A three-dimensional spring combined with a planar spring sheet

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of the voice coil motor's elastic sheet, disclose a kind of plane elastic sheet combination's three-dimensional spring, the three-dimensional spring is applied in voice coil motor to provide the elastic support limiting effect in several directions to moving component, including as independent structure mutually contact fixed connection plane elastic sheet A and plane elastic sheet B, wherein the included angle of plane elastic sheet A and the plane of plane elastic sheet B is not zero.The present application is optimized to two or more independent plane elastic sheet structure assembly to form three-dimensional elastic sheet by integral bending type elastic sheet, to reach the multidirectional elastic support / limiting effect of three-dimensional elastic sheet while also being able to avoid the structural defects caused by bending, and compared with other solutions, its cost is lower, and can be assembled to form different structure elastic sheet according to demand, with higher adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of voice coil motor spring technology, specifically relating to a three-dimensional spring composed of planar springs. Background Technology

[0002] A voice coil motor (VCM) is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, enabling linear and finite-angle motion. It utilizes the interaction between the magnetic poles of a permanent magnet and the magnetic field generated by a current-carrying coil conductor to produce regular motion. Because a voice coil motor is a non-commutator power device, its positioning accuracy depends entirely on the feedback and control system, and is independent of the motor itself. The advent of the VCM motor transformed smartphone cameras from fixed-focus to autofocus, while also providing image stabilization for small or miniature cameras. Its primary function is to enable automatic focusing and provide motion compensation.

[0003] Mobile phone camera VCMs require a Driver IC for focusing and image stabilization. Existing VCMs use the Driver IC to control the power supply current to determine the distance the lens moves, thus adjusting it to the appropriate position to capture a clear image. The VCM motor actually moves by means of a force exerted on an energized coil in a magnetic field. Precise control requires external components, including springs that provide elastic support and limit the movement of the sensor or lens module, offering both stability and flexible motion.

[0004] However, as pixel requirements increase and motors and lenses become larger and heavier, the spatial layout and utilization of motors under the requirement of small size and high pixel count put the structural design to a very high test. Especially in AF closed-loop control, large lenses need to use bar magnets to drive them, and T-shaped magnets can no longer meet the thrust requirements, which will further compress the space. At the same time, the heavy lens module needs to be supported by a large spring. Under the constraints of these two conditions, the structural design of the spring itself is required to be high. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a three-dimensional spring composed of planar spring pieces, which provides AF motion support and OIS image stabilization support for the heavier lens modules mentioned above. The three-dimensional spring piece structure formed by direct fixing of planar spring pieces can have high structural strength while ensuring volume advantage, especially at the connection point.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a three-dimensional spring composed of planar spring pieces, which is used in a voice coil motor to provide elastic support and limiting effects in several directions for the moving parts. The spring includes planar spring pieces A and B, which are independent structures that are fixedly connected to each other in contact, wherein the angle between the planes containing planar spring pieces A and B is not zero.

[0008] It should be noted that the spring referred to in this invention is a spring sheet used in voice coil motors to provide elastic support and limiting effect for two relatively moving parts. Originally, it was a planar structure with a certain extension length formed by a single layer of metal material (here, "planar" means that it has a uniform thickness and its overall size in the thickness direction remains unchanged under the action of no external force). The three-dimensional spring in this invention optimizes the original planar structure into a spatial structure and has elastic deformation in at least two mutually perpendicular directions, thereby providing the main elastic support / limiting effect in two directions (the so-called two directions are determined by the displacement direction of the camera; its zoom is only Z-axis movement, while ordinary planar optical image stabilization is X and Y axes).

[0009] Existing three-dimensional springs are all one-piece structures, formed by bending or direct CNC machining. However, regardless of the bending process, the structural strength and elastic coefficient at the bend cannot be effectively harmonized. Furthermore, CNC machining is costly and difficult. In contrast, this invention uses two independent spring structures fixedly connected together, avoiding the problem of gravitational concentration caused by bending, while also being more cost-effective and easier to implement.

