US20200310080A9 - Optical mechanism - Google Patents
Optical mechanism Download PDFInfo
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- US20200310080A9 US20200310080A9 US16/028,541 US201816028541A US2020310080A9 US 20200310080 A9 US20200310080 A9 US 20200310080A9 US 201816028541 A US201816028541 A US 201816028541A US 2020310080 A9 US2020310080 A9 US 2020310080A9
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- Prior art keywords
- holder
- housing
- optical mechanism
- lens
- disposed
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
- G02B7/02—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
- G02B7/04—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
- G02B7/09—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted for automatic focusing or varying magnification
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K41/00—Propulsion systems in which a rigid body is moved along a path due to dynamo-electric interaction between the body and a magnetic field travelling along the path
- H02K41/02—Linear motors; Sectional motors
- H02K41/035—DC motors; Unipolar motors
- H02K41/0352—Unipolar motors
- H02K41/0354—Lorentz force motors, e.g. voice coil motors
- H02K41/0356—Lorentz force motors, e.g. voice coil motors moving along a straight path
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B13/00—Optical objectives specially designed for the purposes specified below
- G02B13/001—Miniaturised objectives for electronic devices, e.g. portable telephones, webcams, PDAs, small digital cameras
- G02B13/009—Miniaturised objectives for electronic devices, e.g. portable telephones, webcams, PDAs, small digital cameras having zoom function
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
- G02B7/02—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
- G02B7/04—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
- G02B7/08—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted to co-operate with a remote control mechanism
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B13/00—Viewfinders; Focusing aids for cameras; Means for focusing for cameras; Autofocus systems for cameras
- G03B13/32—Means for focusing
- G03B13/34—Power focusing
- G03B13/36—Autofocus systems
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B3/00—Focusing arrangements of general interest for cameras, projectors or printers
- G03B3/10—Power-operated focusing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B30/00—Camera modules comprising integrated lens units and imaging units, specially adapted for being embedded in other devices, e.g. mobile phones or vehicles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B2205/00—Adjustment of optical system relative to image or object surface other than for focusing
- G03B2205/0053—Driving means for the movement of one or more optical element
- G03B2205/0069—Driving means for the movement of one or more optical element using electromagnetic actuators, e.g. voice coils
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K11/00—Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection
- H02K11/20—Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection for measuring, monitoring, testing, protecting or switching
- H02K11/21—Devices for sensing speed or position, or actuated thereby
- H02K11/215—Magnetic effect devices, e.g. Hall-effect or magneto-resistive elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K2203/00—Specific aspects not provided for in the other groups of this subclass relating to the windings
- H02K2203/03—Machines characterised by the wiring boards, i.e. printed circuit boards or similar structures for connecting the winding terminations
Definitions
- the application relates in general to an optical mechanism, and in particular, to an optical mechanism having an optical lens.
- the object of the invention is to provide an optical mechanism that includes a housing, a holder, a lens received in the holder, a driving assembly, and a base connected to the housing.
- the holder is movably disposed in the housing, and the lens has a first surface exposed to a first side of the holder and facing a first inner sidewall surface of the housing.
- the driving assembly is disposed in the housing for driving the holder and the lens to move relative to the housing.
- the lens further has a second surface exposed to a second side of the holder and facing a second inner sidewall surface of the housing, and the second side is opposite to the first side.
- the driving assembly has a coil and a magnetic unit, the magnetic unit is affixed to the housing, and the coil is affixed to a third side of the holder, wherein the third side is adjacent to the first and second sides.
- the first surface protrudes from the first side of the holder.
- the first surface is a flat surface.
- the first surface is aligned with the holder.
- the optical mechanism further comprises an anti-reflection layer formed on the first inner sidewall surface.
- the optical mechanism further comprises an ink layer disposed on the first surface.
- the driving assembly has a coil and a magnetic unit, the magnetic unit is affixed to the housing, and the coil is affixed to the holder and covers at least a part of the first surface.
- the lens when the holder moves to a limit position relative to the housing, the lens contacts the housing or the base to restrict the holder in the limit position.
- An embodiment of the invention further provides an optical mechanism that includes a housing, a holder movably disposed in the housing, a lens disposed in the holder, a driving assembly, and a base connected to the housing.
