Linkage device, camera module and electronic equipment

Abstract

The present application discloses a linkage device, a camera module, and an electronic device. The linkage device is used in a camera module with continuous zoom, and includes a base, and a first carrier and a second carrier slidably connected to the base; a first positioning element is provided on the base, a first sensing element and a second positioning element are provided on the first carrier, and a second sensing element is provided on the second carrier; the first sensing element and the first positioning element are arranged relative to each other to detect the position of the first carrier relative to the base; the second sensing element and the second positioning element are arranged relative to each other to detect the position of the second carrier relative to the first carrier. By setting the movement relationship between the first carrier and the second carrier to an associated movement, when the first carrier moves, the second carrier can respond to the movement of the first carrier and move accordingly, thereby improving the position control accuracy of the first carrier and the second carrier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of camera modules, and in particular to a linkage device, a camera module and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, mobile phone camera modules with optical zoom at specific magnifications have become increasingly popular with consumers. To achieve these fixed-magnification optical zooms, the lens moves with the mount to a specific position to achieve zoom and focus.

[0003] However, the position control accuracy of the mount in a general camera module is poor, and the lens located on the mount can only achieve zoom of certain specific magnifications and cannot achieve continuous zoom, so the actual imaging effect of the camera module is poor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a linkage device, a camera module and an electronic device to solve the problem that general camera modules cannot achieve continuous zoom.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a linkage device for use in a camera module with continuous zoom. The linkage device includes: a base, and a first carrier and a second carrier slidably connected to the base; a first positioning element is provided on the base, a first sensing element and a second positioning element are provided on the first carrier, and a second sensing element is provided on the second carrier; the first sensing element and the first positioning element are arranged relative to each other to detect the position of the first carrier relative to the base; the second sensing element and the second positioning element are arranged relative to each other to detect the position of the second carrier relative to the first carrier. Based on this, the relative position of the second carrier is detected by using the first carrier as a reference object. When the first carrier as a reference object moves, the relative position relationship between the second carrier and the first carrier also changes; this change can be obtained through the cooperation of the second sensing element and the second positioning element. Accordingly, the second carrier can quickly respond to the movement of the first carrier and achieve synchronous movement, thereby improving the position control accuracy of the second carrier. For example, the first carrier is at position A and the second carrier is at position B (the two positions are usually close). Now it is necessary to move the first carrier to position C and the second carrier to position D to complete the zoom and focus of a certain magnification. Because existing sensing components and positioning components are affected by factors such as manufacturing and process level, they cannot achieve high-precision control over long distances. Therefore, when the carriers move over long distances, the control accuracy will be low. For example, the first carrier usually cannot move accurately to position C, but instead stays at a position near C. Similarly, the second carrier is affected by the control accuracy and is usually near position D. As a result, there will be errors between the first and second carriers, resulting in a larger error in the focus distance (DC) between the first and second carriers. This focus distance is a very critical factor affecting the imaging effect, resulting in poor actual imaging results of the camera module. The linkage device provided in this application, however, establishes a linkage between the movement relationship between the first and second carriers. When the first carrier moves from position A to position C, the relative positional relationship between the second carrier and the first carrier changes; this change is detected through the cooperation of a second sensing element and a second positioning element. As a result, the second carrier rapidly responds to the movement of the first carrier and moves synchronously from position B to position D. Furthermore, through the cooperation of the second sensing element and the second positioning element, the second carrier cooperates with the relevant control circuit and / or control chip to re-detect its relative positional relationship with the first carrier, thereby forming a closed-loop detection system.It can be understood that in the process of the first carrier moving from position A to position C, each time it can be controlled by a certain short step length. The distance of this step length is much shorter than the distance from A to C. The existing sensing elements and positioning elements have high control accuracy for short distances, so that the second carrier can follow the first carrier to position C with high precision; then the second carrier moves a distance to reach position D. In this way, the error in the focusing distance in this application is mainly caused by the second carrier moving from C to D. Compared with the existing solution, the distance affected by the error is shorter (in this application, only the DC segment of the second carrier has an error, while the existing solution has an error in the DB segment of the second carrier, and at the same time, the CA segment of the first carrier also has an error), and there are fewer factors affected by the error (only the movement of the second carrier has an error, while in the existing technology, both the first and second carriers need to move, which will cause errors). As a result, the error in the final focusing distance is smaller, and higher-precision zoom and focus of a certain magnification can be achieved, thereby improving the imaging effect.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first carrier includes a first carrier portion and a first extension portion, the first extension portion being located at one end of the first carrier portion facing the base, and the first sensing element being disposed on the first extension portion. This facilitates the first sensing element to cooperate with a first positioning element on the base to obtain position information related to the first carrier.

