drive mechanism

Abstract

This invention proposes a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a base, a movable module, and a driving assembly. The movable module has a movable member and a connecting member, wherein the movable member and the connecting member are interconnected. The driving assembly is connected to the base and the connecting member, wherein a driving element in the driving assembly generates a driving force to the connecting member and the movable member, thereby causing the movable module to move relative to the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a driving mechanism. More specifically, this invention relates to a driving mechanism for moving optical elements. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, many electronic devices today (such as smartphones or laptops) have camera or video recording capabilities. These devices are becoming increasingly common and are evolving towards more convenient and slimmer designs to provide users with more choices.

[0003] In some electronic devices, a lens drive module is used to move the lens in order to make the lens focal length adjustable. However, lens drive modules often suffer from lens tilting or insufficient driving force due to assembly deviations of internal components. Therefore, solving the aforementioned problems has become an important research topic. Summary of the Invention

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

[0005] In view of the aforementioned known problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a driving mechanism, including a base, a movable module, and a driving assembly. The movable module has a movable member and a connecting member, wherein the movable member and the connecting member are interconnected. The driving assembly is connected to the base and the connecting member, and has a driving element, wherein the driving element generates a driving force to the connecting member and the movable member, so as to move the movable module relative to the base.

[0006] In one embodiment, the aforementioned drive assembly further includes a friction element and a transmission rod, wherein the aforementioned friction element is disposed on the aforementioned connector, the aforementioned transmission rod connects the aforementioned base and the aforementioned friction element, and the aforementioned drive element is disposed on the aforementioned transmission rod, wherein the aforementioned drive element transmits the aforementioned driving force to the aforementioned friction element, the aforementioned connector and the aforementioned movable member through the aforementioned transmission rod.

[0007] In one embodiment, the aforementioned driving mechanism further includes a first guide rod and a second guide rod, and the aforementioned base has a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, wherein the aforementioned first and second guide rods are respectively fixed in the aforementioned first and second openings, and the aforementioned transmission rod passes through the aforementioned third opening.

[0008] In one embodiment, the aforementioned first guide rod and the aforementioned first opening form an interference fit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the aforementioned second guide rod and the aforementioned first opening form an interference fit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the aforementioned movable member has a fourth opening and a fifth opening, the aforementioned first guide rod is slidably accommodated in the aforementioned fourth opening, and the aforementioned second guide rod is slidably accommodated in the aforementioned fifth opening.

[0011] In one embodiment, the aforementioned fourth opening is elongated.

[0012] In one embodiment, the aforementioned driving mechanism includes a clearance fit between the aforementioned first guide rod and the aforementioned fourth opening.

[0013] In one embodiment, the aforementioned second guide rod and the aforementioned fifth opening form a transition fit.

[0014] In one embodiment, the aforementioned connector has a through hole, the aforementioned friction element is disposed in the aforementioned through hole, and the aforementioned transmission rod and the aforementioned friction element form a transition fit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aforementioned drive assembly further includes a buffer disposed within the aforementioned third opening, and the aforementioned transmission rod passes through the aforementioned buffer.

[0016] In one embodiment, the aforementioned transmission rod and the aforementioned buffer form a transition fit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the frictional force between the aforementioned transmission rod and the aforementioned buffer is greater than the frictional force between the aforementioned transmission rod and the aforementioned friction element.

[0018] In one embodiment, the aforementioned movable member has a fourth opening and a fifth opening, the aforementioned first guide rod is slidably accommodated in the aforementioned fourth opening, and the aforementioned second guide rod is slidably accommodated in the aforementioned fifth opening.

[0019] In one embodiment, the aforementioned second guide rod and the aforementioned fifth opening form a transition fit, and the frictional force between the aforementioned second guide rod and the aforementioned fifth opening is less than the frictional force between the aforementioned transmission rod and the aforementioned friction element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the aforementioned friction element has a C-shaped cross-section.

[0021] In one embodiment, the aforementioned driving element is a piezoelectric element, and the aforementioned piezoelectric element generates a vibration signal, thereby transmitting the aforementioned driving force to the aforementioned connector and the aforementioned movable element through the aforementioned transmission rod.

[0022] In one embodiment, the aforementioned drive mechanism further includes a counterweight connected to the aforementioned drive element, and the aforementioned transmission rod and the aforementioned counterweight are located on opposite sides of the aforementioned drive element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the aforementioned connector has a protrusion and the aforementioned movable member has a slot, wherein the aforementioned protrusion is embedded in the aforementioned slot.