- the lens has a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface, wherein the first surface is parallel to the third surface, and the second surface is parallel to the fourth surface.
- the driving assembly is disposed in the housing for driving the holder and the lens to move relative to the housing.
- the first and second surfaces are respectively exposed to the first and second sides of the holder, and the first and second surfaces respectively face a first inner sidewall surface and a second inner sidewall surface of the housing, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side.
- the optical mechanism further comprises an anti-reflection layer formed on the first inner sidewall surface.
- the optical mechanism further comprises an ink layer disposed on the first surface.
- the third surface is exposed to a third side of the holder, and the third side is adjacent to the first and second sides.
- the fourth surface is exposed to a fourth side of the holder, and the fourth side is opposite to the third side.
- the third and fourth surfaces are perpendicular to the first and second surfaces.
- area of the third surface is less than that of the first surface.
- the driving assembly has a coil and a magnetic unit, the magnetic unit is affixed to the housing, and the coil is affixed to the holder and covers at least a part of the first surface.
- the optical mechanism further comprises a position sensing element disposed on the first side of the holder to detect the displacement of the holder relative to the housing.
- FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an optical mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective diagram of the optical mechanism in FIG. 1 after assembly.
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A 1 -A 1 in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A 2 -A 2 in FIG. 2 .
- FIGS. 5-8 are perspective diagrams from different viewing angles showing the holder 20 , the lens unit L, and the coils C of the optical mechanism in FIG. 1 after assembly.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective diagrams from different viewing angles showing a holder 20 , a lens unit L, and two coils C of an optical mechanism after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a holder 20 , a lens L 4 , and two coils C of an optical mechanism after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a holder 20 and a lens L 4 of an optical mechanism after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 13-15 are perspective diagrams from different viewing angles showing a holder 20 and a lens unit L received in the holder 20 of an optical mechanism, according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an optical mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective diagram of the optical mechanism in FIG. 1 after assembly
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A 1 -A 1 in FIG. 2
- FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A 2 -A 2 in FIG. 2 .
- the optical mechanism in this embodiment primarily comprises a housing 10 , a frame F, an upper spring S 1 , a hollow holder 20 , a lens unit L, at least a coil C, at least a magnetic unit M, two lower springs S 2 , a base 30 , and a circuit board P.
- the holder 20 has a quadrilateral structure for holding the lens unit L, and the circuit board P can be affixed to the base 30 or the housing 10 .
- the optical mechanism may be disposed in a portable electronic device (e.g. cell phone or tablet computer).
- the optical mechanism is electrically connected to an external circuit unit (not shown) via two conductive pins 31 on the base 30 for adjusting the position of the holder 20 and the optical unit L. Therefore, light can be guided through the optical unit L and focused onto a photosensitive element (not shown) to generate a clear image, so that auto-focus and auto-zoom control of the optical unit L can be achieved.
- the optical mechanism may comprise a Voice Coil Motor (VCM).
- the optical unit L may include one or several optical lenses, wherein some of the lenses protrude from the holder 20 and are exposed to a first side 21 or/and a second side 22 of the holder 20 . Additionally, two oval-shaped coils C are disposed on a third side 23 and a fourth side 24 of the holder 20 , corresponding to the magnetic units M.
- each of the magnetic units M includes two magnets M 1 and M 2 with opposite polar directions.
- the frame F is affixed to an inner surface of the housing 10 , wherein the housing 10 and the base 30 can form a case module with the frame F, the holder 20 , the lens unit L, the coil C, the upper and lower springs S 1 and S 2 , and the magnetic units M received therein.
- the holder 20 is connected to the frame F and the base 30 via the upper and lower springs S 1 and S 2 , respectively.
- the holder 20 and the optical unit received therein can be suspended within the housing 10 and movable relative to the housing and 10 the base 30 along an optical axis O of the optical unit L (parallel to the Z axis).
- a retainer R is provided at the bottom of the holder 20 to restrict the optical unit L within the holder 20 and prevent the optical unit L from being separated from the holder 20 .
- At least a coil C and a magnetic unit M corresponding thereto can constitute a driving assembly, wherein the coil C is electrically connected to the conductive pins 31 via conductive wires (not shown), and the conductive pins 31 are electrically connected to an external circuit unit for driving the coil C.
