Optical element driving mechanism

Abstract

An optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed part, a movable part, a driving assembly, and a first counterweight element. The movable part and the fixed part are arranged along an optical axis. The movable part is movable relative to the fixed part. The driving assembly is configured to drive the movable part to move relative to the fixed part. The first counterweight element is fixedly connected to the fixed part. The driving assembly is disposed on the first counterweight element.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of technology, many electronic devices today (such as smartphones or digital cameras) have the function of taking pictures or recording videos. The use of these electronic devices is becoming more and more common, and they are developing towards convenient and thinner designs to provide users with more choices.

[0003] The aforementioned electronic devices with photographic or video recording functions typically include an optical element driving mechanism to drive optical elements (such as a lens) to move along the optical axis, thereby achieving autofocus (AF) or optical image stabilization (OIS). Light can pass through the aforementioned optical elements and form an image on the photosensitive element. However, the current trend in mobile devices is to achieve smaller size and higher durability; therefore, effectively reducing the size of the optical element driving mechanism and improving its durability has become an important issue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an optical element driving mechanism to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] This invention provides an optical element driving mechanism, which includes a fixed part, a movable part, a driving assembly, and a first counterweight element. The movable part and the fixed part are arranged along an optical axis. The movable part is movable relative to the fixed part. The driving assembly is used to drive the movable part to move relative to the fixed part. The first counterweight element is fixedly connected to the fixed part. The driving assembly is disposed on the first counterweight element.

[0006] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the material of the first counterweight element is different from the material of the fixing part. The density of the first counterweight element is greater than the density of the fixing part.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the optical element driving mechanism further includes a sensing component. The sensing component can sense the movement of the movable part relative to the fixed part. The sensing component includes a sensing element and a magnetic element. The sensing element is disposed on the fixed part. The magnetic element is disposed on the movable part.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the drive assembly includes a drive element, a conduction element, and a second counterweight element. The conduction element is connected to the drive element. The second counterweight element is connected to the drive element. The density of the second counterweight element is greater than the density of the fixing portion.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the driving element is positioned between the conducting element and the second counterweight element, and the second counterweight element is disposed within the first counterweight element.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the optical element driving mechanism further includes an adhesive element. The adhesive element is disposed between the first counterweight element and the second counterweight element.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the movable portion includes a first recess and a first opening. The first opening is located in the first recess. A conductive element passes through the first opening.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the optical element driving mechanism further includes a first elastic element and a plurality of second elastic elements. The first elastic element is positioned within a first opening. The second elastic elements are partially positioned within the first opening. The first elastic element surrounds the second elastic elements and the conductive element. The second elastic elements are located between the first elastic element and the conductive element. The driving assembly is movably connected to the moving part via the first elastic element and the second elastic elements.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the second elastic element includes a plurality of flat portions for positioning the second elastic element. The fixing portion also includes a top surface. The top surface is perpendicular to the optical axis. The flat portions are parallel to the top surface. The flat portions are disposed in the first recess.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the fixing part further includes a ring structure and a base. The ring structure surrounds the conductive element. The ring structure extends from the top surface toward the base in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the base includes a second opening. A conductive element passes through both the first and second openings. When viewed along an optical axis, the first and second openings at least partially overlap.

[0016] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the optical element driving mechanism further includes a first buffer element and a second buffer element. The first buffer element is located between the ring structure and the conductive element. The second buffer element is located between the second opening and the conductive element.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the movable part includes a first stop element and a second stop element. The fixed part includes a housing and a base. The housing includes a top surface. When the movable part moves to a first extreme position, the first stop element contacts the top surface. When the movable part moves to a second extreme position, the second stop element contacts the base.

[0018] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the optical element driving mechanism further includes a plurality of support elements. The support elements are fixedly connected to the base. The support elements pass through the movable portion to assist the movable portion in moving between a first limit position and a second limit position.

[0019] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the optical element driving mechanism further includes a circuit assembly. The base includes a retaining wall. The retaining wall extends from the base toward a top surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis. The housing also includes a sidewall. The sidewall extends from the top surface toward the base in another direction parallel to the optical axis. The sidewall is perpendicular to the top surface. The circuit assembly is disposed on the retaining wall. The circuit assembly, the retaining wall, and the sidewall are parallel to each other. The driving assembly is electrically connected to the circuit assembly.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the fixing part includes a top surface, a first bottom surface, and a second bottom surface. The first bottom surface and the second bottom surface are parallel to the top surface, and when viewed along any direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the horizontal position of the first bottom surface is lower than the horizontal position of the second bottom surface. The distance between the first bottom surface and the top surface is greater than the distance between the second bottom surface and the top surface.

