Optical element driving mechanism

Abstract

The invention provides an optical element driving mechanism. The optical element driving mechanism comprises a movable part, a fixed part and a driving assembly, the movable part is used for being connected with an optical element, and the movable part can move relative to the fixed part. The driving assembly is used for driving the movable part to move relative to the fixed part. The optical element driving mechanism further comprises a middle assembly, and the movable part can move relative to the fixed part through the middle assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical element driving mechanism, and more particularly to an optical element driving mechanism for driving an optical element to move. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology, many electronic devices today (such as cameras or smartphones) have the function of taking photos or recording videos. However, when a lens with a longer focal length needs to be installed in the aforementioned electronic device, the thickness of the electronic device will increase, which is not conducive to the thinning of the electronic device. In addition, the micro camera modules currently on the market are mainly designed with a fixed aperture size. Therefore, the image sharpness and sensitivity of small portable electronic devices are mostly not adjustable. When the sensor element can support it and the light source is sufficient, a smaller aperture is required to achieve better imaging pixels. However, if a fixed aperture size is used, the image quality will be poor in low-light environments (such as at night) when the aperture is small. Therefore, a fixed aperture size must compromise the photography capabilities in different environments. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical element driving mechanism to solve at least one of the above problems.

[0004] The present invention provides an optical element driving mechanism comprising a movable portion, a fixed portion, and a driving assembly. The movable portion is used to connect to an optical element and is movable relative to the fixed portion. The driving assembly is used to drive the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The optical element driving mechanism also includes an intermediate assembly, through which the movable portion can move relative to the fixed portion.

[0005] In some embodiments, the intermediate component may include an intermediate element, a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, and a first groove. The first surface faces the intermediate element. The second surface is non-parallel to the first surface. The third surface is non-parallel to the second surface, and the first surface is connected to the third surface via the second surface. The fourth surface is non-parallel to the third surface, and the second surface is connected to the fourth surface via the third surface. The fifth surface is non-parallel to the fourth surface, and the third surface is connected to the fifth surface via the fourth surface. The first groove is formed by surrounding the second, third, and fourth surfaces. When viewed along a direction parallel to the first surface, the fifth surface is located between the first and third surfaces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an optical element driving mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 21 is an exploded view of an optical element driving mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0009] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along direction BB.

[0010] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the optical element driving mechanism after the cover is removed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 6A Schematic diagram of a base, a metal component, a circuit board, a coil, a magnetic conductive component, and a ferromagnetic component in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 6B FIG. 1 is a top view of a base, a metal component, a circuit board, a coil, a magnetic conductive component, and a ferromagnetic component in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0014] 10: Optical element drive mechanism

[0015] 11: Optical axis

[0016] 20: Optical components

[0017] 21:Fixing hole

[0018] 22: Guide hole

[0019] 100:Fixed part

[0020] 110: Cover

[0021] 120:Frame

[0022] 121:Fixed column

[0023] 130: Base

[0024] 131: protruding platform

[0025] 131A: Top surface

[0026] 140: Steps

[0027] 200: Activities Department

[0028] 201:Guide column

[0029] 300: Drive components

[0030] 310: Magnetic components

[0031] 320: Coil

[0032] 330: Circuit Board

[0033] 340: Magnetic element

[0034] 350: Ferromagnetic components

[0035] 360: Driver IC

[0036] 400: Intermediate component

[0037] 410: Intermediate element

[0038] 421: first contact surface

[0039] 422: Second contact surface

[0040] 423: Third contact surface

[0041] 431: first surface

[0042] 432: Second surface

[0043] 433: Third surface

[0044] 434: Fourth Surface

[0045] 435: Fifth Surface

[0046] 500:Metal components

[0047] G: Spacing

[0048] H: Hole

[0049] L: Centerline

[0050] P: Bump

[0051] R: Chamfer or fillet

[0052] R1: First groove

[0053] R2: Second groove

[0054] T1: Depth

[0055] T2: Depth DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The following describes an optical element drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, it will be readily apparent that the present invention provides many suitable inventive concepts that can be implemented in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments disclosed are merely illustrative of specific uses of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It is understood that these terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with the background or context of the relevant technology and this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner unless specifically defined herein.

