Optical element driving mechanism

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an optical element driving mechanism. The optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed part, a movable part, and a driving assembly. The movable part is connected to an optical element including an optical axis. The movable part is movable relative to the fixed part. The driving assembly drives the movable part to move relative to the fixed part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a driving mechanism, and more particularly to an optical element driving mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, many electronic devices today (such as smartphones or tablets) have photographic or video recording functions. Users can operate these devices to capture images using optical elements and their driving mechanisms. However, when users use these devices, shaking or vibration can occur, causing the captured images to be blurry. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the quality of the captured images. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an optical element driving mechanism to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] This disclosure provides an optical element driving mechanism. The optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed part, a movable part, and a driving assembly. The movable part is connected to an optical element including an optical axis. The movable part is movable relative to the fixed part. The driving assembly drives the movable part to move relative to the fixed part.

[0005] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a piezoelectric element, an elastic element, and a transmission element. The piezoelectric element comprises a piezoelectric material and is used to generate a driving force. The elastic element is disposed on the piezoelectric element. The transmission element extends along a first direction and is used to transmit the driving force. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a contact element and a pressure element. The contact element directly contacts the transmission element. The pressure element can generate a compressive force to cause the contact element to contact the transmission element, wherein the pressure element has a pressure element opening corresponding to the contact element for receiving the contact element; wherein the transmission element transmits the driving force to the contact element, thereby causing the pressure element to drive the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion along the first direction.

[0006] In some embodiments, the movable part includes a support base, the support base including a support base opening corresponding to the pressure-applying element for accommodating the pressure-applying element; wherein a gap is formed between the support base opening and the pressure-applying element; wherein the contact element is made of a metallic material; wherein the support base opening has a polygonal structure when viewed along a first direction; wherein the pressure-applying element has a circular structure when viewed along the first direction; wherein the transmission element has a circular structure when viewed along the first direction. In some embodiments, the support base and the pressure-applying element are made of different plastic materials, and the Young's modulus of the support base is smaller than the Young's modulus of the pressure-applying element.

[0007] In some embodiments, the optical element driving mechanism further includes a buffer assembly for absorbing vibrations of the driving assembly. The buffer assembly includes a buffer element that directly contacts the transmission element, wherein the buffer element and the pressure-applying element are made of different materials, wherein the Young's modulus of the support is greater than that of the buffer element, and wherein, when viewed along a first direction, the buffer element is located at a corner of the fixed portion having a polygonal structure. In some embodiments, the transmission element bears a first contact force generated by the buffer assembly, a second contact force generated by the movable portion, and a third contact force generated by the fixed portion, wherein the second contact force is greater than both the first and third contact forces, and the first contact force is greater than the third contact force. In some embodiments, the driving assembly is connected to the fixed portion via an adhesive element, and the adhesive element is made of plastic material, wherein the first contact force is generated by the buffer element, the second contact force is generated by the pressure-applying element, and the third contact force is generated by the adhesive element.

[0008] In some embodiments, the buffer assembly further includes a first buffer plate, and the first buffer plate includes a buffer opening, wherein, when viewed along a first direction, a buffer element is disposed at the periphery of the buffer opening and surrounding the transmission element, such that a portion of the transmission element is disposed within the buffer opening; wherein the first buffer plate has a plate-like structure perpendicular to the first direction; wherein, in the first direction, the maximum size of the buffer element is greater than the maximum size of the first buffer plate; wherein a groove and a corresponding groove structure are formed between the first buffer plate and the buffer element. In some embodiments, the first buffer plate and the buffer element comprise different materials, the first buffer plate comprising a metal material, and the buffer element comprising a plastic, rubber, or silicone material, wherein the Young's modulus of the first buffer plate is different from the Young's modulus of the buffer element. In some embodiments, the Young's modulus of the first buffer plate is greater than the Young's modulus of the buffer element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fixing part includes a housing, a base, and a bottom plate. The housing is connected to the bottom plate, and the base is located between the housing and the bottom plate. The housing and the bottom plate are made of metal, while the base is made of plastic. The housing has a top wall and a side wall, each having a plate-like structure, and the top wall and the side wall are not parallel to each other. A first buffer plate is parallel to the top wall and the bottom plate, and is located between the top wall and the bottom plate. The shortest distance between the first buffer plate and the top wall is less than the shortest distance between the first buffer plate and the bottom plate. The first buffer plate does not contact the top wall. The base... The first buffer plate includes a corresponding engaging portion, wherein the piezoelectric element is located between the base and the bottom plate, and the shortest distance between the piezoelectric element and the base is less than the shortest distance between the piezoelectric element and the bottom plate, wherein the transmission element includes a first end and a second end, the first end being located in the buffer opening, and the second end being located in a receiving space between the base and the bottom plate, wherein when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the pressure-applying element is located between the buffer opening and the receiving space, wherein the transmission element passes through the receiving space, wherein the adhesive element is at least partially disposed in the receiving space, and wherein the receiving space has an open structure.

