable and prevents the platform from rotating when the drive tube rotates;
A camera module having an optical axis, comprising: at least one piezoelectric motor that is controllable to rotate and drive the first tube to move and position the first platform along the optical axis.   The piezoelectric motor includes a connection surface pressed against a contact surface of the tube, and the motor is controlled to generate a movement to rotate the tube at the connection surface. The camera module described.   The camera module according to claim 17, wherein the drive tube includes an annular collar that is concentric with the axis of the drive tube, and the contact surface is a surface of the collar.   The camera module according to claim 16, wherein the piezoelectric motor includes a rectangular piezoelectric vibrator having a large parallel surface and long and short edge surfaces.   The camera module according to claim 19, wherein the connection surface of the motor is located on an edge surface of the vibrator.   The camera module according to claim 20, wherein the edge surface is a short edge surface.   The camera module according to any one of claims 19 to 21, further comprising a motor mounting base that holds the piezoelectric motor with the long edge substantially parallel to the optical axis.   The camera module according to claim 22, further comprising a camera module housing for mounting the motor mount.   24. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic element that biases the piezoelectric motor and presses the connecting surface against the contact surface.   25. A second platform having at least one lens attached to the inside of the driving tube and receiving and transmitting light reaching the camera module from the scene. Item 1. A camera module according to item 1.   26. The camera module of claim 25, wherein the second platform does not include a thread that engages the thread of the drive tube.   The camera module according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the second platform slides freely along the at least one guide rail.   Since the second platform is connected to the first platform, the second platform is slidable along the optical axis with respect to the first platform between a first position and a second position. The camera module according to any one of claims 25 to 27.   29. The camera module according to claim 28, wherein the first and second platforms are substantially in contact with each other in the first position.   30. At least one latch operable to secure the second platform in at least one predetermined location along the optical axis, and a catch adapted thereto, The camera module according to claim 1.   The camera module according to claim 30, wherein the catch includes a groove formed in the second platform.   32. The camera module according to claim 31, wherein the latch extends along a direction parallel to the optical axis. At least one drive rail parallel to the optical axis;
And at least one piezoelectric motor having at least one lens for receiving and transmitting light arriving from a scene to be imaged by the module and at least one piezoelectric motor having a connecting surface in contact with the at least one drive rail. One first platform,
The at least one piezoelectric motor is controllable to excite vibration at the connecting surface that applies force to the drive rail to move and position the first platform along the optical axis. A camera module comprising the optical axis.   The camera module of claim 33, wherein the at least one drive rail comprises a plurality of parallel drive rails.   35. The camera module of claim 34, wherein at least one piezoelectric motor has a different piezoelectric motor for each drive rail, and the motor has a motor coupling surface that contacts the drive rail.   The platform has one arm for each piezoelectric motor among the at least one piezoelectric motor that holds the motor and is connected to a central portion of the platform. The camera module according to any one of claims 33 to 35.   37. The camera module according to claim 36, wherein the arm is connected to the main body of the platform by a relatively thin neck so that the arm is elastically bent in a direction away from the main body. 38. The camera module according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the arm is an integrated part of the platform formed by a slot provided in the platform.   The camera module according to any one of claims 36 to 38, further comprising an elastic body that presses the connecting surface so as to contact one of the at least one drive rails. .   40. The camera module according to claim 39, wherein the elastic body acts to urge the arm in a direction away from the main body of the platform.   At least one guide rail parallel to the drive rail, the platform being free to move along the platform and preventing the platform from rotating relative to the drive rail. The camera module according to any one of claims 33 to 39.   At least one guide rail parallel to the drive rail, the platform being free to move along the platform and preventing the platform from rotating relative to the drive rail. The camera module according to claim 40.   The force generated by the elastic body between the connection surface of each motor and the drive rail to be pressed generates a torque that urges the platform to the at least one guide rail. The camera module according to claim 42.   44. The camera module according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the platform includes at least one bearing having a component that rotates along the at least one guide rail.   The said rotation member and the said guide rail have a corresponding complement surface in order to prevent substantially substantially so that the said guide rail and the said rotation member may not shift | deviate laterally with respect to the said guide rail. 45. The camera module according to 44.   46. The camera module according to claim 45, wherein one of the complementary surfaces is a convex surface and the other is a concave surface.   The camera module according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the rotating member includes a wheel.   48. The camera module according to claim 47, wherein the wheel has a groove adapted to a shape of the complementary surface of the guide rail.   49. The camera module according to any one of claims 41 to 48, wherein the at least one guide rail includes a plurality of parallel guide rails.   50. The camera module according to any one of claims 33 to 49, wherein the at least one first platform includes two first platforms.   51. The camera module according to claim 33, further comprising a second platform having at least one lens that receives and transmits light reaching the camera module from the scene.   The second platform is connected to a first platform of the at least one first platform and is between the first and second positions along the optical axis with respect to the first platform. 52. The camera module according to claim 51, wherein the camera module can slide.   53. The camera module according to claim 52, wherein the first and second platforms are substantially in contact at the first position.   54. Any one of claims 51 to 53, comprising at least one latch operable to secure the second platform in at least one predetermined location along the optical axis, and a catch adapted thereto. The camera module according to claim 1.   55. The camera module according to claim 54, wherein the catch includes a groove formed in the second platform.   56. The camera module according to claim 54 or 55, wherein the latch extends along a direction parallel to the optical axis.   A focusing lens that receives light reaching the camera module from the scene and transmits the received light toward the at least one lens in the at least one platform. 57. The camera module according to any one of 1 to 56.   58. The camera module according to claim 1, further comprising a photosensitive surface for detecting light from the scene formed by the camera.   59. A portable terminal comprising the camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 58.   60. A portable terminal according to claim 59, comprising a communication module for transmitting and / or receiving signals.   The portable terminal according to claim 59 or 60, further comprising a display screen.   The portable terminal according to any one of claims 59 to 61, further comprising a housing for accommodating a component of the terminal.   64. The portable terminal according to claim 62, wherein a dimension of the housing is substantially equal to a dimension of the camera module.   64. The portable terminal according to claim 63, wherein the dimension of the housing is a thickness of the housing.   The portable terminal according to claim 63 or 64, wherein the dimension of the camera module is a maximum dimension of the camera module parallel to the optical axis.   The portable terminal according to any one of claims 59 to 65, wherein the portable terminal includes a mobile phone. 66. The portable terminal according to any one of claims 59 to 65, wherein the portable terminal includes a barcode reader.

Images