[0058] The following disclosures in this specification describe specific examples of various components and their arrangements for the purpose of simplifying the description. Of course, these specific examples are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, if the following disclosures in this specification describe forming a first feature on or above a second feature, this includes embodiments in which the first and second features are in direct contact, and also includes embodiments in which additional features can be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Furthermore, to facilitate descriptions of the relationship between one feature and another in the accompanying drawings, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "beneath," "above," "above," and similar terms may be used. In addition to the orientations shown in the accompanying drawings, spatially relative terms encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation. The device may also be positioned differently (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0059] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical element driving mechanism 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The optical element driving mechanism 10 can be connected to a lens module (not shown) and can drive one or more optical elements 20 mounted thereon to control the amount of light entering the lens module. For example, the optical elements 20 can be blades, and the optical element driving mechanism 10 can be an aperture mechanism, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0060] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the aforementioned optical element driving mechanism 10, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 Respectively Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along the AA and BB directions. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the optical element driving mechanism 10 may mainly include a fixed portion 100 , a movable portion 200 , a driving assembly 300 and a plurality of intermediate assemblies 400 .

[0061] The fixed portion 100 may include a cover 110, a frame 120, and a base 130. The cover 110 may be connected to the frame 120, and the optical element 20 may be disposed between the cover 110 and the frame 120. The frame 120 may be connected to the base 130 and may surround the movable portion 200.

[0062] The movable portion 200 can be movably connected to the fixed portion 100 via the intermediate component 400. In detail, each intermediate component 400 may include an intermediate element 410, a first contact surface 421, a second contact surface 422, a third contact surface 423, and a first surface 431. In this embodiment, the first contact surface 421 and the second contact surface 422 are formed on the frame 120 and face the movable portion 200, and the two may form a V-shaped concave structure. The third contact surface 423 is formed on the movable portion 200 and faces the frame 120. The third contact surface 423 may be a smooth surface extending along the direction of movement of the movable portion 200 (i.e., the arc direction around the Z axis). The first surface 431 is formed on the base 130, and the first surface 431 faces the frame 120 and the intermediate component 410. The intermediate component 410 may be a sphere.

[0063] The intermediate components 400 can be arranged around the movable portion 200 at equal intervals. When the movable portion 200 is connected to the fixed portion 100 via the intermediate components 400, the intermediate element 410 can contact the first contact surface 421 and the second contact surface 422 on the frame 120, the third contact surface 423 on the movable portion 200, and the first surface 431 on the base 130. Because the intermediate element 410 can slide and / or rotate relative to the first contact surface 421, the second contact surface 422, the third contact surface 423, and the first surface 431, the movable portion 200, when connected to the fixed portion 100 via the intermediate components 400, can rotate relative to the fixed portion 100 about the optical axis 11 of the optical element driving mechanism 10.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first contact surface 421 and the second contact surface 422 may be formed on the movable portion 200 and face the frame 120, and the third contact surface 423 may be formed on the frame 120 and face the movable portion 200. In other words, in these embodiments, the movable portion 200 may have a V-shaped concave structure formed by the first contact surface 421 and the second contact surface 422, and the frame 120 may have a smooth surface extending along the movement direction of the movable portion 200.

[0065] Please continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 4In this embodiment, the intermediate component 400 may further include a second surface 432, a third surface 433, a fourth surface 434, and a fifth surface 435. Similar to the first surface 431, the second surface 432, the third surface 433, the fourth surface 434, and the fifth surface 435 are all located on the base 130 of the fixing portion 100. The second surface 432 is not parallel to the first surface 431, the third surface 433 is not parallel to the second surface 432 and is connected to the first surface 431 via the second surface 432, the fourth surface 434 is not parallel to the third surface 433 and is connected to the second surface 432 via the third surface 433, and the fifth surface 435 is not parallel to the fourth surface 434 and is connected to the third surface 433 via the fourth surface 434. When viewed along an axial direction AX perpendicular to the first surface 431, the fifth surface 435 is closer to the center C of the optical element driving mechanism 10 than the first surface 431. In this embodiment, the axial direction AX is substantially parallel to the optical axis 11 of the optical element driving mechanism 10 .

