Liquid lens focus and anti-shake devices, camera modules and electronic devices

Abstract

The present invention discloses a liquid lens focusing device, a camera module, and an electronic device. The liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device comprises: a liquid lens; an SMA actuator, wherein the SMA actuator comprises an SMA wire and two actuating bodies, wherein the SMA wire can be energized and contracted; each actuating body comprises a connecting rod, a support portion, and a first elastic arm, wherein one end of the connecting rod is connected to the SMA wire, and one end of the connecting rod is elastically connected to the support portion, and the first elastic arm is disposed between the connecting rod and the support portion, and the first elastic arm can be elastically bent; and a driven member, wherein one end of the connecting rod is hingedly connected to the driven member, and the driven member is provided with an adjustment ring, and the SMA wire can drive the adjustment ring to move by contraction to contact and squeeze the liquid lens. The present invention can make the displacement of the adjustment ring greater than the contraction of the SMA wire, thereby achieving a larger focusing stroke while maintaining a small actuator size, which is conducive to miniaturization. Furthermore, by coaxially hingedly connecting the two connecting rods in the SMA actuator, the tilt of the adjustment ring is improved, thereby improving imaging quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronics, and in particular to a liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device, a camera module and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Liquid lenses usually consist of an annular frame, a transparent cover plate and a transparent film that respectively seal the two end faces of the annular frame. Liquid is encapsulated inside the annular frame. By contacting and squeezing the transparent film, the liquid inside will flow, thereby changing the shape of the liquid, and then changing the curvature and focal length of the liquid lens.

[0003] Camera modules with liquid lenses typically include an adjustment assembly and an actuator. The adjustment assembly is located on the side of the liquid lens with the transparent film. The actuator is used to drive the adjustment assembly to move its ring into contact with, squeeze between, or separate from the transparent film. The actuator in these camera modules typically uses a voice coil motor or SMA actuator.

[0004] The voice coil motor generates its driving force through the Lorentz force generated by the energized coil in the magnetic field. The camera module usually also has sensors and other electronic components. The electromagnetic interference generated by the energized coil and magnetic field in the voice coil motor will affect the normal operation of other electronic components to a certain extent.

[0005] The driving element in an SMA actuator is SMA (shape memory alloy). SMA is a material composed of two or more metallic elements that exhibits a shape memory effect (SME) through thermoelasticity, martensitic transformation, and its inverse transformation. SMA can deform at relatively low temperatures and then return to its original shape when heated, thereby achieving electrically controllable contraction and generating a driving force. Existing SMA actuators typically directly pull the adjustment component via an SMA wire. As a result, the adjustment component's actuation stroke is typically no greater than the contraction of the SMA wire. This can only be achieved by increasing the overall size of the SMA actuator, hindering the miniaturization of liquid lens focusing devices. Furthermore, lens tilt is a significant factor in reducing image quality in camera modules, and SMA actuators should minimize the adverse effects of tilt during operation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art and to provide a liquid lens focusing device, a camera module and an electronic device with a large driving stroke and a compact structure.

[0007] The technical solutions adopted to solve the above technical problems are:

[0008] A liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device comprises: a liquid lens capable of changing its curvature focal length by contact and extrusion; an SMA actuator comprising an SMA wire and two actuating bodies, wherein the SMA wire can be energized and contracted; each actuating body comprises a connecting rod, a support portion and a first elastic arm, wherein one end of the connecting rod is connected to the SMA wire, and one end of the connecting rod is elastically connected to the support portion, and the first elastic arm is arranged between the connecting rod and the support portion, and the first elastic arm can be elastically bent; a driven member, wherein one end of the connecting rod is hinged to the driven member, and an adjusting ring is provided on the driven member, and the SMA wire can drive the connecting rod to swing relative to the support portion by contraction, and the connecting rod can drive the driven member and the adjusting ring to move, and the movement of the adjusting ring can contact and squeeze the liquid lens.

[0009] The liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0010] The actuator, comprised of a SAM wire, connecting rod, support, and first elastic arm, drives the adjustment ring without generating electromagnetic interference that could affect the normal operation of other electronic components. Furthermore, the first elastic arm allows the connecting rod to swing elastically relative to the support, allowing the displacement of the driven component and the adjustment ring to exceed the contraction of the SMA wire. This allows for a larger focusing stroke while maintaining a compact actuator, facilitating the miniaturization of liquid lens focusing devices. Furthermore, the coaxial articulation of the two connecting rods in the SMA actuator helps improve the tilt of the adjustment ring, thereby enhancing imaging quality.

