Dual magnetic drive system for optomechanical systems of electronic devices

Abstract

A dual drive system (1) has a drive axis (A) and includes a first magnet (2), a second magnet (3), a first coil (4) and a second coil (5). The first magnet (2), the second magnet (3), the first coil (4) and the second coil (5) are arranged in a manner that at least partially overlaps in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis (A). Operating a current in the first coil (4) generates a first movement (M1) along the drive axis (A), and operating a current in the second coil (5) generates a second movement (M2) along the drive axis (A). The first movement (M1) and the second movement (M2) are independent of each other. By arranging the coils and the magnets of the dual drive system in an overlapping manner, a very compact solution is provided, which is beneficial to the appearance of an optomechanical system and an electronic device in which the optomechanical system is to be arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a dual drive system with a drive shaft, the drive system comprising a magnet and a coil. Background Art

[0002] There are several difficulties in optomechanical systems for portable electronic devices. Preferably, electronic devices such as mobile phones have as small external dimensions as possible, while optomechanical systems need to be of a certain size in order to provide sufficiently good image clarity, spatial frequency, sensitivity, etc.

[0003] Conventional optical zoom cameras usually include two moving lens groups, one for focus and one for zoom, which utilize separate actuators, such as voice coil actuators. The two actuators are independent units that occupy a certain volume and affect the appearance of the camera module. Specifically, the optomechanical system including the deformable lens that requires mechanical deformation occupies a large space because of the high deformation force of hundreds of millinewtons required. The force generation efficiency of most common voice coil actuators is still relatively low relative to the power consumption, so the size of the magnet and coil must be several millimeters.

[0004] Therefore, most imaging zooms in portable electronic devices are digital zooms, which unfortunately affects the resolution of images captured using the camera. Digital zoom does not add any information to the image, but simply crops and scales a portion of the original image to a larger size. On the other hand, optical zoom uses a lens to magnify the object and provide more details at the original resolution, thereby providing a higher resolution image. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved dual drive system. The above and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Other implementations are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a dual drive system is provided, which has a drive axis and includes a first magnet, a second magnet, a first coil and a second coil, wherein the first magnet, the second magnet, the first coil and the second coil are arranged in a manner of at least partial overlap in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis; wherein operating the current in the first coil will generate a first movement along the drive axis, and operating the current in the second coil will generate a second movement along the drive axis; and the first movement and the second movement are independent of each other.

[0007] By arranging the coils and the magnets in an overlapping manner, this solution helps to achieve a very compact dual drive system. By providing two drivers, the same volume is partially utilized during the driving process, which is beneficial to the appearance of the drive system as well as the optomechanical system and the electronic device in which the optomechanical system is to be arranged. The dual drive system has a relatively narrow or thin shape to minimize the width or height of the optomechanical system, and also has a reasonable length to ensure that a relatively long optical zoom module can usually be accommodated. The combination of such drivers into a separate unit also reduces costs.

[0008] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first magnet and the second magnet are fixedly arranged along the driving shaft, and the first coil and the second coil can move along the driving shaft relative to the first magnet and the second magnet; or the first coil and the second coil are fixedly arranged along the driving shaft, and the first magnet and the second magnet can move along the driving shaft relative to the first coil and the second coil.

[0009] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first magnet and the second magnet are separated by a first gap in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis, and one of the first coil and the second coil is arranged in the first gap; or the first coil and the second coil are separated by a first gap in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis, and one of the first magnet and the second magnet is arranged in the first gap.

[0010] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the dual drive system further includes a third magnet or a third coil, which is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis in a manner that at least partially overlaps with the first magnet, the second magnet, the first coil, and the second coil; the second magnet and the third magnet or the second coil and the third coil are separated by a second gap in the direction. The more layers of magnets or coils used, the greater the operating force.

[0011] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first coil and the second coil or the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged in the first gap, thereby realizing a narrower and / or thinner dual drive system that requires as small a volume as possible.

[0012] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first coil is arranged in the second gap.

[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the current generates a first electromagnetic field on both sides of the first coil, and the first electromagnetic field generates a first electromotive force between the first coil, the first magnet and the second magnet or between the first coil, the second magnet and the third magnet.