[0010] In some embodiments, the optical element driving mechanism further includes a guiding assembly. The guiding assembly contacts the movable part and the fixed part to guide the movable part to move relative to the fixed part along a first direction. In some embodiments, the guiding assembly includes a guiding element and a guiding plate, wherein the guiding element is fixedly connected to the guiding plate, and the guiding plate is fixedly connected to the base plate; wherein the guiding element has a rod-shaped structure extending along the first direction and passing through the base; wherein the guiding plate has a plate-shaped structure; wherein the guiding element and the guiding plate are made of metallic material, and the guiding element and the guiding plate are made of the same material; wherein when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the guiding plate is located between the base and the base plate. In some embodiments, the guiding assembly includes a first guiding element and a second guiding element, the first guiding element and the second guiding element extending along the first direction, and the first guiding element and the second guiding element are arranged on a diagonal line, and when viewed along the first direction, the diagonal line passes through the optical element, wherein when viewed along the first direction, the area of ​​the first guiding element is the same as the area of ​​the second guiding element. In some embodiments, the first buffer plate further includes a first receiving opening, a portion of the first guiding element being disposed in the first receiving opening, wherein the shortest distance between the first receiving opening and the first guiding element is less than the shortest distance between the buffer opening and the transmission element. In some embodiments, the buffer assembly further includes a second buffer plate, the first buffer plate and the second buffer plate being disposed diagonally, a portion of the first guiding element being disposed in the first buffer plate, and a portion of the second guiding element being disposed in the second buffer plate. In some embodiments, the first guiding element is closer to the transmission element than the second guiding element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first guide element receives a fourth contact force generated by the buffer assembly, the first guide element receives a fifth contact force generated by the movable part, and the first guide element receives a sixth contact force generated by the fixed part. The second guide element receives a seventh contact force generated by the buffer assembly, the second guide element receives an eighth contact force generated by the movable part, and the second guide element receives a ninth contact force generated by the fixed part. The second contact force is greater than the fifth contact force and the eighth contact force, and the fifth contact force is greater than the eighth contact force.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support further includes a first guide opening and a second guide opening, the first guide opening corresponding to a first guide element, and the second guide opening corresponding to a second guide element; wherein when viewed along a first direction, a shortest distance between the first guide opening and the first guide element is less than a shortest distance between the second guide opening and the second guide element; wherein when viewed along the first direction, the first guide opening has a circular structure, and the second guide opening has an elongated structure; wherein when viewed along the first direction, the first guide opening is smaller than the second guide opening.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are that the drive assembly transmits the driving force generated by the piezoelectric element through the transmission element, which makes the movement of the moving part (including movement, rotation, etc.) more stable, thus achieving high stability and high precision. Furthermore, the guide assembly ensures the range of motion of the moving part in a certain dimension and avoids unwanted shaking, rotation, tilting, etc. In addition, the buffer assembly achieves functions such as cushioning, shock absorption, and protection. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To make the features or advantages of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, some embodiments are provided and described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced, and they may be drawn schematically.

[0015] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an electronic device, an optical element, and an optical element driving mechanism.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an optical element and its driving mechanism.

[0017] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the optical element drive mechanism.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the driver components.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the optical element driving mechanism.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a top view of the optical element drive mechanism.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the optical element driving mechanism.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the buffer component.

[0023] Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 This is a 3D diagram of the optical element driving mechanism, where the omitted elements are not entirely the same.

[0024] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the optical element drive mechanism along line A-A'.

[0025] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram used to show the contact force between the transmission element, the first guide element, the second guide element, the buffer assembly, the moving part, and the fixed part.

[0026] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0027] 1: Electronic devices

[0028] 10: Optical components

[0029] 100: Optical element drive mechanism

[0030] 110: Outer shell

[0031] 111: Top wall of the outer shell

[0032] 112: Sidewalls of the outer shell

[0033] 120: Base

[0034] 121: Base Platform

[0035] 122: Base groove

[0036] 123: The locking part of the base

[0037] 125: Capacity

[0038] 130: Base Plate

[0039] 140: Support seat

[0040] 141: Upper stop part

[0041] 142: Side stop

[0042] 143: Bearing seat opening

[0043] 145: Top surface of the bearing seat

[0044] 146: First guide opening

[0045] 147: Second guide opening

[0046] 150: Pressure-applying element

[0047] 151: Opening of pressure-applying element

[0048] 160: Contact element

[0049] 171: First piezoelectric element

[0050] 172: Second piezoelectric element

[0051] 180: Elastic element

[0052] 190: Transmission element

[0053] 201: First guiding element

[0054] 202: Second guiding element

[0055] 211: First Guide Board

[0056] 212: Second guide plate

[0057] 220: Circuit component mounting part

[0058] 221: External Connections Department

[0059] 230: Circuit Components Movable Section

[0060] 240: Reference element

[0061] 250: Sensing element

[0062] 261: First buffer plate

[0063] 262: Second buffer plate

[0064] 270: Buffer element

[0065] 1221: Bottom surface of the groove

[0066] 1222: Side of the groove

[0067] 2611: Buffer opening

[0068] 2612: First receiving opening

[0069] 2613: The engaging part of the first buffer plate

[0070] 2622: Second receiving opening

[0071] 2623: The engaging part of the second buffer plate

[0072] A1: First direction

[0073] B: Buffer Components

[0074] C: Circuit components

[0075] D: Driver Components

[0076] G: Boot Components

[0077] I: Fixing part

[0078] M: Activities Department

[0079] O: Optical axis

[0080] S: Sensing component Detailed Implementation

[0081] This specification provides numerous different embodiments or examples, and may use relative spatial terms to describe specific examples of the components and their arrangements to implement different features of this disclosure. For example, if this specification describes a first feature formed "on" and / or "above" a second feature, it indicates that it may include embodiments in which the first and second features are in direct contact, or embodiments in which an additional feature is formed between the first and second features, so that the first and second features are not in direct contact. Relative spatial terms are used to facilitate the description of the relationship between elements or features in the drawings and other elements or features. In addition to the orientations shown in the drawings, these spatial terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device may be turned to different orientations (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the relative spatial terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly. Furthermore, the same or similar symbols or letters may be used in different examples of this disclosure.