[0007] In some embodiments, during the sliding of the first carrier relative to the base, the first sensing element and the first positioning element remain aligned to ensure that the first sensing element and the first positioning element can cooperate to obtain position information of the first carrier relative to the base.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first carrier further includes a second extension located at an end of the first carrier facing the second carrier, and the second positioning element is disposed on the second extension. This facilitates the second positioning element to cooperate with a second sensing element on the second carrier to obtain position information related to the second carrier.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second carrier includes a second carrier portion and a first protrusion, the first protrusion being located on one side of the second carrier portion, and the second sensing element being disposed on the first protrusion. Thus, the second sensing element on the first protrusion can ensure cooperation with the second positioning element on the second extension portion to obtain position information of the second carrier.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second extension portion is provided with a first limit block at the end away from the first bearing portion, and the first protrusion is located between the first limit block and the first bearing portion. Thus, the distance between the second sensing element and the second positioning element will not exceed the maximum sensing distance, so as to reduce the possibility that the first protrusion deviates from the second extension portion in some extreme cases (such as falling or violent shaking, etc.). It should be understood that when the second carrier is about to move away from the first carrier, the first limit block is pressed against the first protrusion, so as to ensure that the first protrusion is within the length range of the second extension portion. Correspondingly, the second sensing element on the first protrusion can still cooperate with the second positioning element on the second extension portion to detect the position of the second carrier relative to the first carrier.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first carrier further includes a second protrusion, the second protrusion is located on one side of the first bearing portion, and the second positioning element is disposed on the second protrusion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second carrier includes a second carrier portion and a third extension portion, the third extension portion being located at an end of the second carrier portion facing the first carrier portion, and the second sensing element being disposed on the third extension portion. Thus, the second sensing element on the second protrusion can ensure cooperation with the second positioning element on the third extension portion to obtain position information of the second carrier.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third extension is provided with a second stopper at the end distal from the second support portion, with the second protrusion positioned between the second stopper and the second support portion. It should be understood that when the second carrier is about to move away from the first carrier, the second stopper abuts against the second protrusion, ensuring that the second protrusion remains within the length of the third extension. Accordingly, the second sensing element on the second protrusion can still cooperate with the second positioning element on the third extension to detect the position of the second carrier relative to the first carrier.

[0014] In some embodiments, during the sliding of the second carrier relative to the base, the second sensing element and the second positioning element remain aligned to ensure that the second sensing element and the second positioning element can cooperate to obtain position information of the second carrier relative to the first carrier.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first sensing element is configured to generate a first sensing signal, the first sensing signal including position information of the first carrier relative to the base. The first sensing signal includes position information of the first carrier relative to the base. Based on the first sensing signal, the associated control circuit can better determine the relative distance between the base and the first carrier, thereby improving the accuracy of position control of the first carrier.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second sensing element is configured to generate a second sensing signal, the second sensing signal including position information of the second carrier relative to the first carrier. The second sensing signal includes position information of the second carrier relative to the first carrier. Based on the second sensing signal, the associated control circuit can better determine the relative distance between the second carrier and the first carrier, thereby improving the accuracy of position control of the second carrier.

[0017] In some implementations, the first positioning element is configured to generate a first sensing signal, the first sensing signal including position information of the first carrier relative to the base. The first sensing signal includes position information of the first carrier relative to the base. Based on the first sensing signal, the associated control circuit can better determine the relative distance between the base and the first carrier, thereby improving the accuracy of position control of the first carrier.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second positioning element is configured to generate a second sensing signal, the second sensing signal including position information of the second carrier relative to the first carrier. The second sensing signal includes position information of the second carrier relative to the first carrier. Based on the second sensing signal, the associated control circuit can better determine the relative distance between the second carrier and the first carrier, thereby improving the accuracy of position control of the second carrier.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first carrier is used to carry a first lens assembly for achieving zooming, and the second carrier is used to carry a second lens assembly for achieving focusing.

[0020] In some embodiments, when the linkage mechanism is in operation, the first lens assembly moves first, and the second lens assembly follows the first lens assembly. After the first and second lens assemblies have moved to predetermined positions, zooming is achieved by adjusting the first lens assembly, and focusing is achieved by adjusting the second lens assembly. It should be understood that the coordination between the first and second carriers allows for precise control of the relative positional relationship between the first and second lens assemblies, thereby improving the imaging quality of a camera module employing the linkage mechanism.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first positioning element and the second positioning element are both elongated magnets, and the first sensing element and the second sensing element are both Hall sensors; or, the first positioning element and the second positioning element are both Hall sensors, and the first sensing element and the second sensing element are both elongated magnets. These elongated magnets can be easily matched with corresponding Hall sensors to achieve position detection.

