Blade opening and closing device and electronic equipment

Abstract

This invention provides a blade opening and closing device and an electronic device that can hold a blade in a predetermined position even under external load. The blade opening and closing device includes: a base member; a cover plate covering a portion of the base member; a blade member disposed between the base member and the cover plate; a drive actuator that moves the blade member along the X direction; and a stop actuator disposed in the X direction adjacent to the drive actuator, configured to limit the movement of the drive actuator. The drive actuator includes: a rotor magnet rotatably disposed adjacent to the yoke; and a drive rod having a connecting portion connected to the blade member. The stop actuator includes: a rotor magnet rotatably disposed adjacent to the yoke; and a stop rod having a limiting portion movable into the movement path of the drive rod of the drive actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to blade opening and closing devices and electronic devices, and more particularly to blade opening and closing devices capable of opening and closing openings via blade components. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, cameras have been integrated into various electronic devices, including smartphones, smart speakers, and drones. In these cameras, the lens opening is usually always open, meaning they are often in a state where they can take pictures. In such cases, if a malicious third party operates the camera, it is possible to obtain unwanted images or videos and use them for criminal purposes.

[0003] In particular, recently, there has been an increase in electronic devices with built-in cameras connecting to networks such as the Internet. However, these network-connected devices could be remotely operated by malicious programs without the user's knowledge. Remote operation of electronic devices could potentially lead to the taking of photos or videos without the user's knowledge, and the transmission of these images or videos to external sources. Therefore, from the perspective of protecting user privacy, it is desirable to be able to disable such mechanisms as camera-based photography without the user's intention.

[0004] As a mechanism for cutting off photography by a camera, a mechanism that opens and closes the blades between the lens and the subject, similar to the shutter mechanism used in cameras in the past (for example, see Patent Document 1), can be considered. However, it is also considered that in the event of vibration, impact, or other external forces, the blades may open unintentionally due to the external load, thus making it impossible to cut off photography by the camera.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-288327 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the problems of the prior art, and its object is to provide a blade opening and closing device that can keep the blade in a specified position even when an external load is applied, and an electronic device having the blade opening and closing device.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a blade opening and closing device is provided that can hold a blade in a predetermined position even under an external load. The blade opening and closing device includes: a base member having a receiving space for a lens unit; a cover plate covering at least a portion of the base member; and a blade member disposed between the base member and the cover plate. An opening is formed on the cover plate along the optical axis of the lens unit. The blade opening and closing device includes: a drive actuator that moves the blade member between a closed position (closing the opening) and an open position (opening the opening) along an opening / closing direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and a stop actuator disposed adjacent to the drive actuator in the opening / closing direction. The stop actuator is configured to restrict the operation of the drive actuator. The aforementioned drive actuator includes: a first yoke; a first coil wound around a portion of the first yoke; a first rotor magnet rotatably disposed adjacent to the first yoke; and a first rod member having a connecting portion connected to the blade member, and the first rod member rotating together with the first rotor magnet to move the blade member. The aforementioned stop actuator includes: a second yoke; a second coil wound around a portion of the second yoke; a second rotor magnet rotatably disposed adjacent to the second yoke; and a second rod member rotating together with the second rotor magnet. The second rod member has a limiting portion that can move onto the movement path of the first rod member of the drive actuator. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the blade opening and closing device, module substrate, and lens unit together in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the blade opening and closing mechanism.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the blade opening and closing device after the cover plate has been removed.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the actuator unit in the blade opening and closing device.

[0012] Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 1 A top view of the drive actuator and stop actuator installed on the base component in the blade opening and closing device.

[0013] Figure 6A It is shown schematically. Figure 4A top view of an example of the action of the actuator unit driving the actuator.

[0014] Figure 6B It is shown schematically. Figure 4 A top view of an example of the action of the actuator unit driving the actuator.

[0015] Figure 7A It is a schematic representation of the passage Figure 6A A top view showing the position of the blade component that moves due to the drive actuator.

[0016] Figure 7B It is a schematic representation of the passage Figure 6B A top view showing the position of the blade component that moves due to the drive actuator.

[0017] Figure 8A It is shown schematically. Figure 4 A top view of an example of the operation of the stop actuator of the actuator unit shown.

[0018] Figure 8B It is shown schematically. Figure 4 A top view of an example of the operation of the stop actuator of the actuator unit shown.

[0019] Figure 9A It is shown schematically. Figure 4 The top view of an example of the operation of the actuator unit shows the drive lever of the actuator in the open position and the stop lever of the stop actuator in the locked position.

[0020] Figure 9B It is shown schematically. Figure 4 The top view of an example of the operation of the actuator unit shows the actuator's drive lever in the open position and the stop lever of the stop actuator in the unlocked position.

[0021] Figure 9C It is shown schematically. Figure 4 The top view of an example of the operation of the actuator unit shows the actuator's drive lever in the closed position and the stop lever of the stop actuator in the unlocked position.