[0024] In one embodiment, the aforementioned connector and the aforementioned movable member are bonded together. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 express Figure 1 Another perspective 3D view of the drive mechanism.

[0027] Figure 3 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 Exploded view of the drive mechanism.

[0028] Figure 4 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top view of the drive mechanism.

[0029] Figure 5 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 A 3D view of the drive mechanism after the base has been removed.

[0030] Figure 6 express Figures 1-5 A three-dimensional view of the friction element and elastic element disposed within the through hole of the connector.

[0031] Figure 7 A three-dimensional view showing the combination of the buffer, transmission rod, drive element, and counterweight.

[0032] Figure 8 A three-dimensional view showing the combination of moving parts and connecting parts.

[0033] Figure 9 A three-dimensional view showing the movement and connection parts in combination.

[0034] Figure 10 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the drive mechanism shown.

[0035] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0036] B: Base

[0037] B1: Groove

[0038] C: Transmission rod

[0039] G: Glue

[0040] GP1: First guide rod

[0041] GP2: Second guide rod

[0042] H1: First opening

[0043] H2: Second opening

[0044] h1: First opening

[0045] h2: Second opening

[0046] h3: Third opening

[0047] h4: Fourth opening

[0048] h5: Fifth opening

[0049] h6: Perforation

[0050] K: Counterweight

[0051] M: Active part

[0052] M1: Card slot

[0053] M2: Card Slot

[0054] m: connector

[0055] m1: bump

[0056] m2: bump

[0057] R1: Elastic element

[0058] R2: Buffer

[0059] S: Friction element

[0060] V: Driving element Detailed Implementation

[0061] The following describes the drive mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention. However, it will be readily apparent that the embodiments of the present invention provide many suitable inventive concepts and can be implemented in a wide range of specific contexts. The specific embodiments disclosed are merely illustrative of the use of the invention in a particular manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The foregoing and other technical contents, features, and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as up, down, left, right, front, or back, are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the present invention.

[0064] Please refer to the following first: Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,in Figure 1 A perspective view showing a drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 express Figure 1 Another perspective 3D view of the drive mechanism in the middle. Figure 3 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 Exploded view of the drive mechanism in the middle. Figure 4 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 Top view of the drive mechanism in the middle. Figure 5 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 A 3D view of the drive mechanism after removing base B.

[0065] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the driving mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention mainly includes a base B, a movable member M, a connecting member m, a first guide rod GP1, a second guide rod GP2, a transmission rod C, two friction elements S, an elastic member R1, a buffer member R2, a driving element V (e.g., a piezoelectric element), and a counterweight K. The aforementioned movable member M and connecting member m can be connected to each other by glue G to form a movable module. The aforementioned first guide rod GP1 and second guide rod GP2 pass through the movable member M and are connected to the base B.

[0066] Specifically, the aforementioned base B has a first opening h1, a second opening h2, and a third opening h3. In addition, the aforementioned movable member M has a fourth opening h4 and a fifth opening h5, and the aforementioned connecting member m has a through hole h6. The first guide rod GP1 is fixed to the first opening h1 of the base B and extends through the fourth opening h4 of the movable member M, and the second guide rod GP2 is fixed to the second opening h2 of the base B and extends through the fifth opening h5 of the movable member M.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first guide rod GP1 forms an interference fit with the first opening h1, and the second guide rod GP2 also forms an interference fit with the second opening h2. In addition, the first guide rod GP1 forms a clearance fit with the fourth opening h4, while the second guide rod GP2 forms a transition fit with the fifth opening h5. When the movable module (moving part M and connecting part m) is subjected to a driving force, it can slide relative to the base B along the Z-axis or -Z-axis direction through the guidance of the first guide rod GP1 and the second guide rod GP2. The bottoms of the first guide rod GP1 and the second guide rod GP2 are fixed to the base B and will not slide relative to the base B.

[0068] It should be noted that the aforementioned hollow elastic element R1 and buffer element R2 may contain rubber material, for example. The elastic element R1 is disposed in a through hole h6 of the connecting element m, and the aforementioned transmission rod C is, for example, a carbon fiber rod passing through the elastic element R1. On the other hand, the aforementioned friction element S (e.g., a metal sheet) is sandwiched between the elastic element R1 and the transmission rod C, and the aforementioned buffer element R2 is disposed in the third opening h3 of the base B to connect the transmission rod C and the base B. In addition, the aforementioned driving element V is disposed at the bottom of the transmission rod C and connected to the aforementioned counterweight K, and the driving element V and the counterweight K are located in a groove B1 of the base B.

