Image sensing module and camera using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image sensing module, comprising a base, a sensor seat for fixing the image sensor, a piezoelectric device and a control circuit electrically connected to the piezoelectric device. One end of the piezoelectric device is fixedly connected to the base, and the other end is connected to the sensor seat. The control circuit is used to control the piezoelectric device to move the sensor seat so that the sensor seat translates and rotates relative to the base in front of the base. The image sensing module of the camera of the present invention has a jitter compensation device, which utilizes the piezoelectric device to move the sensor seat of the image sensor to translate and rotate relative to the base. Therefore, the camera using the image sensing module does not need to be equipped with a lens motor with a closed-loop optical image stabilization function, and can avoid the problem of magnetic interference from the external environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an image sensing module and a camera using the same. Background Art

[0002] Most existing cameras are equipped with a shake compensation function, which is usually achieved by using a linear spring at one end of the lens motor to support the movable part including the lens on the motor base, and controlling the movable part to translate and rotate on the motor base through a voice coil drive device (including a shake compensation coil and a magnet) to achieve the purpose of shake compensation. However, in order to ensure precise control, a magnetic position sensing device is often required for closed-loop control, which is susceptible to external magnetic interference, affecting control and characteristics. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an image sensing module and a camera using the same which do not have the above-mentioned defects.

[0004] An image sensing module, which defines that a photographed object is located in front of an image sensor, and the image sensing module includes a base, a sensor seat for fixing the image sensor, a piezoelectric device, and a control circuit electrically connected to the piezoelectric device. One end of the piezoelectric device is fixedly connected to the base, and the other end is connected to the sensor seat. The control circuit is used to control the piezoelectric device to move the sensor seat so that the sensor seat translates and rotates relative to the base in front of the base.

[0005] As an embodiment, the image sensing module includes at least three piezoelectric devices, wherein the first piezoelectric device is used to control the translational movement of the sensor seat in a first direction, one or two of the second piezoelectric device and the third piezoelectric device are used together to control the translational movement of the sensor seat in a second direction, and the second piezoelectric device and the third piezoelectric device are also used to cooperate in controlling the rotational movement of the sensor seat around a third direction; the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0006] As an embodiment, the piezoelectric device includes a linear, sheet or strip-shaped traction member and a piezoelectric component connected to one end of the traction member, the piezoelectric component includes at least two arc-shaped claws that extend relatively toward one end of the traction member in a bent or arc-shaped manner, and the control circuit pulls and relaxes the traction member by controlling the bending or curvature of the at least two arc-shaped claws.

[0007] As an implementation manner, the image sensing module further comprises a fixing ring fixed on the base, the piezoelectric component is fixed on the fixing ring, and the other end of the traction member is fixed on the rear surface of the sensor seat.

[0008] As an implementation manner, a depression is formed in the middle of the base, a fixing piece protruding toward the depression is fixed on the rear surface of the sensor seat, and the other end of the traction piece is fixed to the fixing piece.

[0009] As an implementation manner, the image sensing module further includes a supporting assembly connecting the sensor seat and the base, which allows the sensor seat to translate and rotate relative to the base.

[0010] As an implementation manner, the support assembly includes a plurality of spring plates connected between the sensor seat and the base.

[0011] As an embodiment, the spring sheet includes a substrate extending along a portion of the periphery of the sensor seat, a first connecting portion provided at one end of the substrate for connecting to the sensor seat, and a second connecting portion provided at the other end of the substrate for connecting to the base.

[0012] As an embodiment, a plurality of fixing columns extend substantially vertically from the front surface of the base, and the second connecting portion is connected to the upper ends of the corresponding fixing columns; a plurality of protrusions extend outward from the side of the sensor seat, and the first connecting portion is connected to the corresponding protrusions.

[0013] As an implementation manner, the control circuit is disposed on a circuit board, the circuit board is disposed on the rear side of the base, and the circuit board is electrically connected to the image sensor via a signal line.

[0014] As an implementation manner, the signal line is a long sheet-shaped flexible circuit board, one end of which is electrically and mechanically connected to the image sensor, and the other end of which is electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board.

[0015] As an implementation manner, a clearance space for the signal line to pass through is formed on the base and the sensor seat.