[0022] The present application also provides a camera module, comprising: a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, and the linkage device of each of the above embodiments. The first lens assembly is arranged on the first carrier, and the second lens assembly is arranged on the second carrier.

[0023] In some embodiments, the camera module further includes a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to control the movement of the first carrier according to the first sensing signal from the first sensing element or the first positioning element. It should be understood that, for example, if the first lens assembly is a continuously zooming lens assembly, since the position of the first carrier is determined, the position of the first lens assembly can be simultaneously determined, thereby facilitating control of the position of the first lens assembly to achieve a specific zoom ratio.

[0024] In some embodiments, the control circuit is further configured to control the movement of the second carrier based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal of the second sensing element. Alternatively, the control circuit is further configured to control the movement of the second carrier based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal of the second positioning element. It should be understood that, for example, if the second lens assembly is a focusing lens assembly, since the position of the second carrier is determined, the position of the second lens assembly can be simultaneously determined, thereby facilitating control of the position of the second lens assembly to achieve focusing.

[0025] In some embodiments, when the camera module is in operation, the first lens assembly moves first, and the second lens assembly follows the first lens assembly. After the first and second lens assemblies have moved to predetermined positions, zooming is achieved by adjusting the first lens assembly, and focusing is achieved by adjusting the second lens assembly. It should be understood that based on the coordination between the first and second carriers, the relative positional relationship between the first and second lens assemblies can be precisely determined, thereby improving the imaging effect of the camera module.

[0026] The present application also provides an electronic device including the camera module of each of the above embodiments. The electronic device may include a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a vehicle-mounted monitor, a display, and the like.

[0027] The present application sets the motion relationship between the first carrier and the second carrier to be an associated motion. When the first carrier moves, the second carrier can move accordingly in response to the motion of the first carrier, thereby improving the position control accuracy of the first carrier and the second carrier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, and an image sensor provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 2It is a three-dimensional diagram of a linkage device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the linkage.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Top view of the linkage device.

[0032] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of an explosion of a linkage device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a partial schematic diagram of a linkage device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the linkage device provided in one embodiment of the present application from another perspective.

[0035] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the relative movement of the first carrier and the second carrier provided in one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0037] A typical optical zoom camera module includes at least two movable lens groups. The lens assembly used to achieve fixed-magnification zoom requires movement within a certain range to achieve zoom by changing its relative position. The lens assembly used to achieve focus also requires movement within a certain range to achieve focus. To address this, a typical camera module also incorporates a voice coil motor, which provides thrust to drive the corresponding carrier. Simultaneously, the movement of the carrier drives the lens assembly on the carrier, prompting the zoom lens assembly to reach a predetermined position.

[0038] Since the zoom lens assembly should be supported on a carrier, the relative position of the lens assembly is also determined based on the relative position of the carrier. In other words, the positional accuracy of the carrier is closely related to the zoom accuracy of the corresponding lens assembly. It should be understood that in camera modules, achieving fixed-magnification zoom requires very high carrier motion accuracy. However, in actual use, due to limitations such as the structural design of the motor motion system and the motor motion detection and control system, the control and position feedback of the carrier in general camera modules are not timely, resulting in low detection accuracy of these carriers.

[0039] For this reason, when a typical camera module needs to achieve a fixed zoom ratio, the actual position of the motor mount deviates from the predetermined position. Consequently, the actual position of the lens assembly on the motor mount also deviates from the predetermined position. This positional deviation is particularly pronounced in the zoom field, affecting the user experience of electronic devices using these camera modules.

[0040] For example, the first carrier is at position A and the second carrier is at position B. The first carrier needs to move to position C, and the second carrier needs to move to position D to achieve a ×3 zoom and focus. However, the positioning and sensing elements are affected by factors such as the manufacturing process and materials, and the movement of the associated carriers is not well controlled. Specifically, the position control accuracy of these carriers is low, so the first carrier may move to position C+ or C-, while the second carrier may move to position D+ or D-.

[0041] It should be understood that position C+ and position C- are different from position C, and position D+ and position D- are also different from position D; therefore, images formed by general camera modules are prone to problems such as out of focus or blur; the imaging effects of these camera modules will be relatively poor, and users' acceptance of these images will be relatively low.

[0042] Based on the above questions, please also refer to Figures 1 to 7 The embodiments of the present application provide a linkage device, a camera module, and an electronic device for use in a camera module. The linkage device 100 can carry related lens assemblies (1100, 1200) to cooperate with these lens assemblies to achieve zooming and focusing, thereby realizing a continuous optical zoom function.