[0022] Figure 9D It is shown schematically. Figure 4 The top view of an example of the operation of the actuator unit shows the drive lever of the actuator in the closed position and the stop lever of the stop actuator in the locked position.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a laptop computer as an electronic device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Label Explanation

[0025] 1: Blade opening and closing device; 2: Module base plate; 3: Lens unit; 10: Base component; 15: Guide part; 17, 18: Shaft; 20: Actuator unit; 22: Mounting base; 26: Support shaft; 27, 28: Terminal; 30: Separator plate; 31: Opening; 40: Cover plate; 41: Opening; 50: Blade component; 51: Engaging pin; 60: Cam plate; 61: Shaft hole; 62: Pin engagement hole; 63: Rod engagement hole; 70: Drive actuator; 71: (1st) yoke; 71A: (1st) arm. ; 71B: (2nd) arm; 71C: base; 73: (1st) coil; 74: (1st) rotor magnet; 75: drive rod (1st rod component); 76: connecting part; 80: stop actuator; 81: (2nd) yoke; 81A: (3rd) arm; 81B: (4th) arm; 81C: base; 83: (2nd) coil; 84: (2nd) rotor magnet; 85: stop rod (2nd rod component); 86: limiting part; 110: (1st) terminal plate; 120: (2nd) terminal plate. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 10 The embodiments of the blade opening and closing device of the present invention will be described in detail. Figures 1 to 10 In this context, identical or equivalent constituent elements are labeled with the same number, omitting redundant descriptions. Additionally, in... Figures 1 to 10 In this document, there are instances where the scale and dimensions of each component are exaggerated, or where some components are omitted. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish the components from each other and do not indicate a specific position or order.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the blade opening and closing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is an exploded 3D diagram. Figure 3 This is a top view showing the state after the cover has been removed. In this embodiment, the blade opening / closing device 1 is mounted, for example, on a camera module assembled into an electronic device; specifically, it is mounted on the module substrate 2 where the lens unit 3 is provided. In this embodiment, for convenience, [the following is omitted as it is not part of the original text]. Figure 1 The +Z direction is called "up" or "above", and the -Z direction is called "down" or "below".

[0028] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the blade opening and closing device 1 includes: a base component 10 mounted on a module substrate 2; an actuator unit 20 disposed on the base component 10; a partition plate 30 placed on the base component 10; a cover plate 40 covering the upper part of the base component 10; a blade component 50 disposed between the cover plate 40 and the partition plate 30; and a cam plate 60 connected to the blade component 50. A generally rectangular parallelepiped-shaped storage space S is formed in the base component 10, and a lens unit 3 (see reference 2) mounted on the module substrate 2 is stored inside this storage space S. Figure 1 ).

[0029] On the separator 30 and the cover plate 40, openings 31 and 41 are respectively formed on the optical axis P of the lens unit 3. The opening 31 of the separator 30 functions as the opening (aperture) that determines the amount of light incident on the lens unit 3. Therefore, the separator 30 is sometimes also referred to as an aperture plate. Alternatively, the separator 30 may be omitted, and in the case where the separator 30 is omitted, the opening 41 of the cover plate 40 functions as the aforementioned aperture.

[0030] A plurality of pin holes 42 are formed on the cover plate 40. The cover plate 40 is mounted to the base member 10 by inserting the pins 11 formed on the base member 10 into these pin holes 42. In addition, a hook portion 44 is formed on the cover plate 40. The cover plate 40 is fixed to the base member 10 by engaging the hook portion 44 with the engaging claws 13 formed on the base member 10. Furthermore, the fixing means of the cover plate 40 is not limited to those shown in the figure. For example, screws or the like can also be used to fix the cover plate 40 to the base member 10.

[0031] A partition plate 30 is disposed on the +Z direction side (above) of the base component 10, and a pin hole 32 is formed on the partition plate 30 for the pin 11 of the base component 10 to pass through and be inserted. A cam plate 60 is disposed on the -Z direction side (below) of the partition plate 30. A partition plate 90 mounted on the actuator unit 20 is disposed on the -Z direction side (below) of the cam plate 60.

[0032] The blade component 50 is disposed on the +Z direction side (above) of the partition plate 30. The base component 10 has guide portions 15 extending from both edges in the Y direction along the +Z direction, and the blade component 50 is disposed between these guide portions 15. Thus, the blade component 50 is configured to be able to move in the X direction (opening and closing direction) while being guided by the guide portions 15 of the base component 10 inside the blade chamber formed between the partition plate 30 and the cover plate 40.

[0033] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of actuator unit 20. (See diagram below.) Figure 4As shown, the actuator unit 20 has a drive actuator 70 for moving the blade component 50, a stop actuator 80 for limiting the movement of the drive actuator 70, and a mounting base 22 on which the drive actuator 70 and the stop actuator 80 are mounted.

[0034] The drive actuator 70 includes a yoke 71 (first yoke) made of magnetic material, a coil 73 (first coil) wound around the yoke 71 and the mounting base 22, and a shaft 17 (see reference) rotatably mounted on a shaft extending from the base member 10 in the +Z direction. Figure 2 The yoke 74 comprises a rotor magnet 74 (first rotor magnet) and a drive rod 75 (first rod member) connected to the rotor magnet 74. In this embodiment, the yoke 71 is a flattened shape that is thinner in the Z direction and has a U-shape comprising two arms 71A and 71B. A coil 73 is wound around one arm 71B. The rotor magnet 74 is disposed between the arms 71A and 71B of the yoke 71 and is composed of magnets having different magnetic poles along the circumferential direction. The drive rod 75 has a connecting portion 76 extending in the +Z direction outside the radial direction of the rotor magnet 74.