[0021] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the movable portion includes a first recess. The fixed portion also includes a second recess. When viewed along the optical axis, the first recess, the second recess, and the first bottom surface overlap.

[0022] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the fixing part includes an extension portion, wherein the extension portion includes a first wall and a second wall, the first wall being perpendicular to the second wall, and when viewed along the optical axis, the shortest distance between the first counterweight element and the optical axis is greater than the shortest distance between the extension portion and the optical axis.

[0023] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first counterweight element includes a hollow portion and a protrusion. The fixing portion also includes a sidewall and a base. The sidewall is parallel to the optical axis. At least a portion of the drive assembly is housed within the hollow portion. The protrusion projects upward from the first counterweight element in a direction parallel to the optical axis. When viewed along the optical axis, the protrusion is located between the base and the sidewall.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first counterweight element further includes a plurality of snap-fit ​​structures. The first wall and the second wall each include a recess. When viewed along any direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the recesses are at the same horizontal position. The snap-fit ​​structures can engage with the recesses respectively to securely connect the first counterweight element to the base.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are that the specific relative positions and size relationships of the components disclosed herein not only enable the drive mechanism to achieve thinning in a specific direction and overall miniaturization, but also allow the counterweight components to withstand the reaction force during the operation of the drive components, thereby stabilizing the drive assembly and reducing energy consumption. This results in better characteristics for the optical element drive mechanism, such as increasing the moving speed of the moving part relative to the fixed part. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in accordance with industry standard practice, many features are not shown to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. In fact, the dimensions of the components may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced to clearly demonstrate the features of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the optical element drive mechanism shown according to certain features of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of an optical element drive mechanism shown according to certain features of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2B The outer casing is shown with dashed lines. Figure 2A Optical element drive mechanism.

[0030] Figure 3A When the moving part is in its first extreme position, along Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of the optical element drive mechanism extracted from line A-A'.

[0031] Figure 3B When the moving part is at its second extreme position, along Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of the optical element drive mechanism extracted from line A-A'.

[0032] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the first counterweight element and the drive assembly based on certain features of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4B This is a side view of the first counterweight element and the drive assembly according to certain features of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an optical element drive mechanism shown according to certain features of this disclosure. For the purpose of illustration, the first counterweight element is shown in dashed lines.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the optical element drive mechanism shown in accordance with certain features of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7AThis is a side view of the optical element drive mechanism, in which the fixing part and the first counterweight element are shown in dashed lines.

[0037] Figure 7B This is a side view of the optical element drive mechanism shown according to certain features of this disclosure.

[0038] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0039] 100: Activities Department

[0040] 110: First recessed portion

[0041] 120: First Opening

[0042] 130: First stop element

[0043] 140: Second stop element

[0044] 200: Fixing part

[0045] 210: Outer shell

[0046] 211: Top surface

[0047] 212: Sidewall

[0048] 213: Ring Structure

[0049] 220: Base

[0050] 221: Retaining Wall

[0051] 222: Second recess

[0052] 223: Second opening

[0053] 224: Extension

[0054] 2241: The First Wall

[0055] 2242: The Second Wall

[0056] 2243: Notch

[0057] 225: First base

[0058] 226: Second base

[0059] 300: First counterweight element

[0060] 310: Hollow section

[0061] 320: Snap-fit ​​structure

[0062] 330: Protrusion

[0063] 400: Driver Components

[0064] 410: Conductive element

[0065] 420: Drive element

[0066] 430: Second counterweight element

[0067] 500: Circuit components

[0068] 610: First buffer element

[0069] 620: Second buffer element

[0070] 710: First elastic element

[0071] 720: Second elastic element

[0072] 721: Flat section

[0073] 800: Sensing Components

[0074] 810: Sensing element

[0075] 820: Magnetic Components

[0076] 900: Support element

[0077] 1000: Optical element drive mechanism

[0078] 1010: Adhesive element

[0079] D1, D2, D3, D4: Distance

[0080] H1, H2: Height

[0081] O: Optical axis Detailed Implementation

[0082] Repeated reference numerals or designations may be used in different embodiments. These repetitions are merely for the purpose of clearly and simply describing this disclosure and do not represent a specific relationship between the different embodiments and / or structures discussed. Furthermore, the formation, connection, and / or coupling to another feature in this disclosure may include embodiments in which the feature is formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional feature elements may be formed to insert into the aforementioned feature, such that the aforementioned feature elements may not be in direct contact. Additionally, spatially related terms such as “vertical,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” and similar terms (e.g., “downward,” “upward,” etc.) may be used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element(s) or feature(s) in the illustrations and another element(s) or feature(s). These spatially related terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device including the feature.