[0011] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the support portion, the first elastic arm, and the connecting rod are integrally formed from a conductive material. This integral formation of the support portion, the first elastic arm, and the connecting rod helps reduce the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the SMA actuator. The conductive material allows the support portion, the first elastic arm, and the connecting rod to conduct electricity for the SMA wire, thereby simplifying the overall circuit structure of the SMA actuator.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner of the present invention, the adjustment ring and the adjustment seat are integrally formed to simplify the connection structure.

[0013] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, a liquid lens focus and stabilization device includes at least one first SMA actuator and at least one second SMA actuator. The first and second SMA actuators are capable of driving the adjustment ring in opposite directions. The relative positions of the connecting rods, SMA cables, and base bodies in the first and second SMA actuators are different, allowing them to drive the driven member in opposite directions, thus driving the adjustment ring in a wider range of directions, thereby expanding the focus and stabilization functions of the camera module.

[0014] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, a spacer or membrane is provided between the contact surfaces of the two coaxially hinged connecting rods. The spacer or membrane is insulating. The insulating spacer or membrane prevents short circuits between the two ends of the SMA wire, reduces friction between the connecting rods, and reduces wear on the contact surfaces between the two connecting rods.

[0015] Camera module, including liquid lens focus and image stabilization.

[0016] In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the camera module further includes a base and a fixed lens, the liquid lens is arranged above the base, the fixed lens is connected to the base and located below the liquid lens, the SMA actuator is connected to the base, and the adjustment ring is located between the liquid lens and the fixed lens, thereby achieving focusing or anti-shake.

[0017] In a possible embodiment of the present invention, an adjustment component is further included, the adjustment component includes an adjustment seat and a spring, the driven component is the adjustment seat, the spring is fixedly connected to the adjustment seat, the spring is provided with a plurality of second elastic arms, one end of the second elastic arm is connected to the base, and the second elastic arms enable the spring to support the adjustment seat and make the adjustment seat movable relative to the base.

[0018] Electronics, including liquid lens focus and image stabilization.

[0019] Electronic devices, including camera modules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a first SMA actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of a second SMA actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of a lens assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid lens according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Reference numerals:

[0028] SMA actuator 1, SMA wire 101, actuating body 110, connecting rod 102, first elastic arm 103, supporting portion 104;

[0029] Adjustment assembly 2, adjustment seat 201, spring 202, second elastic arm 204, hinge column 205;

[0030] Base 3, connecting column 301, first mounting hole 302, opening slot 303;

[0031] Cover body 4, second mounting hole 404;

[0032] Liquid lens 5, light-transmitting cover plate 501, annular lens frame 502, light-transmitting film 503, liquid 504;

[0033] Adjusting ring 6, fixing lens 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Example 1:

[0035] This section will describe in detail the specific embodiments of the present invention. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the accompanying drawings is to supplement the description of the text part of the specification with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and the overall technical solution of the present invention, but it should not be understood as a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that descriptions involving orientations, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, "several" means one or more, "many" means more than two, "greater than," "less than," and "exceed" are understood to exclude the number itself, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the number itself. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is solely for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, implicitly specifying the number of the indicated technical features, or implicitly specifying the order of the indicated technical features.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installing, and connecting should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The camera module of the present invention includes the liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device of the present invention.

[0040] The liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device includes a liquid lens 5, an adjustment ring 6, an SMA actuator 1, and a driven component.

[0041] The liquid lens 5 includes an annular frame 502, a transparent cover plate 501 and a transparent film 503 that respectively seal the two end surfaces of the annular frame 502. Liquid 504 is encapsulated inside the annular frame 502. By contacting and squeezing the transparent film 503, the liquid 504 inside is caused to flow, thereby changing the shape of the liquid 504, and further changing the curvature and focal length of the liquid lens 5.

[0042] An SMA actuator 1 includes an SMA wire 101 and two actuating bodies 110. The SMA wire 101 can contract when energized. The actuating bodies 110 each include a connecting rod 102, a support portion 104, and a first elastic arm 103. One end of the connecting rod 102 is connected to the SMA wire 1, and one end of the connecting rod 102 is elastically connected to the support portion 104. The first elastic arm 103 is arranged between the connecting rod 102 and the support portion 104, and the first elastic arm 103 can be elastically bent.