[0010] It is also worth noting that the number of planar springs A and B is not limited. Since they are independent structural designs, they may include multiple spring structures at multiple angles, with specific positions set according to requirements. Using a single planar spring as a base, multiple structures vertically connected to that planar spring can achieve elastic support / limiting in multiple directions. This invention does not limit the specific installation position of any single planar spring, but only requires them to be independent entities connected to each other to form a three-dimensional spring.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a first embodiment of the first aspect, wherein planar spring A and planar spring B are connected by soldering or welding. Specifically, the connection is fixed during connection, wherein the fixing process includes soldering or welding.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a second embodiment of the first aspect, wherein planar spring A and planar spring B are fixedly connected by applying adhesive or bonding an external fixing structure.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a third embodiment of the first aspect, wherein before installing the planar spring B, a socket is first opened on the planar spring A, and the planar spring B has pins. During installation, the pins are inserted into the corresponding sockets to form a connection, and the connection is fixed at the socket.

[0014] In conjunction with the third embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a fourth embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the socket is provided with a serrated fixing member, and the pin is inserted into the socket and locked by the serrated fixing member.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect or the first to fourth embodiments of the first aspect, the present invention provides a fifth embodiment of the first aspect, comprising a plurality of planar springs A, wherein at least two adjacent planar springs A have an included angle between their planes that is not zero.

[0016] In conjunction with the fifth embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a sixth embodiment of the first aspect, wherein at least two planar springs A and one planar spring B are located in planes that are perpendicular to each other.

[0017] In conjunction with the fifth embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a seventh embodiment of the first aspect, wherein a planar spring A, whose included angle between the planes is not zero, is connected by a corner connecting piece.

[0018] In conjunction with the seventh embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides an eighth embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the planar spring A has a connecting portion and a filament disposed between the connecting portion to provide elasticity.

[0019] In conjunction with the eighth embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a ninth embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the filament is a sheet integrally formed with the connecting part and having the same thickness, the filament has several corners in the same plane, and its surface has several hollow grooves.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0021] (1) This invention optimizes the integrated bending spring sheet into two or more independent planar spring sheet structures to form a three-dimensional spring sheet, thereby achieving the multi-directional elastic support / limiting effect of the three-dimensional spring sheet while avoiding structural defects caused by bending. Compared with other solutions, it has a lower cost and can be assembled into spring sheets with different structures according to needs, thus having high adaptability.

[0022] (2) The present invention can pre-fix the structure during assembly by means of the serrated interlocking structure provided in the socket, thereby improving the stability and strength of the structure. At the same time, it can also reduce the use of welding materials during welding.

[0023] (3) The present invention fixes the joint by welding or other fixing methods, thereby improving the connection stability and structural strength, while ensuring high consistency of the finished product and not causing a large change in the elastic coefficient. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a top view of the entire spring sheet of the present invention when it is fixed by the material ring;

[0025] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the entire spring sheet of the present invention when it is fixed by the material ring;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a top view of the spring ring of the present invention after it has been cut;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a first axonometric view of a single spring piece of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a second axonometric view of a single spring piece of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a top view of a planar spring A with a serrated insert structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 1-Outer material ring, 2-Inner material ring, 3-First fixed end, 4-AF thread, 5-Second fixed end, 6-X-axis thread, 7-Corner connecting piece, 8-Y-axis thread, 9-Third fixed end. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationships commonly used when the product is in use. These terms are used solely for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in the description of this application is only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" in the description of this application does not imply that the component is required to be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that it may be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but rather that it may be slightly tilted.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] This embodiment discloses a three-dimensional spring structure, which is mainly used in the voice coil motor used in miniature cameras to provide elastic support / limiting effect for the moving parts of the voice coil motor.

[0040] Since this spring is an independent component in the voice coil motor, in order to explain the special functions and structural characteristics of this component, it is necessary to first briefly explain the structure of the voice coil motor and even the miniature camera used in this spring.

[0041] The miniature camera mainly consists of three parts: a base, a voice coil motor, and a lens module. The base is connected to the voice coil motor, and the lens module is connected to the voice coil motor. In this embodiment, the voice coil motor is only used to control the zoom and ISO image stabilization of the lens module.

[0042] The voice coil motor has two opposing movable ends, namely a carrier and a bracket, both of which are ring-shaped structures. The bracket is fixed to the base, while the lens module is nested on the carrier and fixedly connected. The carrier and the bracket are elastically connected by two sets of spring contacts.

[0043] In this embodiment, the axial direction of the lens module is defined as the Z-axis, and the sensor plane on the base that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the lens module is defined as the X / Y axis plane.