- an electromagnetic unit force can be generated between the coil C and the magnetic unit M, thereby driving the holder 20 , the optical unit L, and the coil C to move along the optical axis O (Z axis) and achieving auto-focus and/or auto-zoom control of the optical unit L.
- the optical unit L in this embodiment includes five lenses L 1 -L 5 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) which are affixed to an inner surface of the holder 20 by adhesion.
- the lenses L 4 and L 5 located at the bottom of the optical unit L protrude from the holder 20 in a horizontal direction, and they are exposed to a first side 21 and a second side 22 of the holder 20 .
- the lens L 4 has a first surface L 41 and a second surface L 42 , wherein the first surface L 41 protrudes from the holder 20 and is exposed to the first side 21 , and the second surface L 42 protrudes from the holder 20 and is exposed to the second side 22 .
- the dimension of the holder 20 along the Y axis can be efficiently reduced to facilitate miniaturization of the optical mechanism.
- the second surface L 42 of the lens L 4 may be covered by the second side 22 of the holder 20 , and only the first surface L 41 is exposed to the first side of the holder 20 , so as to reduce the dimension of the holder 20 along the Y axis.
- first and second surfaces L 41 and L 42 are located on opposite sides of the lens L 4 and respectively facing a first inner sidewall surface 11 or/and a second inner sidewall surface 12 of the housing 10 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
- an anti-reflection layer or an ink layer may be formed on the first surface L 41 and/or the second surface L 42 of the lens L 4 to prevent optical interference caused by light reflection.
- an anti-reflection layer or an ink layer may also be formed on the first inner sidewall surface 11 or/and the second inner sidewall surface 12 of the housing 10 to prevent optical interference caused by light reflection.
- the lenses L 4 and L 5 protrude from the holder 20 and are exposed to the first and second sides 21 and 22 , they can directly contact the housing 10 or the base 30 to restrict the holder 20 and the lens unit L in a limit position when the optical mechanism is impacted by an external force. Therefore, there is no need to provide a positioning structure on the holder 20 , so as to save the production cost and facilitate miniaturization of the optical mechanism.
- FIGS. 5-8 show perspective diagrams from different viewing angles of the holder 20 , the lens unit L, and the coils C of the optical mechanism in FIG. 1 after assembly.
- the lenses L 4 and L 5 are exposed to the first and second sides 21 and 22 of the holder 20 , and two coils C are respectively disposed on a third side 23 and a fourth side 24 of the holder 20 , respectively.
- the third and fourth sides 23 and 23 are adjacent to the first and second sides 21 and 22 .
- At least one position sensing element H may be disposed in the recess formed on the first side 21 or the second side 22 of the holder 20 for detecting the displacement of the holder 20 and the lens unit L relative to the housing 10 .
- the position sensing element H may be a magnet, and a Hall sensor may be disposed on the circuit board P corresponding to the magnet. As the Hall sensor can detect the magnetic field variation of the magnet due to their relative movement, the displacement of the holder 20 and the lens unit L relative to the housing 10 can be determined.
- there are two position sensing elements H (magnets) disposed on the same side of the holder 20 as shown in FIGS. 5-8 .
- the two position sensing elements H have opposite polar directions and are located adjacent to a magnetic sensor on the circuit board P. As a result, the magnetic field variation of the position sensing element H can be magnified and easy to detect by the magnetic sensor, thereby increasing sensitivity and accuracy of the displacement detection.
- the position sensing element H can also be a Hall sensor, giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, or tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, and a magnet can be disposed on the circuit board P corresponding to the position sensing element H.
- GMR giant magnetoresistance
- TMR tunnel magnetoresistance
- FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective diagrams from different viewing angles showing a holder 20 , a lens unit L, and two coils C after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the lenses L 4 and L 5 have at least an edge forming a flat surface aligned with the first side 21 or the second side 22 of the holder 20 .
- the first surface L 41 or the second surface L 42 of the lens L 4 may be a flat surface exposed to the first side 21 or the second side 22 of the holder 20 , so that the dimension of the entire optical mechanism along the Y axis can be further reduced.
- FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a holder 20 , a lens L 4 , and two coils C after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the third and fourth surfaces L 43 and L 44 of the lens L 4 are also flat surfaces.