[0043] The driven part, one end of the connecting rod 102 is hinged to the driven part, and an adjusting ring 6 is provided on the driven part. The SMA wire 1 can drive the connecting rod 102 to swing relative to the supporting part 104 by contraction. The connecting rod 102 can drive the driven part and the adjusting ring 6 to move, and the movement of the adjusting ring 6 can contact and squeeze the liquid lens 5.

[0044] The above-mentioned liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0045] The actuator, comprised of the SAM wire 101, connecting rod 102, support portion 104, and first elastic arm 103, drives the adjustment ring 6 without generating electromagnetic interference that could affect the normal operation of other electronic components. Furthermore, the first elastic arm 103 allows the connecting rod 102 to elastically swing relative to the support portion 104, allowing the displacement of the adjustment ring 6 to exceed the contraction of the SMA wire 101. This allows for a larger focusing stroke while maintaining a compact actuator, facilitating the miniaturization of liquid lens focusing devices. Furthermore, the coaxial hinged connection of the two connecting rods 102 in the SMA actuator 1 prevents the adjustment ring 6 from tilting undesirably due to inconsistent swing amplitudes after the SAM wire 1 contracts, thereby improving imaging quality.

[0046] Regarding the support portion 104 , the support portion 104 is fixed on the base 3 , and the connecting rod 102 and the adjustment seat 201 can move relative to the support portion 104 .

[0047] Regarding the SMA wire 101 , the SMA wire 101 refers to a shape memory alloy wire that can achieve length contraction before and after power is applied.

[0048] The first elastic arm 103 is made of elastic material and can bend when the SMA wire 101 contracts. The first elastic arm 103 is in a bar shape, with one end connected to the support portion 104 and the other end connected to the connecting rod 102 .

[0049] Regarding the connecting rod 102 , the connecting rod 102 is a rod with a certain rigidity, which can support the displacement of the adjustment ring 6 and the like.

[0050] Regarding the driven component, the driven component is the adjustment seat 201, which is provided with a protruding hinge column. One end of the connecting rod 102 is provided with a hinge ring, which is sleeved on the hinge column to form a hinge mechanism. The adjustment ring 6 is fixedly connected to the adjustment seat 201. It is understood that, depending on actual circumstances, in other embodiments, the adjustment ring 6 can also be configured to be integrally formed with the adjustment seat 201.

[0051] In this embodiment, the support portion 104, the first elastic arm 103, and the connecting rod 102 are integrally formed from a conductive material. This integral formation of the support portion 104, the first elastic arm 103, and the connecting rod 102 helps reduce the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the SMA actuator 1. The conductive material allows the support portion 104, the first elastic arm 103, and the connecting rod 102 to conduct electricity for the SMA wire 101, simplifying the overall circuit structure of the liquid lens focusing device.

[0052] Regarding the support portion 104 , the first elastic arm 103 and the connecting rod 102 , the support portion 104 , the first elastic arm 103 and the connecting rod 102 are integrally formed of a metal material, which has both good elasticity and electrical conductivity.

[0053] In this embodiment, the actuating bodies 110 in the same SMA actuator 1 are symmetrically arranged, that is, the number of the supporting parts 104 , the first elastic arms 103 and the connecting rods 102 in the same SMA actuator 1 are all two and symmetrically arranged, so as to enhance the stability of the movement of the driven member.

[0054] Regarding the SMA wire 101 , both ends of the SMA wire 101 are respectively connected to one end of two connecting rods 102 in the same SMA actuator 1 , so that when the SMA wire 101 contracts, it can simultaneously drive the two symmetrically arranged connecting rods 102 .

[0055] The SMA actuator 1 is divided into a first SMA actuator 10a and a second SMA actuator 10b. The SMA wire 101 of the first SMA actuator 10a is arranged between the connecting rod 102 and the base 3, while the connecting rod 102 of the second SMA actuator 10b is arranged between the SMA wire 101 and the base 3. The liquid lens focus and anti-shake device includes at least one first SMA actuator 10a and at least one second SMA actuator 10b. Due to the different relative positions between the connecting rod 102 and the SMA wire 101 in the first SMA actuator 10a and the second SMA actuator 10b and the base 3, the adjustment ring 6 can be driven in opposite directions, allowing the adjustment ring 6 to move in more directions, thereby expanding the focus and anti-shake functions of the liquid lens focus and anti-shake device.