[0035] The stop actuator 80 includes a yoke 81 (second yoke) made of magnetic material, a coil 83 (second coil) wound around the yoke 81 and the mounting base 22, and a shaft 18 (see reference) rotatably mounted on the base member 10 extending in the +Z direction. Figure 2 The yoke 84 (second rotor magnet) and the stop rod 85 (second rod member) connected to the rotor magnet 84 are described. In this embodiment, the yoke 81 is a flat shape that is thinner in the Z direction and has a U-shape comprising two arms 81A and 81B. A coil 83 is wound around one arm 81B. The rotor magnet 84 is disposed between the arms 81A and 81B of the yoke 81 and is composed of magnets having different magnetic poles along the circumferential direction. The stop rod 85 has a limiting portion 86 extending in the +Z direction outside the radial direction of the rotor magnet 84.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the mounting base 22 has a first storage space 23 for accommodating the rotor magnet 74 and drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70, and a second storage space 24 for accommodating the rotor magnet 84 and stop rod 85 of the stop actuator 80. Additionally, the mounting base 22 has an arc-shaped window 25 through which the connecting portion 76 of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 is inserted.

[0037] Additionally, the mounting base 22 has a support shaft 26 extending in the +Z direction, and a shaft hole 61 is formed on the cam plate 60 for inserting the support shaft 26. By inserting the support shaft 26 of the mounting base 22 into the shaft hole 61 of the cam plate 60, the cam plate 60 can be rotated about the support shaft 26.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the mounting base 22 has terminals 27 and 28 protruding in the +Y direction. The blade opening and closing device 1 includes a terminal plate 110 (first terminal plate) disposed corresponding to terminal 27 and a terminal plate 120 (second terminal plate) disposed corresponding to terminal 28. These terminal plates 110 and 120 are formed of metal plates and extend parallel to the XZ plane.

[0039] The end of the coil 73 for driving the actuator 70 is wound around the terminal 27 of the mounting base 22. Additionally, for example... Figure 1 As shown, the end of the coil 73 is fixed to the terminal plate 110 together with solder 100 on the terminal 27. The terminal plate 110 has a connecting portion 110A at its end on the module substrate 2 side (-Z direction side). This connecting portion 110A is electrically connected to the contacts of the module substrate 2 via solder (not shown). In this way, the coil 73 of the actuator 70 is electrically connected to the wiring (not shown) in the module substrate 2 via the terminal plate 110.

[0040] The end of the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80 is wound around the terminal 28 of the mounting base 22. Additionally, for example... Figure 1 As shown, the end of the coil 83 is fixed to the terminal plate 120 together with solder 101 on the terminal 28. The terminal plate 120 has a connecting portion 120A at its end on the module substrate 2 side (-Z direction side). This connecting portion 120A is electrically connected to the contacts of the module substrate 2 via solder (not shown). In this way, the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80 is electrically connected to the wiring (not shown) in the module substrate 2 via the terminal plate 120.

[0041] In this embodiment, both the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70 and the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80 are wound and held on the mounting base 22. In this way, by holding both the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70 and the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80 on a single mounting base 22, the number of parts can be reduced and the overall structure of the blade opening and closing device 1 can be made more compact.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the drive actuator 70 and the stop actuator 80 mounted on the base component 10. Figure 5As shown, the drive actuator 70 and the stop actuator 80 are configured to face each other in the X direction. The two arms 71A and 71B of the yoke 71 of the drive actuator 70 extend branching from the base 71C. One arm 71A (first arm) extends generally along the +X direction from the base 71C, and the other arm 71B (second arm) extends generally obliquely towards the +Y direction relative to the X direction from the base 71C. A coil 73 is wound on arm 71B. Similarly, the two arms 81A and 81B of the yoke 81 of the stop actuator 80 extend branching from the base 81C. One arm 81A (third arm) extends generally along the -X direction from the base 81C, and the other arm 81B (fourth arm) extends generally obliquely towards the +Y direction relative to the X direction from the base 81C. A coil 83 is wound on arm 81B. The arm 71A of the yoke 71 of the drive actuator 70 and the arm 81A of the yoke 81 of the stop actuator 80 are adjacent in the X direction.

[0043] With the structure described above, even when space in the Y direction within the blade opening / closing device 1 is limited, the drive actuator 70 and the stop actuator 80 can be efficiently configured within a limited space. Furthermore, by using terminal plates 110 and 120 extending parallel to the XZ plane, these terminal plates 110 and 120 can be configured within the Y-direction space created by the efficient configuration of the drive actuator 70 and the stop actuator 80, thus reducing the width of the blade opening / closing device 1 in the Y direction.