[0043] When an electronic device using the camera module is used for shooting, the linkage device within the camera module can drive the relevant lens components to move, accurately moving the lens components to predetermined positions, thereby enabling the camera module to achieve specific zoom and focus ratios to enhance the user's shooting experience.

[0044] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this application, the first carrier is primarily used as a carrier for a first zoom lens assembly, the second carrier is used as a carrier for a second focus lens assembly, and a widely used mobile phone is used as an electronic device for illustration. However, it should be understood that the first carrier and the second carrier may also carry other types of lens assemblies as needed; and the electronic device may also refer to a tablet computer, a laptop computer, an in-vehicle monitor, a display, and the like, without limitation in this application.

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the first lens assembly, the second lens assembly and the image sensor, Figure 2This is a three-dimensional diagram of the linkage. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the linkage. Figures 1 to 3 The embodiment of the present application provides a linkage device 100, which includes a base 110, a first carrier 120 and a second carrier 130. The base 110 has a sliding shaft 112, and the sliding shaft 112 can be used for the first carrier 120 and the second carrier 130 to pass through in sequence. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The number of the sliding shafts 112 is exemplified as two, so that the sliding of the first carrier 120 and the second carrier 130 is relatively stable. It should be understood that the number of the sliding shafts 112 can be adjusted according to needs, and the number of the sliding shafts 112 can also be one or three, etc.

[0046] Correspondingly, both the first carrier 120 and the second carrier 130 are slidably connected to the base 110, with their respective movement directions defined by the sliding shaft 112 of the base 110. Driven by corresponding motors, the first carrier 120 and the second carrier 130 can move along the length of the sliding shaft 112 to change their relative positions. The movement of the first carrier 120 synchronously drives the movement of the first lens assembly 1100, while the movement of the second carrier 130 synchronously drives the movement of the second lens assembly 1200. This enables the first lens assembly 1100 and the second lens assembly 1200 to cooperate to achieve zooming and focusing of varying magnifications.

[0047] To improve the position control accuracy of the first and second carriers 120 and 130, the embodiments of the present application configure the movements of the first and second carriers 120 and 130 to be linked; that is, the movement of the second carrier 130 is linked to the movement of the first carrier 120. When the first carrier 120 moves, the second carrier 130 also moves in response to the movement of the first carrier 120, thereby improving the position control accuracy of the first and second carriers 120 and 130.

[0048] By implementing linked motion, the precision of position control between the first and second carriers 120, 130 can be improved. Thus, the first lens assembly 1100 on the first carrier 120 can be precisely moved to a predetermined position to achieve a specific zoom ratio. The second lens assembly 1200 on the second carrier 130 can also respond quickly and precisely to a predetermined position to achieve focus.

[0049] It should be understood that when the first carrier 120 and the second carrier 130 move in conjunction, the speeds of the first carrier 120 and the second carrier 130 can be adjusted according to usage requirements. In other words, the movement speeds of the first carrier 120 and the second carrier 130 can be different, and it should not be understood that the movement speeds of the first carrier 120 and the second carrier 130 are the same.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a top view of the linkage. Figure 5 is an exploded diagram of the linkage. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the first carrier 120 includes a first carrier portion 122 and a first extension portion 124. The first carrier portion 122 can carry the first lens assembly 1100 to drive the first lens assembly to move. The first carrier portion 122 also has a through hole corresponding to the sliding shaft 112 (not shown in the figure). The through hole of the first carrier portion 122 can allow the sliding shaft 112 to pass through, so that the first carrier 120 can slide through the sliding shaft 112. Therefore, when the first carrier portion 122 is driven by the corresponding motor and moves along the sliding shaft 112, the first carrier portion 122 can synchronously drive the first lens assembly to move to change the position of the first lens assembly. By changing the position, the first lens assembly can achieve a zoom ratio of a specific magnification.

[0051] To determine the position of the first carrier portion 122 and thereby the position of the first lens assembly, each embodiment establishes a positional relationship between the first carrier 120 and the base 110. That is, the relative position of the first carrier 120 is determined using the base 110 as a reference. To this end, a first positioning element 142 is provided on the base 110, and a first sensing element 144 corresponding to the first positioning element 142 is provided on the first extension portion 124 of the first carrier 120.

[0052] In some embodiments, for example Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first sensing element 144 shown in the drawings is actually located on one side of the first extension portion 124 and faces the first positioning element 142, which can cooperate with Figure 3 sectional view to understand.