[0082] In this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “having” are open-ended terms and should therefore be interpreted as “containing but not limited to…”. Thus, when the terms “comprising” and / or “having” are used in the description of this disclosure, they specify the presence of the corresponding features, areas, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence of one or more of the corresponding features, areas, steps, operations, and / or elements.

[0083] Please refer to this first. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 . Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 1, an optical element 10, and an optical element driving mechanism 100. Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of optical element 10 and optical element driving mechanism 100. Electronic device 1 can be a tablet computer, smartphone, etc. Optical element 10 can be a lens, for example, a telescope. Optical element 10 can be made of plastic or glass. Optical element 10 can be circular or other shapes. Optical element 10 and optical element driving mechanism 100 can be mounted on electronic device 1 for a user to capture images. Optical element driving mechanism 100 can carry optical element 10 and drive optical element 10 to adjust the position of optical element 10 to capture clear images. Optical element 10 and optical element driving mechanism 100 can be disposed in the top area of ​​electronic device 1 to increase the display area of ​​electronic device 1.

[0084] Optical element 10 has an optical axis O. Optical axis O is a virtual axis passing through the center of optical element 10. When optical element 10 is aligned with optical element drive mechanism 100, the optical axis O of optical element 10 and the central axis of optical element drive mechanism 100 are approximately coincident. Therefore, the optical axis O of optical element 10 may be used to illustrate relevant features of optical element drive mechanism 100 in the accompanying drawings and description. It should be understood that, since optical element 10 is movably mounted in optical element drive mechanism 100, the optical axis O of optical element 10 and the central axis of optical element drive mechanism 100 may not be completely coincident due to movement, shaking, rotation, tilting, etc., of optical element drive mechanism 100.

[0085] Next, please refer to Figure 3 . Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the optical element driving mechanism 100. The optical element driving mechanism 100 includes a fixed part I, a movable part M, a driving component D, a guiding component G, a circuit component C, a sensing component S, and a buffer component B. The movable part M is connected to the optical element 10 and can move relative to the fixed part I. The driving component D drives the movable part M to move relative to the fixed part I. The guiding component G guides the movement of the movable part M relative to the fixed part I. The circuit component C may be provided with external circuitry to supply current to the optical element driving mechanism 100. The sensing component S senses the movement of the movable part M relative to the fixed part I. The buffer component B absorbs vibrations from the driving component D and / or the guiding component G and protects the driving component D and / or the guiding component G. The description in this specification is only illustrative, and components may be added or removed according to actual needs. In addition, some components may be omitted in the drawings for clarity.

[0086] In this embodiment, the fixing part I includes a housing 110, a base 120, and a base plate 130. The housing 110 is disposed above the base 120 and the base plate 130, and the base 120 is disposed between the housing 110 and the base plate 130. The housing 110 can be connected to the base plate 130. The space formed after the housing 110 is connected to the base plate 130 can accommodate and protect the moving part M, the driving component D, the guiding component G, the sensing component S, the buffer component B, etc., to increase the overall structural strength of the optical element driving mechanism 100.

[0087] In some embodiments, the housing 110 and the base plate 130 are made of metal. In some embodiments, the housing 110 is connected to the base plate 130 by laser welding. In some embodiments, the base 120 is made of plastic, and a portion of the internal circuitry of the optical element drive mechanism 100 is formed in the base 120 by insert molding.

[0088] The housing 110 has a top wall 111 and a plurality of side walls 112. The top wall 111 and side walls 112 have plate-like structures, and the top wall 111 and side walls 112 are not parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the top wall 111 is substantially perpendicular to the side walls 112. The base 120 may include a plurality of base platforms 121 and a plurality of base recesses 122. The base recess 122 may include a recess bottom surface 1221 and a recess side surface 1222 (in...). Figure 5 (Illustrated). In some embodiments, the base 120 may include one or more engaging portions 123.

[0089] In this embodiment, the movable part M includes a support base 140. The support base 140 is disposed between the housing 110 and the base 120, and is spaced apart from both the housing 110 and the base 120 by a distance. That is, the support base 140 does not directly contact the housing 110 and the base 120. The support base 140 is hollow to support the optical element 10. In some embodiments, the support base 140 is made of plastic material.

[0090] To prevent damage to other components when the support 140 moves to a certain limit, the support 140 may include one or more stop structures. In this embodiment, the support 140 includes a plurality of upper stop portions 141 and a plurality of side stop portions 142. The upper stop portions 141 protrude from a top surface 145 of the support 140. Specifically, the upper stop portions 141 are closer to the housing 110 than the top surface 145. The side stop portions 142 may be accommodated in the base recess 122 of the base 120. The upper stop portions 141 and the side stop portions 142 can limit the range of motion of the support 140. For example, when the support 140 moves toward the housing 110 to a certain limit, the upper stop portions 141 of the support 140 may contact the housing 110. For example, when the support 140 shakes or rotates, the side stop portions 142 of the support 140 may contact the recess side 1222 of the base recess 122 of the base 120.