[0044] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a top view schematically illustrating an example of the operation of the drive actuator 70. In the drive actuator 70 of this embodiment, when current is supplied to the coil 73 via the wiring of the module substrate 2, the arms 71A and 71B of the yoke 71 are magnetized into opposite magnetic poles, and the rotor magnet 74 is rotated by the attraction of the magnetic force of the arms 71A and 71B.

[0045] For example, when current is applied to the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70 in one direction, and as... Figure 6A When the arms 71A and 71B of the yoke 71 are magnetized as shown, the magnetic poles of the rotor magnet 74 are attracted by the opposite magnetic poles of the arms 71A and 71B of the yoke 71, causing the rotor magnet 74 to rotate clockwise. As a result, the drive rod 75 rotates clockwise about the shaft 17 of the base component 10.

[0046] In addition, in terms of... Figure 6A When current is energized to the coil 73 of the actuator 70 in the opposite direction, the arms 71A and 71B of the yoke 71, as Figure 6BAs shown, the rotor magnet 74 is magnetized, and its poles are attracted by the opposite poles of the arms 71A and 71B of the yoke 71, causing the rotor magnet 74 to rotate counterclockwise. Consequently, the drive rod 75 rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 17 of the base component 10.

[0047] Return to Figure 2 A rod engagement hole 63 is formed on the cam plate 60 to engage with the connection portion 76 of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70. The minimum width of the rod engagement hole 63 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the connection portion 76 of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70. The connection portion 76 of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 is inserted into the rod engagement hole 63 of the cam plate 60. Thus, the connection portion 76 of the drive rod 75 engages with the rod engagement hole 63 of the cam plate 60. When the drive rod 75 rotates about the shaft 17 of the base member 10 as described above, the cam plate 60 rotates about the support shaft 26 of the mounting base 22 of the actuator unit 20.

[0048] The blade component 50 has a locking pin 51 extending in the -Z direction, and a locking hole 62 is formed on the cam plate 60 to engage with the locking pin 51. The minimum width of the locking hole 62 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the locking pin 51 of the blade component 50. The locking pin 51, extending from the blade component 50 in the -Z direction, passes through the opening 34 formed in the partition plate 30 and is inserted into the locking hole 62 of the cam plate 60. Thus, the locking pin 51 of the blade component 50 engages with the locking hole 62 of the cam plate 60. When the cam plate 60 rotates about the support shaft 26 of the mounting base 22 of the actuator unit 20, the locking pin 51 of the blade component 50, which is engaged with the locking hole 62 of the cam plate 60, moves. At this time, as described above, the blade component 50 is guided by the guide portion 15 of the base component 10, and therefore the blade component 50 moves in the X direction (opening and closing direction).

[0049] Figure 7A It is shown schematically. Figure 1 This is a top view showing the position of the blade component 50 in the indicated state. In this position, the blade component 50 does not close the opening 31 of the partition plate 30 and the opening 41 of the cover plate 40; rather, openings 31 and 41 are open. That is, light from the outside passes through the opening 31 of the partition plate 30 and the opening 41 of the cover plate 40 and directly enters the lens of the lens unit 3, thus enabling imaging using the lens unit 3. Hereinafter, Figure 7A The positions of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 and the blade component 50 shown are referred to as the "open position".

[0050] When passing from Figure 7AWhen the state shown is such that the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70 is energized, causing the rotor magnet 74 to rotate counterclockwise, the connecting part 76 of the drive rod 75 engages with the rod engagement hole 63 of the cam plate 60, as... Figure 7B As shown, the cam plate 60 rotates clockwise around the support shaft 26. At this time, because the engaging pin 51 of the blade component 50 engages with the engaging hole 62 of the cam plate 60, therefore... Figure 7B As shown, the blade component 50 moves in the +X direction as the cam plate 60 rotates. The blade component 50, moving in this +X direction, closes the opening 31 of the partition plate 30 and the opening 41 of the cover plate 40. That is, at this time, the blade component 50 is located on the optical axis P of the lens unit 3, and the light passing through the opening 41 of the cover plate 40 is blocked by the blade component 50. Hereinafter, Figure 7B The positions of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 and the blade component 50 shown are referred to as the "closed positions".

[0051] For example, if the blade component 50 is made of a material through which light (visible light, infrared light, etc.) captured by the lens unit 3 cannot be transmitted, then when the blade component 50 is located Figure 7B When the lens is in the closed position, light passing through the opening 41 of the cover plate 40 is blocked by the blade component 50 and does not reach the lens unit 3. Therefore, even if the lens unit 3 operates at this time, it cannot acquire an image or video, thus preventing the acquisition of unwanted images or videos.

[0052] When passing from Figure 7B When the state shown is such that the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70 is energized, causing the rotor magnet 74 to rotate clockwise, the cam plate 60 rotates counterclockwise about the support shaft 26 by engaging the connecting part 76 of the drive rod 75 with the rod engagement hole 63 of the cam plate 60. At this time, the blade component 50 moves in the -X direction by engaging the engagement pin 51 of the blade component 50 with the pin engagement hole 62 of the cam plate 60, reaching... Figure 7A The opening position is shown.