- first and second surfaces L 41 and L 42 are exposed to the first and second sides 21 and 22 of the holder 20 and face the first and second inner sidewall surfaces 11 and 12 , and the third and fourth surfaces L 43 and L 44 are not exposed to the third and fourth sides 23 and 24 of the holder 20 , wherein the area of the third surface L 43 (or the fourth surface L 44 ) is less than the first surface L 41 (or the second surface L 42 ).
- the two coils C in this embodiment are respectively disposed on the first side 21 and the second side 22 , corresponding to the magnetic units M affixed to the housing 10 .
- the coils C can be used to cover at least a part of the first and second surfaces L 41 and L 42 , so that light leakage through the lateral sides of the lens L 4 can be prevented.
- the first side 21 and/or the second side 22 of the holder 20 may also be provided with one or several position sensing elements (e.g. the position sensing elements shown in FIGS. 5-8 ), so as to detect the displacement of the holder 20 and the lens unit L relative to the housing 10 .
- an anti-reflection layer or an ink layer may be formed on the first surface L 41 and/or the second surface L 42 of the lens L 4 , or formed on the first inner sidewall surface 11 or/and the second inner sidewall surface 12 of the housing 10 , to prevent optical interference caused by light reflection into the lens L 4 .
- the coils C may also be disposed on the third side 23 and/or the fourth side 24 , wherein the coils C and the magnetic units M can generate an electromagnetic force driving the holder 20 and the lens unit L to move relative to the housing 10 .
- FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a holder 20 and a lens L 4 after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces L 41 -L 44 are respectively exposed to the first, second, third, and fourth sides 21 - 24 of the holder 20 , so as to reduce the dimensions of the optical mechanism along both of the X and Y axes.
- FIGS. 13-15 show perspective diagrams from different viewing angles of a holder 20 and a lens unit L received in the holder 20 , according to another embodiment of the invention.
- the lenses L 4 and L 5 are exposed to the first, second, and third sides 21 , 22 , and 23 of the holder 20 , and the lenses L 4 and L 5 are covered by the fourth side 24 of the holder 20 .
- the lenses LA and L 5 at the bottom of the lens unit L protrude from the first, second, and third sides 21 , 22 , and 23 of the holder 20 .
- the lenses L 4 and L 5 may also be aligned with the first, second, and third sides 21 , 22 , and 23 of the holder 20 , so as to reduce the dimensions of the optical mechanism along the X and Y axes.
- the optical mechanism of the invention may have at least a lens exposed to a side of the holder, or the lens may have an edge forming a flat surface, so that the dimension of the holder along the horizontal direction can be reduced to facilitate miniaturization of the optical mechanism.
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Abstract
Description
- This Application claims priority claims priority of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/529,806, filed on Jul. 7, 2017 and China Patent Application No. 201810708058.X filed on Jul. 2, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- The application relates in general to an optical mechanism, and in particular, to an optical mechanism having an optical lens.
- As technology has advanced, a lot of electronic devices (such as cameras and smartphones) have incorporated the functionality of taking photographs and recording video. These electronic devices have become more commonplace, and have been developed to be more convenient and thin.
- In some electronic devices, several coils and magnets corresponding thereto may be provided in a driving mechanism for adjusting the focus of a camera lens. However, miniaturization of the electronic devices may cause there to be inadequate space to accommodate the driving mechanism, and addressing the aforementioned problems in mechanism design has become a challenge.
- In view of the aforementioned problems, the object of the invention is to provide an optical mechanism that includes a housing, a holder, a lens received in the holder, a driving assembly, and a base connected to the housing. The holder is movably disposed in the housing, and the lens has a first surface exposed to a first side of the holder and facing a first inner sidewall surface of the housing. The driving assembly is disposed in the housing for driving the holder and the lens to move relative to the housing.
- In some embodiments, the lens further has a second surface exposed to a second side of the holder and facing a second inner sidewall surface of the housing, and the second side is opposite to the first side.
- In some embodiments, the driving assembly has a coil and a magnetic unit, the magnetic unit is affixed to the housing, and the coil is affixed to a third side of the holder, wherein the third side is adjacent to the first and second sides.
- In some embodiments, the first surface protrudes from the first side of the holder.
- In some embodiments, the first surface is a flat surface.
- In some embodiments, the first surface is aligned with the holder.