[0053] Figure 6 It is a partial schematic diagram of the linkage device. Figures 2 to 6In the example shown, the first extension 124 is located on one side of the first carrier 122 and extends toward the base 110. Due to the extended structure of the first extension 124, when the first carrier 122 slides on the sliding shaft 112, the first sensing element 144 on the first extension 124 can always maintain a sensing relationship with the first positioning element 142 on the base 110. The first sensing element 144 and the first positioning element 142 cooperate to determine the relative position of the first carrier 120. Since the position of the first carrier 120 is determined, the position of the first lens assembly can also be determined simultaneously, facilitating control of the position of the first lens assembly to achieve a specific zoom ratio.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first positioning element 142 and the first sensing element 144 are disposed opposite each other. During the movement of the first carrier 120, the first positioning element 142 and the first sensing element 144 may always maintain a facing relationship, so as to cooperate and acquire the position information of the first carrier 120. Alternatively, in some cases, the first positioning element 142 and the first sensing element 144 may be offset by a certain distance, but the first positioning element 142 and the first sensing element 144 can still cooperate to acquire the position information of the first carrier 120.

[0055] Please also see Figures 2 to 5 In some embodiments, the second carrier 130 includes a second bearing portion 132. The second bearing portion 132 can carry the second lens assembly to drive the second lens assembly to move. Similarly, the second bearing portion 132 also has a through hole corresponding to the sliding shaft 112 (not shown in the figure). The through hole of the second bearing portion 132 can allow the sliding shaft 112 to pass through, so that the second carrier 130 can slide through the sliding shaft 112. Therefore, when the second bearing portion 132 is driven by the corresponding motor and moves along the sliding shaft 112, the second bearing portion 132 can synchronously drive the second lens assembly to move to change the position of the second lens assembly. By changing the position, the second lens assembly can achieve the focusing function.

[0056] To determine the position of the second carrier 132 and thereby the position of the second lens assembly, the linkage device 100 of each embodiment establishes a positional relationship between the second carrier 130 and the first carrier 120; that is, the first carrier 120 is used as a dynamic reference to determine the relative position of the second carrier 130. To this end, the first carrier 120 is further provided with a second positioning element 146, and the second carrier 130 is provided with a second sensing element 148 corresponding to the second positioning element 146. The second sensing element 148 and the second positioning element 146 cooperate to determine the relative position of the second carrier 130. Since the position of the second carrier 130 is determined, the position of the second lens assembly can be simultaneously determined, facilitating control of the position of the second lens assembly to achieve focusing.

[0057] Taking the linkage device 100 of each embodiment as an example of being applied to a mobile phone, when the linkage device 100 is used in the mobile phone, based on the focal length of a specific magnification selected by the user, the first carrier 120 will drive the first lens assembly to move, and the second carrier 130 will also drive the second lens assembly to move, thereby achieving zoom and focus of a specific magnification.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second positioning element 146 and the second sensing element 148 are disposed opposite each other. During the movement of the first carrier 120 and the second carrier 130, the second positioning element 146 and the second sensing element 148 may always maintain a facing relationship, thereby cooperating to obtain the position information of the first carrier 120. Alternatively, in some cases, the second positioning element 146 and the second sensing element 148 may be offset by a certain distance, but the second positioning element 146 and the second sensing element 148 can still cooperate to obtain the position information of the second carrier 130.

[0059] It should be understood that by using the first carrier 120 as a reference to detect the relative position of the second carrier 130, when the first carrier 120, acting as the reference, moves, the relative positional relationship between the second carrier 130 and the first carrier 120 also changes; this change can be detected through the cooperation of the second sensing element 148 and the second positioning element 146. Accordingly, by adjusting the direction and duration of the driving force of the motor driving the second carrier 130, the second carrier 130 can quickly respond to the movement of the first carrier 120 and achieve synchronous movement. Subsequently, the position of the second carrier 130 relative to the first carrier 120 can be further detected through the cooperation of the second sensing element 148 and the second positioning element 146, thus forming a closed-loop detection system. Through multiple closed-loop detection cycles, the relative positional relationship between the second carrier 130 and the first carrier 120 can be precisely controlled, enabling the second carrier 130 to more accurately move to the predetermined position, thereby improving the accuracy of position control over the second carrier 130.

[0060] After the first carrier 120 carrying the first lens assembly and the second carrier 130 carrying the second lens assembly have reached predetermined positions, the zoom operation is first achieved by adjusting the first lens assembly on the first carrier 120. Then, by adjusting the second carrier 130, the second carrier 130 is slightly moved to achieve the focus operation of the second lens assembly on the second carrier 130. Based on this, a mobile phone using the linkage device 100 can accurately achieve zoom and focus operations, allowing users to obtain photos with the desired magnification and improving the user's shooting experience.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first sensing element 144 generates a first sensing signal based on sensing the first positioning element 142; the first sensing signal includes position information of the first carrier 120 relative to the base 110. The second sensing element 148 generates a second sensing signal based on sensing the second positioning element 146; the second sensing signal includes position information of the second carrier 130 relative to the first carrier 120.