[0014] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the current generates a second electromagnetic field on both sides of the second coil, and the second electromagnetic field generates a second electromotive force between the second coil, the first magnet, and the second magnet.

[0015] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the current generates a first electromagnetic field on both sides of the first coil, and the first electromagnetic field generates a first electromotive force between the first coil, the second magnet and the third magnet; the current generates a second electromagnetic field on both sides of the second coil, and the second electromagnetic field generates a second electromotive force between the second coil, the first magnet and the second magnet, thereby realizing a narrower dual drive system that requires as small a volume as possible.

[0016] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the dual drive system includes the third magnet, the third coil and the fourth coil, the first coil and the third coil are interconnected to move simultaneously during the first movement process; the second coil and the fourth coil are interconnected to move simultaneously during the second movement process; the first coil and the second coil are arranged in the first gap; the third coil and the fourth coil are arranged in the second gap, thereby realizing a dual drive system that generates the largest possible operating force.

[0017] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the current generates a first electromagnetic field on both sides of the first coil, and a second electromagnetic field on both sides of the second coil; the first electromagnetic field generates a first electromotive force between the first magnet, the first coil and the second coil, and the second electromagnetic field generates a second electromotive force between the second magnet, the first coil and the second coil, thereby realizing a thinner dual-drive system that requires as small a volume as possible.

[0018] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the dual drive system includes the third coil, the third magnet and the fourth magnet, the first magnet and the third magnet are interconnected to move simultaneously during the first movement; the second magnet and the fourth magnet are interconnected to move simultaneously during the second movement; the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged in the first gap; the third magnet and the fourth magnet are arranged in the second gap, thereby realizing a dual drive system that generates the largest possible operating force.

[0019] In yet another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first movement and the second movement occur simultaneously.

[0020] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first movement and the second movement occur along the same direction of the drive shaft and / or along opposite directions of the drive shaft.

[0021] According to a second aspect, an optomechanical system is provided, which comprises at least a first lens, a second lens and a dual drive system as described above, wherein a drive axis of the dual drive system extends parallel to the optical axes of the first lens and the second lens; one of a first magnet and a first coil is interconnected with the first lens, so that a first movement generated in the dual drive system causes the first lens to move along the optical axis; one of a second magnet and a second coil is interconnected with the second lens, so that a second movement generated in the dual drive system causes the second lens to move along the optical axis.

[0022] This solution helps to realize a very compact optomechanical system. By providing two drivers, the same volume is partially utilized during the driving process, which is beneficial to the appearance of the optomechanical system and the electronic device in which the optomechanical system is to be arranged.

[0023] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, one of the third magnet and the third coil is interconnected with the first lens, so that the first movement generated in the dual drive system causes the first lens to move along the optical axis; one of the fourth magnet and the fourth coil is interconnected with the second lens, so that the second movement generated in the dual drive system causes the second lens to move along the optical axis, thereby realizing an optical-mechanical system that utilizes the largest possible operating force.

[0024] According to a third aspect, an electronic device comprising the above-mentioned optomechanical system is provided. The reduced volume of the dual drive system and the optomechanical system can free up space in the electronic device, and the space can be used to accommodate additional hardware components such as an additional camera.

[0025] This and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the following detailed description of the present invention, aspects, embodiments and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional side view of an optomechanical system including a dual drive system provided by one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional side view of an optomechanical system including a dual drive system provided by one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional side view of an optomechanical system including a dual drive system provided by one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional side view of an optomechanical system including a dual drive system provided by one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional side view of an optomechanical system including a dual drive system provided by one embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present invention relates to a dual drive system 1 having a common drive axis A. The drive system 1 comprises at least a first magnet 2, a second magnet 3, a first coil 4 and a second coil 5. The first magnet 2, the second magnet 3, the first coil 4 and the second coil 5 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis A in a manner that at least partially overlaps.

[0033] The drive system 1 is operated in the following manner: operating the current in the first coil 4, the current generates a first movement M1 along the drive axis A; operating the current in the second coil 5, the current generates a second movement M2 along the drive axis A. The first movement M1 and the second movement M2 are independent of each other. The first movement M1 and the second movement M2 can be generated simultaneously. Further, the first movement M1 and the second movement M2 can be generated in the same direction of the drive axis A and / or in opposite directions of the drive axis A.