- In some embodiments, the optical mechanism further comprises an anti-reflection layer formed on the first inner sidewall surface.
- In some embodiments, the optical mechanism further comprises an ink layer disposed on the first surface.
- In some embodiments, the driving assembly has a coil and a magnetic unit, the magnetic unit is affixed to the housing, and the coil is affixed to the holder and covers at least a part of the first surface.
- In some embodiments, when the holder moves to a limit position relative to the housing, the lens contacts the housing or the base to restrict the holder in the limit position.
- An embodiment of the invention further provides an optical mechanism that includes a housing, a holder movably disposed in the housing, a lens disposed in the holder, a driving assembly, and a base connected to the housing. The lens has a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface, wherein the first surface is parallel to the third surface, and the second surface is parallel to the fourth surface. The driving assembly is disposed in the housing for driving the holder and the lens to move relative to the housing.
- In some embodiments, the first and second surfaces are respectively exposed to the first and second sides of the holder, and the first and second surfaces respectively face a first inner sidewall surface and a second inner sidewall surface of the housing, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side.
- In some embodiments, the optical mechanism further comprises an anti-reflection layer formed on the first inner sidewall surface.
- In some embodiments, the optical mechanism further comprises an ink layer disposed on the first surface.
- In some embodiments, the third surface is exposed to a third side of the holder, and the third side is adjacent to the first and second sides.
- In some embodiments, the fourth surface is exposed to a fourth side of the holder, and the fourth side is opposite to the third side.
- In some embodiments, the third and fourth surfaces are perpendicular to the first and second surfaces.
- In some embodiments, area of the third surface is less than that of the first surface.
- In some embodiments, the driving assembly has a coil and a magnetic unit, the magnetic unit is affixed to the housing, and the coil is affixed to the holder and covers at least a part of the first surface.
- In some embodiments, the optical mechanism further comprises a position sensing element disposed on the first side of the holder to detect the displacement of the holder relative to the housing.
- The invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an optical mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 shows a perspective diagram of the optical mechanism inFIG. 1 after assembly. -
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2 inFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 5-8 are perspective diagrams from different viewing angles showing theholder 20, the lens unit L, and the coils C of the optical mechanism inFIG. 1 after assembly. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective diagrams from different viewing angles showing aholder 20, a lens unit L, and two coils C of an optical mechanism after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of aholder 20, a lens L4, and two coils C of an optical mechanism after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of aholder 20 and a lens L4 of an optical mechanism after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 13-15 are perspective diagrams from different viewing angles showing aholder 20 and a lens unit L received in theholder 20 of an optical mechanism, according to another embodiment of the invention. - The making and using of the embodiments of the optical mechanism are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the embodiments provide many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the embodiments, and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.
- Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be appreciated that each term, which is defined in a commonly used dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning conforming to the relative skills and the background or the context of the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner unless defined otherwise.
- In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, and in which specific embodiments of which the invention may be practiced are shown by way of illustration. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the figures being described. The components of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations. As such, the directional terminology is used for the purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-4 , whereinFIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an optical mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention,FIG. 2 shows a perspective diagram of the optical mechanism inFIG. 1 after assembly,FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 inFIG. 2 , andFIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2 inFIG. 2 . - As shown in
FIGS. 1-3 , the optical mechanism in this embodiment primarily comprises ahousing 10, a frame F, an upper spring S1, ahollow holder 20, a lens unit L, at least a coil C, at least a magnetic unit M, two lower springs S2, abase 30, and a circuit board P. Theholder 20 has a quadrilateral structure for holding the lens unit L, and the circuit board P can be affixed to thebase 30 or thehousing 10. - The optical mechanism may be disposed in a portable electronic device (e.g. cell phone or tablet computer). In this embodiment, the optical mechanism is electrically connected to an external circuit unit (not shown) via two