[0053] In this way, the drive actuator 70 of the actuator unit 20 rotates the drive rod 75 by the power supplied from the module substrate 2, thereby enabling the blade component 50 to move between the closed position and the open position via the connecting part 76 of the drive rod 75 and the engaging pin 51 of the blade component 50.

[0054] In this embodiment, the shape of the yoke 71 is adjusted so that the rotor magnet 74 is attracted to the yoke 71 by the magnetic force of the rotor magnet 74 even when no current is supplied to the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70. Specifically, in Figure 6AIn the shown state, even if current is stopped from being supplied to the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70, the rotor magnet 74 maintains its position by utilizing the magnetic force exerted on the yoke 71 by the rotor magnet 74, thereby allowing the drive rod 75 to remain in the open position. Similarly, in Figure 6B In the state shown, even if the current to the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70 is stopped, the rotor magnet 74 is used to maintain the position of the rotor magnet 74 by applying magnetic force to the yoke 71, so that the drive rod 75 can remain in the closed position.

[0055] By adjusting the shape of the yoke 71 in this way, it is possible to prevent the blade component 50 from unintentionally moving from the open or closed position, or stopping between the open and closed positions, when no current is supplied to the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70. Alternatively, the shape of the yoke 71 can be adjusted so that only the drive rod 75 is held in one of the open or closed positions. In particular, if the drive rod 75 can be held in the closed position, the openings 41, 31 are closed by the blade component 50 even when no current is supplied to the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70, thus preventing the acquisition of unwanted images or videos, which is preferable in this respect.

[0056] The blade opening and closing device 1 in this embodiment has a locking mechanism that can hold (lock) the blade component 50 in the open position and the closed position. When the blade component 50 is locked in the open position or the closed position by the locking mechanism, the blade component 50 cannot be moved in the X direction as described above. This locking mechanism is implemented by the stop actuator 80 of the actuator unit 20.

[0057] In the stop actuator 80 of this embodiment, when current is supplied to the coil 83 via the wiring of the module substrate 2, the arms 81A and 81B of the yoke 81 are magnetized into opposite magnetic poles, and the rotor magnet 84 is rotated by the attraction of the magnetic force of the arms 81A and 81B.

[0058] For example, when current is applied to the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80 in one direction, as... Figure 8A When the arms 81A and 81B of the yoke 81 are magnetized as shown, the magnetic poles of the rotor magnet 84 are attracted by the opposite magnetic poles of the arms 81A and 81B of the yoke 81, causing the rotor magnet 84 to rotate counterclockwise. Consequently, the stop rod 85 rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 18 of the base member 10. At this time, the limiting part 86 of the stop rod 85 is in a position that avoids the movement path of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70. Hereinafter, Figure 8A The position of the stop lever 85 of the stop actuator 80 shown is called the "unlocked position".

[0059] When the stop lever 85 is in the unlocked position, the limiting part 86 of the stop lever 85 is not located on the movement path of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70. Therefore, the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 can rotate without interfering with the stop lever 85, and the blade member 50 connected to the connecting part 76 of the drive rod 75 is in a state where it can move in the X direction. Therefore, when the stop lever 85 is in the unlocked position, the drive actuator 70 can move the blade member 50 from the open position to the closed position, or from the closed position to the open position.

[0060] In addition, in terms of... Figure 8A When current is energized to the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80 in the opposite direction, the arms 81A and 81B of the yoke 81, as Figure 8B As shown, the rotor magnet 84 is magnetized, and its poles are attracted by the opposite poles of the arms 81A and 81B of the yoke 81, causing the rotor magnet 84 to rotate clockwise. Consequently, the stop rod 85 rotates clockwise about the shaft 18 of the base member 10. At this time, the limiting part 86 of the stop rod 85 is located on the movement path of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70. Hereinafter, Figure 8B The position of the stop lever 85 of the stop actuator 80 shown is called the "locked position". When the stop lever 85 is in the locked position, the limiting part 86 of the stop lever 85 is located on the movement path of the drive lever 75 of the drive actuator 70. Therefore, the movement of the drive lever 75 of the drive actuator 70 is limited by the limiting part 86 of the stop lever 85.

[0061] In this way, the stop actuator 80 of the actuator unit 20 rotates the stop rod 85 by the power supplied from the module substrate 2, and the limiting part 86 of the stop rod 85 can move between a position that is retracted from the moving path of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 and a position on the moving path.

[0062] In this embodiment, the shape of the yoke 81 is adjusted so that the rotor magnet 84 is attracted to the yoke 81 by the magnetic force of the rotor magnet 84 even when no current is supplied to the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80. Specifically, in Figure 8A In the indicated state, even if current is stopped from being supplied to the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80, the rotor magnet 84 maintains its position by utilizing the magnetic force applied to the yoke 81 by the rotor magnet 84, thus allowing the stop lever 85 to remain in the unlocked position. Similarly, in Figure 8B In the state shown, even if the current to the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80 is stopped, the rotor magnet 84 is used to apply magnetic force to the yoke 81 to maintain the position of the rotor magnet 84, so that the stop rod 85 can remain in the locked position.