[0016] A camera comprises the above-mentioned image sensing module.

[0017] The image sensing module of the camera of the present invention has a shake compensation device, which uses a piezoelectric device to move the sensor seat of the image sensor to translate and rotate relative to the base. Therefore, the camera using the image sensing module does not need to be equipped with a lens motor with a closed-loop optical image stabilization function, and can avoid the problem of magnetic interference from the external environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 A partial exploded view of a camera according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the camera’s image sensor module.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded view of some components of the image sensor module from another perspective.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the assembly of some components of the image sensing module.

[0022] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a working mode of a piezoelectric device of an image sensing module in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The image sensing module of the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments and drawings.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the camera of the present invention includes an image sensing module 100 and a lens motor 200 assembled on the image sensing module 100. For the convenience of description, an XYZ axis coordinate system is defined so that the optical axis of the camera coincides with the Z axis, and the object to be photographed is located in front of the image sensor in the Z axis direction (+Z direction). The lens motor 200 and the image sensing module 100 are assembled from front to back in the Z axis direction so that the Z axis passes through the center of the image sensor of the image sensing module 100. The image sensing module 100 of the present invention has an optical image stabilization (shake compensation) function, so the lens motor 200 can be a lens motor with an autofocus function, which will not be described in detail here.

[0025] In this embodiment, the image sensing module 100 mainly includes a circuit board 10, a base 20 arranged on the front side of the circuit board 10, an upper shell 30 snapped on the base 20, and a fixing ring 40, a sensor seat 50 and an image sensor 60 arranged in sequence from back to front in a space defined by the base 20 and the upper shell 30, and also includes a supporting assembly 70 connected between the base 20 and the sensor seat 50, a piezoelectric device 80 connected between the fixing ring 40 and the sensor seat 50, and a signal line 90 connected between the image sensor 60 and the circuit board 10.

[0026] The circuit board 10 integrates the camera's overall control circuit, power supply circuit, etc., and is fixed to the rear side of the base 20. Its area is larger than that of the base 20, so that when viewed from the Z-axis direction, a portion of the circuit board 10 extends out from the side of the base 20. In this embodiment, the circuit board 10 is a flexible circuit board, and it can be understood that the circuit board 10 can also be a rigid circuit board.

[0027] The base 20 is generally square, with four sides parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis respectively. It is preferably made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic. The middle of the front side surface is recessed toward the rear in the Z-axis direction to form a recessed portion 21. Two fixing columns 22 also extend substantially vertically from the front side surface of the base 20. The two fixing columns 22 are located on the outer peripheral side of the recessed portion 21 and are respectively close to two opposite sides of the base 20 (the two sides in the Y-axis direction in this embodiment). Two mutually isolated columns 221 are formed at the top of each fixing column 22. In addition, two avoidance positions 23 close to the fixing columns 22 are formed on the base 20. The avoidance position 23 passes through the base 20 in a direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0028] The upper shell 30 is buckled on the base 20, and its rear side end is connected to the periphery of the base 20, thereby defining a receiving space together with the base 20. A light hole 31 is formed on the front side end surface of the upper shell 30, so that the light passing through the lens motor 200 can enter the image sensor module 100 without obstruction.

[0029] The fixing ring 40 is generally in the shape of a sheet, and is preferably made of a material that is not easily deformed. The fixing ring 40 is fixed on the base 20, and the size of the hollow space is set so that the recessed portion 21 of the base 20 is exposed. In the present embodiment, the fixing ring 40 is a printed circuit board, so the fixing ring 40 not only plays the role of fixing the piezoelectric device 80, but also plays the role of leading out the positive and negative poles of the piezoelectric device 80. The fixing ring 40 is electrically connected to the circuit board 10. Specifically, a conductive part can be injection molded in the base 20, and the circuit of the fixing ring 40 is electrically connected to the circuit board 10 through the conductive part. Of course, a void can also be formed on the base 20, and the fixing ring 40 can be electrically connected to the circuit board 10 by using a conductive part to pass through the void.