[0066] The second surface 432, the third surface 433, and the fourth surface 434 may form a first groove R1, and a second groove R2 may be formed on the first surface 431. A lubricating liquid may be applied to the intermediate element 410 to allow the movable portion 200 to move more smoothly relative to the fixed portion 100. Because the optical element driving mechanism 10 in this embodiment has the aforementioned first groove R1 and second groove R2 below the intermediate element 410, when the optical element driving mechanism 10 is shaken by an external force, causing some lubricating liquid to escape from the intermediate element 410, the lubricating liquid can also flow into the first groove R1 and second groove R2, thereby preventing the lubricating liquid from splashing onto the location where light passes and causing the optical performance of the optical element driving mechanism 10 to be reduced.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first surface 431, the third surface 433, and the fifth surface 435 are substantially parallel to each other, and the second surface 432 and the fourth surface 434 are substantially perpendicular to the first surface 431. When viewed along a direction parallel to the first surface 431, the fifth surface 435 is located between the first surface 431 and the third surface 433. The first groove R1 is closer to the center C of the optical element driving mechanism 10 than the second groove R2. The depth T1 of the first groove R1, measured from the first surface 431, may be greater than the depth T2 of the second groove R2. Furthermore, when viewed along the axial direction AX perpendicular to the first surface 431, a gap G may be spaced between the center of the intermediate element 410 and the centerline L of the second groove R2. The length of the gap G may be less than the radius of the intermediate element 410. This prevents the intermediate element 410 from entering the second groove R2, which could hinder rotation of the intermediate element 410 or prevent lubricant from entering the second groove R2. A chamfer or rounded corner R may be formed at a connection between the inner wall surface of the second groove R2 and the first surface 431 , and the curvature radius thereof may be greater than 0.05 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the driving assembly 300 may include at least one magnetic element 310 , at least one coil 320 , a circuit board 330 , at least one magnetic conductive element 340 , a ferromagnetic element 350 and a driving IC 360 .

[0069] The magnetic element 310 is fixed to the movable portion 200, the circuit board 330 is fixed to the fixed portion 100, and the coil 320 is disposed on the circuit board 330 and corresponds to the magnetic element 310. Therefore, when current flows through the coil 320, a driving force is generated between the coil 320 and the magnetic element 310 to propel the movable portion 200 to rotate about the optical axis 11. In some embodiments, the positions of the magnetic element 310 and the coil 320 are interchangeable, that is, the coil 320 can be disposed on the movable portion 200, and the magnetic element 310 can be disposed on the fixed portion 100 and corresponds to the coil 320.

[0070] The magnetically conductive element 340 can be disposed on the circuit board 330, with at least a portion of the circuit board 330 positioned between the coil 320 and the magnetically conductive element 340. The magnetically conductive element 340 can further concentrate the magnetic flux of the magnetic element 310 at the coil 320, effectively increasing the driving force provided by the driving assembly 300. In this embodiment, the movable portion 200 is disposed between the two sets of magnetic elements 310, the coil 320, and the magnetically conductive element 340, thereby evenly distributing the driving force to opposite sides of the movable portion 200.

[0071] The ferromagnetic element 350 can be disposed on the circuit board 330 and corresponds to one of the two sets of magnetic elements 310, the coil 320, and the magnetically conductive element 340. A magnetic attraction is generated between the ferromagnetic element 350 and the corresponding magnetic element 310. This magnetic attraction allows the movable portion 200 to approach the side where the ferromagnetic element 350 is disposed, thereby ensuring that the movable portion 200 contacts at least one intermediate element 410. This prevents the movable portion 200 from misaligning with the intermediate element 410 due to tolerances or other factors, potentially leading to deflection during rotation.