[0083] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It is understood that these terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant art and the background or context of this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner, unless specifically defined herein.

[0084] Furthermore, the use of ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" in the specification and claims to modify elements of the claims does not imply or represent any prior ordinal number for the claimed element, nor does it represent the order of one claimed element with another, or the order of manufacturing methods. The use of multiple ordinal numbers is only to enable a claimed element with a certain name to be clearly distinguished from another claimed element with the same name.

[0085] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this disclosure, terms such as "connection" and "interconnection," unless specifically defined, may refer to two structures in direct contact, or they may refer to two structures that are not in direct contact, with other structures disposed between them. Moreover, these terms regarding joining and connection may also include cases where both structures are movable or both structures are fixed.

[0086] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the optical element drive mechanism 1000 shown according to certain features of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the optical element driving mechanism 1000 includes a movable part 100, a fixed part 200, a first counterweight element 300, a driving assembly 400, a circuit assembly 500, a first buffer element 610, a second buffer element 620, a first elastic element 710, a group of second elastic elements 720, a sensing assembly 800, two support elements 900, and a plurality of adhesive elements 1010. Figure 4B ).

[0087] The movable part 100 may be a carrier for connecting an optical element (not shown), the optical element having an optical axis O, which is substantially parallel to the Z direction. The movable part 100 and the fixed part 200 are arranged along the optical axis O. The movable part 100 can move relative to the fixed part 200 to perform an autofocus function. The movable part 100 includes a first recess 110, a first opening 120, a first stop element 130, and a second stop element 140 (see...). Figures 3A to 3B ).

[0088] The active part 100 has four corners, with the first recess 110 located at the corner closest to the drive assembly 400. For example... Figure 1As shown, the first recess 110 has a recessed structure in the negative Z direction relative to the first stop element 130, and the first opening 120 is located in the first recess 110.

[0089] The fixing part 200 includes a housing 210 and a base 220. The housing 210 includes a top surface 211, four side walls 212, and a ring structure 213 (see...). Figures 3A to 3B The sidewall 212 extends from the top surface 211 in a direction parallel to the optical axis O, and the sidewall 212 is perpendicular to the top surface 211.

[0090] The base 220 includes a retaining wall 221, a second recess 222, a second opening 223, an extension 224, and a first bottom surface 225 (see...). Figures 3A to 3B ) and a second bottom surface 226 (see Figures 3A to 3B ).

[0091] A retaining wall 221 extends from the base 220 toward the top surface 211 in a direction parallel to the optical axis O. The base 220 has four corners, with a second recess 222 located at the corner closest to the drive assembly 400. The second recess 222 has a recessed structure in the negative Z direction. A second opening 223 is located in the second recess 222. The second opening 223 is substantially coaxial with the first opening 120. When viewed along the optical axis O (Z direction), the first opening 120 and the second opening 223 at least partially overlap. An extension 224 extends downward from the second recess 222 in a direction parallel to the optical axis O.

[0092] The first counterweight element 300 is fixedly connected to the base 220. A portion of the drive assembly 400 is disposed within the first counterweight element 300. The connection between the first counterweight element 300 and the base 220, and the configuration of the first counterweight element 300 relative to the drive assembly 400, will be described in detail later. It should be noted that the first counterweight element 300 and the base 220 of the present invention are made of different materials, wherein the density of the first counterweight element 300 is greater than the density of the base 220.

[0093] The drive assembly 400 is used to drive the movable part 100 to move relative to the fixed part 200. The drive assembly 400 includes a conductive element 410, a drive element 420, and a second counterweight element 430. The conductive element 410 passes through the first opening 120 and the second opening 223. The drive element 420 is disposed between the conductive element 410 and the second counterweight element 430. The second counterweight element 430 is disposed on the first counterweight element 300.

