Lens positioning module

Abstract

The present invention provides a lens positioning module (101) comprising two or more lens support units (102-105) spaced apart around the outer periphery (109) of a magnetic hub (108), wherein the longitudinal axis of each lens support unit (102-105) is oriented perpendicular to a base surface (110). Each lens support unit (102-105) can be moved individually along the longitudinal axis of each lens support unit (102-105) by a corresponding autofocus (AF) drive device, the AF drive device comprising a corresponding first coil (301-304) that cooperates with the magnetic hub (108). The lens-carrying unit (102-105) can be uniformly moved in at least one direction parallel to the base plane (110) by a common optical image stabilization (OIS) driving device, the OIS driving device including two or more second coils (305-308), the second coils (305-308) cooperating with the magnetic hub (108). This invention provides a method for setting a lens positioning module (101). This invention provides a camera (701) including the lens positioning module (101). This invention provides a portable telecommunications device (803) including a camera (801), the camera (801) including the lens positioning module (101).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lens positioning module and a camera including the lens positioning module. Background Technology

[0002] Portable telecommunications devices are known to be equipped with image capture devices including at least one digital camera. For example, in addition to at least one rear camera, a smartphone may also include a front-facing camera. The back of a smartphone may have a dual-camera system, where an auxiliary camera for providing or supplementing specific functions such as close-up, wide-angle, monochrome, low-light, or depth-of-field capabilities is provided together with the main camera. Multiple cameras can be used to provide different imaging modes. For example, macro lenses, wide-angle lenses, ultra-wide-angle lenses, and telephoto lenses can be used for different photographic styles and techniques. Multi-camera arrangements may include combinations of different lenses and / or lenses of the same type but with different resolutions.

[0003] A lens actuator unit incorporating autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) functions is known, wherein a single lens mount is driven by a discrete voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, which comprises a coil and magnet system including multiple coils arranged relative to a set of four magnets surrounding the lens mount. A dual-lens or dual-cavity actuator unit for controlling the position of two lens mounts is also known, wherein the arrangement of the aforementioned lens actuator units is substantially repetitive, but each set of four magnets shares a common magnet; this method uses two separate magnetic circuits with partial sharing to generate an electromotive force formed with the moving coils.

[0004] By employing these known actuator unit arrangements, placing a camera within a smartphone offers limited freedom and necessitates adapting to safe distances between adjacent magnetic systems to avoid interference.

[0005] There is a need to provide a lens positioning module that minimizes the limitations on design freedom regarding the placement of multi-camera systems within a device architecture. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, a lens positioning module is provided, comprising: two or more lens carrier units, each lens carrier unit having a longitudinal axis; a magnetic hub including at least one magnetic element; the two or more lens carrier units being spaced apart around the outer periphery of the magnetic hub, the longitudinal axis of the lens carrier units being oriented perpendicular to a base plane; each lens carrier unit being associated with a corresponding autofocus (AF) drive, each autofocus (AF) drive including a corresponding first coil, the first coil being cooperative with the magnetic hub to individually move the associated lens carrier unit along the longitudinal axis of the associated lens carrier unit; the two or more lens carrier units being jointly associated with a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive, the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive including two or more second coils and being cooperative with the magnetic hub to uniformly move the two or more lens carrier units in at least one direction parallel to the base plane.

[0007] Multiple lens carrier units are driven by a common actuator structure, wherein the lens carrier units (and the lenses carried thereon) can move individually in the auto-focusing (AF) direction and can move uniformly in the optical image stabilization (OIS) direction.

[0008] The lens-carrying unit can be moved by the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device in only one direction parallel to the base plane, or in each of multiple directions parallel to the base plane.

[0009] The lens positioning module may further include a support frame for guiding the uniform movement of the lens support units via the optical imagestabilization (OIS) drive device, wherein the magnetic hub and each lens support unit are located in a corresponding accommodating area defined by the support frame.

[0010] This arrangement ensures that the lens-carrying unit moves stably and repeatably in the optical imagestabilization (OIS) direction.

[0011] The second coil of the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive can be carried by the base; the lens barrel of each lens carrier unit can be suspended on the carrier frame by a corresponding flexure device; two or more suspension lines can extend between the base and the carrier frame for guiding the carrier frame to move relative to the base by the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive.

[0012] This arrangement also serves to ensure that the lens-carrying unit moves stably and repeatably in the direction of optical imagestabilization (OIS).

[0013] The base surface may coincide with the surface of the base (e.g., the upper surface).

[0014] The base can carry the module control circuit. Each flexure device can include a first flexure portion with a positive terminal and a second flexure portion with a negative terminal. Each lens carrier unit is electrically connected to its associated first coil via its corresponding flexure device. The first coil associated with each lens carrier unit is electrically connected to the module control circuit via the corresponding flexure device and the two or more suspension wires.

[0015] With this arrangement, the flexure device and the suspension wire are advantageously used to route power to the first coil.

[0016] In one specific example, the magnetic hub includes a single magnetic element, and the outer perimeter of the magnetic hub is square, including four outer sides and four outer corners. The two or more lens carrier units include four lens carrier units, with a corresponding one of the four lens carrier units disposed along a corresponding one of the four outer sides of the outer perimeter.

[0017] Then, the four lens carrier units can be driven by a common actuator structure, wherein each of the four lens carrier units can move independently in the auto-focusing (AF) direction, and all four lens carrier units can move uniformly in the optical image stabilization (OIS) direction.