[0091] In some embodiments, the support 140 may include a support opening 143, a first guide opening 146, and a second guide opening 147. The support opening 143 and the first guide opening 146 are located at the same corner of the support 140. The first guide opening 146 and the second guide opening 147 are disposed on diagonals of the support 140. That is, when viewed along the optical axis O, the first guide opening 146 and the second guide opening 147 are disposed on diagonals passing through the optical element 10. When viewed along the optical axis O, the first guide opening 146 has a circular structure, while the second guide opening 147 has an elongated structure. Therefore, when viewed along the optical axis O, the first guide opening 146 is smaller than the second guide opening 147.

[0092] Next, besides Figure 3 In addition, please refer to the following: Figures 4 to 7 In order to understand the driving component D. Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the driver component D. Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the optical element driving mechanism 100. Figure 6 This is a top view of the optical element drive mechanism 100. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the optical element driving mechanism 100. The driving component D is separated from the base plate 120 by a distance. That is, the driving component D does not directly contact the base plate 120. In this embodiment, the driving component D includes a pressure-applying element 150, a contact element 160, a first piezoelectric element 171, a second piezoelectric element 172, an elastic element 180, and a transmission element 190.

[0093] A pressure-applying element 150 is disposed in a support opening 143 and is fixedly connected to the support 140 via a first adhesive element (not shown). The first adhesive element may be made of a plastic material. When viewed along the optical axis O, the support opening 143 has a polygonal structure, while the pressure-applying element 150 has a circular structure. Therefore, a gap is formed between the support opening 143 and the pressure-applying element 150, allowing the pressure-applying element 150 to be smoothly disposed in the support opening 143. In some embodiments, the pressure-applying element 150 may be made of an elastic material, such as rubber. In some embodiments, the support 140 and the pressure-applying element 150 comprise different materials, such that the Young's modulus of the support 140 and the pressure-applying element 150 are different. In some embodiments, the Young's modulus of the support 140 is smaller than the Young's modulus of the pressure-applying element 150. Different Young's moduli of the elements may represent different elastic moduli or different hardness.

[0094] The pressure element 150 has a pressure element opening 151 corresponding to the contact element 160. The contact element 160 is disposed in the pressure element opening 151 and directly contacts the transmission element 190. The contact element 160 may be a single piece or multiple pieces. The contact element 160 may be an elongated structure. In some embodiments, the contact element 160 may be made of metal. The pressure element 150 may generate a compressive force to make the contact element 160 contact the transmission element 190 more stably.

[0095] The first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172 are located between the base 120 and the base plate 130. The first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172 may have substantially the same structure. For example, the first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172 may have a plate-like structure. The first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172 may be made of a piezoelectric material, such as metal or ceramic. The shortest distance between the first piezoelectric element 171 and the base 120 is less than the shortest distance between the first piezoelectric element 171 and the base plate 130. That is, the first piezoelectric element 171 is closer to the base 120. The first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172 are deformable to generate a driving force.

[0096] The elastic element 180 may have a plate-like structure. The elastic element 180 may be disposed between the first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172. The transmission element 190 passes through the support 140 and the base 120, and is fixed to the connecting base 120 via a second adhesive element (not shown). The second adhesive element may be made of plastic material. The transmission element 190 may have an elongated structure, for example, a rod or bar shape. The transmission element 190 may be a carbon rod. The transmission element 190 may extend along a first direction A1. When viewed along the first direction A1, the transmission element 190 may have a circular structure. The transmission element 190 is used to transmit the driving force generated by the first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172 to the contact element 160, thereby causing the pressure element 150 to drive the support 140 relative to the base 120 along the first direction A1.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first direction A1 is generally parallel to the optical axis O, allowing the optical element 10 in the carrier 140 to move along the optical axis O to achieve autofocus (AF). Autofocus improves the quality of the captured image. However, the extension direction of the transmission element 190 can also be changed, thereby altering the transmission direction of the driving force. In some other embodiments, the transmission element 190 extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O, allowing the optical element 10 in the carrier 140 to move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis O to achieve optical image stabilization (OIS). OIS compensates for the blurring of the captured image caused by image shift relative to its original position due to shaking or impact.

[0098] By transmitting the driving force generated by the first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172 through the transmission element 190, the movement (including movement, rotation, etc.) of the movable part M can be made smoother, so as to achieve higher stability and higher accuracy.

[0099] Next, besides Figure 3 In addition, please refer to the following: Figures 5 to 7 The guide component G is used to understand the movement of the movable part M and the fixed part I. The guide component G contacts the movable part M and the fixed part I to guide the movable part M to move relative to the fixed part I along the first direction A1. In this embodiment, the guide component G includes a first guide element 201, a second guide element 202, a first guide plate 211, and a second guide plate 212.

[0100] In this embodiment, when viewed along the first direction A1, the fixing part I has a polygonal structure. The driving component D and the first guide element 201 are disposed at one of the same corners of the fixing part I, while the driving component D and the second guide element 202 are disposed at two different corners of the fixing part I. In other words, the first guide element 201 is closer to the transmission element 190 than the second guide element 202.