[0056] In this embodiment, the ends of the two connecting rods 102 are coaxially hinged on a driven component. The driven component is an adjustment base 201, which is equipped with four hinge posts 205. These four hinge posts 205 are evenly distributed around the adjustment base 201 and are respectively hinged to the connecting rods 102 in the two first SMA actuators 10a and the two second SMA actuators 10b. The two connecting rods 102 in each SMA actuator 1 share one hinge post 205, thereby achieving coaxial hinged connection between the two connecting rods 102 in a single SMA actuator 1.

[0057] In this embodiment, an insulating spacer or membrane is provided between the contact surfaces of the two coaxially hinged connecting rods 102. The insulating spacer or membrane prevents short circuits between the two ends of the SMA wire 101, reduces friction between the connecting rods 102, and reduces wear on the contact surfaces between the two connecting rods 102.

[0058] Of course, depending on actual conditions, in some other embodiments, when the actuator 110 is made of other non-conductive elastic materials, the contact surfaces of the two connecting rods 102 can be in direct contact with each other; or when a circuit board is set on the surface of the actuator 110 to realize the electrical connection of the SMA wire 101, and the actuator 110 is insulated from the SMA wire 101, the contact surfaces of the two connecting rods 102 can also be in direct contact with each other.

[0059] Regarding the isolation sheet and isolation membrane, the isolation sheet or isolation membrane is not shown in the figure. The isolation sheet can be provided in a circular shape, coaxially nested with the two connecting rods 102 on the hinge column 205. The isolation sheet can be made of, but not limited to, a plastic sheet. The isolation membrane can be provided as a film or coating wrapped around the end of the connecting rod 102. The isolation membrane can be provided by, but not limited to, a plastic film formed by dipping or an insulating coating formed by spraying.

[0060] Regarding the SMA actuators 1 , preferably, the various SMA actuators 1 surround the adjustment base 201 .

[0061] Regarding the liquid lens focus and stabilization device, two first SMA actuators 10a are symmetrically arranged about the adjustment base 201, and two second SMA actuators 10b are symmetrically arranged about the adjustment base 201. The two first SMA actuators 10a and the two second SMA actuators 10b are symmetrically arranged about the adjustment base 201. By separately detecting or controlling each SMA actuator 1, the inclination and displacement of the adjustment base 201 and the adjustment ring 6 can be detected or controlled, further expanding the stabilization and focus functions of the camera module.

[0062] Regarding the first SMA actuator 10a and the second SMA actuator 10b, the difference between the two is Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 For comparison, when the SMA wire 101 contracts, the connecting rod 102 of the first SMA actuator 10a swings away from the base 3, thereby driving the adjustment base 201 away from the base 3. When the SMA wire 101 contracts, the connecting rod 102 of the second SMA actuator 10b swings toward the base 3, thereby driving the adjustment base 201 toward the base 3.

[0063] In this embodiment, the camera module includes a base 3 and a fixed lens 7. The liquid lens 5 is connected above the base 3. The fixed lens 7 is arranged on the base 3 and located below the liquid lens 5. The SMA actuator 1 is connected to the base 3, and the adjustment ring 6 is located between the liquid lens 5 and the fixed lens 7. The liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device can drive the adjustment ring 6 to move, thereby contacting and squeezing the liquid lens 5 to achieve focusing and anti-shake functions.

[0064] Regarding the camera module, it also includes an adjustment component 2, which includes an adjustment seat 201. The adjustment ring 6 is set on the adjustment seat 201. One end of the connecting rod 102 is hinged to the adjustment seat 201. The adjustment seat 201 is movably connected to the base 3. The SMA actuator 1 can drive the adjustment seat 201 and the adjustment ring 6 to move relative to the base 3, thereby achieving focusing or anti-shake.

[0065] Regarding the adjustment component 2, it also includes a spring 202, which is fixedly connected to the adjustment seat 201. The spring 202 is provided with a plurality of second elastic arms 204, one end of the second elastic arm 204 is connected to the base 3, and the second elastic arm 204 enables the spring 202 to support the adjustment seat 201 and make the adjustment seat 201 movable relative to the base 3.