[0018] The first coil of the four lens-carrying units can be oriented perpendicular to the second coil.

[0019] The two or more suspension wires may include four pairs of suspension wires, each pair of which is located at a corresponding one of the four outer corners of the outer perimeter. The positive terminal of the flexure device can be electrically connected to the module control circuit individually via a corresponding suspension wire; the negative terminal of the flexure device can also be electrically connected to the module control circuit individually via a corresponding suspension wire, or they can be electrically connected to each other and jointly electrically connected to the module control circuit via another suspension wire.

[0020] In another specific example, the magnetic hub includes a set of four magnetic elements for forming a hollow, discontinuous square shape; the outer periphery of the magnetic hub is square, including four outer sides and four outer corners; the inner periphery of the magnetic hub defines an internal region. The two or more lens-carrying units include five lens-carrying units, one of which is disposed in the internal region, and a corresponding one of the other four lens-carrying units is disposed along a corresponding one of the four outer sides of the outer periphery.

[0021] The first coil of the lens carrier unit located in the inner region may be parallel to the second coil, and the first coils of the other four lens carrier units may be oriented perpendicular to the second coil.

[0022] The two or more suspension wires may include four pairs of suspension wires, each pair of which is located at a corresponding one of the four outer corners of the outer perimeter. The positive terminal of the flexure device can be individually electrically connected to the module control circuit via a corresponding one of the suspension wires; the negative terminal of the flexure device can be electrically connected to each other and jointly electrically connected to the module control circuit via another suspension wire.

[0023] In one example, the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive includes a ball guide system. In another example, the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive includes a linear guide system.

[0024] Compared to spring suspension systems, these types of steering systems offer additional robustness.

[0025] According to a second aspect, a camera is provided, including a lens positioning module, wherein the lens positioning module is the lens positioning module according to the first aspect.

[0026] In one specific example, a second lens positioning module is provided adjacent to the lens positioning module, the second lens positioning module being the second lens positioning module according to the first aspect.

[0027] Because the multiple lens-carrying units of each lens positioning module are driven by a common actuator structure (wherein the lens-carrying units can move individually in the auto-focusing (AF) direction and uniformly in the optical image stabilization (OIS) direction), similar units can be advantageously placed side-by-side without any unnecessary interference. Therefore, compared to using discrete or dual-cavity actuators, the actuator arrangement of the lens positioning module reduces volume space in addition to cost reduction when integrating additional lens-carrying units into the device. Simultaneously, it minimizes design freedom regarding placement within the device architecture.

[0028] According to a third aspect, a portable telecommunications device is provided, including a camera, said camera being the camera described in the second aspect.

[0029] The portable telecommunications device may be a smartphone.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect, a method for setting up a lens positioning module is provided, comprising the steps of: accommodating two or more lens carrier units, each lens carrier unit having a longitudinal axis; accommodating a magnetic hub, the magnetic hub including at least one magnetic element; spaced the two or more lens carrier units around the outer periphery of the magnetic hub, the longitudinal axis of the lens carrier units being oriented perpendicular to a base plane; associating each lens carrier unit with a corresponding autofocus (AF) drive, each autofocus (AF) drive including a corresponding first coil, the first coil being cooperative with the magnetic hub to individually move the associated lens carrier unit along the longitudinal axis of the associated lens carrier unit; and associating the two or more lens carrier units jointly with a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive, the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive including two or more second coils and being cooperative with the magnetic hub to uniformly move the two or more lens carrier units in at least one direction parallel to the base plane.

[0031] In the examples disclosed herein, the principle of magnet and coil arrangement used in known discrete or dual-cavity VCM actuators is utilized to advantageously provide a common actuator structure for driving multiple lens carrier units, thereby significantly reducing costs and improving integration.

[0032] Therefore, a multi-optical drive system and related methods for AF-OIS actuators are disclosed.

[0033] Other specific preferred aspects of the invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 The lens positioning module provided in the first example is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the magnet and coil arrangement of the lens positioning module provided in the first example is shown;

[0037] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The components of the lens positioning module shown;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the positioning direction of the lens-carrying unit provided by the magnet and coil actuator of the lens positioning module provided in the first example is shown.

[0039] Figure 5 An exploded view of the lens unit provided in the first example is shown, the lens unit comprising Figure 1 The lens positioning module shown;

[0040] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the lens unit shown illustrates the actuator positioning direction;

[0041] Figure 7 A block diagram of a camera including the lens positioning module provided in the first example is shown;

[0042] Figure 8 The arrangement of two lens units is shown, each lens unit including the lens positioning module provided in the first example;

[0043] Figure 9 The lens positioning module provided in the second example is shown;

[0044] Figure 10 A second example of a lens unit is shown, the lens unit comprising: Figure 9 The lens positioning module shown;

[0045] Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 The components of the lens positioning module shown;

[0046] Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the positioning direction of the lens-carrying unit provided by the magnet and coil actuator of the lens positioning module provided in the second example is shown;

[0047] Figure 13 It shows Figure 10 The cross-sectional view of the lens unit shown illustrates the actuator positioning direction;

[0048] Figure 14 An exploded view of the lens unit provided in the second example is shown, the lens unit comprising Figure 9 The lens positioning module shown;

[0049] Figure 15 The two lens positioning modules provided in the second example are shown side by side. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The examples are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to implement the apparatus, systems, and / or processes described herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise examples described and / or shown, and that various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0051] In the following description, all directional terms (e.g., upper, lower, radial, and axial) are used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0052] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some cases, the drawings may be exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes only.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall be construed as conventional in the art. Furthermore, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a feature referred to herein in the singular may be one or more features. Similarly, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms “comprising” and / or “having” as used herein are used to indicate the presence of said one or more features, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features.