[0072] The driver IC 360 may be disposed on the circuit board 330 and surrounded by the coil 320. The driver IC 360 may be used to control the current supplied to the coil 320 and / or detect the position of the movable portion 200 relative to the fixed portion 100. For example, the driver IC 360 may include a control chip and / or a sensor. The sensor may be, for example, a Hall effect sensor, a magnetoresistance effect sensor (MR sensor), a giant magnetoresistance effect sensor (GMR sensor), a tunneling magnetoresistance effect sensor (TMR sensor), or a fluxgate sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] See also Figure 2 and Figure 5 Each optical element 20 may have a fixing hole 21 and a guide hole 22. The frame 120 may have a fixing post 121 on its surface facing the cover 110. The size of the fixing post 121 is substantially the same as that of the fixing hole 21, and the fixing post 121 may pass through the fixing hole 21. The movable portion 200 may have a guide post 201 on its surface facing the cover 110, and the guide post 201 is movably received in the guide hole 22.

[0074] When the driving assembly 300 drives the movable part 200 to rotate around the optical axis 11 relative to the fixed part 100, the guide post 201 on the movable part 200 can move along the guide hole 22 on the optical element 20, thereby allowing the optical element 20 to rotate around the fixed post 121. In this way, the aperture size of the optical element driving mechanism 10 can be adjusted through the optical element 20.

[0075] See also Figure 6A and Figure 6BIn this embodiment, one or more metal elements 500 are embedded in the base 130 of the fixed portion 100, and one or more protruding platforms 131 may be formed on the surface of the base 130 facing the movable portion 200. The top surface 131A of the protruding platform 131 is closer to the movable portion 200 than the fifth surface 435. Therefore, the distance between the top surface 131A of the protruding platform 131 and the first surface 431 is smaller than the distance between the fifth surface 435 and the first surface 431.

[0076] At least a portion of the metal element 500 in the base 130 of the fixed portion 100 may correspond to the position of the magnetic element 310 on the movable portion 200, so that a magnetic attraction force may be generated between the metal element 500 and the magnetic element 310, causing the movable portion 200 to rest against the top surface 131A of the protruding platform 131, thereby preventing the movable portion 200 from tilting during movement.

[0077] In this embodiment, the intermediate component 400 may include a plurality of first recesses R1. The first recesses R1 farther from the ferromagnetic element 350 may directly abut the protruding platform 131, while the first recesses R1 closer to the ferromagnetic element 350 may have a step 140 between them and the protruding platform 131. This step 140 may be flush with the fifth surface 435. Because the movable portion 200 is positioned toward the side with the ferromagnetic element 350, the step 140 can enhance the mechanical strength of the optical element driving mechanism 10. On the side of the optical element driving mechanism 10 without the ferromagnetic element 350, more lubricating oil may escape when the optical element driving mechanism 10 is shaken. Therefore, the first recesses R1 may be larger to accommodate more lubricating oil.

[0078] Each first recess R1 may have one or more protrusions P formed therein, protruding from the third surface 433. These protrusions P can guide the incoming lubricating oil through capillary action, ensuring that the lubricating oil is evenly contained within the first recess R1 and prevents it from flowing out. Furthermore, each first recess R1 may also have one or more holes H formed therein, through which the metal component 500 embedded in the base 130 may be exposed. When the lubricating oil flows into the first recess R1, some of the lubricating oil may further flow into the holes H and come into contact with the metal component 500. This allows the lubricating oil to be applied to the metal component 500, thereby reducing the risk of rust on the metal component 500.

[0079] In summary, the present invention provides an optical element driving mechanism comprising a movable portion, a fixed portion, and a driving assembly. The movable portion is used to connect to an optical element and is movable relative to the fixed portion. The driving assembly is used to drive the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The optical element driving mechanism also includes an intermediate assembly, through which the movable portion can move relative to the fixed portion.

[0080] The intermediate component may include an intermediate element, a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, and a first groove. The first surface faces the intermediate element. The second surface is non-parallel to the first surface. The third surface is non-parallel to the second surface, and the first surface is connected to the third surface via the second surface. The fourth surface is non-parallel to the third surface, and the second surface is connected to the fourth surface via the third surface. The fifth surface is non-parallel to the fourth surface, and the third surface is connected to the fifth surface via the fourth surface. The first groove is formed by surrounding the second, third, and fourth surfaces. When viewed in a direction parallel to the first surface, the fifth surface is located between the first and third surfaces.