[0066] Regarding spring 202, it is attached to the upper surface of the adjustment base 201. The spring 202 and the second elastic arm 204 are integrally formed from a metal sheet. The second elastic arm 204 allows the adjustment base 201 to be elastically suspended on the base 3, thereby facilitating actuation of the adjustment base 201 on each SMA actuator 1. The spring 202 constitutes the suspension system of the lens assembly 2. The spring 202 here does not refer to the coil spring, scroll spring, or leaf spring commonly found in the mechanical field, but rather a special-shaped spring specifically designed for suspending the adjustment assembly 2.

[0067] Of course, according to actual conditions, in some other embodiments, the number of the springs 202 can be selected to be multiple, for example, two can be provided, where one spring 202 is fitted and fixed to the upper surface of the adjustment seat 201, and the other spring 202 is fitted and fixed to the lower surface of the adjustment seat 201.

[0068] Regarding the camera module, it also includes a cover body 4, which is arranged above the base 3, and a receiving cavity is formed between the cover body 4 and the base 3. A first mounting hole 302 for embedding a fixed lens 7 is opened in the center of the base 3, and a second fixing hole 401 for embedding a liquid lens 5 is opened in the center of the top of the cover body 4. The fixed lens 7, the adjustment seat 201, the adjustment ring 6, and the SMA actuator 1 are all arranged inside the receiving cavity.

[0069] Regarding the base 3, four connecting columns 301 extending into the accommodating cavity are provided at the four corners of the base 3. One end of the second elastic arm 204 is connected to the top of the connecting column 301. The support parts 104 in the SMA actuator 1 are all connected to the side of the connecting column 301. The four SMA actuators 1 correspond to the four sides of the base 3 respectively. In order to facilitate circuit connection, one end of the support part 104 passes through the base 3 and extends to the outside of the accommodating cavity. The base 3 is provided with an open slot 303 to allow the support part 104 to pass through.

[0070] The liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device and camera module in this technical solution can be used in electronic equipment.

Claims

1. Liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device, characterized in that: include: Liquid lens, which can change the curvature and focal length through contact squeezing; An SMA actuator, comprising at least one first SMA actuator and at least one second SMA actuator, wherein the first SMA actuator and the second SMA actuator each comprise an SMA wire and two actuating bodies, wherein the SMA wire can be energized and contracted; wherein the actuating bodies each comprise a connecting rod, a supporting portion, and a first elastic arm, wherein one end of the connecting rod is connected to the SMA wire, one end of the connecting rod is elastically connected to the supporting portion, one end of the first elastic arm is connected to the supporting portion, and the other end of the first elastic arm is connected to the connecting rod, and the first elastic arm can be elastically bent; A driven part is provided with a protruding hinge column, one end of the connecting rod is provided with a hinge ring, the hinge ring is sleeved on the hinge column to form a hinge mechanism, and the ends of the two connecting rods in the actuator body are coaxially hinged on the driven part, an adjustment ring is provided on the driven part, the SMA wire can drive the connecting rod to swing relative to the support part by contraction, the connecting rod can drive the driven part and the adjustment ring to move, and the movement of the adjustment ring can contact and squeeze the liquid lens; the first SMA actuator and the second SMA actuator can drive the adjustment ring in opposite directions.

2. The liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device according to claim 1, wherein: The support portion, the first elastic arm and the connecting rod are integrally formed of a conductive material.

3. The liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The contact surfaces of the two coaxially hinged connecting rods are insulated and in direct contact with each other; or an isolation sheet or isolation membrane is provided between the contact surfaces of the two coaxially hinged connecting rods, and the isolation sheet or isolation membrane is made of an insulating material.

4. Camera module, characterized in that: The liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device comprises the liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: It also includes a base and a fixed lens, the liquid lens is arranged above the base, the fixed lens is connected to the base and located below the liquid lens, the SMA actuator is connected to the base, and the adjustment ring is located between the liquid lens and the fixed lens.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein: It also includes an adjustment component, which includes an adjustment seat and a spring. The driven part is the adjustment seat. The spring is fixedly connected to the adjustment seat. The spring is provided with a plurality of second elastic arms. One end of the second elastic arm is connected to the base. The second elastic arms enable the spring to support the adjustment seat and enable the adjustment seat to move relative to the base.

7. Electronic equipment, characterized in that: The liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device comprises the liquid lens focusing and anti-shake device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. Electronic equipment, characterized in that: A camera module comprising any one of claims 4 to 6.

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