[0054] This document discloses a lens positioning module comprising: two or more lens carrier units, each lens carrier unit having a longitudinal axis; a magnetic hub including at least one magnetic element; the two or more lens carrier units being spaced apart around the outer periphery of the magnetic hub, the longitudinal axis of the lens carrier units being oriented perpendicular to a base plane; each lens carrier unit being associated with a corresponding autofocus (AF) drive, each autofocus (AF) drive including a corresponding first coil that can cooperate with the magnetic hub to individually move the associated lens carrier unit along the longitudinal axis of the associated lens carrier unit; the two or more lens carrier units being jointly associated with a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive, the OIS drive including two or more second coils and cooperating with the magnetic hub to uniformly move the two or more lens carrier units in at least one direction parallel to the base plane.

[0055] Now we will combine Figures 1 to 8 The lens positioning module 101 provided in the first specific example is described.

[0056] First, combine Figure 1 and Figure 3 The lens positioning module 101 includes two or more (four in this example) lens carrier units (102-105). Each of the lens carrier units (102-105) has a longitudinal axis, such as the longitudinal axis 106 of the lens carrier unit 102 and the longitudinal axis 107 of the lens carrier unit 104. The lens positioning module 101 also includes a magnetic hub 108. The magnetic hub 104 has an outer periphery 109. The lens carrier units (102-105) are spaced around the outer periphery 109 of the magnetic hub 108, and the longitudinal axes of the lens carrier units (102-105) are oriented perpendicular to the base plane (as shown at 110).

[0057] The figure shows the Cartesian coordinate axes, with the Z-axis representing the longitudinal axis of the lens-supporting unit, and the X and Y axes representing the two-dimensional base plane.

[0058] Each lens carrier unit (102-105) is associated with a corresponding autofocus (AF) drive. Each autofocus (AF) drive includes a corresponding first coil (301-304) that can cooperate with the magnetic hub 108 to individually move the associated lens carrier unit (102-105) along the longitudinal axis of the associated lens carrier unit (102-105). Therefore, the lens carrier unit 102 is associated with a corresponding autofocus (AF) drive device, which includes a first coil 301 that can cooperate with the magnetic hub 108 to independently move the lens carrier unit 102 along the longitudinal axis 106 of the lens carrier unit 102; the lens carrier unit 105 is associated with a corresponding autofocus (AF) drive device, which includes a first coil 304 that can cooperate with the magnetic hub 108 to independently move the lens carrier unit 104 along the longitudinal axis 107 of the lens carrier unit 104.

[0059] The lens carrier units (102-105) are collectively associated with a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive. The OIS drive includes two or more (four in this example) second coils (305-308) and can cooperate with the magnetic hub 108 to uniformly move the lens carrier units (102-105) in at least one direction parallel to the base plane 110.

[0060] In this example, the base surface 110 coincides with the surface of the base 310 (shown as the upper surface 309 in this example) of the portion carrying the second coil (305-308) of the optical image stabilization (OIS) driving device. Similarly, in this example, the second coil (305-308) of the optical image stabilization (OIS) driving device is embedded within the base 310. As shown, the second coil (305-308) does not protrude from the upper surface 309.

[0061] The lens positioning module 101 further includes a support frame 311 for guiding the unified movement of the lens support units (102-105) via the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device. The magnetic hub 108 and each lens support unit (102-105) are located in a corresponding receiving area (312-316) defined by the support frame 311.

[0062] The lens barrel (317-320) of each lens support unit (102-105) is suspended on the support frame 311 by a corresponding flexure device (321-324); each of the flexure devices (321-324) includes a first upper flexure portion, a second upper flexure portion, and a lower flexure portion, such as the first upper flexure portion 325, the second upper flexure portion 326, and the lower flexure portion 327 of the flexure device 321.

[0063] As shown in the figure, the support frame 328 is shown to be fixed to the magnetic hub 108.

[0064] As shown, two or more suspension lines (e.g., suspension lines (329, 330)) extend between the base 310 and the support frame 311 (through the support frame 328) to guide the movement of the support frame 311 relative to the base 310 via the optical imagestabilisation (OIS) drive device.

[0065] The base 310 carries the module control circuit, typically as shown at 331. In this example, the base 310 is a printed wiring board (PWB).

[0066] The first flexure portion of each flexure device has a positive terminal, such as the positive terminal 332 of the first upper flexure portion 325 of the flexure device 321; the second flexure portion of each flexure device has a negative terminal, such as the negative terminal 333 of the second upper flexure portion 326 of the flexure device 321.

[0067] Each lens carrier unit is electrically connected to its associated first coil via its corresponding flexure device. For example, the lens carrier unit 102 is electrically connected to its associated first coil 301 via its corresponding flexure device 321.

