JP5679590B2 - Small imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a small imaging device.

  Many portable electronic devices, such as cellular phones and / or personal information terminals (PDAs), include small camera modules. The module can include one image sensor, one imaging lens assembly, and / or one actuator to adjust the position of the imaging lens assembly with respect to the image sensor. When aiming for portable electronic devices that are thinner, smaller, and / or lighter, designers of small camera modules need to provide smaller camera modules to fit the limited space in the device. You will face the challenge of being.

With reference to the following description, non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described, and the same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified.
It is an assembly exploded schematic diagram of the small image pick-up module which is one Example of this invention. It is an assembly drawing of one small image pick-up module which is one Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of one spring which is one Example of this invention. It is a top view of one spring which is one example of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of one coil which is one Example of this invention. It is a top view of one coil which is one example of the present invention. It is a top view of one coil-spring assembly which is one Example of this invention. It is an assembly exploded schematic diagram of the small image pick-up module which is another Example of this invention. It is a side view of one small image pick-up module which is one example of the present invention. It is the elements on larger scale of one actuator in operation which is one example of the present invention. It is a partial expansion schematic diagram of one unactuated actuator which is one example of the present invention. It is a side view of one small image pick-up module which is other one Example of this invention. It is the elements on larger scale of one actuator in operation which is one example of the present invention. It is a partial expansion schematic diagram of one unactuated actuator which is one example of the present invention. It is an assembly exploded schematic diagram of the small image pick-up module which is one Example of this invention. It is an assembly exploded schematic diagram of the small image pick-up module which is another Example of this invention. It is an assembly exploded schematic diagram of the small image pick-up module which is another Example of this invention. It is an assembly exploded schematic diagram of the small image pick-up module which is another Example of this invention.

  In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are discussed in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In order not to be confused with the present invention, methods, apparatuses or systems known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail.

  In the specification, “one embodiment” refers to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic that is included in at least one embodiment of the invention and described in connection with one particular embodiment. As such, “in one embodiment” described elsewhere in the specification is not necessarily limited to referring to the same embodiment or any particular embodiment described. It is also understood that the particular features, structures or characteristics described in various ways in one or more embodiments can be merged. Usually, of course, these issues may vary depending on the specific text used before and after. Therefore, specific descriptions in the surrounding text and the use of these terms are useful for understanding inferences from the surrounding text.

  Similarly, “and”, “and / or” and “or” as used herein have various meanings, which likewise depend at least in part on the text before and after using these terms. Usually, if “or” and “and / or” are used to relate lists, for example, A, B or C may have the inclusive meaning of A, B and C, It may be an exclusive implication of B or C. Also, as used herein, “one or more” is used to describe any single feature, structure or property, or to describe some combination of features, structures or properties. Good. However, it should be noted that this is only one example of description, and the claimed subject matter is not limited to this example.

  The embodiments described herein include one miniature imaging module that adjusts the distance between the imaging lens and the image sensor by providing one device and / or one method process, Among them, the footprint of the small module can be almost the same as the footprint of the image sensor. In other words, the planar view area of the small imaging module is close to the planar view area of the image sensor or smaller than the planar view area of the image sensor. Such a small imaging module provides the designer with the advantage of being able to align such a module in a thinner, smaller and / or lighter electronic device such as a small camera.

  When used to describe these examples, the terms “up”, “down” and “to” describe the position of the miniature imaging module relative to the optical axis. In particular, “to up” and “to down” refer to positions along the optical axis, among which “to up” refers to one side of one part, and “to down” refers to the other side of the part. Point to. “To the top” and “to the bottom”, “to the side” refers to the side surface of one part, which side surface is separated from the optical axis, for example, the outer part of the lens.

  In one particular embodiment, such a footprint is not by placing one actuator on the side of the lens assembly, but by placing one actuator above and / or below the lens assembly. Can be achieved. For example, in one particular embodiment, the structure of one small imaging module, such as a small camera module, can provide autofocus and / or other imaging functions, of which the actuator is above the imaging lens and Arranged below. The planar view area of the actuator is close to the planar view area of the image sensor of the small camera module or smaller than the planar view area of the image sensor of the small camera module. On the other hand, for example, when the actuator of the small camera module is placed on one side of the imaging lens, a relatively large imaging module size can be obtained. With such a relatively large external size, the footprint of the small camera module is clearly larger than the footprint of the image sensor. In one implementation, the actuator may include a magnet and a coil to apply a magnetic force to the lens assembly. This magnet may be flat or planar, for example in the shape of a planar disk. The magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic field generator, for example a coil. This coil may be a wound coil, a printed coil and / or an electroplated coil on a substrate. The miniature imaging module may include a single spring so as to impart a restoring force to the lens assembly.