[0094] In some embodiments, the material of the driving element 420 may include a piezoelectric material. When an electric field (voltage) is applied to the surface of the piezoelectric material, the electric dipole moment is stretched due to the electric field. To resist the change, the piezoelectric material elongates along the direction of the electric field, thus generating mechanical deformation, which in turn drives the conducting element 410 to move. For example, the electric dipole moment of the driving element 420 may be designed to extend in the Z direction to drive the conducting element 410 to move in the Z direction.

[0095] The density of the second counterweight element 430 may be greater than that of the conductive element 410 to resist reaction forces when the driving element 420 is driven. In some embodiments, the material of the conductive element 410 may include carbon fiber, while the material of the second counterweight element 430 may include metal.

[0096] The circuit assembly 500 has a plate-like structure and is disposed on the retaining wall 221. The circuit assembly 500 and the retaining wall 221 are parallel to one of the side walls 212 (e.g., a side wall parallel to the YZ plane). The drive assembly 400 is electrically connected to the circuit assembly 500.

[0097] The first buffer element 610 and the second buffer element 620 may be respectively disposed on and surrounding the conductive element 410. The first buffer element 610 and the second buffer element 620 may be made of an elastic material (e.g., silicone). The first buffer element 610 and the second buffer element 620 may be movably connected to the conductive element 410 by frictional contact to define the position of the conductive element 410.

[0098] The first elastic element 710 has a hollow structure. A set of second elastic elements 720 includes a total of four flat portions 721, which are disposed on the first recess 110 to position the second elastic elements 720. The flat portions 721 are parallel to the top surface 211.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first elastic element 710 and the second elastic element 720 may comprise different materials. For example, in some embodiments, the first elastic element 710 may comprise a soft material, while the second elastic element 720 may comprise a metallic material.

[0100] The sensing assembly 800 includes a sensing element 810 and a magnetic element 820. The sensing element 810 and the magnetic element 820 can be respectively disposed on the fixed portion 200 (e.g., base 220) and the movable portion 100, or their positions can be interchanged, depending on design requirements. Thus, the position of the movable portion 100 relative to the fixed portion 200 can be sensed. In this embodiment, the sensing element 810 is disposed on the fixed portion 200 and electrically connected to the circuit assembly 500, and the magnetic element 820 is disposed within the movable portion 100.

[0101] In some embodiments, the sensing element 810 may include sensing elements such as a Hall sensor, a magnetoresistive effect sensor (MR sensor), a giant magnetoresistive effect sensor (GMR sensor), a tunneling magnetoresistive effect sensor (TMR sensor), or a fluxgate sensor, depending on design requirements.

[0102] Support element 900 is fixedly connected to base 220. Support element 900 passes through movable part 100 to assist movable part 100 in moving between a first extreme position and a second extreme position. The movement of movable part 100 between the first extreme position and the second extreme position will be related to... Figures 3A to 3B Detailed explanation.

[0103] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of the optical element drive mechanism 1000 shown according to certain features of this disclosure. Figure 2B The outer casing 210 is shown in dashed lines. Figure 2A The optical element drive mechanism 1000. (e.g.) Figure 2A As shown, the housing 210 is fixed to the base 220, and the first counterweight element 300 engages with the base 220. The engagement between the first counterweight element 300 and the base 220 will be related to... Figure 5 Detailed explanation.

[0104] like Figure 2B As shown, the first elastic element 710 is positioned within the first opening 120, and the second elastic element 720 is partially positioned within the first opening 120. The first elastic element 710 surrounds the second elastic element 720.

[0105] The first elastic element 710, as an elastic body, can stably hold the conductive element 410. The flat portion 721 of the second elastic element 720 is positioned on the movable part 100. The second elastic element 720 makes stable contact with the conductive element 410 through the elastic properties of the first elastic element 710.

[0106] Figure 3A When the active part is at its first extreme position (position 100), along... Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of the optical element drive mechanism 1000 extracted from line A-A' in the figure. Figure 3B When the active part is at its second extreme position (position 100), along... Figure 2BA cross-sectional view of the optical element drive mechanism 1000 extracted from line A-A' in the figure.

[0107] like Figure 3A As shown, when the movable part 100 moves to the first limit position, the first stop element 130 contacts the top surface 211 of the housing 210. Figure 3B As shown in the figure, when the movable part 100 moves to the second limit position, the second stop element 140 contacts the base 220.