[0034] Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment is shown, wherein the first magnet 2 and the second magnet 3 are fixedly arranged along the drive axis A, and the first coil 4 and the second coil 5 are movable along the drive axis A relative to the first magnet 2 and the second magnet 3 .

[0035] The first magnet 2 and the second magnet 3 may be separated by a first gap 6 in a direction perpendicular to the driving axis A, and one of the first coil 4 and the second coil 5 may be arranged in the first gap 6 .

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, both the first coil 4 and the second coil 5 may be arranged in the first gap 6 .

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the dual drive system 1 may further include a third magnet 7, which is arranged in a manner that at least partially overlaps with the first magnet 2, the second magnet 3, the first coil 4 and the second coil 5 in the direction perpendicular to the drive axis A. The second magnet 3 and the third magnet 7 may be separated by a second gap 10 in the direction perpendicular to the drive axis A. Figure 1 As shown, the first coil 4 may be arranged in the second gap 10 .

[0038] The current can generate a first electromagnetic field on both sides of the first coil 4 , and the first electromagnetic field generates a first electromotive force between the first coil 4 , the first magnet 2 and the second magnet 3 or between the first coil 4 , the second magnet 3 and the third magnet 7 .

[0039] The current can also generate a second electromagnetic field on both sides of the second coil 5 , and the second electromagnetic field generates a second electromotive force between the second coil 5 , the first magnet 2 , and the second magnet 3 .

[0040] Figure 3 An embodiment is shown, wherein the dual drive system 1 comprises the third magnet 7, the third coil 8 and the fourth coil 9. The first coil 4 and the third coil 8 are interconnected to move simultaneously during the first movement M1. The second coil 5 and the fourth coil 9 are interconnected to move simultaneously during the second movement M2.

[0041] Furthermore, the first coil 4 and the second coil 5 are arranged in the first gap 6 , and the third coil 8 and the fourth coil 9 are arranged in the second gap 10 .

[0042] Figure 1 An embodiment is shown, wherein the current generates a first electromagnetic field on both sides of the first coil 4, and the first electromagnetic field generates a first electromotive force between the first coil 4, the second magnet 3 and the third magnet 7. In addition, the current generates a second electromagnetic field on both sides of the second coil 5, and the second electromagnetic field generates a second electromotive force between the second coil 5, the first magnet 2 and the second magnet 3.

[0043] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An embodiment is shown, wherein the first coil 4 and the second coil 5 are fixedly arranged along the drive axis A, and the first magnet 2 and the second magnet 3 are movable along the drive axis A relative to the first coil 4 and the second coil 5 .

[0044] The first coil 4 and the second coil 5 may be separated by a first gap 6 in a direction perpendicular to the driving axis A, and one of the first magnet 2 and the second magnet 3 may be arranged in the first gap 6 .

[0045] Both the first magnet 2 and the second magnet 3 may be arranged in the first gap 6 .

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the current can generate a first electromagnetic field on both sides of the first coil 4 and a second electromagnetic field on both sides of the second coil 5. The first electromagnetic field generates a first electromotive force between the first magnet 2, the first coil 4 and the second coil 5, and the second electromagnetic field generates a second electromotive force between the second magnet 3, the first coil 4 and the second coil 5.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, the dual drive system 1 may further include a third coil 8, which is arranged in a manner that at least partially overlaps with the first magnet 2, the second magnet 3, the first coil 4, and the second coil 5 in the direction perpendicular to the drive axis A. The second coil 5 and the third coil 8 may be separated by a second gap 10 in the direction perpendicular to the drive axis A.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the dual drive system may include the third coil 8, the third magnet 7 and the fourth magnet 14. The first magnet 2 and the third magnet 7 are interconnected to move simultaneously during the first movement M1. The second magnet 3 and the fourth magnet 14 are interconnected to move simultaneously during the second movement M2. In addition, the first magnet 2 and the second magnet 3 are arranged in the first gap 6, and the third magnet 7 and the fourth magnet 14 are arranged in the second gap 10.