  In other embodiments, the miniature imaging module may include one actuator that has one coil that moves with the lens assembly when charged. In other constructions, the miniature imaging module may include one actuator, which has one coil and one magnet, of which the magnet can move with the lens assembly when the coil is charged.

  In one particular implementation, the actuator may include four magnets that can be arranged in one plane. In another particular implementation, the actuator may include four coils that can be arranged in one plane. These four coils are electrically connected in series, or at least two of them are electrically connected in parallel. In another particular implementation, these four coils may be placed on the lens assembly of the miniature imaging module.

  In another embodiment, the miniature imaging module may include one actuator, which includes at least two sets of coils so as to generate an electromagnetic force, each set of coils in two parallel planes. To position. In one particular implementation, the two sets of coils can be arranged such that their magnetic pole directions are parallel to the optical axis of the lens assembly of the miniature imaging module. In another specific implementation, when two sets of coils are charged, one set of coils can move with the lens assembly. Of course, these details of the miniature imaging module are merely examples, and the claimed subject matter of the invention is not limited thereto.

  In one embodiment, a miniature imaging module is obtained by mounting a lens assembly including one or more lenses to a portion of an actuator and placing an image sensor to receive light from the lens assembly, The actuator may include a leaf spring positioned between the image sensor and the lens assembly. In one implementation, the miniature imaging module may include a lens assembly, at least one actuator for adjusting the position of the lens assembly, and an image sensor, at least a portion of the actuator being a lens assembly. You may arrange | position between image sensors. For example, the actuator may include a single leaf spring disposed between the lens assembly and the image sensor. In one particular implementation, the actuator may include a magnet and a coil disposed between the lens assembly and the image sensor. For example, the actuator may be mounted on the image sensor and / or the lens assembly may be mounted on the actuator. In another particular implementation, the actuator may include a magnet and a coil disposed above the lens assembly, and the leaf spring is disposed below the lens assembly. In any one implementation, the actuator can adjust the position of the lens assembly relative to the image sensor by driving the lens assembly longitudinally. For example, “vertically” used herein refers to a direction that is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the small imaging module, and “laterally” refers to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the small imaging module. Of course, these details of the miniature imaging module are merely examples, and the claimed subject matter of the invention is not limited thereto.

  Since the actuator can control the movement of the lens assembly relatively accurately, various imaging functions such as focus can improve image quality. The advantage of such a small module is that its footprint is close to the image sensor footprint or smaller than the image sensor footprint. Moreover, such a small module including one actuator designed appropriately is suitable for batch manufacturing. Batch processes can occur in wafer level processes. Such a process can provide relatively high manufacturing efficiency, and the manufacturing cost of the camera is reduced because the small module has a zoom function.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an assembly of one small image pickup module according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging module includes an image sensor 110 having a ball grid array interface 115, but may include many different types of electrical connections. The image sensor 110 may include one effective imaging region 117, which may be, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) and / or one or more complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices. These are just examples.

  In one embodiment, the imaging module 100 further includes a lens assembly 160, and the lens assembly 160 includes one or more lenses so as to provide an image on the effective imaging area 117 of the image sensor 110. Good. This image may include not only visible wavelengths, but also infrared and / or ultraviolet wavelengths. Therefore, this image is focused on the effective imaging area 117, and the actuator 135 can adjust the position of the lens assembly 160 relative to the image sensor 110. In one particular implementation, the actuator 135 can adjust its position relative to the image sensor 110 in the longitudinal direction of at least a portion of the lens assembly 160. As described above, since this lens assembly may include one or more lenses, the longitudinal position of the one or more lenses can be adjusted as a set. In one particular implementation, the actuator 135 may include one magnet 130, one leaf spring 140, and / or one coil 150. The imaging module 100 may further include a spacer 120 positioned between the actuator 135 and the image sensor 110. The actuator 135 in this embodiment is described such that all of its components are located below the lens assembly 160, but in another embodiment, for example, as described in detail below, the actuator components are It may be located above and / or below the lens assembly.