[0068] The first coil associated with each lens carrier unit is electrically connected to the module control circuit via a corresponding flexure device of the lens carrier unit and two or more suspension wires. For example, the first coil 301 associated with the lens carrier unit 102 is electrically connected to the module control circuit 331 via the two suspension wires (329, 330).

[0069] In this first example, the magnetic hub 108 includes a single magnetic element 334. The outer perimeter 109 of the magnetic hub 108 is square, including four outer sides and four outer corners. A corresponding one of the four lens-carrying units (102-105) is arranged along a corresponding one of the four outer sides of the outer perimeter 109 of the magnetic hub 108.

[0070] In this example, the first coil (301-304) of the four lens-carrying units (102-105) is oriented perpendicular to the second coil (305-308). This is particularly evident from... Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 This can be seen from the text.

[0071] In this first example, the lens positioning module 101 includes four pairs of suspension wires, each pair of which is located at a corresponding one of the four outer corners of the outer periphery 109 of the magnetic hub 108. For example, one pair of suspension wires (329, 330) is located at the outer corner 335 of the magnetic hub 108. The positive terminal of the flexure device (321-324) is electrically connected to the module control circuit 331 via a separate corresponding suspension wire; the negative terminal of the flexure device (321-324) is also electrically connected to the module control circuit 331 via a separate corresponding suspension wire.

[0072] Although the lower flexure portion of each flexure device (321-324) provides mechanical guidance for the corresponding lens carrier unit (102-105), the upper flexure portion of each flexure device (321-324) can be used to route power signals.

[0073] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the magnet and coil arrangement of the lens positioning module 101 is shown, illustrating that the auto-focusing (AF) drive device including the first coil (302, 304) and the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device including the second coil 305 share the same magnetic hub 108.

[0074] The disclosed lens positioning module reduces actuator costs for multi-camera setups by utilizing the global radiated magnetic flux related to coil placement to provide a common actuator structure capable of driving two or more cameras, as well as a single magnet and coil system for autofocusing (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS). This enables high integration efficiency and zero mutual interference.

[0075] Specifically, we will now refer to Figure 4 The image shows the lens positioning of the lens positioning module 101 provided in the first example, with its magnet and coil arrangement for lens positioning.

[0076] Each of the lens carrier units is individually movable along its longitudinal axis. Therefore, the movement of lens carrier unit 102 along its longitudinal axis 106 in either direction indicated by arrow 401 can be achieved through the cooperation of its associated first coil 301 and the magnetic hub 108; the individual movement of lens carrier unit 104 along its longitudinal axis 107 in either direction indicated by arrow 402 can be achieved through the cooperation of its associated first coil 303 and the magnetic hub 108. However, the lens carrier units are together in at least one direction parallel to the base plane. Therefore, the lens carrier units (102, 104) and the lens carrier units (103, 105) not shown in the figure are movable in either direction indicated by arrow 403.

[0077] In this example, the magnetic element 334 includes a plurality of magnets. Top view 404 and bottom view 405 show an exemplary magnetic pole arrangement of the magnetic hub 108.

[0078] The lens-carrying unit (102-105) can be of any suitable type (e.g., the hollow cylindrical type shown) and can include any suitable lens arrangement. The lens positioning module 101 can be used with one or more different types of cameras, such as macro lenses, wide-angle lenses, ultra-wide-angle lenses, and telephoto lenses. Thermal imaging lenses and spectral camera lenses are other optional types of lenses.

[0079] The first coil (301-304) and the second coil (305-308) can be of any suitable type, such as copper coils with a circular shape as shown in the figure.

[0080] In this example, the flexure device (321-324) is made of a suitable metal.

[0081] The optical image stabilization (OIS) drive can include any suitable guiding system, such as a ball bearing system or a linear guiding system.

[0082] Figure 5 An exploded view of a lens unit 501 provided in the first example is shown, the lens unit including the lens positioning module 101 provided in the first example.

[0083] The lens unit 501 also includes a cover 502, a sensor cover 503, and a sensor plate 504; in this example, the cover 502 is a metal cover made of any suitable metal material, and the sensor cover 503 includes an infrared (IR) filter.

[0084] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the assembled lens unit 501 is shown.

[0085] Arrow 601 indicates the direction of movement of a single lens carrier unit via its respective auto-focusing (AF) drive; arrow 602 indicates an exemplary direction of movement of the single lens carrier unit via a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive. While each auto-focusing (AF) drive can achieve movement in the vertical direction, the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive can achieve movement in the horizontal direction.

[0086] Camera 701 may include the lens positioning module 101, such as Figure 7 As shown. The camera 701 can be a camera of a portable telecommunications device 702.

[0087] Figure 8 A camera 801 is shown, comprising a lens unit 501 and a second lens unit 802. The lens unit 802 is similar to the lens unit 501, and therefore both lens units include the lens positioning module 101 provided in the first example. The lens positioning module 101 of the second lens unit 802 is disposed adjacent to the lens positioning module 101 of the lens unit 501. Therefore, the camera 801 includes two similar lens positioning modules disposed adjacent to each other.

[0088] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, a smartphone or other suitable portable telecommunications device 803 includes the camera 801.

[0089] The lens positioning module 101 enables multiple cameras to be positioned close to each other and provides flexibility in placement within the device architecture.

[0090] Now we will combine Figures 9 to 15 The second specific example provides a lens positioning module 901. The description of the lens positioning module 901 mainly focuses on features that differ from those of the lens positioning module 101, but common features will also be mentioned.