[0030] The sensor seat 50 is generally square and preferably made of non-conductive material. It is used to fix the image sensor 60. Its outer circumference is smaller than that of the base 20. The position corresponding to the avoidance position 23 on the sensor seat 50 also forms an avoidance position 51. The signal line 90 can be a long sheet-like flexible circuit board (FPC), one end of which is electrically and mechanically connected to the image sensor 60, and the other end passes through the avoidance positions 23 and 51 to be electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board 10. While realizing the electrical connection between the image sensor and the circuit board, it also realizes the function of suspending the image sensor and the sensor seat. In this embodiment, two signal lines 90 are used, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the X axis with the X axis as the symmetry axis. The two opposite sides of the sensor seat 50 (the two sides in the X axis direction in this embodiment) also extend outward to form two protrusions 52. A fixing member 53 protruding toward the recessed portion 21 is also fixed on the rear surface of the sensor seat 50.

[0031] The support assembly 70 is used to suspend and support the sensor seat 50 in front of the base 20, and allows the sensor seat 50 to translate and rotate relative to the base 20. In this embodiment, the support assembly 70 includes four springs connected between the sensor seat 50 and the base 20. Each spring includes a substrate 71 extending along a portion of the outer periphery of the sensor seat 50, a first connecting portion 72 provided at one end of the substrate 71 for connecting with the sensor seat 50, and a second connecting portion 73 provided at the other end of the substrate 71 for connecting with the base 20. The substrate 71 is a long strip of sheet metal with a substantially 90-degree bend, and the surface is substantially parallel to the outer wall of the sensor seat 50. The first connecting portion 72 is an L-shaped or U-shaped metal piece formed by bending a sheet of metal, and is fixed to the corresponding protrusion 52 of the sensor seat 50. The second connecting portion 73 is an L-shaped or U-shaped metal piece formed by bending a metal sheet, and is fixed to the corresponding column 221 of the base 20. In this embodiment, the substrate 71 is made of a metal sheet in one piece, has a bend, and can recover itself after elastic deformation. Compared with the linear spring used in the existing lens motor optical compensation system, the support component 70 of the present invention uses a spring with a three-dimensional structure, which can more effectively support the image sensor. No matter what three-dimensional angle the camera is at, it can keep the translation and rotation movement trajectory of the supported component (sensor seat and image sensor) on the same plane without tilting, so that the imaging surface can remain stable during the jitter compensation process. In addition, not using a linear spring also avoids the resonance phenomenon that is easy to occur on the linear spring during the drive control process, ensuring the working stability of the camera.

[0032] The piezoelectric device 80 is connected between the fixing ring 40 and the sensor seat 50, and is used to move the sensor seat 50 under the control of the control circuit, so that the sensor seat 50 can be translated and rotated relative to the base 20 in front of the base 20 to achieve the jitter compensation function. In this embodiment, the control circuit is arranged on the circuit board 10, and the piezoelectric device 80 is first electrically connected to the fixing ring 40, and then electrically connected to the circuit board 10 through the fixing ring 40. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the control circuit can also be arranged on the fixing ring 40. In this embodiment, three piezoelectric devices 80 are arranged, wherein the first piezoelectric device 81 is used to control the translation movement of the sensor seat 50 in the first direction (the X-axis direction in this embodiment), one or two of the second piezoelectric device 82 and the third piezoelectric device 83 are used together to control the translation movement of the sensor seat 50 in the second direction (the Y-axis direction in this embodiment), and the second piezoelectric device 82 and the third piezoelectric device 83 are also used to cooperate in controlling the rotation movement of the sensor seat 50 around the third direction (the Z-axis direction in this embodiment).