  FIG. 2 is an assembly diagram of one small imaging module 200 which is an embodiment of the present invention, and this module may include the small imaging module 100 shown in FIG. For example, the small imaging module 200 may include one casing 220 so as to cover the components of the small imaging module 100. The casing may be mounted on the image sensor 110 and is electrically connected between the miniature imaging module 200 and one or more system components (not shown) such as a control circuit. 110 may include a ball grid array 210.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a spring 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the spring 300. This spring may be one leaf spring, for example, the leaf spring 140 shown in FIG. In one implementation, the spring 300 may include a central portion 330 and an arm portion 320 that fit or move or bend as a single spring. For example, when the central portion 330 and the arm portion 320 are separated from the equilibrium position, the central portion 330 and the arm portion 320 can provide a restoring force. The fixed portion 310 may include an outer portion of the spring 300, which is secured on one or more parts of the miniature imaging module. For example, the central portion 330 and the arm portion 320 can be bent like a spring, but the fixed portion 310 is held in a relatively fixed position. The spring 300 may further include a hole 340 so that light passes through the spring 300 along the optical axis. Of course, these details of the spring 300 are merely exemplary, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a coil 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the coil 500. This coil may include the coil 150 shown in FIG. In one implementation, a lens assembly, such as lens assembly 160 shown in FIG. 1, may be mounted on coil 500, and coil 500 includes a conductor 520 mounted on substrate 510. The conductor 520 may be a plurality of wire loops on one or more layers of the substrate 510. One magnetic field is generated by the current flowing through the conductor loop 520, and an acting force is generated in a magnet such as the magnet 130 shown in FIG. In this case, the spring 140 can apply a certain restoring force to counteract this magnetic force, thereby providing one mechanism for adjusting the position of the lens assembly 160 relative to the image sensor 110 in the longitudinal direction. The coil 500 may further include a single hole 530 so that light passes through the coil 500 along the optical axis. Of course, these details of the coil 500 are merely exemplary, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

  In one embodiment, the spring and coil can be combined into one part, and FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating this coil-spring part 700. The spring part of this coupling part can supply current to the coil part. For example, the coupling component may include one coil 710 and one electrode 720, and the spring component may be a leaf spring so as to conduct current from an external power source (not shown) to the coil 710. Good. Portions 730 and 740 represent connection areas, of which current can be conducted from conductor 720 to coil 710 and vice versa.

  FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an assembly of one small imaging module 800 including a coil-spring component 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging module may include one image sensor 810, which may be similar to the image sensor 110 shown in FIG. The imaging module 800 may further include one lens assembly 860, and the lens assembly 860 includes one or more lens units so as to provide an image over the effective imaging area (not shown) of the image sensor 810. It's okay. This image may include not only visible wavelengths, but also infrared and / or ultraviolet wavelengths. Thus, the image is focused on the image sensor 810 and the actuator 835 can adjust the position of the lens assembly 860 relative to the image sensor 810. In other words, the actuator 835 can adjust the focal length by adjusting the distance between the lens assembly 860 and the image sensor 810. Since the lens assembly may include one or more lenses, the longitudinal position of the one or more lenses can be adjusted. In one particular implementation, the actuator 835 may include a magnet 830, a spring-conductor 840 and / or a coil 850. As described above, the spring-conductor 840 and the coil 850 may be a single part, such as the coil-spring part 700 shown in FIG. In this single part, the spring-conductor 840 can supply current to the coil 850. The imaging module 800 may include one spacer 820 located between the actuator 835 and the image sensor 810. Coil 850 is disposed on lens assembly 860. When energized, the interaction between the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the coil 850 and the magnet 830 disposed under the coil 850 provides a working force that moves the lens assembly 860 and the coil 850 along the optical axis. it can. In another structure, the magnet 830 is disposed above the coil 850. Of course, these details of the small imaging module are merely examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 9 is a side view of a small imaging module 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging module may include one image sensor 910, which may be similar to the image sensor 110 shown in FIG. The imaging module 900 may include one lens assembly 960, and the lens assembly 960 includes one or more lens units 970 so as to provide one image in the effective imaging area (not shown) of the image sensor 910. May include. As described above, this image may include not only visible wavelengths, but also infrared and / or ultraviolet wavelengths. Thus, this image is focused on the image sensor 910 and the actuator can adjust the position of the lens assembly 960 relative to the image sensor 910. This direction is indicated by arrow 980. The actuator is disposed under the lens assembly 960 and may include a magnet 930, a leaf spring 940 and a coil 950. Since this lens assembly may include one or more lenses as described in detail below, the longitudinal position of the one or more lenses is adjusted. In one particular implementation, the miniature imaging module 900 further includes a spacer 920 positioned between the magnet 930 and the image sensor 910. Image sensor 910 may include a ball grid array 912 so as to be electrically connected to one or more external components (not shown).