conductive pins 31 on thebase 30 for adjusting the position of theholder 20 and the optical unit L. Therefore, light can be guided through the optical unit L and focused onto a photosensitive element (not shown) to generate a clear image, so that auto-focus and auto-zoom control of the optical unit L can be achieved. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical mechanism may comprise a Voice Coil Motor (VCM). - The optical unit L may include one or several optical lenses, wherein some of the lenses protrude from the
holder 20 and are exposed to afirst side 21 or/and asecond side 22 of theholder 20. Additionally, two oval-shaped coils C are disposed on athird side 23 and afourth side 24 of theholder 20, corresponding to the magnetic units M. In this embodiment, each of the magnetic units M includes two magnets M1 and M2 with opposite polar directions. - As clearly shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , the frame F is affixed to an inner surface of thehousing 10, wherein thehousing 10 and thebase 30 can form a case module with the frame F, theholder 20, the lens unit L, the coil C, the upper and lower springs S1 and S2, and the magnetic units M received therein. Here, theholder 20 is connected to the frame F and thebase 30 via the upper and lower springs S1 and S2, respectively. As a result, theholder 20 and the optical unit received therein can be suspended within thehousing 10 and movable relative to the housing and 10 thebase 30 along an optical axis O of the optical unit L (parallel to the Z axis). A retainer R is provided at the bottom of theholder 20 to restrict the optical unit L within theholder 20 and prevent the optical unit L from being separated from theholder 20. - In this embodiment, at least a coil C and a magnetic unit M corresponding thereto can constitute a driving assembly, wherein the coil C is electrically connected to the
conductive pins 31 via conductive wires (not shown), and theconductive pins 31 are electrically connected to an external circuit unit for driving the coil C. When the external circuit unit applies a current to the coil C, an electromagnetic unit force can be generated between the coil C and the magnetic unit M, thereby driving theholder 20, the optical unit L, and the coil C to move along the optical axis O (Z axis) and achieving auto-focus and/or auto-zoom control of the optical unit L. - Still referring to
FIGS. 1-4 , the optical unit L in this embodiment includes five lenses L1-L5 (FIGS. 3 and 4 ) which are affixed to an inner surface of theholder 20 by adhesion. Specifically, the lenses L4 and L5 located at the bottom of the optical unit L protrude from theholder 20 in a horizontal direction, and they are exposed to afirst side 21 and asecond side 22 of theholder 20. As shown inFIG. 4 , the lens L4 has a first surface L41 and a second surface L42, wherein the first surface L41 protrudes from theholder 20 and is exposed to thefirst side 21, and the second surface L42 protrudes from theholder 20 and is exposed to thesecond side 22. Thus, the dimension of theholder 20 along the Y axis can be efficiently reduced to facilitate miniaturization of the optical mechanism. However, in some embodiments, the second surface L42 of the lens L4 may be covered by thesecond side 22 of theholder 20, and only the first surface L41 is exposed to the first side of theholder 20, so as to reduce the dimension of theholder 20 along the Y axis. - It should be noted that the first and second surfaces L41 and L42 are located on opposite sides of the lens L4 and respectively facing a first
inner sidewall surface 11 or/and a secondinner sidewall surface 12 of thehousing 10, as shown inFIG. 4 . In some embodiments, an anti-reflection layer or an ink layer may be formed on the first surface L41 and/or the second surface L42 of the lens L4 to prevent optical interference caused by light reflection. Similarly, an anti-reflection layer or an ink layer may also be formed on the firstinner sidewall surface 11 or/and the secondinner sidewall surface 12 of thehousing 10 to prevent optical interference caused by light reflection. - Since the lenses L4 and L5 protrude from the
holder 20 and are exposed to the first andsecond sides housing 10 or the base 30 to restrict theholder 20 and the lens unit L in a limit position when the optical mechanism is impacted by an external force. Therefore, there is no need to provide a positioning structure on theholder 20, so as to save the production cost and facilitate miniaturization of the optical mechanism. -
FIGS. 5-8 show perspective diagrams from different viewing angles of theholder 20, the lens unit L, and the coils C of the optical mechanism inFIG. 1 after assembly. Referring toFIGS. 5-8 , the lenses L4 and L5 are exposed to the first andsecond sides holder 20, and two coils C are respectively disposed on athird side 23 and afourth side 24 of theholder 20, respectively. Here, the third andfourth sides second sides - In this embodiment, at least one position sensing element H may be disposed in the recess formed on the