[0062] The first and second sensing signals can be transmitted to the control circuit of the camera module. Accordingly, the control circuit can obtain the position information of the first carrier 120 based on the first sensing signal and the position information of the second carrier 130 based on the second sensing signal. Since the position information of the second carrier 130 in the second sensing signal is determined based on the first carrier 120, the control circuit can better determine the relative distance between the base 110, the first carrier 120, and the second carrier 130 based on the first and second sensing signals, thereby improving the position control accuracy of the first and second carriers 120, 130 and more accurately controlling the movement of the two carriers.

[0063] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the linkage device from another perspective. Please also refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 7In some embodiments, to enable coordinated movement between the second carrier 130 and the first carrier 120, the first carrier 120 further includes a second extension 126. Similar to the first extension 124, the second extension 126 is also located on one side of the first carrier 122. However, unlike the first extension 124, the second extension 126 extends toward the second carrier 130. A second positioning element 146 is provided on the second extension 126, corresponding to the second sensing element 148. In addition to the second carrier 132, the second carrier 130 further includes a first protrusion 134. The first protrusion 134 is located on one side of the second carrier 132, and a second sensing element 148 is provided on the first protrusion 134. It should be understood that the second extension 126 and the first protrusion 134 are located on the same side of the sliding shaft 112, thereby enabling the second sensing element 148 on the first protrusion 134 to cooperate with the second positioning element 146 on the second extension 126.

[0064] In some embodiments, for example Figure 4 and Figure 7 The second sensing element 148 shown in the drawings is actually located on one side of the first protrusion 134 and faces the second positioning element 146, which can cooperate with Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of Figure 5 Please refer to the exploded diagram and other accompanying drawings for understanding.

[0065] In some embodiments, along the length of the sliding shaft 112, the length of the second extension portion 126 is greater than the length of the first protrusion 134. Therefore, during the relative movement of the first carrier 120 and the second carrier 130, the second sensing element 148 on the first protrusion 134 can always maintain a sensing relationship with the second positioning element 146, thereby detecting the relative position of the second carrier 130 via the second positioning element 146.

[0066] In some embodiments, to facilitate understanding of the positional relationship of the relevant structures of the first carrier 120, the following example is provided in which the first carrier portion 122 includes a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. It should be understood that the first end and the second end are two opposite ends of the first carrier portion 122; the first end is exemplified as the end of the first carrier portion 122 close to the base 110, and the second end is exemplified as the end of the first carrier portion 122 close to the second carrier 130. The direction from the first end to the second end or the direction from the second end to the first end can be equivalent to the length direction of the sliding shaft 112. The first side and the second side are two opposite sides of the first carrier portion 122. The first side and the second side can be equivalent to the two sides of the first carrier portion 122 relative to the sliding shaft 112.

[0067] Based on the above definition of the first supporting portion 122, the first extension portion 124 is exemplified as being located on the first side of the first supporting portion 122, and extending from the second end to the first end. Since the second sensing element 148 and the first sensing element 144 detect position independently, the second extension portion 126 can be located on the first side of the first supporting portion 122, or alternatively, on the second side of the first supporting portion 122. However, it should be understood that, unlike the first extension portion 124, the second extension portion 126 extends from the first end to the second end, and the first protrusion 134 of the second carrier 130 is on the same side as the second extension portion 126, allowing the second sensing element 148 to sense the second positioning element 146.

[0068] Please refer to Figures 2 to 5 as well as Figure 7 In some embodiments, to reduce the possibility that the first protrusion 134 may deviate from the length range of the second extension 126 in some extreme cases, a first stopper 128 is provided at the end of the second extension 126 away from the first supporting portion 122. The cooperation between the first stopper 128, the second extension 126, and the first supporting portion 122 allows the first protrusion 134 to be confined between the first stopper 128 and the first supporting portion 122, so that the distance between the second sensing element 148 and the second positioning element 146 does not exceed the maximum sensing distance.

[0069] It should be understood that in some extreme situations, such as if a mobile phone using the linkage device 100 falls from a high altitude or is shaken relatively violently, the second carrier 130 and the first carrier 120 may move away from each other, making it impossible for the second sensing element 148 to cooperate with the second positioning element 146 to detect position. In this embodiment, based on the structure of the first stopper 128, when the second carrier 130 is about to move away from the first carrier 120, the first stopper 128 abuts against the first protrusion 134, ensuring that the first protrusion 134 is within the length range of the second extension 126. Accordingly, the second sensing element 148 on the first protrusion 134 can still cooperate with the second positioning element 146 on the second extension 126 to detect the position of the second carrier 130 relative to the first carrier 120.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first stopper 128 and the second extension portion 126 may be integrally formed of the same material to improve overall strength. For example, the first stopper 128 and the second extension portion 126 may both be made of a polymer.