[0101] The first guide element 201 and the second guide element 202 may have substantially the same structure. The first guide element 201 and the second guide element 202 may have an elongated structure, for example, a rod or bar shape. The first guide element 201 and the second guide element 202 may extend along the first direction A1 and pass through the support 140 and the base 120. Specifically, the first guide element 201 is disposed in the first guide opening 146 of the support 140 corresponding to the first guide element 201, while the second guide element 202 is disposed in the second guide opening 147 of the support 140 corresponding to the second guide element 202. When viewed along the first direction A1, the area of ​​the first guide element 201 is the same as the area of ​​the second guide element 202.

[0102] The first guide element 201 and the second guide element 202 are disposed on the diagonal of the optical element driving mechanism 100. That is, when viewed along the first direction A1, the first guide element 201 and the second guide element 202 are disposed on the diagonal passing through the optical element 10. In some other embodiments, there may be only a single guide element and a single guide plate. In some other embodiments, there may be more guide elements and more guide plates, and at least two of the guide elements are disposed on the diagonal of the optical element driving mechanism 100.

[0103] When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first direction A1, the first guide plate 211 and the second guide plate 212 are located between the base 120 and the bottom plate 130. In some embodiments, the first guide element 201 and the second guide element 202 are fixed to the connecting base 120 via a third adhesive element (not shown). The third adhesive element may be made of plastic material. The first guide plate 211 and the second guide plate 212 may have a plate-like structure perpendicular to the first direction A1. Specifically, the first guide plate 211 and the second guide plate 212 are parallel to the bottom plate 130.

[0104] The first guide element 201 and the second guide element 202 are fixedly connected to the first guide plate 211 and the second guide plate 212, respectively, and the first guide plate 211 and the second guide plate 212 are fixedly connected to the base plate 130. In some embodiments, the first guide element 201 and the second guide element 202 can be connected to the first guide plate 211 and the second guide plate 212 by welding. In some embodiments, the first guide plate 211 and the second guide plate 212 can be connected to the base plate 130 by laser welding. In some embodiments, the first guide element 201, the second guide element 202, the first guide plate 211, and the second guide plate 212 are made of metallic material. In some embodiments, the first guide element 201, the second guide element 202, the first guide plate 211, and the second guide plate 212 are made of the same material.

[0105] By using the guiding component G, the range of motion of the moving part M in a certain dimension (e.g., the first direction A1) can be ensured, and unwanted shaking, rotation, tilting, etc., of the moving part M can be avoided.

[0106] Next, besides Figure 3 In addition, please refer to the following: Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 To understand circuit assembly C. In this embodiment, circuit assembly C includes a circuit assembly fixing part 220 and a circuit assembly movable part 230. The circuit assembly fixing part 220 has a plate-like structure parallel to the first direction A1. In addition, the circuit assembly fixing part 220 includes an external connection part 221. Current can be passed to the optical element driving mechanism 100 through the external connection part 221. Specifically, the external connection part 221 can be connected to a power source (not shown) outside the optical element driving mechanism 100, and the external connection part 221 may include several pins. In this embodiment, the external connection part 221 can pass through the base plate 130 to reduce the overall thickness of the optical element driving mechanism 100 and achieve miniaturization.

[0107] The movable part 230 of the circuit assembly is connected to the fixed part 220 of the circuit assembly and is movable relative to the movable part M and the fixed part I. When viewed along the first direction A1, the movable part 230 of the circuit assembly has a branch-like structure. The branch-like structure is movably connected to the first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172 respectively. Current is passed to one of the first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172, and the current flows out from the other of the first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172. Thus, the first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172 can generate driving force through volume change, inertia, friction, etc.

[0108] Because the branched structure of the movable part 230 of the circuit assembly is connected to the first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172 on opposite sides of the elastic element 180, the connection points between the branched structure of the movable part 230 and the first piezoelectric element 171 and the second piezoelectric element 172 are located at different heights. In other words, in the first direction A1, a first boundary between the movable part 230 of the circuit assembly and the first piezoelectric element 171 and a second boundary between the movable part 230 of the circuit assembly and the second piezoelectric element 172 have a non-zero distance, and the elastic element 180 is located between the first boundary and the second boundary.

[0109] Next, besides Figure 3 In addition, please refer to the following: Figure 7 To understand the sensing component S. In this embodiment, the sensing component S includes a reference element 240 and a sensing element 250. The reference element 240 may be a magnetic element. The sensing element 250 may be a Hall sensor, a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor, a tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) sensor, etc.

[0110] Reference element 240 may be disposed on the movable part M. For example, reference element 240 may be disposed on the support 140. Sensing element 250 may be disposed on and electrically connected to circuit assembly C. For example, sensing element 250 may be disposed on the circuit assembly fixing part 220. Sensing element 250 can sense reference element 240 to obtain the position of movable part M. Specifically, sensing element 250 can sense changes in magnetic field lines of reference element 240 (including but not limited to magnetic field line density and magnetic field line direction) to obtain the position of support 140.

[0111] Next, besides Figure 3 In addition, please refer to the following: Figures 8 to 10 In order to understand buffer component B. Figure 8 This is an exploded view of buffer component B. Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the optical element driving mechanism 100, where some omitted elements are not entirely identical. In this embodiment, the buffer assembly B includes a first buffer plate 261, a second buffer plate 262, and a buffer element 270.