[0044] The upper spring sheet on the Z-axis facing outwards from the lens module adopts a common planar spring sheet structure, while the lower spring sheet adopts the three-dimensional spring structure described in this embodiment.

[0045] Specifically, the three-dimensional spring structure includes at least two independent planar spring structures, namely planar spring A and planar spring B. Planar spring A and planar spring B are both etched from metal sheets of the same thickness, and in their static state, they are single-layer thin sheet structures, which can be considered as planar structures.

[0046] In some embodiments, the planar spring A is located on the X / Y axis plane and includes multiple parts, which are respectively connected to the base, the bracket and the carrier.

[0047] The elastic portion of the planar spring A is mainly located between the carrier and the support. Since the carrier and the support are nested together in this embodiment, they can only perform linear reciprocating motion along the Z-axis. The elastic portion of the planar spring A, in conjunction with the upper spring, provides mutual elastic support / limitation between the carrier and the support, that is, it provides support / limitation for the lens module on the Z-axis, and can be regarded as an AF spring.

[0048] Furthermore, the planar spring B includes at least two independent pieces, and the planes on which the two pieces are located are perpendicular to each other and simultaneously perpendicular to the planar spring A.

[0049] Both plates are connected between the support and the base, causing the support to be in a "floating" state relative to the base. In this embodiment, there is a spatial gap between the support and the base, allowing spatial displacement between them.

[0050] Preferably, the bracket and the base move relative to each other mainly in the X / Y axis plane, thereby forming image stabilization support / limiting between the lens and the sensor in the X / Y axis plane through two planar springs B.

[0051] In this embodiment, the spring sheet provides elastic support / limiting effect between the moving parts, and the motion control between the two moving parts is achieved through an electromagnetic component. The electromagnetic component mainly includes a magnet and an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is externally controlled and powered, thereby forming a directional magnetic field that generates a mutual force between the magnetic field and the magnet, thus realizing the motion control between the two moving parts.

[0052] This embodiment does not limit the specific setup method, as long as a magnet and an electromagnetic coil are respectively set between the two components.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the planar state diagram of the three-dimensional spring structure during the production process is displayed. As can be seen in the figure, the planar spring A is formed from a single square plate through an etching process, and includes four independent parts located at the four corners, which are connected and fixed by the outer material ring 11 and the inner material ring 22.

[0054] When the outer material ring 11 connects to the planar spring A of each independent part, it mainly has three sprues, which connect to two fixed ends and a corner structure respectively. When the inner material ring 22 connects to the planar spring A of each independent part, it has only one sprue, which connects to the innermost fixed end of the elastic part of the planar spring A.

[0055] The two outer fixed ends are fixed to the base and the bracket respectively, and are connected by a corner structure. There are independent planar spring pieces B between the fixed ends and the corner structure, and between the fixed ends and the elastic part. The two planar spring pieces B on the same planar spring piece A are perpendicular to each other, and correspond to the elastic support / limiting of the X-axis and Y-axis respectively.

[0056] The elastic part connects the bracket and the carrier, and provides elastic support / limitation to the lens module in the Z-axis direction through a filament structure with a certain extension length on the X / Y axis plane.

[0057] During installation, directly install and fix the spring inside the voice coil motor, and after securing the lens module and base, simply cut it directly from the sprue using a tool. After cutting open the inner and outer material rings 11, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the entire shrapnel consists of four independent parts.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the axial structure of each three-dimensional spring is illustrated.

[0059] The planar spring A, from the outside to the inside, includes a third fixed end 99, a corner connecting piece 77, a second fixed end 55, an AF thread 44, and a first fixed end 33. Each of the third fixed end 99, the corner connecting piece 77, and the second fixed end 55 has a slot, each slot having a different length but the same width, and is formed in one step during the spring etching process.

[0060] A y-axis thread 88 is provided between the third fixed end 99 and the corner connecting piece 77, and an x-axis thread 66 is provided between the second fixed end 55 and the corner connecting piece 77. Both the y-axis thread 88 and the x-axis thread 66 are planar spring pieces B.

[0061] As shown in the figure, both the y-axis wire 88 and the x-axis wire 66 have a bend extension of equal width in the same plane. This bend extension is the main body of the wire, which provides elastic support / limiting force in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the corresponding spring piece through deformation.