[0071] In some other embodiments, the first limiting block 128 and the second extension portion 126 may be two relatively independent components, and may be fixed by bonding, welding, screwing, or interference fit.

[0072] In some other embodiments, the second carrier includes a second carrier portion and a third extension portion, but does not have the first protrusion portion. The third extension portion is located at an end of the second carrier portion facing the first carrier and extends toward the first carrier; the second sensing element is disposed on the third extension portion.

[0073] Corresponding to the structure of the second carrier, the first carrier lacks the second extension, but instead includes a first carrier, a first extension, and a second protrusion; the second protrusion is provided with a second positioning element. In some embodiments, the second protrusion and the first extension are located on the same side of the first carrier. In other embodiments, the second protrusion and the first extension are located on different sides of the first carrier, without limitation.

[0074] It should be understood that the relationship between the third extension and the second protrusion is similar to the relationship between the second extension and the first protrusion in other embodiments, and can also facilitate the cooperation between the second sensing element and the second positioning element to achieve the function of position detection.

[0075] In some embodiments, the third extension may also be provided with a corresponding second stopper at the end away from the second support portion to confine the second protrusion between the second stopper and the second support portion. Similar to the first stopper in other embodiments, when the second carrier is about to move away from the first carrier, the second stopper abuts against the second protrusion, ensuring that the second protrusion is within the length range of the third extension. Correspondingly, the second sensing element on the second protrusion can still cooperate with the second positioning element on the third extension to detect the position of the second carrier relative to the first carrier.

[0076] See also Figures 2 to 6 In some embodiments, to improve the overall strength of the first carrier 120, the first carrier portion 122, the first extension portion 124, and the second extension portion 126 may be an integrally formed carrier structure. In other embodiments, when the first carrier 120 includes a second protrusion, the first carrier portion 122, the first extension portion 124, and the second protrusion may also be integrally formed.

[0077] See also Figures 2 to 5 as well as Figure 7 In some embodiments, to improve the overall strength of the second carrier 130, the second carrier portion 132 and the first protrusion 134 may be an integrally formed carrier structure. In other embodiments, when the second carrier 130 includes the second carrier portion 132 and the third extension portion, the second carrier portion 132 and the third extension portion may also be integrally formed.

[0078] In some embodiments, both the first positioning element 142 and the second positioning element 146 are magnets; for example, both the first positioning element 142 and the second positioning element 146 are long, rectangular magnets, so as to facilitate position detection in conjunction with corresponding sensing elements. Accordingly, both the first sensing element 144 and the second sensing element 148 are Hall effect sensors, which can detect position by sensing relative changes in magnetic fields.

[0079] In some other embodiments, both the first positioning element 142 and the second positioning element 146 are Hall effect sensors. Therefore, the first sensing signal is generated by the first positioning element 142, and the second sensing signal is generated by the second positioning element 146. Accordingly, the first sensing element 144 and the second sensing element 148 are both magnets; for example, the first sensing element 144 and the second sensing element 148 are both long, rectangular magnets, so as to facilitate position detection in conjunction with the corresponding positioning element.

[0080] In other embodiments, the two positioning elements may be different, one is a magnet and the other is a Hall sensor. Accordingly, the two corresponding sensing elements may be a Hall sensor and a magnet, so that they can cooperate with the two positioning elements respectively.

[0081] In some embodiments, to drive the movement of the first carrier 120, a first drive coil may be provided on the first carrier 120, and a corresponding first drive magnet may be provided on the base 110; the first drive coil and the first drive magnet constitute a first voice coil motor. Based on this, the first voice coil motor can drive the movement of the first carrier 120 to change the relative position of the first lens assembly. Similarly, a second drive coil may be provided on the second carrier 130, and a corresponding second drive magnet may be provided on the base 110; the second drive coil and the second drive magnet constitute a second voice coil motor. Based on this, the second voice coil motor can drive the movement of the second carrier 130 to change the relative position of the second lens assembly.