[0091] First refer to Figure 9 and Figure 11 The lens positioning module 901 includes two or more (five in this example) lens carrier units (902-906). Each of the lens carrier units (902-905) has a longitudinal axis, for example, the longitudinal axis 907 of the lens carrier unit 902. The lens positioning module 101 also includes a magnetic hub 908.

[0092] The magnetic hub 908 includes a set of four magnetic elements (909, 910, 911, 912), which are used to form a hollow, discontinuous square shape.

[0093] The magnetic hub 908 has an outer periphery (as shown at 913) and an inner periphery (as shown at 914). The outer periphery 913 of the magnetic hub 908 is square, including four outer sides and four outer corners. The inner periphery 914 of the magnetic hub 908 defines an internal region 915.

[0094] One of the five lens carrier units (i.e., the lens carrier unit 906) is disposed in the inner region 915; the corresponding one of the other four lens carrier units (i.e., the lens carrier units (902-905)) is disposed along one of the four outer edges of the outer perimeter 913.

[0095] Therefore, the lens carrier units (902-905) are spaced apart from the outer periphery 913 of the magnetic hub 908, and the lens carrier unit 906 is located within the inner periphery 914 of the magnetic hub 908.

[0096] The longitudinal axis of the lens carrier unit (902-906) is oriented perpendicular to the base plane (as shown at 916).

[0097] The figure shows the Cartesian coordinate axes, with the Z-axis representing the longitudinal axis of the lens-supporting unit, and the X and Y axes representing the two-dimensional base plane.

[0098] Figure 10A second example of a lens unit 1001 is shown, the lens unit including the lens positioning module 901 provided in the second example.

[0099] The lens unit 1001 also includes a cover 1002, a sensor cover 1003, and a sensor plate 1004.

[0100] Each lens carrier unit (902-906) is associated with a corresponding autofocus (AF) drive, each AF drive including a corresponding first coil (1101-1105) that cooperates with the magnetic hub 908 to individually move the associated lens carrier unit (902-906) along the longitudinal axis of the associated lens carrier unit (902-906). Therefore, lens carrier unit 902 is associated with a corresponding autofocus (AF) drive including a first coil 1101 that cooperates with the magnetic hub 908 to individually move the lens carrier unit 902 along the longitudinal axis 106 from any of the other lens carrier units (903-906).

[0101] The lens carrier units (902-906) are collectively associated with a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive. The OIS drive includes two or more (four in this example) second coils (1106-1109) and can cooperate with the magnetic hub 908 to uniformly move the lens carrier units (902-905) in at least one direction parallel to the base plane 916.

[0102] In this example, the base surface 916 coincides with the surface of the base 1112 (shown as the upper surface 1111 in this example) of the second coil (1106-1109) of the optical image stabilization (OIS) driving device. Similarly, in this example, the second coil (1106-1109) of the optical image stabilization (OIS) driving device is embedded within the base 1112.

[0103] In this second example, the first coil 1105 of the lens carrier unit 906 located in the inner region 915 is parallel to the second coil (1106-1109), and the first coil (1101-1104) of the other four lens carrier units (902-905) is oriented perpendicular to the second coil (1106-1109).

[0104] The first coil (1101-1105) and the second coil (1106-1109) can be of any suitable type, such as copper coils with a circular or ring shape; the first coil 1105 of the lens carrier unit 906 disposed in the inner region 915 can be ring-shaped, and the other first coils (1101-1104) and the second coils (1106-1109) can be circular.

[0105] The lens positioning module 901 further includes a support frame 1113 for guiding the unified movement of the lens support units (902-906) via the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device. The magnetic hub 908 and each lens support unit (902-906) are located within a corresponding receiving area defined by the support frame 1113.

[0106] The lens barrel of each lens carrier unit (902-906) (e.g., the lens barrel 1114 of the lens carrier unit 905) is suspended on the support frame 1113 by a corresponding flexure device (1115-1119); each of the flexure devices (1115-1119) includes a first upper flexure portion, a second upper flexure portion, and a lower flexure portion, such as the first upper flexure portion 1120, the second upper flexure portion 1121, and the lower flexure portion 1122 of the flexure device 1115.

[0107] The first flexure portion of each flexure device (1115-1119) has a positive terminal; the second flexure portion of each flexure device (1115-1119) has a negative terminal.

[0108] Each lens carrier unit is electrically connected to its associated first coil via its corresponding flexure device. For example, the lens carrier unit 902 is electrically connected to its associated first coil 1101 via its corresponding flexure device 1115.

[0109] In this example, the first upper flexural portion of the flexure device (1115-1119) is connected to a common ground, and the positive line passes through the second upper flexural portion of the flexure device (1115-1119). The lower flexural portion of the flexure device (1115-1119) provides mechanical guidance for the lens carrier unit (902-906).

[0110] As shown, two or more suspension lines (e.g., suspension lines (1123, 1124)) extend between the base 1112 and the support frame 1113 for guiding the support frame 1113 to move relative to the base 1112 via the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device.

[0111] The base 1112 carries the module control circuit, typically as shown at 1125. In this example, the base 1112 is a printed wiring board (PWB).

[0112] The first coil associated with each lens carrier unit is electrically connected to the module control circuit via a corresponding flexure device of the lens carrier unit and two or more suspension wires. For example, the first coil 1101 associated with the lens carrier unit 902 is electrically connected to the module control circuit 1125 via the two suspension wires (1123, 1124).