[0081] Although the embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been disclosed above, it should be understood that those skilled in the art may make changes, substitutions and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods and steps in the specific embodiments described in the specification. Any person skilled in the art can understand from the disclosure of the present invention that the processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods and steps currently or in the future developed can be used according to the present invention as long as they can implement substantially the same functions or obtain substantially the same results in the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention includes the above-mentioned processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods and steps. In addition, each claim constitutes a separate embodiment, and the scope of protection of the present invention also includes the combination of each claim and embodiment.

[0082] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to several preferred embodiments, these are not intended to limit the present invention. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims. Furthermore, each claim constitutes an independent embodiment, and any combination of claims and embodiments is within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical element driving mechanism, comprising: a movable portion for connecting to an optical element; a fixed portion, wherein the movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion; as well as a driving assembly for driving the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion; The optical element driving mechanism further includes an intermediate component, and the movable part moves relative to the fixed part via the intermediate component.

2. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate component comprises: an intermediate element; a first surface facing the intermediate element; a second surface, wherein the second surface is not parallel to the first surface; a third surface, wherein the third surface and the second surface are not parallel, and the first surface is connected to the third surface via the second surface; a fourth surface, wherein the fourth surface is not parallel to the third surface, and the second surface is connected to the fourth surface via the third surface; a fifth surface, wherein the fifth surface is not parallel to the fourth surface, and the third surface is connected to the fifth surface via the fourth surface; and a first groove formed by surrounding the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface; When viewed along a direction parallel to the first surface, the fifth surface is located between the first surface and the third surface. 3 . The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 2 , wherein when viewed along an axial direction, the fifth surface is closer to a center of the optical element driving mechanism than the first surface. 4 . The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the intermediate component further comprises a second groove, and the second groove is formed on the first surface.

5. An optical element driving mechanism as described in claim 4, wherein the inner wall surface of the second groove is connected to the first surface, a chamfer or a fillet is formed between the inner wall surface of the second groove and the first surface, and the curvature radius of the chamfer or the fillet is greater than 0.05 mm. 6 . The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the second groove has a long strip structure and extends along the movement direction of the movable portion. 7 . The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the first groove and the second groove have different depths starting from the first surface. 8 . The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 7 , wherein a depth of the first groove is greater than a depth of the second groove, and the first groove is closer to the center of the optical element driving mechanism. 9 . The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the intermediate element comprises a sphere, and when viewed along the axial direction, a center of the sphere is spaced apart from a center line of the second groove by a distance. 10 . The optical element driving mechanism of claim 9 , wherein a distance between the center of the sphere and the fifth surface is smaller than a distance between the center line of the second groove and the fifth surface.

11. An optical element driving mechanism as described in claim 2, wherein the driving component includes a magnetic element, and the optical element driving mechanism further includes a metal element, wherein the magnetic element is arranged on the movable part, the metal element is embedded in a base of the fixed part, and at least a portion of the metal element corresponds to the magnetic element. 12 . The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 11 , wherein a hole is formed in the first groove, and the metal element is exposed from the hole. 13 . The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 2 , wherein a protrusion is formed in the first groove and protrudes from the third surface.

14. An optical element driving mechanism as described in claim 2, wherein the fixing portion includes a protruding platform, the protruding platform includes a top surface, the distance between the top surface and the first surface is smaller than the distance between the fifth surface and the first surface, and the first groove is adjacent to the protruding platform. 15 . The optical element driving mechanism as described in claim 14 , wherein the intermediate component comprises another first groove, the fixing portion comprises a stepped portion, the stepped portion is flush with the fifth surface, and the stepped portion is disposed between the protruding platform and the first groove.

16. An optical element driving mechanism as described in claim 15, wherein the driving component includes a magnetic element and a ferromagnetic element, the magnetic element is arranged on the movable part, and the ferromagnetic element is arranged on the fixed part and corresponds to the magnetic element, wherein the distance between the other first groove and the ferromagnetic element is smaller than the distance between the first groove and the ferromagnetic element.

17. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein lubricating oil is coated on the intermediate element.

18. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 2, wherein the intermediate element contacts the first surface.

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