[0108] Please refer to this as well. Figures 3A to 3B The ring structure 213 protrudes from the top surface 211 toward the movable part 100, and surrounds one end of the conductive element 410 to assist in positioning the conductive element 410. The first bottom surface 225 and the second bottom surface 226 of the base 220 are available. Figures 3A to 3B As seen in the image, the first bottom surface 225 is the bottom surface of the extension 224.

[0109] The first bottom surface 225 and the second bottom surface 226 are parallel to the top surface 211. When viewed along the X direction, the horizontal position of the first bottom surface 225 is lower than the horizontal position of the second bottom surface 226, and the distance D1 between the first bottom surface 225 and the top surface 211 is greater than the distance D2 between the second bottom surface 226 and the top surface 211. When viewed along the optical axis O (Z direction), the first recess 110, the second recess 222, and the first bottom surface 225 at least partially overlap.

[0110] exist Figures 3A to 3B The first buffer element 610 and the second buffer element 620 can also be seen disposed on the conductive element 410. The first buffer element 610 is located between the ring structure 213 and the conductive element 410. The second buffer element 620 is located between the second opening 223 and the conductive element 410. The arrangement of the first buffer element 610 and the second buffer element 620 can buffer the external force received by the conductive element 410 when the optical element drive mechanism 1000 is impacted by an external force, so as to avoid damage to the conductive element 410.

[0111] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the first counterweight element 300 and the drive assembly 400 according to certain features of this disclosure. Figure 4B This is a side view of the first counterweight element 300 and the drive assembly 400, based on certain features of this disclosure. Please refer to it together. Figures 4A to 4B The first counterweight element 300 includes a hollow portion 310, two snap-fit ​​structures 320 and a protrusion 330.

[0112] At least a portion of the drive assembly 400 is housed within the hollow portion 310. Snap-fit ​​structures 320 protrude horizontally from the first counterweight element 300 along the negative X-direction and the positive Y-direction, respectively. An adhesive element 1010 is disposed between the first counterweight element 300 and the second counterweight element 430 to securely connect the second counterweight element 430 to the first counterweight element 300.

[0113] It should be understood that the adhesive element 1010 is depicted herein for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an actual size. It should also be understood that the snap-fit ​​structure 320 has a rectangular shape in this embodiment, but in different embodiments, the snap-fit ​​structure may have a different shape than in this embodiment.

[0114] Because the material of the first counterweight element 300 has a relatively high density (e.g., approximately 5 g / cm³), 3 Up to 20g / cm 3 The material (between) allows for less loss of vibration waves transmitted when the drive assembly 400 is driven, compared to when there is no first counterweight element, and the optical element drive mechanism 1000 thus has better performance (e.g., it can drive a moving part with a larger mass, or it can increase the moving speed of the moving part).

[0115] It should be understood that the first counterweight element 300 and the second counterweight element 430 of this disclosure may have the same density or different densities. Although in this embodiment, the first counterweight element 300 and the second counterweight element 430 are two separate elements, it should be understood that in different embodiments, the first counterweight element 300 and the second counterweight element 430 may have an integrally formed structure.

[0116] Refer to the return Figure 2B The protrusion 330 extends from the first counterweight element 300 in a direction toward the top surface 211. When viewed along the Z direction, the protrusion 330 is located between the base 220 and part of the sidewall 211 of the housing 210, that is, the protrusion 330 is housed within the housing 210.

[0117] The protrusion 330 makes the fixation between the first counterweight 300 and the fixing part 200 more secure. Since the housing 210 covers the protrusion 330, the protrusion 330 will prevent the first counterweight 300 from detaching from the optical element drive mechanism 1000 when the optical element drive mechanism 1000 is impacted by an external force.

[0118] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the optical element drive mechanism 1000 shown according to certain features of this disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the first counterweight element 300 is shown in dashed lines. The extension 224 includes a first wall 2241 and a second wall 2242. The first wall 2241 is perpendicular to the second wall 2242.

[0119] The first wall 2241 and the second wall 2242 each include a notch 2243. When viewed along the X or Y direction, the two notches 2243 are at the same horizontal position, and the snap-fit ​​structure 320 ( Figure 4A They can be engaged with the notches 2243 to securely connect the first counterweight element 300 to the base 220.