[0112] The first buffer plate 261 and the second buffer plate 262 are located between the top wall 111 and the bottom plate 130 of the outer casing 110. The first buffer plate 261 and the second buffer plate 262 may have a plate-like structure perpendicular to the first direction A1. Specifically, the first buffer plate 261 and the second buffer plate 262 are parallel to the top wall 111 and the bottom plate 130 of the outer casing 110. The shortest distance between the first buffer plate 261 and the second buffer plate 262 and the top wall 111 of the outer casing 110 is less than the shortest distance between the first buffer plate 261 and the second buffer plate 262 and the bottom plate 130. That is, the first buffer plate 261 and the second buffer plate 262 between the top wall 111 and the bottom plate 130 of the outer casing 110 are closer to the top wall 111 of the outer casing 110. However, the first buffer plate 261 and the second buffer plate 262 do not directly contact the top wall 111 of the outer casing 110. The first buffer plate 261 and the second buffer plate 262 are arranged on the diagonal of the optical element driving mechanism 100.

[0113] The first buffer plate 261 includes a buffer opening 2611 and a first receiving opening 2612. The buffer opening 2611 is used to receive the transmission element 190, such that a portion of the transmission element 190 is disposed in the buffer opening 2611. The first receiving opening 2612 is used to receive the first guide element 201, such that a portion of the first guide element 201 is disposed in the first receiving opening 2612. In some embodiments, the first buffer plate 261 further includes a locking portion 2613 corresponding to the locking portion 123 of the base 120, so that the first buffer plate 261 is more preferably fixed to the base 120.

[0114] The second buffer plate 262 includes a second receiving opening 2622. The second receiving opening 2622 is used to receive the second guide element 202. In some embodiments, the second buffer plate 262 further includes a locking portion 2623 corresponding to the locking portion 123 of the base 120, so that the second buffer plate 262 is more preferably fixed to the base 120. In some embodiments, the first buffer plate 261 and the second buffer plate 262 may include a metallic material. In some embodiments, the first buffer plate 261 and the second buffer plate 262 may include the same material.

[0115] When viewed along the first direction A1, the buffer element 270 is located at a corner of the fixed portion I, which has a polygonal structure. Specifically, the buffer element 270 is disposed in the buffer opening 2611 of the first buffer plate 261. When viewed along the first direction A1, the buffer element 270 is disposed at the periphery of the buffer opening 2611 and surrounds the transmission element 190. In some embodiments, the buffer element 270 directly contacts the transmission element 190. For example, the buffer element 270 may cover a portion of the transmission element 190.

[0116] The transmission element 190 passes at least partially through a receiving space 125 between the base 120 and the bottom plate 130. Figure 10 (Illustrated). The transmission element 190 includes a first end (top) and a second end (bottom), wherein the first end is located in the buffer opening 2611 and the second end is located in the receiving space 125. The receiving space 125 has an open structure. In addition, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first direction A1, the pressure-applying element 150 is also located between the buffer opening 2611 and the receiving space 125. The second adhesive element between the fixing part I and the transmission element 190 is also at least partially disposed in the receiving space 125.

[0117] In some embodiments, the buffer opening 2611 of the first buffer plate 261 and the buffer element 270 may have a groove and a corresponding groove structure, so that the buffer element 270 is better fixed to the first buffer plate 261. In some embodiments, in the first direction A1, the maximum size of the buffer element 270 is greater than the maximum size of the first buffer plate 261. That is, the thickness of the buffer element 270 is greater than the thickness of the first buffer plate 261.

[0118] The cushioning element 270 may comprise materials such as plastic, rubber, or silicone. In some embodiments, the first cushioning plate 261 and the cushioning element 270 comprise different materials, such that the Young's modulus of the first cushioning plate 261 is different from that of the cushioning element 270. In some embodiments, the Young's modulus of the first cushioning plate 261 is greater than that of the cushioning element 270. Additionally, in some embodiments, the cushioning element 270 and the support base 140 comprise different materials, such that the Young's modulus of the cushioning element 270 is different from that of the support base 140. In some embodiments, the Young's modulus of the support base 140 is greater than that of the cushioning element 270.

[0119] To reduce the possibility of damage caused by the transmission element 190 of the drive assembly D and the first guide element 201 and the second guide element 202 of the guide assembly G impacting the housing 110, the buffer assembly B can achieve functions such as buffering, shock absorption, and protection. Furthermore, if the components come into contact with each other, debris, dust, and other foreign objects may be generated, potentially affecting the captured image. Therefore, the buffer assembly B can also reduce the possibility of foreign object generation.

[0120] Next, please refer to Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 . Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the optical element drive mechanism 100 along line A-A'. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the contact forces between the transmission element 190, the first guide element 201, the second guide element 202, the buffer assembly B, the movable part M, and the fixed part I. For simplicity, Figure 12The various components and their relative positions are shown in a fairly schematic manner. Specifically, the transmission element 190, the first guide element 201, and the second guide element 202 are all subject to contact forces generated by the buffer assembly B, the moving part M, and the fixed part I.