[0063] By adjusting the shape of the yoke 81 in this way, it is possible to prevent the stop lever 85 from unintentionally moving from the unlocked position or the locked position, or from stopping between the unlocked and locked positions, when no current is supplied to the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80. Alternatively, the shape of the yoke 81 can be adjusted so that the stop lever 85 is held only in one of the unlocked or locked positions.

[0064] Figure 9A The positional relationship between the drive actuator 70 and the stop actuator 80 when the blade component 50 is in the open position is shown. When the blade component 50 is in the open position, the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 is in the open position, and the stop rod 85 of the stop actuator 80 is in the locked position. As described above, when the stop rod 85 of the stop actuator 80 is in the locked position, the limiting portion 86 of the stop rod 85 is located on the movement path of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70. In this state, even if the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 is to be rotated toward the closed position (counterclockwise), the rotation of the drive rod 75 toward the closed position is restricted because the movement of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 is limited by the limiting portion 86 of the stop rod 85 of the stop actuator 80. Therefore, the blade component 50 is also held (locked) in the open position.

[0065] In making the blade component 50 from Figure 9A When the state shown is moved to the closed position, current is supplied to the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80, thereby... Figure 9B As shown, the stop lever 85 is rotated counterclockwise to move to the unlocked position. This moves the limiting portion 86 of the stop lever 85 to a position that avoids the movement path of the drive lever 75 of the drive actuator 70, allowing the drive lever 75 of the drive actuator 70 to rotate without interfering with the stop lever 85.

[0066] Next, by energizing the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70, thus... Figure 9C As shown, the drive lever 75 is rotated counterclockwise to move to the closed position. At this time, the blade component 50 moves to the closed position via the connecting part 76 of the drive lever 75 and the engaging pin 51 of the blade component 50. Figure 7B (State).

[0067] After the blade assembly 50 moves to the closed position, current is energized again through the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80, thereby... Figure 9DAs shown, the stop lever 85 is rotated clockwise to move to the locked position. This moves the limiting portion 86 of the stop lever 85 of the stop actuator 80 into the movement path of the drive lever 75 of the drive actuator 70, restricting the movement of the drive lever 75. In this state, even if the drive lever 75 of the drive actuator 70 is to be rotated toward the open position (clockwise), the limiting portion 86 of the stop lever 85 of the stop actuator 80 can restrict the rotation of the drive lever 75. Therefore, the blade member 50, connected to the connecting portion 76 of the drive lever 75 of the drive actuator 70, is held (locked) in the closed position.

[0068] Additionally, when the blade component 50 is moved from... Figure 9D When the state shown is moved to the open position, current is supplied to the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80, causing the stop lever 85 to rotate counterclockwise and move to the unlock position. Figure 9C (as shown in the diagram). As a result, the limiting part 86 of the stop rod 85 moves to a position that avoids the movement path of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70, so that the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 can rotate without interfering with the stop rod 85.

[0069] Next, by energizing the coil 73 of the drive actuator 70, the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 is rotated clockwise to move to the open position. Figure 9B (As shown in the diagram). At this time, the blade component 50 is moved to the open position via the connecting part 76 of the drive rod 75 and the engaging pin 51 of the blade component 50. Figure 7A (State).

[0070] After the blade assembly 50 moves to the open position, current is energized again to the coil 83 of the stop actuator 80, causing the stop rod 85 to rotate clockwise and move to the locked position. Figure 9A (As shown in the diagram). Therefore, the limiting portion 86 of the stop lever 85 of the stop actuator 80 moves into the movement path of the drive lever 75 of the drive actuator 70, restricting the movement of the drive lever 75 of the drive actuator 70. In this state, even if it is desired to rotate the drive lever 75 of the drive actuator 70 towards the closed position (counterclockwise), the limiting portion 86 of the stop lever 85 of the stop actuator 80 can restrict the rotation of the drive lever 75. Therefore, the blade member 50 connected to the connecting portion 76 of the drive lever 75 of the drive actuator 70 is held (locked) in the open position.

[0071] Thus, in this embodiment, when the blade component 50 is in the open or closed position, the stop rod 85 of the stop actuator 80 is moved to the locked position. As a result, the movement of the connecting portion 76 of the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 is restricted by the limiting portion 86 of the stop rod 85 of the stop actuator 80, thereby holding the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 in the open or closed position, and thus holding (locking) the blade component 50 in the open and closed positions. Therefore, even if vibration, impact, or other external forces act on the blade component 50 when it is in the open or closed position, unintentional movement of the blade component 50 from the open or closed position can be prevented, thereby suppressing malfunctions of the blade opening / closing device 1. Furthermore, if the blade component 50 is intentionally moved, by moving the stop rod 85 of the stop actuator 80 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the lock on the drive rod 75 of the drive actuator 70 is released, and the blade component 50 can be moved between the open and closed positions by the drive actuator 70.