[0062] Furthermore, since the y-axis wire 88 and x-axis wire 66 are relatively wide to improve structural strength, and significantly wider than the AF wire 44 which serves as the elastic support / limiter for Z-axis displacement, multiple cutouts are provided on the y-axis wire 88 and x-axis wire 66 in this embodiment to reduce their elastic support force. This creates multiple openings while maintaining a constant width, thereby reducing the overall elastic coefficient and support force, facilitating the actuation of the electromagnetic mechanism.

[0063] The two ends of the y-axis thread 88 and the x-axis thread 66 are provided with protruding pins. The pins are integrally formed with the spring pieces, and their size is close to or slightly larger than the size of the socket. They are fixed by means of snap-fit ​​or interference fit to achieve the specified connection between the planar spring piece B and the planar spring piece A.

[0064] However, since the connector and pins are only snap-fitted together, they serve only as a pre-connection method between the two parts during the assembly process. After the two parts are connected, they are then further processed by adhesive or soldering, and the parameters are adjusted according to requirements to obtain the optimal elasticity coefficient.

[0065] This fixing method, compared to the bending method used in existing technologies, can reduce the internal stress of components, thereby improving structural strength, yield, and production efficiency. Furthermore, since planar spring A and planar spring B are both independent structures, with their main stress-bearing parts being the main wire body, this plug-in fixing method does not cause a significant change in their elastic coefficient, and it is also less difficult to process compared to external thickening and reinforcement.

[0066] In some embodiments, the socket structure is adjusted to optimize its fixed connection strength. The socket in the above embodiments is a single rectangular opening; after optimization, the single socket on a single area of ​​the spring contact is optimized into multiple small-sized openings, such as... Figure 6 As shown. The pins on the y-axis connector 88 and the x-axis connector 66 have a serrated structure. After being inserted into the corresponding socket, multiple rows of connecting parts are formed in a single area. By reducing the size of the socket and increasing the number of sockets in a single area, the connection stability can be ensured while reducing the use of solder paste.

[0067] To verify the impact of the change in the socket structure on its strength and elastic characteristics, simulation tests were conducted on a spring with a thickness of 0.04 mm, the structure of which is shown in the table below:

[0068]

[0069]

[0070] The table above shows the simulation test results for a 0.04mm thick spring. Compared to a single opening, the stress change and K-value change at this thickness also meet the requirements. At the same time, due to the structure design of multiple sockets and serrated pins, effective pre-fixation can be formed before soldering, thereby improving assembly efficiency and reducing the amount of solder paste used.

[0071] This invention is not limited to the optional embodiments described above, and anyone can derive other various forms of products based on the inspiration of this invention. The specific embodiments described above should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention; the scope of protection of this invention should be determined by the claims, and the specification can be used to interpret the claims.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional spring composed of planar spring pieces, which is used in a voice coil motor to provide elastic support and limiting effect in several directions for the moving parts, characterized in that: It includes planar spring A and planar spring B, which are independent structures that are in contact with each other and fixedly connected. The angle between the planes containing planar spring A and planar spring B is not zero. Before installing planar spring B, a socket is opened on planar spring A. Planar spring B has pins. During installation, the pins are inserted into the corresponding sockets to form a connection. The connection is fixed at the socket. The planar spring A and planar spring B are fixedly connected by soldering, welding, applying glue or bonding to an external fixing structure.

2. A planar spring combination of claim 1, wherein: The socket is equipped with a serrated fixing member, and the plug is inserted into the socket and locked by the serrated fixing member.

3. A planar spring combination of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It includes several planar springs A, and at least two adjacent planar springs A have a non-zero angle between their planes.

4. A planar spring combination of claim 3, wherein: There are at least two planar springs A and one planar spring B whose planes are perpendicular to each other.

5. A three-dimensional spring with a planar spring assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: in, A planar spring A, whose included angle between the planes is not zero, is connected by a corner connecting piece (7).

6. A three-dimensional spring with a planar spring assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The planar spring A has a connecting part and a thread disposed between the connecting part to provide elasticity.

7. A three-dimensional spring with a planar spring assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The filament is a sheet integrally formed with the connecting part and has the same thickness. The filament has several corners in the same plane and several hollow grooves on its surface.

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