[0069] from Figures 1-5 As can be seen, the aforementioned movable member M has a circular first opening H1, and the aforementioned base B has a circular second opening H2, wherein the first opening H1 and the second opening H2 are connected. It should be understood that an optical element (e.g., an optical lens) can be installed inside the first opening H1 of the movable member M, and when an external circuit applies an electrical signal to the driving element V (e.g., a piezoelectric element), the driving element V can generate a driving force (e.g., a vibration signal), wherein the driving force can be transmitted to the connecting member m and the movable member M via the transmission rod C, thereby driving the connecting member m and the movable member M to move relative to the base B along the optical axis direction (Z-axis or -Z-axis direction) of the optical element.

[0070] In this embodiment, the transmission rod C and the aforementioned friction element S form a transition fit within the through hole h6, and the transmission rod C and the aforementioned buffer R2 also form a transition fit within the third opening h3. However, the frictional force (clamping force) between the transmission rod C and the aforementioned buffer R2 is greater than the frictional force (clamping force) between the transmission rod C and the aforementioned friction element S. That is, when the driving element V generates the aforementioned driving force (e.g., vibration signal), the driving force can be transmitted to the friction element S via the transmission rod C, causing the friction element S to slide relative to the transmission rod C. However, the transmission rod C itself does not slide relative to the buffer R2.

[0071] On the other hand, from Figure 4 As can be seen, the aforementioned fourth opening h4 is located at a corner of the movable part M, and the first opening H1 is located between the fourth opening h4 and the connecting part m, while the fifth opening h5 is located adjacent to the connecting part m. In particular, the fourth opening h4 has an elongated structure, and the long axis of the fourth opening h4 is approximately parallel to the radial direction of the first opening H1. This not only facilitates assembly but also prevents mechanical interference between the connecting part m and the transmission rod C when the movable part M moves along the Z-axis. It also prevents the movable part M from rotating relative to the base B, thereby improving the stability of the drive mechanism during operation.

[0072] Please refer to the following as well. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 ,in Figure 6 express Figures 1-5 A perspective view of the friction element S and the elastic element R1 disposed within the through hole h6 of the connecting member m. Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view showing the combined buffer component R2, transmission rod C, drive element V, and counterweight K. Figure 8 A three-dimensional view showing the assembly of moving part M and connecting part m. Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view showing the moving part M and the connecting part m in combination.

[0073] In this embodiment, the through hole h6 of the connector m and the elastic element R1 disposed within the through hole h6 are both generally rectangular in structure. In addition, two friction elements S are disposed inside the hollow elastic element R1. The two friction elements S are located on opposite sides of the transmission rod C and clamp the transmission rod C. When the drive element V generates the aforementioned driving force (e.g., vibration signal), the driving force can be transmitted to the friction elements S via the transmission rod C, so that the friction elements S can slide relative to the transmission rod C. In this way, the connector m, the movable element M, and the optical element disposed on the movable element M can move together relative to the base B along the Z-axis or -Z-axis direction to a target position, thereby achieving functions such as auto-focusing and optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0074] like Figure 7 As shown, the aforementioned transmission rod C has a cylindrical structure, while the buffer R2 is annular and surrounds the transmission rod C, thereby protecting the transmission rod C and the drive element V located below the transmission rod C. The buffer R2, transmission rod C, drive element V, and counterweight K can together constitute a drive assembly, and the aforementioned counterweight K may contain metal material to improve the stability of the drive mechanism during operation.

[0075] from Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As can be seen, the connector m is located at one corner of the movable part M, and it has two protrusions m1 and m2 protruding in the -X axis and Y axis directions respectively. In addition, two slots M1 and M2 are formed on the movable part M, corresponding to the aforementioned protrusions m1 and m2 respectively. During actual assembly, the aforementioned protrusions m1 and m2 can be inserted into the slots M1 and M2 respectively to prevent the connector m from detaching from the movable part M.

[0076] In one embodiment, it may not be necessary to provide adhesive G between the movable part M and the connecting part m. This not only allows for some clearance between the movable part M and the connecting part m to facilitate disassembly and assembly, but also prevents the drive element V from being damaged by shock waves when it is dropped.

[0077] Please see again Figure 10 ,in Figure 10 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the drive mechanism. As previously described, the first guide rod GP1 forms an interference fit with the first opening h1, and the second guide rod GP2 also forms an interference fit with the second opening h2; that is, the bottoms of the first guide rod GP1 and the second guide rod GP2 are fixed to the base B.