[0113] In this second example, the lens positioning module 901 includes four pairs of suspension wires, each pair of which is located at a corresponding one of the four outer corners of the outer periphery 913 of the magnetic hub 909. For example, one pair of suspension wires (1123, 1124) is located at the outer corner 1126 of the magnetic hub 908. Therefore, in this example, there are eight suspension wires, five of which are used to handle positive voltage signals (one for each of the first coils), and the other one is used to handle a common negative ground signal.

[0114] Specifically, we will now refer to Figure 12 The image shows the lens positioning of the lens positioning module 901 provided in the second example, with its magnet and coil arrangement for lens positioning.

[0115] Each of the lens carrier units is individually movable along its longitudinal axis. Therefore, the movement of lens carrier unit 902 along its longitudinal axis 907 in either direction indicated by arrow 1201 can be achieved through the cooperation of its associated first coil 1101 and the magnetic hub 908; the individual movement of lens carrier unit 906 along its longitudinal axis 1202 in either direction indicated by arrow 1203 can be achieved through the cooperation of its associated first coil 1203 and the magnetic hub 908. However, the lens carrier units are together in at least one direction parallel to the base plane. Therefore, the lens carrier units (902, 906, 904) and the lens carrier units (903, 905) not shown in the figure are movable in either direction indicated by arrow 1204.

[0116] In this example, each of the magnetic elements (e.g., the magnetic elements (909, 911)) comprises a plurality of magnets. View 1205 shows an exemplary arrangement of the magnetic poles of one of the magnetic elements (909-912).

[0117] Figure 13 It shows Figure 10 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled lens unit 1001.

[0118] Arrow 1301 indicates the direction of movement of a single lens carrier unit via its respective auto-focusing (AF) drive; arrow 1302 indicates an exemplary direction of movement of the single lens carrier unit via a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive. While each auto-focusing (AF) drive can achieve movement in the vertical direction, the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive can achieve movement in the horizontal direction.

[0119] Figure 14 It shows Figure 10 An exploded view of the assembled lens unit 1001 is shown.

[0120] like Figure 15 As shown, two of the lens units 1001 (each including the lens positioning module provided in the second example) can be arranged side by side adjacent to each other without interference.

[0121] By using the lens positioning module disclosed herein, 4-5 individual cameras from a single unit can be integrated into the device, while reducing actuator costs. Furthermore, two units can be placed adjacent to each other without interference, ensuring the integration of 8-10 cameras into the device while further reducing associated actuator costs. The lens positioning module disclosed herein enables the arrangement of multiple cameras in a specific area, which may not be achievable with known actuator designs.

[0122] Therefore, a lens positioning module is disclosed, comprising two or more lens-carrying units spaced apart around the outer periphery of a magnetic hub, each lens-carrying unit having its longitudinal axis oriented perpendicular to a base surface. Each lens-carrying unit can be moved individually along its longitudinal axis by a corresponding auto-focus (AF) drive device, the AF drive device including a corresponding first coil that cooperates with the magnetic hub. The lens-carrying units can be uniformly moved in at least one direction parallel to the base surface by a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device, the OIS drive device including two or more second coils that cooperate with the magnetic hub. Furthermore, a camera including the lens positioning module is also disclosed. Additionally, a portable telecommunications device including a camera, the camera including the lens positioning module, is also disclosed.

[0123] The following describes a method for setting up the lens positioning module disclosed herein. The method includes: accommodating two or more lens carrier units, each lens carrier unit having a longitudinal axis; accommodating a magnetic hub, the magnetic hub including at least one magnetic element. The method further includes: spaced the two or more lens carrier units around the outer periphery of the magnetic hub, the longitudinal axis of the lens carrier units being oriented perpendicular to a base plane. The method further includes: associating each lens carrier unit with a corresponding auto-focus (AF) drive, each auto-focus (AF) drive including a corresponding first coil, the first coil cooperating with the magnetic hub to individually move the associated lens carrier unit along the longitudinal axis of the associated lens carrier unit; and associating the two or more lens carrier units jointly with a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive, the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive including two or more second coils and cooperating with the magnetic hub to uniformly move the two or more lens carrier units in at least one direction parallel to the base plane. Therefore, a lens positioning module is provided, wherein the lens carrier unit is individually movable along its respective longitudinal axis and can move uniformly in a direction parallel to the base plane. Thus, if the orientation of the lens positioning module allows the lens carrier unit to move individually in the vertical direction (AF) along its respective longitudinal axis, the lens carrier unit can move uniformly in the horizontal direction (OIS). This can be advantageously achieved by using a common actuator structure that provides cost and device integration advantages.

[0124] Therefore, a multi-optical drive system and related methods for AF-OIS actuators are disclosed.