  A portion 990 is a display for one part of the small imaging module 900, and the structure of the part can change corresponding to the operation of the actuator. An exemplary structure of portion 990 is shown in detail in FIGS. For clarity, the spacer 920 is not shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 10, when current flows through the coil 950, the actuator is activated. This current can generate one magnetic field and a repulsive force on the magnet 930. Thus, the lens assembly 960 mounted on the coil 950 can move and move further away from the magnet 930, increasing the distance between the lens assembly 960 and the image sensor 910 along the direction indicated by arrow 980. Let At the same time, the leaf spring 940 may be disposed on the coil 950 so as to apply a restoring force on the coil 950.

  In FIG. 11, when no current is flowing through the coil 950, the actuator does not start. Without current, there is no magnetic field that causes repulsion on the magnet 930. As such, the lens assembly 960 mounted on the coil 950 is still proximate to the magnet 930 and maintains the distance between the lens assembly 960 and the image sensor 910. This illustration is limited to actuators that are activated or not activated. Alternatively, the degree to which the actuator is activated changes based at least in part on the change amplitude of the current flowing in the coil 95. This change in the degree of activation can change the distance between the lens assembly 960 and the image sensor 910, so that the focus of light on the image sensor 910 can be accurately controlled. For example, the distance between the lens assembly 960 and the image sensor 910 may be determined at least in part by a magnetic field, and this distance can be measured along the optical axis of the lens assembly. Of course, these details of the small imaging module are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 12 is a side view of a small imaging module 905 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging module may include one image sensor 915, which may be similar to the image sensor 910 shown in FIG. The imaging module 905 may further include one lens assembly 965, and the lens assembly 965 includes one or more lens units 975 to provide an image to an effective imaging area (not shown) of the image sensor 915. It's okay. In one particular implementation, lens assembly 965 may include at least one lens 977 that can extend beyond the position of any actuator component, such as magnet 935 and coil 955. The magnet 935 may be supported by a magnet support unit 936. Thus, this image is focused on the image sensor 915 and the actuator can adjust the position of the lens assembly 965 relative to the image sensor 915. The direction is indicated by arrow 985. This portion of the actuator disposed under the lens assembly 965 may include one leaf spring 945, while the other portion of the actuator disposed over at least a portion of the lens assembly 965 includes a magnet 935 and a coil 955. May include. The lens assembly may include one or more lenses, and the longitudinal position of the one or more lenses can be adjusted by the actuator as a set. In one particular implementation, the miniature imaging module 905 may further include a single spacer 925 disposed between the leaf spring 945 and the image sensor 915. Image sensor 915 may include a ball grid array 914 so as to be electrically connected to one or more external components (not shown).

  The portion 995 displays one part of the small imaging module 905, and the part can change its structure in response to the movement of the actuator. An exemplary structure of portion 995 is shown in detail in FIGS. In one particular implementation, the actuator can be activated when current travels through the coil 955. This current can create a magnetic field and can cause a repulsive force on the magnet 935. Accordingly, the lens assembly 965 mounted under the coil 955 can move further away from the magnet 935, reducing the distance between the lens assembly 965 and the image sensor 915 along the direction indicated by arrow 988. Let At the same time, the leaf spring 945 is disposed at the bottom of the lens assembly 965, thereby creating an upward recovery force on the lens assembly 965. In another particular implementation, the actuator can be activated by the current flowing through the coil 955 to produce a certain attractive force on the magnet 935. Thus, the lens assembly 965 mounted under the coil 955 can move toward the magnet 935, reducing the distance between the lens assembly 965 and the image sensor 915 along the direction indicated by arrow 988. In another particular implementation, if no current is flowing through coil 955, the actuator is not activated. When there is no current, the coil 955 does not generate any repulsive or attractive force on the magnet 930. Thus, the lens assembly 965 mounted under the coil 955 is still in proximity to the magnet 935 and maintains the distance between the lens assembly 965 and the image sensor 915. This illustration is limited to actuators that are activated or not activated. Alternatively, actuator activation may vary to different degrees based at least in part on the amplitude of change in the current flowing in the coil 955. This degree of change in activation can change the distance between the lens assembly 965 and the image sensor 915, and thus accurately controls the focusing of light on the image sensor 915. Of course, these details of the small imaging module are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 15 is an exploded assembly schematic diagram of one small image pickup module 170 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The coil member 171 may include a plurality of single coils 172. In one particular implementation, the coil member 171 may include four coils 172, which can be mounted on a single plate, the four coils 172 being electrically connected in series, or at least two coils in parallel. May be electrically connected. The small imaging module 170 may include a plurality of single magnets 174. For example, the small imaging module 170 may include four magnets corresponding to the four coils 172, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 16 is an exploded assembly schematic diagram of one small image pickup module 175 which is another embodiment of the present invention. Magnet 177 is disposed between spring assembly 178 and lens assembly 176. One or more coils 179 are disposed between the spring assembly 178 and the image sensor 173. For example, such an arrangement can be compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. Magnet 177 may be disposed on lens assembly 176. When energized, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the coil 179 below the magnet 177 can interact with the magnet 177, producing a working force that moves the lens assembly 176 and the magnet 177 along the optical axis. Within another structure, the coil 179 may be disposed above the magnet 177, although the invention is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 17 is an assembly exploded schematic view of one small image pickup module 180 according to another embodiment of the present invention. One or more coils 184 may be mounted on and / or directly cover the surface 182 of the lens assembly, although the invention is not so limited.