[0033] Each piezoelectric device 80 includes a linear, sheet or strip-shaped traction member 801 and a piezoelectric assembly 802 connected to one end of the traction member. The piezoelectric assembly 802 includes two arc-shaped claws 8021 extending relatively toward one end of the traction member 801 in a bent or arc-shaped manner. The control circuit controls the piezoelectric assembly 802 to bend the two arc-shaped claws 8021 and pulls and relaxes the traction member 801 by controlling the bending degree. The pair of arc-shaped claws 8021 of the first piezoelectric device 81 are symmetrical with the X-axis as the symmetry axis, and the arc-shaped claws 8021 of the second piezoelectric device 82 and the third piezoelectric device 83 are symmetrical with the axis parallel to the Y-axis as the symmetry axis. Specifically, taking the first piezoelectric device 81 as an example, when the two arc-shaped claws 8021 bend toward the frame direction of the fixing ring 40 close thereto (-X axis direction), the traction member 801 is pulled toward the -X axis direction, so that the sensor seat 50 moves toward the -X axis direction; when the two arc-shaped claws 8021 stretch toward the frame direction of the opposite fixing ring (+X axis direction), the traction member 80 is relaxed, so that the sensor seat 50 moves toward the +X axis direction. When one of the second piezoelectric device 82 and the third piezoelectric device 83 performs the action of pulling the traction member 801, and the other performs the action of relaxing the traction member 801, the sensor seat 50 can be pulled to rotate around the Z axis.

[0034] The end of the piezoelectric component 802 of the first piezoelectric device 81 is fixed to the -X side frame of the fixing ring 40, and the end of the traction member 801 thereof is fixed to the fixing member 53 on the +X side on the rear surface of the sensor seat 50. The end of the piezoelectric component 802 of the second piezoelectric device 82 is fixed to the -Y side frame of the fixing ring 40, and the end of the traction member 801 thereof is fixed to the fixing member 53 on the +Y side on the rear surface of the sensor seat 50. The end of the piezoelectric component 802 of the third piezoelectric device 83 is fixed to the +Y side frame of the fixing ring 40, and the end of the traction member 801 thereof is fixed to the fixing member 53 on the -Y side on the rear surface of the sensor seat 50.

[0035] The camera of the present invention is provided with a shake compensation function on its image sensing module, and adopts a three-axis optical anti-shake system composed of piezoelectric devices, which avoids the problem that the existing voice coil electromagnetic drive is easily affected by external magnetic interference, and has more stable performance. Since the lens motor does not need to be equipped with a shake compensation function, it can be made lighter and thinner.

[0036] In the above embodiment, a fixing ring is used to fix one end of the three piezoelectric devices. The fixing ring is preferably an element / assembly with a circuit / conductive circuit, which is mechanically connected to one end of the piezoelectric device. In addition, the piezoelectric device is electrically connected to the circuit in the fixing ring through a small flexible circuit board. During production, the three piezoelectric devices are first assembled with the fixing ring, and then the fixing ring is fixedly connected to the base, and the other ends of the three piezoelectric devices are connected to the sensor seat, so that the assembly of the piezoelectric devices is more convenient and quick. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the fixing ring can be omitted, and one end of the piezoelectric device can be directly fixed on the base without affecting the function and effect of the camera. In other embodiments, the fixing ring can also be divided into several parts that are not connected to each other, and similar effects can also be achieved. In other embodiments, the fixing ring provided with a circuit / conductive circuit can also be injection molded together with the base.

[0037] In the above embodiment, three piezoelectric devices are used. It can be understood that in other embodiments, four piezoelectric devices can be provided, and two piezoelectric devices are provided in groups in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction respectively.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the second and third piezoelectric devices are arranged in the same direction and perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first piezoelectric device. In a variant, the second piezoelectric device may be arranged perpendicular to the first piezoelectric device, and the third piezoelectric device may be arranged obliquely relative to the second piezoelectric device. The first piezoelectric device is used to control the translational movement of the sensor seat in the first direction, the second piezoelectric device is used to control the translational movement of the sensor seat in the second direction, and the second piezoelectric device and the third piezoelectric device cooperate to control the rotational movement of the sensor seat around the third direction. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0039] In another variation, the second piezoelectric device and the third piezoelectric device can be arranged at an angle to each other, and neither is perpendicular to the first piezoelectric device. In this case, the piezoelectric components of the second piezoelectric device and the third piezoelectric device should be arranged on the same side. The first piezoelectric device is used to control the translational movement of the sensor seat in the first direction, the second piezoelectric device and the third piezoelectric device cooperate with each other to control the translational movement of the sensor seat in the second direction (the Y-axis direction in this embodiment), and the first piezoelectric device and the third piezoelectric device (or the first piezoelectric device and the second piezoelectric device) also cooperate with each other to control the rotational movement of the sensor seat around the third direction. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0040] In the above embodiment, a support assembly disposed between the sensor seat and the base is used to allow the sensor seat to translate and rotate relative to the base. It is understandable that in other embodiments, if the traction member of the piezoelectric device has a supporting function, the support assembly can be omitted.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the support component adopts a three-dimensional spring piece. In a modified example, a structure of a ball and a guide groove can be adopted as the support component.