[0072] The blade component 50 does not need to block all the light incident on the lens unit 3 through the openings 41 and 31; it can be configured to block only a portion of the light incident on the lens unit 3. For example, the blade component 50 can be made of a material with low transmittance relative to the light (visible light, infrared light, etc.) captured by the lens unit 3, or a pattern (mesh or grid pattern, concentric circle pattern, etc.) can be applied to the blade component 50 by coloring, embossing, or perforation, thereby blocking a portion of the light incident on the lens unit 3. In this case, a portion of the image or picture acquired by the lens unit 3 becomes unclear or invisible, thus preventing the acquisition of unwanted images or pictures by the user.

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, by adjusting the shape of the yoke 71 of the drive actuator 70 as described above, the drive actuator 70 can maintain the position of the blade component 50, but the blade opening and closing device 1 also has the locking mechanism described above, so it can more reliably suppress the blade component 50 from moving accidentally.

[0074] Furthermore, the blade component 50 can be configured to apply a predetermined optical effect (mosaic filtering, scattering, diffuse reflection, etc.) to the light incident on the lens unit 3 through the openings 41 and 31. In this case, since a portion of the image or picture acquired through the lens unit 3 becomes unclear or invisible, it is possible to prevent the acquisition of images or pictures that the user does not want.

[0075] When the blade component 50 is in the closed position, its outer surface is exposed to the outside through the opening 41 of the cover plate 40. Therefore, it is preferable to color the outer surface of the blade component 50 with a visually conspicuous color (e.g., red), or to implement a visually conspicuous geometric shape (star, quadrilateral, polygon, stripe pattern, etc.) or design such as a mark or illustration. In this way, by implementing a visually conspicuous color or design on the outer surface of the blade component 50, it is easy to confirm that the blade component 50 is in the closed position, thereby easily protecting the user from unwanted images or videos.

[0076] In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 41 of the cover plate 40 and the opening 31 of the partition plate 30 are circular, but the shapes of these openings 41 and 31 are not limited to circular, and can be any shape such as rectangular or elliptical.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a drive actuator 70 using a combination of a flat U-shaped yoke 71 and a rotor magnet 74 was described. However, the drive actuator used is not limited to this; any configuration is acceptable as long as the blade member 50 can move between the closed and open positions. Similarly, in the above embodiment, an example of a stop actuator 80 using a combination of a flat U-shaped yoke 81 and a rotor magnet 84 was described. However, the stop actuator used is not limited to this; any configuration is acceptable as long as the movement of the drive actuator 70 can be restricted.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the stop actuator 80 is activated to move the stop lever 85 to the locked position when the blade component 50 is in either the open or closed position. However, the stop lever 85 may be moved to the locked position only when the blade component 50 is in either the open or closed position. In this case, from the viewpoint of preventing the lens unit 3 from acquiring unwanted images or videos, it is preferable to move the stop lever 85 to the locked position when the blade component 50 is in the closed position.

[0079] Figure 10 This figure shows a laptop computer 900 as an example of an electronic device equipped with the aforementioned leaf opening / closing device 1. A camera window 920 is provided on the display section 910 of the laptop computer 900, and the leaf opening / closing device 1 is assembled inside the laptop computer 900 with the lens unit 3 positioned corresponding to the window 920. Thus, a laptop computer 900 with camera functionality is realized.

[0080] In the above example, a laptop computer 900 is cited as an electronic device equipped with the blade opening and closing device 1. However, the blade opening and closing device of the present invention can be applied not only to laptop computers, but also to all electronic devices with camera functions such as smart speakers and home security cameras.

[0081] For example, when the power to an electronic device such as a laptop 900 is off, or when the display 910 of the laptop 900 is off, the position of the blade member 50 can be maintained solely by driving the actuator 70. When the power to the electronic device is on, or when the display 910 of the laptop 900 is on, the aforementioned locking mechanism can be used to lock the position of the blade member 50, preventing accidental movement of the blade member 50. In this way, the locking mechanism of the present invention can be switched on or off depending on the state of the electronic device equipped with the blade opening and closing device 1 and the user's intended use.

[0082] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can of course be implemented in various different ways within the scope of its technical concept.

[0083] As described above, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a blade opening and closing device is provided that can hold a blade in a predetermined position even when an external load is applied. The blade opening and closing device includes: a base member having a storage space for housing a lens unit; a cover plate covering at least a portion of the base member; and a blade member disposed between the base member and the cover plate. An opening is formed on the cover plate along the optical axis of the lens unit. The blade opening and closing device includes: a drive actuator that moves the blade member between a closed position (closing the opening) and an open position (opening the opening) along an opening / closing direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and a stop actuator disposed in the opening / closing direction adjacent to the drive actuator. The stop actuator is configured to restrict the operation of the drive actuator. The aforementioned drive actuator includes: a first yoke; a first coil wound around a portion of the first yoke; a first rotor magnet rotatably disposed adjacent to the first yoke; and a first rod member having a connecting portion connected to the blade member, and the first rod member rotating together with the first rotor magnet to move the blade member. The aforementioned stop actuator includes: a second yoke; a second coil wound around a portion of the second yoke; a second rotor magnet rotatably disposed adjacent to the second yoke; and a second rod member rotating together with the second rotor magnet. The second rod member has a limiting portion that can move onto the movement path of the first rod member of the aforementioned drive actuator.