Claims

1. A lens positioning module (101; 901), characterized in that, include: Two or more lens carrier units (102-105), each lens carrier unit (102-105) having a longitudinal axis (106, 107). The magnetic hub (108) includes at least one magnetic element (334). The two or more lens carrier units (102-105) are spaced apart around the outer periphery (109) of the magnetic hub (108), and the longitudinal axes (106, 107) of the lens carrier units (102-105) are oriented perpendicular to the base plane (110); Each lens carrier unit (102-105) is associated with a corresponding auto-focus (AF) drive, each auto-focus (AF) drive including a corresponding first coil (301-304) which can cooperate with the magnetic hub (108) to move the associated lens carrier unit (102-105) individually along the longitudinal axis (106, 107) of the associated lens carrier unit (102-105). The two or more lens carrier units (102-105) are collectively associated with a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device, which includes two or more second coils (305-308) and can cooperate with the magnetic hub (108) to move the two or more lens carrier units (102-105) uniformly in at least one direction (403) parallel to the base plane (110). The lens positioning module (101; 901) further includes a support frame (311) for guiding the unified movement of the lens support units (102-105) through the optical image stabilization (OIS) driving device, wherein the magnetic hub (108) and each lens support unit (102-105) are located in the corresponding accommodating area (312-316) defined by the support frame (311); The magnetic hub (108) includes a single magnetic element (334), and the outer periphery (109) of the magnetic hub (108) is square, including four outer sides and four outer corners; The two or more lens carrier units (102-105) include four lens carrier units, one of which is disposed along one of the four outer edges of the outer periphery (109).

2. The lens positioning module (101; 901) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second coil (305-308) of the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device is supported by the base (310); The lens barrel (317-320) of each lens support unit (102-105) is suspended on the support frame (311) by a corresponding flexure device (321-324); Two or more suspension lines (329, 330) extend between the base (310) and the support frame (311) for guiding the support frame (311) to move relative to the base (310) via the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device.

3. The lens positioning module (101; 901) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base (310) carries the module control circuit (331). Each flexure device (321-324) includes a first flexure portion (325) having a positive terminal (332) and a second flexure portion (326) having a negative terminal (333), and each lens carrier unit (102-105) is electrically connected to its associated first coil (301-304) via its respective flexure device (321-324). The first coil (301-304) associated with each lens carrier unit (102-105) is electrically connected to the module control circuit (331) via the corresponding flexure device (321-324) and the two or more suspension wires (329, 330).

4. The lens positioning module (101) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first coil (301-304) of the four lens carrier units (102-105) is oriented perpendicular to the second coil (305-308).

5. The lens positioning module (101) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two or more suspension lines (329, 330) include four pairs of suspension lines, each of the four pairs of suspension lines being disposed at a corresponding one of the four outer corners (334) of the outer perimeter (109); The positive terminal (332) of the flexure device (321-324) is electrically connected to the module control circuit (331) via a separate wire from the suspension wires (329, 330). The negative terminal (333) of the flexure device (321-324) is electrically connected to the module control circuit (331) via a separate wire from the suspension wires (329, 330).

6. The lens positioning module (101) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two or more suspension lines (329, 330) include four pairs of suspension lines, each of the four pairs of suspension lines being disposed at a corresponding one of the four outer corners of the outer perimeter (109); The positive terminal (332) of the flexure device (321-324) is electrically connected to the module control circuit (331) via a separate wire from the suspension wires (329, 330). The negative terminals (333) of the flexure devices (321-324) are electrically connected to each other and are also electrically connected to the module control circuit (331) via another of the suspension lines (329, 330).

7. The lens positioning module (101; 901) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical image stabilization (OIS) drive includes either a ball guide system or a linear guide system.

8. A lens positioning module (101; 901), characterized in that, include: Two or more lens carrier units (102-105), each lens carrier unit (102-105) having a longitudinal axis (106, 107). The magnetic hub (108) includes at least one magnetic element (334). The two or more lens carrier units (102-105) are spaced apart around the outer periphery (109) of the magnetic hub (108), and the longitudinal axes (106, 107) of the lens carrier units (102-105) are oriented perpendicular to the base plane (110); Each lens carrier unit (102-105) is associated with a corresponding auto-focus (AF) drive, each auto-focus (AF) drive including a corresponding first coil (301-304) which can cooperate with the magnetic hub (108) to move the associated lens carrier unit (102-105) individually along the longitudinal axis (106, 107) of the associated lens carrier unit (102-105). The two or more lens carrier units (102-105) are collectively associated with a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device, which includes two or more second coils (305-308) and can cooperate with the magnetic hub (108) to move the two or more lens carrier units (102-105) uniformly in at least one direction (403) parallel to the base plane (110). The lens positioning module (101; 901) further includes a support frame (311) for guiding the unified movement of the lens support units (102-105) through the optical image stabilization (OIS) driving device, wherein the magnetic hub (108) and each lens support unit (102-105) are located in the corresponding accommodating area (312-316) defined by the support frame (311); The magnetic hub (908) includes a set of four magnetic elements (909-912), which are used to form a hollow, discontinuous square shape; The outer periphery (913) of the magnetic hub (908) is square, including four outer sides and four outer corners; The inner periphery (914) of the magnetic hub (908) defines the inner region (915). The two or more lens carrier units (902-906) include five lens carrier units, one of the five lens carrier units (906) is disposed in the inner region (915), and a corresponding one of the other four lens carrier units (902-905) is disposed along one of the four outer edges of the outer perimeter (913).

9. The lens positioning module (101; 901) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second coil (305-308) of the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device is supported by the base (310); The lens barrel (317-320) of each lens support unit (102-105) is suspended on the support frame (311) by a corresponding flexure device (321-324); Two or more suspension lines (329, 330) extend between the base (310) and the support frame (311) for guiding the support frame (311) to move relative to the base (310) via the optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device.