first side 21 or thesecond side 22 of theholder 20 for detecting the displacement of theholder 20 and the lens unit L relative to thehousing 10. For example, the position sensing element H may be a magnet, and a Hall sensor may be disposed on the circuit board P corresponding to the magnet. As the Hall sensor can detect the magnetic field variation of the magnet due to their relative movement, the displacement of theholder 20 and the lens unit L relative to thehousing 10 can be determined. Specifically, there are two position sensing elements H (magnets) disposed on the same side of theholder 20, as shown inFIGS. 5-8 . The two position sensing elements H have opposite polar directions and are located adjacent to a magnetic sensor on the circuit board P. As a result, the magnetic field variation of the position sensing element H can be magnified and easy to detect by the magnetic sensor, thereby increasing sensitivity and accuracy of the displacement detection. - In some embodiments, the position sensing element H can also be a Hall sensor, giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, or tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, and a magnet can be disposed on the circuit board P corresponding to the position sensing element H. Thus, the displacement of the
holder 20 and the lens unit L relative to thehousing 10 can also be determined by the position sensing element H detecting the magnetic field variation of the magnet due to their relative movement. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective diagrams from different viewing angles showing aholder 20, a lens unit L, and two coils C after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10 , the lenses L4 and L5 have at least an edge forming a flat surface aligned with thefirst side 21 or thesecond side 22 of theholder 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the first surface L41 or the second surface L42 of the lens L4 may be a flat surface exposed to thefirst side 21 or thesecond side 22 of theholder 20, so that the dimension of the entire optical mechanism along the Y axis can be further reduced. -
FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of aholder 20, a lens L4, and two coils C after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 11 , in addition to the first and second surfaces L41 and L42, the third and fourth surfaces L43 and L44 of the lens L4 are also flat surfaces. In this embodiment, only the first and second surfaces L41 and L42 are exposed to the first andsecond sides holder 20 and face the first and second inner sidewall surfaces 11 and 12, and the third and fourth surfaces L43 and L44 are not exposed to the third andfourth sides holder 20, wherein the area of the third surface L43 (or the fourth surface L44) is less than the first surface L41 (or the second surface L42). - It should be noted that the two coils C in this embodiment are respectively disposed on the
first side 21 and thesecond side 22, corresponding to the magnetic units M affixed to thehousing 10. Here, the coils C can be used to cover at least a part of the first and second surfaces L41 and L42, so that light leakage through the lateral sides of the lens L4 can be prevented. In some embodiments, thefirst side 21 and/or thesecond side 22 of theholder 20 may also be provided with one or several position sensing elements (e.g. the position sensing elements shown inFIGS. 5-8 ), so as to detect the displacement of theholder 20 and the lens unit L relative to thehousing 10. - In some embodiments, an anti-reflection layer or an ink layer may be formed on the first surface L41 and/or the second surface L42 of the lens L4, or formed on the first
inner sidewall surface 11 or/and the secondinner sidewall surface 12 of thehousing 10, to prevent optical interference caused by light reflection into the lens L4. However, the coils C may also be disposed on thethird side 23 and/or thefourth side 24, wherein the coils C and the magnetic units M can generate an electromagnetic force driving theholder 20 and the lens unit L to move relative to thehousing 10. -
FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of aholder 20 and a lens L4 after assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces L41-L44 are respectively exposed to the first, second, third, and fourth sides 21-24 of theholder 20, so as to reduce the dimensions of the optical mechanism along both of the X and Y axes. -
FIGS. 13-15 show perspective diagrams from different viewing angles of aholder 20 and a lens unit L received in theholder 20, according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the lenses L4 and L5 are exposed to the first, second, andthird sides holder 20, and the lenses L4 and L5 are covered by thefourth side 24 of theholder 20. As shown inFIG. 15 , the lenses LA and L5 at the bottom of the lens unit L protrude from the first, second, andthird sides holder 20. However, the lenses L4 and L5 may also be aligned with the first, second, andthird sides holder 20, so as to reduce the dimensions of the optical mechanism along the X and Y axes. - In summary, the optical mechanism of the invention may have at least a lens exposed to a side of the holder, or the lens may have an edge forming a flat surface, so that the dimension of the holder along the horizontal direction can be reduced to facilitate miniaturization of the optical mechanism.
- Although some embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. For example, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that many of the features, functions, processes, and materials described herein may be varied while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. Moreover, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.
- While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it should to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.
Claims (20)
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CN208580253U (en) | 2019-03-05 |
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