[0120] In the snap-fit ​​structure 320 ( Figure 4A With the engagement of the notch 2243, the first counterweight element 300 will not easily detach from the base 220 when the optical element drive mechanism 1000 is subjected to an external impact. (Refer to previous text) Figure 2B Adhesive elements 1010 are respectively disposed in the gaps between the first counterweight element 300 and the first wall 2241 and the second wall 2242. It should be understood that the first counterweight element 300 can be connected to the base 220 in other ways, for example, by using fasteners, etc.

[0121] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the optical element drive mechanism 1000 shown according to certain features of this disclosure. Figure 6 As shown, the shortest distance D3 between the first counterweight element 300 and the optical axis O is greater than the shortest distance D4 between the extension portion 224 and the optical axis O.

[0122] Figure 7A This is a side view of the optical element drive mechanism 1000, in which the fixing part 200 and the first counterweight element 300 are shown in dashed lines. Figure 7B This is a side view of the optical element drive mechanism 1000 shown according to certain features of this disclosure.

[0123] like Figures 7A to 7B As shown, the optical element driving mechanism 1000 can be divided into two parts in the Z direction: the height H1 from the top surface 211 to the first bottom surface 225 and the height H2 from the top surface 211 to the second bottom surface 226.

[0124] Compared to other optical element driving mechanisms with height H1, the optical element driving mechanism 1000 of the present invention not only has the same driving capability, but also achieves miniaturization due to the reduction in height H2.

[0125] Compared to other optical element driving mechanisms with a height H2, since the configuration of the driving component 400 of the present invention is not limited by the height H2, but is accommodated with a height H1, the optical element driving mechanism 1000 can have a greater driving force to improve the performance of the optical element driving mechanism 1000.

[0126] The specific relative positions and size relationships of the components disclosed in this disclosure not only enable the drive mechanism to achieve thinning in a specific direction and overall miniaturization, but also allow the counterweight components to withstand the reaction force during the operation of the drive components, thereby stabilizing the drive assembly and reducing energy consumption. This results in better characteristics for the optical element drive mechanism, such as increasing the movement speed of the moving part relative to the fixed part.

[0127] While the embodiments and advantages of this disclosure have been disclosed above, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make modifications, substitutions, and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited to the processes, machines, manufacturing methods, material compositions, apparatuses, methods, and steps described in the specific embodiments within the specification. Any processes, machines, manufacturing methods, material compositions, apparatuses, methods, and steps currently in development or to be developed in the future can be understood from the disclosure of this disclosure, and can be used according to this disclosure as long as they can perform substantially the same function or obtain substantially the same results in the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure includes the aforementioned processes, machines, manufacturing methods, material compositions, apparatuses, methods, and steps. Additionally, each claim constitutes an individual embodiment, and the scope of protection of this disclosure also includes combinations of the various claims and embodiments.

Claims

1. An optical element driving mechanism, comprising: One fixed part; A movable part is arranged along an optical axis with the fixed part, wherein the movable part is movable relative to the fixed part; A drive assembly for driving the movable part to move relative to the fixed part; and A first counterweight element is fixedly connected to the fixing part, wherein the drive assembly is disposed on the first counterweight element; The fixing part includes an extension portion, which includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall is perpendicular to the second wall. When viewed along the optical axis, the shortest distance between the first counterweight element and the optical axis is greater than the shortest distance between the extension portion and the optical axis. The first counterweight element includes a hollow portion and a protrusion. The fixing portion also includes a side wall and a base. The side wall is parallel to the optical axis. At least a portion of the driving assembly is housed in the hollow portion. The protrusion protrudes upward from the first counterweight element in a direction parallel to the optical axis. When viewed along the optical axis, the protrusion is located between the base and the side wall.

2. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material of the first counterweight element is different from the material of the fixing part, and the density of the first counterweight element is greater than the density of the fixing part.

3. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1 further includes a sensing component for sensing the movement of the movable part relative to the fixed part, the sensing component including a sensing element and a magnetic element, wherein the sensing element is disposed on the fixed part and the magnetic element is disposed on the movable part.

4. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving assembly comprises: One driving element; A conductive element is connected to the driving element; as well as A second counterweight element is connected to the drive element, wherein the density of the second counterweight element is greater than the density of the fixing part.

5. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 4, wherein the driving element is positioned between the conductive element and the second counterweight element, and the second counterweight element is disposed in the first counterweight element.

6. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 5 further includes an adhesive element, wherein the adhesive element is disposed between the first counterweight element and the second counterweight element.

7. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 4, wherein the movable part includes a first recess and a first opening, wherein the first opening is located in the first recess and the conductive element passes through the first opening.

8. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable part includes a first stop element and a second stop element, the fixed part includes a housing, the housing includes a top surface, wherein when the movable part moves to a first limit position, the first stop element contacts the top surface, and when the movable part moves to a second limit position, the second stop element contacts the base.

9. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 8 further includes a plurality of support elements fixedly connected to the base, and the plurality of support elements respectively pass through the movable part to assist the movable part in moving between the first limit position and the second limit position.

10. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a circuit assembly, the base including a retaining wall, wherein the retaining wall extends from the base toward the top surface in a direction parallel to the optical axis, the housing further including a sidewall, wherein the sidewall extends from the top surface toward the base in another direction parallel to the optical axis, the sidewall being perpendicular to the top surface, the circuit assembly being disposed on the retaining wall, the circuit assembly, the retaining wall, and the sidewall being parallel to each other, and the driving assembly being electrically connected to the circuit assembly.

11. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixing part includes a top surface, a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface, wherein the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface are parallel to the top surface, and when viewed along any direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the horizontal position of the first bottom surface is lower than the horizontal position of the second bottom surface, and the distance between the first bottom surface and the top surface is greater than the distance between the second bottom surface and the top surface.

12. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first counterweight element further includes a plurality of snap-fit ​​structures, the first wall and the second wall each include a notch, and when viewed along any direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the plurality of notches are in the same horizontal position, and the plurality of snap-fit ​​structures can respectively engage with the plurality of notches to fix the first counterweight element to the base.

13. An optical element driving mechanism, comprising: One fixed part; A movable part is arranged along an optical axis with the fixed part, wherein the movable part is movable relative to the fixed part; A drive assembly for driving the movable part to move relative to the fixed part; as well as A first counterweight element is fixedly connected to the fixing part, wherein the drive assembly is disposed on the first counterweight element; The driving component includes: One driving element; A conductive element is connected to the driving element; as well as A second counterweight element is connected to the driving element, wherein the density of the second counterweight element is greater than the density of the fixing part; The movable part includes a first recess and a first opening, wherein the first opening is located in the first recess and the conductive element passes through the first opening; The optical element driving mechanism further includes a first elastic element and a plurality of second elastic elements, wherein the first elastic element is positioned within the first opening, the plurality of second elastic elements are partially positioned within the first opening, the first elastic element surrounds the plurality of second elastic elements and the conductive element, the plurality of second elastic elements are located between the first elastic element and the conductive element, and the driving assembly is movably connected to the movable part through the first elastic element and the plurality of second elastic elements.

14. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 13, wherein the plurality of second elastic elements includes a plurality of flat portions for positioning the plurality of second elastic elements, the fixing portion further includes a top surface, wherein the top surface is perpendicular to the optical axis, the plurality of flat portions are parallel to the top surface, and the plurality of flat portions are disposed in the first recess.

15. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 14, wherein the fixing portion further includes a ring structure and a base, wherein the ring structure surrounds the conductive element and extends from the top surface toward the base in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

16. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 15, wherein the base includes a second opening, wherein the conductive element passes through the first opening and the second opening, and the first opening and the second opening at least partially overlap when viewed along the optical axis.

17. The optical element driving mechanism of claim 16 further includes a first buffer element and a second buffer element, wherein the first buffer element is located between the ring structure and the conductive element, and the second buffer element is located between the second opening and the conductive element.

18. An optical element driving mechanism, comprising: One fixed part; A movable part is arranged along an optical axis with the fixed part, wherein the movable part is movable relative to the fixed part; A drive assembly for driving the movable part to move relative to the fixed part; and A first counterweight element is fixedly connected to the fixing part, wherein the drive assembly is disposed on the first counterweight element; The fixing part includes a top surface, a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface, wherein the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface are parallel to the top surface. When viewed along any direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the horizontal position of the first bottom surface is lower than the horizontal position of the second bottom surface, and the distance between the first bottom surface and the top surface is greater than the distance between the second bottom surface and the top surface. The movable part includes a first recessed part, and the fixed part includes a second recessed part. When viewed along the optical axis, the first recessed part, the second recessed part, and the first bottom surface overlap.

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