[0082] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the relative motion between the first carrier and the second carrier. Figure 8In some embodiments, similar to the example above, the first carrier 120 is at position A and the second carrier 130 is at position B. Now, the first carrier 120 needs to move to position C, and the second carrier 130 needs to move to position D to complete the ×3 zoom and focus. Based on the linkage device provided in the embodiment of the present application, the movements of the first carrier 120 and the second carrier 130 are linked. When the first carrier 120 moves from position A to position C, the relative positional relationship between the second carrier 130 and the first carrier 120 changes; this change is detected through the cooperation of the second sensing element and the second positioning element. As a result, the second carrier 130 will quickly respond to the movement of the first carrier 120 and move synchronously, moving from position B to position D. Furthermore, through the cooperation of the second sensing element and the second positioning element, the second carrier 130 will cooperate with the relevant control circuit and / or control chip to re-detect its relative positional relationship with the first carrier 120, thereby forming a closed-loop detection system. Through multiple closed-loop detections, the relative position feedback between the second carrier 130 and the first carrier 120 is more accurate, thereby enabling the first carrier 120 to accurately move to position C and the second carrier 130 to accurately move to position D, thereby achieving ×3 magnification zoom and focus.

[0083] Please also see Figures 1 to 8 In some embodiments, when the linkage device 100 is applied to a camera module, the camera module further includes some structures for capturing image information. For example, the camera module further includes an image sensor 1300, which is configured on one side of the second lens assembly 1200 and away from the first lens assembly 1100 to capture relevant image information.

[0084] In some other embodiments, the camera module may further include other necessary or unnecessary structures. For example, the camera module may further include a reflector that can change the angle of incidence of external light. Thus, when the camera module is applied to a mobile phone, the linkage device 100 can be arranged along the length or width of the mobile phone to have a longer zoom and focus range. Based on this, the shooting effect of the mobile phone can be improved accordingly, and the user experience of the mobile phone can be enhanced.

[0085] The above is a specific implementation method of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A linkage device, characterized in that: In a camera module for continuous zoom, the linkage device includes: a base, and a first carrier and a second carrier slidably connected to the base; the base is provided with a first positioning element, the first carrier is provided with a first sensing element and a second positioning element, and the second carrier is provided with a second sensing element; The first carrier includes a first carrier portion and a first extension portion, the first extension portion is located at an end of the first carrier portion facing the base, and the first sensing element is disposed on the first extension portion; The first sensing element is disposed opposite to the first positioning element to detect the position of the first carrier relative to the base; The second sensing element is disposed opposite to the second positioning element to detect a position of the second carrier relative to the first carrier.

2. The linkage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first carrier further includes a second extension portion; The second extension portion is located at an end of the first carrying portion facing the second carrier, and the second positioning element is disposed on the second extension portion.

3. The linkage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second carrier includes a second carrying portion and a first protruding portion, the first protruding portion is located at one side of the second carrying portion, and the second sensing element is disposed on the first protruding portion.

4. The linkage device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second extension portion is provided with a first limiting block at an end portion away from the first bearing portion, and the first protrusion is located between the first limiting block and the first bearing portion.

5. The linkage device according to claim 1, wherein: The first carrier further includes a second protrusion, the second protrusion is located at one side of the first bearing portion, and the second positioning element is provided on the second protrusion.

6. The linkage device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second carrier includes a second carrier portion and a third extension portion. The third extension portion is located at an end of the second carrier portion facing the first carrier portion. The second sensing element is disposed on the third extension portion.

7. The linkage device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The third extension portion is provided with a second limiting block at an end away from the second bearing portion, and the second protrusion is located between the second limiting block and the second bearing portion.

8. The linkage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first sensing element is used to generate a first sensing signal, and the first sensing signal includes position information of the first carrier relative to the base.

9. The linkage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The second sensing element is used to generate a second sensing signal, and the second sensing signal includes position information of the second carrier relative to the first carrier.

10. The linkage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first carrier is used to carry a first lens assembly for achieving zooming, and the second carrier is used to carry a second lens assembly for achieving focusing.

11. The linkage device according to claim 10, characterized in that: When the linkage device is in operation, the first lens assembly moves first, and the second lens assembly moves following the first lens assembly; When the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly are moved to predetermined positions, zooming is first achieved by adjusting the first lens assembly, and then focusing is achieved by adjusting the second lens assembly.

12. A camera module, characterized in that: include: A first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, and a linkage device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; The first lens assembly is arranged on the first carrier, and the second lens assembly is arranged on the second carrier.

13. The camera module according to claim 12, wherein: The camera module further includes: a control circuit; The control circuit is used to control the movement of the first carrier according to the first sensing signal of the first sensing element or the first positioning element.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein: The control circuit is further configured to control the movement of the second carrier according to the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal of the second sensing element; or, The control circuit is further configured to control the movement of the second carrier according to the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal of the second positioning element.

15. The camera module according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: When the camera module is working, the first lens assembly moves first, and the second lens assembly moves following the first lens assembly; When the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly are moved to predetermined positions, zooming is first achieved by adjusting the first lens assembly, and then focusing is achieved by adjusting the second lens assembly.

16. An electronic device, characterized in that: Comprising a camera module as described in any one of claims 12 to 15.

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