  FIG. 18 is an exploded assembly schematic diagram of one small image pickup module 185 which is another embodiment of the present invention. The module may include a coil 187 and / or a coil 189 that replaces the magnet, which may be included in other embodiments described above.

  It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous modifications can be made to the above description, and that the illustrations and drawings are only for the purpose of describing one or more specific implementations. .

  While exemplary embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that various other modifications and equivalent substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. ing. Also, one particular situation can be tailored to make many modifications and adapt to the spirit of the present invention without departing from the central concept described herein. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but the invention may also include all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (28)

A lens assembly including one or more lenses;
One image sensor for receiving light from the lens assembly;
An actuator for adjusting the position of the lens assembly;
The actuator includes at least one magnet and at least one coil so as to generate an electromagnetic force, and includes at least one spring, the one magnet, the one coil, the one magnet, and the The one spring interposed between one coil and the lens assembly is disposed so as to overlap each other along the optical axis of the lens assembly between the lens assembly and the image sensor, and the actuator is disposed on the image sensor. mounted on, the plan view area of the actuator is less than the plan view area of the image sensor, a magnetic pole direction of the magnetic pole direction of the coil magnet is parallel to the optical axis of the lens assembly, device.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coil is movable with the lens assembly when the coil is energized.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnet is movable with the lens assembly when the coil is energized.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnet includes four magnets.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coil includes four coils.   The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the four coils are electrically connected in series.   The apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least two of the four coils are electrically connected in parallel.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coil is located on the lens assembly.   9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the magnet comprises one coil or is replaced by a coil.   The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the coil is movable with the lens assembly when the coil is energized.   11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the spring and the coil can be formed in a single assembly, the single assembly including a coil portion and a spring portion.   The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the spring portion is adapted to supply current to the coil portion.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein at least a portion of the lens assembly is disposed between the magnet and the spring and disposed between the coil and the spring.   The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the coil and the spring are separated by at least a portion of the lens assembly.   The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the coil is disposed in the lens assembly.   The distance between the lens assembly and the image sensor is adjustable and corresponds at least in part to the electromagnetic force, the distance being measurable along the optical axis of the lens assembly. 16. The apparatus according to any one of 1 to 15.   The distance between the magnet and the image sensor is adjustable and corresponds at least in part to the electromagnetic force, the distance being measurable along the optical axis of the lens assembly. The apparatus according to any one of 16.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image sensor comprises one charge-coupled device (CCD) or one complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device. Mounting one lens assembly including one or more lenses to a portion of an actuator including at least one magnet and at least one coil to generate electromagnetic force and including at least one spring;
Fixing one image sensor to receive light from the lens assembly;
Mounting the actuator to the image sensor;
The one magnet, the one coil, and the one spring interposed between the one magnet and the one coil are light of the lens assembly between the lens assembly and the image sensor. along the axis are arranged superimposed to each other, the plan view area of the actuator is less than the plan view area of the image sensor, a magnetic pole direction of the pole direction the magnet of the coil to the optical axis of the lens assembly A method that is parallel.   The method of claim 19, further comprising disposing the coil in the lens assembly.   21. A method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein when the coil is energized, the coil can move with the lens assembly.   22. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the magnet is movable with the lens assembly when the coil is energized.   23. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising attaching the at least one spring to the image sensor.   24. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, further comprising mounting the at least one spring to the lens assembly.   25. A method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the spring and the coil can be formed in a single assembly, the single assembly comprising one coil portion and one spring portion.   26. The method of claim 25, further comprising supplying a current to the coil portion via the spring portion.   27. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising mounting the lens assembly between the magnet and the spring and mounting between the coil and the spring.   The distance between the lens assembly and the image sensor is adjustable and corresponds at least in part to the electromagnetic force, the distance being measurable along the optical axis of the lens assembly. 28. The method according to any one of items 1 to 27 above.

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