[0084] With this structure, when the blade component is in the open and / or closed position, by moving the limiting part of the second lever of the stop actuator into the movement path of the first lever of the drive actuator, the movement of the first lever of the drive actuator is restricted by the limiting part of the second lever, thus holding (locking) the blade component in the open and / or closed position. Therefore, even if vibration, impact, or other external forces act on the blade component when it is in the open and / or closed position, unintentional movement of the blade component from the open and / or closed position can be prevented, thereby suppressing malfunctions of the blade opening and closing device. Furthermore, in the event of intentional movement of the blade component, by retracting the limiting part of the second lever of the stop actuator from the movement path of the first lever of the drive actuator, the first lever of the drive actuator can be moved, thus allowing the drive actuator to move the blade component between the open and closed positions.

[0085] The aforementioned drive actuator and stop actuator can also be configured to face each other in the aforementioned opening and closing direction. In this case, the first yoke of the drive actuator may also have a first arm that extends integrally along the aforementioned opening and closing direction and a second arm that extends integrally at an angle from the aforementioned opening and closing direction. Furthermore, the second yoke of the stop actuator may also have a third arm that extends integrally along the aforementioned opening and closing direction and is arranged adjacent to the first arm of the first yoke in the aforementioned opening and closing direction, and a fourth arm that extends integrally at an angle from the aforementioned opening and closing direction. Preferably, the first coil of the drive actuator is wound around the second arm of the first yoke, and preferably, the second coil of the stop actuator is wound around the fourth arm of the second yoke. With such a structure, even when space is limited in the direction perpendicular to the opening and closing direction within the blade opening and closing device, the drive actuator and stop actuator can be efficiently configured within a limited space.

[0086] The aforementioned blade opening and closing device may further include a first terminal plate for energizing the first coil of the aforementioned drive actuator and a second terminal plate for energizing the second coil of the aforementioned stop actuator. The first terminal plate extends in the aforementioned opening and closing direction and in the direction along the aforementioned optical axis, and the second terminal plate extends in the aforementioned opening and closing direction and in the direction along the aforementioned optical axis. In this way, by using terminal plates that extend in the opening and closing direction and in the direction along the optical axis, the width of the blade opening and closing device in the direction perpendicular to these two directions can be reduced, thereby making the blade opening and closing device compact.

[0087] The aforementioned blade opening and closing device may also include a mounting base that holds the first coil of the drive actuator and the second coil of the stop actuator. In this way, by holding both the first coil of the drive actuator and the second coil of the stop actuator on a single mounting base, the number of components can be reduced and the overall structure of the device can be made more compact.

[0088] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electronic device having the above-described blade opening and closing device is provided.

Claims

1. A blade opening and closing device, comprising: The base component has a storage space for accommodating the lens unit; A cover plate that covers at least a portion of the base component, and the cover plate having an opening on the optical axis of the lens unit; A blade component disposed between the base component and the cover plate; A drive actuator moves the blade component between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening along an opening / closing direction perpendicular to the optical axis. as well as A stop actuator is disposed adjacent to the drive actuator in the opening and closing direction, and the stop actuator is capable of restricting the movement of the drive actuator. The drive actuator includes: First yoke; The first coil, which is wound around a portion of the first yoke; The first rotor magnet is arranged adjacent to the first yoke in a rotatable manner; as well as A first rod component has a connecting portion that connects to the blade component, and the first rod component rotates together with the first rotor magnet to move the blade component. The stop actuator includes: Second yoke; The second coil, which is wound around a portion of the second yoke; The second rotor magnet is arranged adjacent to the second yoke in a rotatable manner; as well as The second lever component rotates together with the second rotor magnet, and this second lever component has a limiting part that can move onto the movement path of the first lever component of the drive actuator. The second rod component is configured such that the limiting part contacts the connecting part when the blade component is in the open position and the closed position.

2. The blade opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein, The drive actuator and the stop actuator are configured to be opposite each other in the opening and closing direction. The first yoke of the drive actuator has: The first arm extends generally along the opening and closing direction; and The second arm extends obliquely from the opening and closing direction. The second yoke of the stop actuator has: The third arm extends generally along the opening and closing direction, and the third arm is disposed adjacent to the first arm of the first yoke in the opening and closing direction. as well as The fourth arm extends obliquely from the opening and closing direction.

3. The blade opening and closing device according to claim 2, wherein, The first coil of the drive actuator is wound around the second arm of the first yoke. The second coil of the stop actuator is wound around the fourth arm of the second yoke.

4. The blade opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The blade opening and closing device also features: A first terminal plate is used to energize the first coil of the drive actuator, and the first terminal plate extends in the opening / closing direction and in the direction along the optical axis; as well as The second terminal plate is used to energize the second coil of the stop actuator, and the second terminal plate extends in the opening / closing direction and along the optical axis.

5. The blade opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein, The blade opening and closing device also has a mounting base that holds the first coil of the drive actuator and the second coil of the stop actuator.

6. An electronic device, wherein, The electronic device has the blade opening and closing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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