[0042] In the above embodiment, when observed from the direction of the Z axis, the camera as a whole is square. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the camera can also be a prototype or other polygonal structure, and its internal components only need to change the shape accordingly, which will not affect the function and substantial structure of the product.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the substrate of each spring sheet of the supporting assembly has a bend because the sensor seat is square. When the sensor seat is polygonal, the shape of the substrate should match the shape of the sensor seat as long as it can recover by itself after elastic deformation.

[0044] In the above embodiment, a signal line is used to electrically connect the image sensor and the circuit board. In a modified embodiment, the signal line can be omitted, so that the spring piece of the support component serves as both the support component and the conductive path of the image sensor and the circuit board. In this case, the spring piece should pass through the base and the sensor seat, and electrically and mechanically connect the image sensor and the circuit board.

[0045] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0046] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0047] Although the present invention is described in conjunction with the above specific embodiments, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make many substitutions, modifications and changes according to the above content. Therefore, all such substitutions, improvements and changes are included in the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An image sensing module, defining an object to be photographed as being located in front of an image sensor, characterized in that: The image sensing module comprises: Pedestal; a fixing ring fixed to the base; A sensor seat for fixing the image sensor; A plurality of springs connected between the sensor seat and the base, which allow the sensor seat to translate and rotate relative to the base; At least three piezoelectric devices, each of which includes a linear, sheet or strip-shaped traction member and a piezoelectric assembly connected to one end of the traction member, the other end of the traction member is fixed to a fixing member on the rear surface of the sensor seat, and the piezoelectric assembly is fixed to the fixing ring; and A control circuit electrically connected to the piezoelectric device, used to control the piezoelectric device to move the sensor seat so that the sensor seat translates and rotates relative to the base in front of the base; The piezoelectric component includes at least two arc-shaped claws, and the control circuit pulls and releases the traction member by controlling the bending or curvature of the at least two arc-shaped claws; a pair of arc-shaped claws of the first piezoelectric device are symmetrical with the X-axis as the symmetry axis, and the arc-shaped claws of the second piezoelectric device and the third piezoelectric device are symmetrical with the axis parallel to the Y-axis as the symmetry axis; The first piezoelectric device is used to control the translational movement of the sensor seat in the X-axis direction, one or both of the second piezoelectric device and the third piezoelectric device are used to control the translational movement of the sensor seat in the Y-axis direction, and the second piezoelectric device and the third piezoelectric device are also used to cooperate in controlling the rotational movement of the sensor seat around the Z-axis direction; the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are perpendicular to each other; Each spring sheet includes a substrate extending along a portion of the periphery of the sensor seat, a first connecting portion arranged at one end of the substrate for connecting to the sensor seat, and a second connecting portion arranged at the other end of the substrate for connecting to the base; the substrate is a metal sheet with a bend that can recover by itself after elastic deformation.

2. The image sensing module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A depression is formed in the middle of the base, and the fixing member is fixed on the rear surface of the sensor seat and protrudes toward the depression.

3. The image sensing module according to claim 1, wherein: The front surface of the base has a plurality of fixing columns, and the second connecting portion is connected to the upper ends of the corresponding fixing columns; the side of the sensor seat extends outward to form a plurality of protrusions, and the first connecting portion is connected to the corresponding protrusions.

4. The image sensing module according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit is arranged on a circuit board, the circuit board is arranged at the rear side of the base, and the circuit board is electrically connected to the image sensor through a signal line.

5. The image sensing module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The signal line is a long sheet-shaped flexible circuit board, one end of which is electrically and mechanically connected to the image sensor, and the other end of which is electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board.

6. The image sensing module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The base and the sensor seat are formed with a clearance space for the signal line to pass through.

7. A camera, characterized in that: Comprising the image sensing module as claimed in claim 1 or 6.

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