[0078] In addition, from Figure 10 It can be seen that the friction element S has a C-shaped cross section, wherein the transmission rod C and the aforementioned friction element S form a transition fit in the through hole h6, and the transmission rod C and the aforementioned buffer R2 also form a transition fit in the third opening h3. However, the frictional force (clamping force) between the transmission rod C and the buffer R2 is greater than the frictional force (clamping force) between the transmission rod C and the aforementioned friction element S.

[0079] In addition, the first guide rod GP1 forms a clearance fit with the elongated fourth opening h4, and the second guide rod GP2 forms a transition fit with the fifth opening h5. The frictional force (clamping force) between the first guide rod GP1 and the fourth opening h4 is less than the frictional force (clamping force) between the second guide rod GP2 and the fifth opening h5, and the frictional force (clamping force) between the second guide rod GP2 and the fifth opening h5 is less than the frictional force (clamping force) between the transmission rod C and the friction element S.

[0080] While the embodiments and advantages of the present invention 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 the invention. Furthermore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the processes, machines, manufacturing methods, material compositions, apparatuses, methods, and steps described in the specific embodiments of the specification. Any processes, machines, manufacturing methods, material compositions, apparatuses, methods, and steps currently or in the future that can be developed from the disclosure of this invention can be used according to the present invention, 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 the present invention includes the aforementioned processes, machines, manufacturing methods, material compositions, apparatuses, methods, and steps. In addition, each claim constitutes an individual embodiment, and the scope of protection of the present invention also includes combinations of the various claims and embodiments.

[0081] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A driving mechanism, comprising: A base; A movable module having a movable part and a connecting part, wherein the movable part and the connecting part are connected to each other; as well as A drive assembly connects the base and the connector, and includes a drive element, a friction element, a hollow elastic element, and a transmission rod. The elastic element contains rubber and is disposed on the connector. The friction element includes a metal sheet sandwiched between the elastic element and the transmission rod. The transmission rod connects the base and the friction element. The drive element is disposed on the transmission rod. The elastic element has a rectangular structure and surrounds the transmission rod. The drive element generates a driving force and transmits the driving force to the connector and the movable element through the transmission rod, so that the movable module moves relative to the base.

2. The driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism further includes a first guide rod and a second guide rod, and the base has a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, wherein the first and second guide rods are respectively fixed in the first and second openings, and the transmission rod passes through the third opening.

3. The driving mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first guide rod and the first opening form an interference fit.

4. The driving mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second guide rod and the first opening form an interference fit.

5. The driving mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the movable member has a fourth opening and a fifth opening, the first guide rod is slidably received in the fourth opening, and the second guide rod is slidably received in the fifth opening.

6. The driving mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fourth opening is elongated.

7. The drive mechanism as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first guide rod and the fourth opening form a clearance fit.

8. The drive mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second guide rod and the fifth opening form a transition fit.

9. The drive mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connector has a through hole, the friction element is disposed in the through hole, and the transmission rod and the friction element form a transition fit.

10. The drive mechanism of claim 9, wherein the drive assembly further comprises a buffer disposed within the third opening, and the transmission rod passes through the buffer.

11. The drive mechanism of claim 10, wherein the transmission rod and the buffer form a transition fit.

12. The drive mechanism of claim 11, wherein the frictional force between the transmission rod and the buffer is greater than the frictional force between the transmission rod and the friction element.

13. The drive mechanism of claim 9, wherein the movable member has a fourth opening and a fifth opening, the first guide rod is slidably received in the fourth opening, and the second guide rod is slidably received in the fifth opening.

14. The drive mechanism of claim 13, wherein the second guide rod and the fifth opening form a transition fit, and the frictional force between the second guide rod and the fifth opening is less than the frictional force between the transmission rod and the friction element.

15. The drive mechanism of claim 2, wherein the friction element has a C-shaped cross-section.

16. The drive mechanism of claim 1, wherein the drive element is a piezoelectric element, and the piezoelectric element generates a vibration signal to transmit the driving force to the connector and the movable element through the transmission rod.

17. The drive mechanism of claim 16, wherein the drive mechanism further includes a counterweight connected to the drive element, and the transmission rod and the counterweight are located on opposite sides of the drive element.

18. The drive mechanism of claim 1, wherein the connector has a protrusion and the movable member has a slot, wherein the protrusion is embedded in the slot.

19. The drive mechanism of claim 1, wherein the connecting member and the moving member are bonded to each other.

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