10. The lens positioning module (101; 901) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The base (310) carries the module control circuit (331). Each flexure device (321-324) includes a first flexure portion (325) having a positive terminal (332) and a second flexure portion (326) having a negative terminal (333), and each lens carrier unit (102-105) is electrically connected to its associated first coil (301-304) via its respective flexure device (321-324). The first coil (301-304) associated with each lens carrier unit (102-105) is electrically connected to the module control circuit (331) via the corresponding flexure device (321-324) and the two or more suspension wires (329, 330).

11. The lens positioning module (101) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first coil (1105) of the lens carrier unit (906) located in the inner region (915) is parallel to the second coil (1106-1109), and the first coil (1101-1104) of the other four lens carrier units (902-905) is oriented perpendicular to the second coil (1106-1109).

12. The lens positioning module (101) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The two or more suspension lines (1123, 1124) include four pairs of suspension lines, each of the four pairs of suspension lines being disposed at a corresponding one of the four outer corners (1126) of the outer perimeter (913); The positive terminal of the flexure device (1115-1119) is electrically connected to the module control circuit (1125) via a separate suspension wire (1123, 1124). The negative terminals of the flexure devices (1115-1119) are electrically connected to each other and are also electrically connected to the module control circuit (1125) via another of the suspension lines (1123, 1124).

13. The lens positioning module (101; 901) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The optical image stabilization (OIS) drive includes either a ball guide system or a linear guide system.

14. A camera (701; 801), characterized in that, Includes a lens positioning module, wherein the lens positioning module is the lens positioning module (101; 901) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or 8 to 13.

15. The camera (801) according to claim 14, characterized in that, It also includes a second lens positioning module disposed adjacent to the lens positioning module (101; 901), the second lens positioning module being the second lens positioning module (101; 901) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or 8 to 13.

16. A portable telecommunications device (702, 803), characterized in that, Includes a camera, wherein the camera is the camera (701; 801) according to claim 14.

17. A method for setting a lens positioning module (101; 901), characterized in that, Includes the following steps: It can accommodate two or more lens carrier units (102-105), each lens carrier unit (102-105) having a longitudinal axis (106, 107). A magnetic hub (108) is provided, the magnetic hub (108) including at least one magnetic element (334). The two or more lens carrier units (102-105) are separated around the outer periphery (109) of the magnetic hub (108), and the longitudinal axis of the lens carrier units (102-105) is oriented perpendicular to the base plane (110); Each lens carrier unit (102-105) is associated with a corresponding auto-focus (AF) drive, each auto-focus (AF) drive including a corresponding first coil (301-304) that can cooperate with the magnetic hub (108) to move the associated lens carrier unit (102-105) individually along the longitudinal axis (106, 107) of the associated lens carrier unit (102-105). The two or more lens carrier units (102-105) are associated together with a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device, which includes two or more second coils (305-308) and can cooperate with the magnetic hub (108) to move the two or more lens carrier units (102-105) in unison in at least one direction (403) parallel to the base plane (110). A receiving support frame (311) is provided for guiding the uniform movement of the lens support units (102-105) via the optical imagestabilization (OIS) drive device. The magnetic hub (108) and each lens support unit (102-105) are located in a corresponding receiving area (312-316) defined by the support frame (311). The magnetic hub (108) includes a single magnetic element (334), and the outer periphery (109) of the magnetic hub (108) is square, including four outer sides and four outer corners; The two or more lens carrier units (102-105) include four lens carrier units, one of which is disposed along one of the four outer edges of the outer periphery (109).

18. A method for setting a lens positioning module (101; 901), characterized in that, Includes the following steps: It can accommodate two or more lens carrier units (102-105), each lens carrier unit (102-105) having a longitudinal axis (106, 107). A magnetic hub (108) is provided, the magnetic hub (108) including at least one magnetic element (334). The two or more lens carrier units (102-105) are separated around the outer periphery (109) of the magnetic hub (108), and the longitudinal axis of the lens carrier units (102-105) is oriented perpendicular to the base plane (110); Each lens carrier unit (102-105) is associated with a corresponding auto-focus (AF) drive, each auto-focus (AF) drive including a corresponding first coil (301-304) that can cooperate with the magnetic hub (108) to move the associated lens carrier unit (102-105) individually along the longitudinal axis (106, 107) of the associated lens carrier unit (102-105). The two or more lens carrier units (102-105) are associated together with a common optical image stabilization (OIS) drive device, which includes two or more second coils (305-308) and can cooperate with the magnetic hub (108) to move the two or more lens carrier units (102-105) in unison in at least one direction (403) parallel to the base plane (110). A receiving support frame (311) is provided for guiding the uniform movement of the lens support units (102-105) via the optical imagestabilization (OIS) drive device. The magnetic hub (108) and each lens support unit (102-105) are located in a corresponding receiving area (312-316) defined by the support frame (311). The magnetic hub (908) includes a set of four magnetic elements (909-912), which are used to form a hollow, discontinuous square shape; The outer periphery (913) of the magnetic hub (908) is square, including four outer sides and four outer corners; The inner periphery (914) of the magnetic hub (908) defines the inner region (915). The two or more lens carrier units (902-906) include five lens carrier units, one of the five lens carrier units (906) is disposed in the inner region (915), and a corresponding one of the other four lens carrier units (902-905) is disposed along one of the four outer edges of the outer perimeter (913).

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