[0121] The contact force generated by the buffer assembly B on the transmission element 190 is defined as a first contact force F1. The contact force generated by the movable part M on the transmission element 190 is defined as a second contact force F2. The contact force generated by the fixed part I on the transmission element 190 is defined as a third contact force F3. More specifically, the buffer element 270 of the buffer assembly B applies the first contact force F1 to the transmission element 190, the second contact force F2 generated by the support seat 140 of the movable part M on the transmission element 190 is applied to the transmission element 190 by the pressure element 150, and the second adhesive element between the fixed part I and the transmission element 190 applies the third contact force to the transmission element 190.

[0122] When the transmission element 190 transmits driving force, the second contact force F2 generated by the friction between the transmission element 190 and the movable part M mainly drives the movable part M to move. The first contact force F1 generated by the buffer assembly B mainly absorbs the vibration of the transmission element 190. The third contact force F3 generated by the fixing part I mainly achieves a fixing effect on the transmission element 190. Therefore, for the transmission element 190, the second contact force F2 with the movable part M is greater than the first contact force F1 with the buffer assembly B and the third contact force F3 with the fixing part I. Moreover, the first contact force F1 between the transmission element 190 and the buffer assembly B is greater than the third contact force F3 between the transmission element 190 and the fixing part I.

[0123] The contact force generated by the buffer assembly B on the first guide element 201 is defined as a fourth contact force F4. The contact force generated by the movable part M on the first guide element 201 is defined as a fifth contact force F5. The contact force generated by the fixed part I on the first guide element 201 is defined as a sixth contact force F6. The contact force generated by the buffer assembly B on the second guide element 202 is defined as a seventh contact force F7. The contact force generated by the movable part M on the second guide element 202 is defined as an eighth contact force F8.

[0124] The contact force generated by the fixing part I on the second guide element 202 is defined as a ninth contact force F9.

[0125] The magnitudes of the contact forces between the transmission element 190, the first guide element 201, the second guide element 202, and the movable part M may differ. In order to smoothly drive the movable part M, the second contact force F2 generated by the friction between the transmission element 190 and the movable part M may be greater than the fifth contact force F5 between the first guide element 201 and the movable part M and the eighth contact force F8 between the second guide element 202 and the movable part M.

[0126] Furthermore, because the first guide element 201 is closer to the transmission element 190 than the second guide element 202, the first guide element 201 can serve as the primary guide element. In some embodiments, when viewed along the first direction A1, the shortest distance between the first guide element 201 and the first guide opening 146 of the movable part M can be less than the shortest distance between the second guide element 202 and the second guide opening 147 of the movable part M. That is, the first guide element 201 and the movable part M can be more closely connected than the second guide element 202 and the movable part M, such that the fifth contact force F5 between the first guide element 201 and the movable part M is greater than the eighth contact force F8 between the second guide element 202 and the movable part M.

[0127] It is worth noting that, in some embodiments, in order to further improve the guiding effect of the first guiding element 201, the shortest distance between the first guiding element 201 and the first receiving opening 2612 of the buffer assembly B can be designed to be smaller than the shortest distance between the transmission element 190 and the buffer opening 2611 of the buffer assembly B. That is, the first guiding element 201 and the buffer assembly B can be closer together than the transmission element 190 and the buffer assembly B, so that the fourth contact force F4 between the first guiding element 201 and the buffer assembly B is greater than the first contact force F1 between the transmission element 190 and the buffer assembly B.

[0128] In summary, the drive assembly of this disclosure transmits the driving force generated by the piezoelectric element through the transmission element, enabling smoother movement (including translation and rotation) of the moving part, thus achieving high stability and high precision. Furthermore, the guide assembly ensures the range of motion of the moving part in a certain dimension and prevents unwanted swaying, rotation, or tilting. In addition, the buffer assembly provides cushioning, shock absorption, and protection functions.

[0129] The foregoing overview of several embodiments provides a better understanding of various aspects of this disclosure for those skilled in the art. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that this disclosure can be readily used as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to achieve the same purpose or advantages as the embodiments described herein. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that such equivalent configurations do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Furthermore, features from the various embodiments can be freely combined and used as long as they do not violate or conflict with the spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An optical element driving mechanism, comprising: One fixed part; A movable part is connected to an optical element including an optical axis and is movable relative to the fixed part; as well as A drive component drives the movable part to move relative to the fixed part; as well as A buffer component for absorbing vibrations of the drive component, comprising: A first buffer plate, including a buffer opening; as well as A buffer element is disposed in the buffer opening, wherein the buffer element and the first buffer plate are made of different materials, and the thickness of the buffer element is different from the thickness of the first buffer plate.

2. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving assembly comprises: A piezoelectric element, comprising a piezoelectric material, for generating a driving force; An elastic element is disposed on the piezoelectric element; A transmission element extends along a first direction and is used to transmit the driving force; One contact element directly contacts the transmission element; as well as A pressure element for generating a pressure force to cause the contact element to contact the transmission element, wherein the pressure element has a pressure element opening corresponding to the contact element for receiving the contact element; The transmission element transmits the driving force to the contact element, thereby causing the pressure element to drive the movable part to move relative to the fixed part along the first direction.

3. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the movable part includes a support base, the support base including a support base opening corresponding to the pressure applying element for accommodating the pressure applying element; A gap is formed between the opening of the bearing seat and the pressure-applying element; The contact element is made of a metallic material; When viewed along the first direction, the opening of the support seat has a polygonal structure; When viewed along the first direction, the pressure-applying element has a circular structure; When viewed along the first direction, the transmission element has a circular structure; The bearing and the pressure-applying element are made of different plastic materials, and the Young's modulus of the bearing is smaller than that of the pressure-applying element.

4. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 3, wherein the buffer element directly contacts the transmission element, wherein the buffer element and the pressure element are made of different materials, wherein the Young's modulus of the carrier is greater than that of the buffer element, wherein when viewed along the first direction, the buffer element is located at the corner of the fixed portion having a polygonal structure, wherein the transmission element bears a first contact force generated by the buffer assembly, the transmission element bears a second contact force generated by the movable portion, and the transmission element bears a third contact force generated by the fixed portion, wherein the second contact force is greater than both the first and third contact forces, and the second contact force is greater than the third contact force, wherein the driving assembly is connected to the fixed portion via an adhesive element, and the adhesive element is made of plastic material, wherein the first contact force is generated by the buffer element, the second contact force is generated by the pressure element, and the third contact force is generated by the adhesive element.

5. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 4, wherein when viewed along the first direction, the buffer element is disposed around the transmission element such that a portion of the transmission element is disposed in the buffer opening; The first buffer plate has a plate-like structure perpendicular to the first direction; In this first direction, the maximum size of the buffer element is greater than the maximum size of the first buffer plate; The first buffer plate and the buffer element have a groove and a structure corresponding to the groove. The first buffer plate is made of metal, while the buffer element is made of plastic, rubber, or silicone. The Young's modulus of the first buffer plate is different from that of the buffer element.

6. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the Young's modulus of the first buffer plate is greater than the Young's modulus of the buffer element.

7. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fixing part includes a housing, a base, and a bottom plate, the housing is connected to the bottom plate, the base is located between the housing and the bottom plate, wherein the housing and the bottom plate are made of metal, and the base is made of plastic, wherein the housing has a top wall and a side wall, the top wall and the side wall are respectively plate-like structures, and the top wall and the side wall are not parallel to each other, wherein the first buffer plate is parallel to the top wall and the bottom plate, wherein the first buffer plate is located between the top wall and the bottom plate, the shortest distance between the first buffer plate and the top wall is less than the shortest distance between the first buffer plate and the bottom plate, wherein the first buffer plate is not connected to the bottom plate. The top wall, wherein the base and the first buffer plate each include a corresponding engaging portion, wherein the piezoelectric element is located between the base and the bottom plate, and the shortest distance between the piezoelectric element and the base is less than the shortest distance between the piezoelectric element and the bottom plate, wherein the transmission element includes a first end and a second end, the first end being located in the buffer opening, and the second end being located in a receiving space between the base and the bottom plate, wherein when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the pressure-applying element is located between the buffer opening and the receiving space, wherein the transmission element passes through the receiving space, wherein the adhesive element is at least partially disposed in the receiving space, wherein the receiving space has an open structure.

8. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 7 further includes a guiding assembly that contacts the movable part and the fixed part to guide the movable part to move relative to the fixed part along the first direction, wherein the guiding assembly includes a guiding element and a guiding plate, wherein the guiding element is fixedly connected to the guiding plate and the guiding plate is fixedly connected to the base plate; wherein the guiding element has a rod-shaped structure extending along the first direction and passing through the base; The guide plate has a plate-like structure; The guiding element and the guiding plate are made of metallic material, and the guiding element and the guiding plate are made of the same material; When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the guide plate is located between the base and the bottom plate.

9. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 8, wherein the guiding assembly includes a first guiding element and a second guiding element, the first guiding element and the second guiding element extending along the first direction, and the first guiding element and the second guiding element being disposed on a diagonal line, and when viewed along the first direction, the diagonal line passes through the optical element, wherein when viewed along the first direction, the area of ​​the first guiding element is the same as the area of ​​the second guiding element, wherein the first buffer plate further includes a first receiving opening, a portion of the first guiding element being disposed in the first receiving opening, wherein the shortest distance between the first receiving opening and the first guiding element is less than the shortest distance between the buffer opening and the transmission element, wherein the buffer assembly further includes a second buffer plate, the first buffer plate and the second buffer plate being disposed on the diagonal line, a portion of the first guiding element being disposed in the first buffer plate, and a portion of the second guiding element being disposed in the second buffer plate, wherein the first guiding element is closer to the transmission element than the second guiding element.

10. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 9, wherein the transmission element receives a first contact force generated by the buffer assembly, the transmission element receives a second contact force generated by the movable part, the transmission element receives a third contact force generated by the fixed part, wherein the first guide element receives a fourth contact force generated by the buffer assembly, the first guide element receives a fifth contact force generated by the movable part, the first guide element receives a sixth contact force generated by the fixed part, wherein the second guide element receives a seventh contact force generated by the buffer assembly, the second guide element receives an eighth contact force generated by the movable part, and the second guide element receives a ninth contact force generated by the fixed part, wherein the second contact force is greater than the fifth contact force and the eighth contact force, and the fifth contact force is greater than the eighth contact force, wherein the support further includes a first guide opening and a second guide opening, the first guide opening corresponding to the first guide element, and the second guide opening corresponding to the second guide element; When viewed along the first direction, the shortest distance between the first guide opening and the first guide element is less than the shortest distance between the second guide opening and the second guide element; When viewed along the first direction, the first guide opening has a circular structure, while the second guide opening has an elongated structure. When viewed along the first direction, the first guide opening is smaller than the second guide opening.

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