[0049] The present invention also relates to an optomechanical system 11, which comprises at least a first lens 12, a second lens 13 and the dual drive system 1 as described above. The drive axis A of the dual drive system 1 extends parallel to the optical axis O of the first lens 12 and the second lens 13. The first lens 12 and the second lens 13 may be solid injection molded lenses or deformable optical elements made of soft materials.

[0050] In addition, the first lens 12 may be a group of lenses including a plurality of lenses, and may be used for focusing, for example; the second lens 13 may be a group of lenses including a plurality of lenses, and may be used for zooming, for example.

[0051] One of the first magnet 2 and the first coil 4 is interconnected with the first lens 12, so that the first movement M1 generated in the dual drive system 1 causes the first lens 12 to move along the optical axis O. Correspondingly, one of the second magnet 3 and the second coil 5 is interconnected with the second lens 13, so that the second movement M2 generated in the dual drive system 1 causes the second lens 13 to move along the optical axis O. The interconnection can be achieved by a manipulator arm, as shown in the figure.

[0052] One of the third magnet 7 and the third coil 8 can also be interconnected with the first lens 12, so that the first movement M1 generated in the dual drive system 1 causes the first lens 12 to move along the optical axis O. Correspondingly, one of the fourth magnet 14 and the fourth coil 9 can also be interconnected with the second lens 13, so that the second movement M2 generated in the dual drive system 1 causes the second lens 13 to move along the optical axis O.

[0053] The optomechanical system 11 may be included in a common housing (not shown), which is then arranged in the electronic device. The optomechanical system 11 may also include a support structure, a magnet circuit, and a guide flexure.

[0054] The present invention also relates to an electronic device, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer or a camera, comprising the above-mentioned optomechanical system 11. The reduced volume of the dual drive system and the optomechanical system can free up space in the electronic device, which can be used to accommodate additional hardware elements such as additional cameras. Optically, it is preferred that the optical axes of multiple cameras are set as close to each other as possible to eliminate parallax and calculation errors.

[0055] Various aspects and implementations have been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments. However, by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments when implementing the claimed subject matter. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "one" or "an" does not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can satisfy the functions of several items described in the claims. The listing of certain measures in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that the combination of these measures cannot be effectively used. The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided together with other hardware or as part of other hardware, and may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0056] The reference signs used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings should be read in conjunction with the specification (e.g., cross-hatching, component arrangement, scale, degrees, etc.) and should be considered part of the complete written description of the invention. The terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "upper" and "lower" and their adjective and adverb derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "rightward", "upward", etc.) used in the specification refer only to the direction of the structure shown when a particular drawing is facing the reader. Similarly, the terms "inward" and "outward" generally refer to the direction of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or axis of rotation, as the case may be.

Claims

1. A dual drive system (1), characterized in that: The dual drive system (1) is applied to a first lens (12) and a second lens (13); the first lens (12) is used for focusing; the second lens (13) is used for zooming; the drive system comprises: a first magnet (2), a second magnet (3), a first coil (4) and a second coil (5), The first magnet (2), the second magnet (3), the first coil (4) and the second coil (5) are arranged in a manner of at least partially overlapping in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis (A); Wherein, operating the current in the first coil (4) generates a first movement (M1) along the drive axis (A), and operating the current in the second coil (5) generates a second movement (M2) along the drive axis (A); the drive axis (A) of the dual drive system (1) extends parallel to the optical axis (O) of the first lens (12) and the second lens (13); the first movement (M1) and the second movement (M2) are independent of each other; the first magnet (2) and one of the first coils (4) are interconnected with the first lens (12), and the first movement (M1) causes the first lens (12) to move along the optical axis (O); the second magnet (3) and one of the second coils (5) are interconnected with the second lens (13), and the second movement (M2) causes the second lens (13) to move along the optical axis (O).

2. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first magnet (2) and the second magnet (3) are fixedly arranged along the drive axis (A), and the first coil (4) and the second coil (5) are movable along the drive axis (A) relative to the first magnet (2) and the second magnet (3); or The first coil (4) and the second coil (5) are fixedly arranged along the driving axis (A), and the first magnet (2) and the second magnet (3) are movable along the driving axis (A) relative to the first coil (4) and the second coil (5).

3. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first magnet (2) and the second magnet (3) are separated by a first gap (6) in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis (A), and one of the first coil (4) and the second coil (5) is arranged in the first gap (6); or The first coil (4) and the second coil (5) are separated by a first gap (6) in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis (A), and one of the first magnet (2) and the second magnet (3) is arranged in the first gap (6).

4. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a third magnet (7) or a third coil (8), wherein the third magnet (7) or the third coil (8) is arranged in a manner that at least partially overlaps with the first magnet (2), the second magnet (3), the first coil (4) and the second coil (5) in the direction perpendicular to the driving axis (A); The second magnet (3) and the third magnet (7) or the second coil (5) and the third coil (8) are separated by a second gap (10) in the direction.

5. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first coil (4) and the second coil (5) or The first magnet (2) and the second magnet (3) are arranged in the first gap (6).

6. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first coil (4) is arranged in the second gap (10).

7. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The current generates a first electromagnetic field on both sides of the first coil (4), and the first electromagnetic field generates a first electromotive force between the first coil (4), the first magnet (2) and the second magnet (3) or between the first coil (4), the second magnet (3) and the third magnet (7).

8. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The current generates a second electromagnetic field on both sides of the second coil (5), and the second electromagnetic field generates a second electromotive force between the second coil (5), the first magnet (2) and the second magnet (3).

9. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The current generates a first electromagnetic field on both sides of the first coil (4), and the first electromagnetic field generates a first electromotive force between the first coil (4), the second magnet (3) and the third magnet (7); the current generates a second electromagnetic field on both sides of the second coil (5), and the second electromagnetic field generates a second electromotive force between the second coil (5), the first magnet (2) and the second magnet (3).

10. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that: comprising the third magnet (7), the third coil (8) and the fourth coil (9), The first coil (4) and the third coil (8) are interconnected to move simultaneously during the first movement (M1); The second coil (5) and the fourth coil (9) are interconnected to move simultaneously during the second movement (M2); The first coil (4) and the second coil (5) are arranged in the first gap (6), and the third coil (8) and the fourth coil (9) are arranged in the second gap (10).

11. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The current generates a first electromagnetic field on both sides of the first coil (4), and generating a second electromagnetic field on both sides of the second coil (5); The first electromagnetic field generates a first electromotive force between the first magnet (2), the first coil (4) and the second coil (5), and the second electromagnetic field generates a second electromotive force between the second magnet (3), the first coil (4) and the second coil (5).

12. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that: comprising the third coil (8), the third magnet (7) and the fourth magnet (14), The first magnet (2) and the third magnet (7) are interconnected to move simultaneously during the first movement (M1); The second magnet (3) and the fourth magnet (14) are interconnected to move simultaneously during the second movement (M2); The first magnet (2) and the second magnet (3) are arranged in the first gap (6); The third magnet (7) and the fourth magnet (14) are arranged in the second gap (10).

13. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first movement (M1) and the second movement (M2) occur simultaneously.

14. The dual drive system (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The first movement (M1) and the second movement (M2) occur in the same direction of the drive axis (A) and / or in opposite directions of the drive axis (A).

15. An optical-mechanical system (11), characterized in that: At least comprising a first lens (12), a second lens (13) and a dual drive system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a drive axis (A) of the dual drive system (1) extends parallel to an optical axis (O) of the first lens (12) and the second lens (13); One of the first magnet (2) and the first coil (4) is interconnected with the first lens (12) so that a first movement (M1) generated within the dual drive system (1) causes the first lens (12) to move along the optical axis (O); The second magnet (3) and one of the second coils (5) are interconnected with the second lens (13) so that a second movement (M2) generated within the dual drive system (1) causes the second lens (13) to move along the optical axis (O).

16. The optomechanical system (11) according to claim 15, characterized in that: One of the third magnet (7) and the third coil (8) is interconnected with the first lens (12) so that a first movement (M1) generated within the dual drive system (1) causes the first lens (12) to move along the optical axis (O); A fourth magnet (14) and one of the fourth coils (9) are interconnected with the second lens (13) so that a second movement (M2) generated within the dual drive system (1) causes the second lens (13) to move along the optical axis (O).

17. An electronic device, characterized in that: Comprising an optomechanical system (11) according to any one of claims 15 or 16.

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