Lens driving mechanism and electronic device having the same

Abstract

The present application provides a lens driving mechanism and an electronic device with the same. The lens driving mechanism is used to drive a lens unit to move along an optical axis direction, which comprises an outer frame, a base, a lens carrier and a driving assembly. The outer frame is made of plastic material and has an opening. The base is in contact with the outer frame and is fixed with the outer frame. A receiving space is formed between the outer frame and the base. The lens carrier is movably arranged in the receiving space and is used to carry the lens unit. An external light enters the receiving space through the opening of the outer frame and reaches the lens unit. The driving assembly is arranged in the receiving space and is connected with the lens carrier and the outer frame to drive the lens unit to move along the optical axis direction. The lens driving mechanism can greatly reduce the overall size of the lens driving mechanism and effectively reduce the manufacturing cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lens driving mechanism, and more particularly to a lens driving mechanism with a plastic frame. This invention also relates to an electronic device having a lens driving mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile phones or tablets typically have a camera lens, which mainly includes a lens unit and a lens drive mechanism (such as a voice coil motor, VCM) for driving the lens unit. The lens drive mechanism usually has a drive component consisting of a magnet and a coil, which can drive the lens unit housed in the lens drive mechanism to move along its optical axis, thereby achieving the effect of autofocus.

[0003] Please see Figure 1A , Figure 1B ,in Figure 1A This diagram illustrates a known voice coil motor 10 connected to a transparent plate G and a circuit board P. Figure 1B Then it means along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of line segment AA. Figure 1A , Figure 1B As can be seen, an outer frame 11 of the voice coil motor 10 is combined with a base 13. A lens carrier 12 is disposed within the receiving space 101 formed by the outer frame 11 and the base 13. An upper spring S1 connects the outer frame 11 and the lens carrier 12, and a lower spring S2 connects the base 13 and the lens carrier 12. In this way, the lens carrier 12 and the lens unit (not shown) housed therein can be moved relative to the outer frame 11 and the base 13 along their optical axis direction by the voice coil motor 10. In addition, a transparent plate G is attached to the top surface 111 of the outer frame 11 to protect the lens unit and other parts inside the lens drive mechanism 10, while allowing external light to enter the voice coil motor 10 through the transparent plate G.

[0004] However, since the outer frame 11 of the voice coil motor 10 is mostly stamped from a magnetically conductive metal plate, and given the decreasing size of portable electronic devices, the communication components (such as antennas or wireless communication chips) inside the electronic device are easily affected by the metal outer frame 11, thus reducing their performance. On the other hand, since the aforementioned upper spring S1 is flat, in order to allow the upper spring S1 to smoothly connect the outer frame 11 and the lens carrier 12, recessed structures 112 are usually formed at the four corners of the metal outer frame 11 (such as...). Figure 1A , Figure 1B As shown), to facilitate the contact between the upper spring S1 and the upper surface of the lens carrier 12 and the lower surface of the recessed structure 112 (as shown), so as to facilitate the contact between the upper spring S1 and the upper surface of the lens carrier 12 and the lower surface of the recessed structure 112 (as shown). Figure 1BThe connection between the outer frame 21 and the transparent plate G will reduce the bonding area between the top surface 111 of the outer frame 21 and the transparent plate G, thus affecting the overall structural strength after assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a lens driving mechanism that significantly reduces the overall size of the lens driving mechanism and effectively lowers manufacturing costs.

[0006] Another major objective of this invention is to provide an electronic device that significantly reduces the overall size of a lens drive mechanism and effectively lowers manufacturing costs.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a lens driving mechanism for driving a lens unit to move along an optical axis, comprising an outer frame, a base, a lens carrier, and a driving assembly. The outer frame is made of plastic and has an opening. The base contacts and is fixed to the outer frame, forming a receiving space between the outer frame and the base. The lens carrier is movably disposed within the receiving space to support the lens unit, wherein external light enters the receiving space through the opening in the outer frame and reaches the lens unit. The driving assembly is disposed within the receiving space and connects the lens carrier and the outer frame to drive the lens unit to move along the optical axis.

[0008] In one embodiment, the outer frame further has a protrusion, a top surface, and a side surface extending from the edge of the top surface toward the base. The protrusion protrudes from an inner surface of the outer frame and corresponds to the junction of the top surface and the side surface, thereby enhancing the structural strength of the outer frame.

[0009] In one embodiment, the top surface is quadrilateral.

[0010] In one embodiment, the outer frame also contains a metal material.

[0011] In one embodiment, the lens driving mechanism further includes a wire formed on the outer frame using molded interconnect device (MID) technology.

[0012] In one embodiment, the aforementioned driving assembly includes a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, wherein the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are respectively disposed on the outer frame and the lens carrier, and the lens carrier moves relative to the outer frame and the base by the magnetic force generated between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element.

[0013] In one embodiment, the outer frame further includes a clamping portion that protrudes from an inner surface of the outer frame and restricts the first magnetic element to a predetermined position on the inner surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the clamping portion has a U-shaped structure, and the first magnetic element is housed within the U-shaped structure.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first magnetic element is a magnet, and the second magnetic element is a coil to which an electric current can be applied.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first magnetic element comprises a multipole magnet.

[0017] In one embodiment, the lens carrier has a protruding slider, and the outer frame also has a limiting structure, wherein the slider is housed in the limiting structure to restrict the movement of the slider.

[0018] In one embodiment, the limiting structure has two limiting portions protruding from an inner surface of the outer frame, wherein a groove extending toward the optical axis is formed between the limiting portions, and the width of the groove is greater than the width of the slider.

[0019] In one embodiment, the lens driving mechanism is generally polygonal and further includes two driving components, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the lens driving mechanism to drive the lens unit to move along the optical axis direction, wherein the slider and the limiting structure are located on the side of the lens driving mechanism different from the driving components.

[0020] In one embodiment, the outer frame is generally quadrilateral and also has a body made of plastic and a metal plate, wherein the opening is formed on the body and the metal plate is disposed on one side of the body.

[0021] In one embodiment, the metal plate has a plurality of holes, and the body has a plurality of protrusions, wherein the protrusions are fitted into the holes.

[0022] In addition, the present invention also provides an electronic device including a lens driving mechanism as described above, a housing and a wireless communication element, wherein the lens driving mechanism is generally polygonal and both the lens driving mechanism and the wireless communication element are disposed within the housing, wherein the driving component is adjacent to a first side of the lens driving mechanism and the wireless communication element is adjacent to a second side of the lens driving mechanism, and the second side is different from the first side.

[0023] The lens driving mechanism and electronic device provided by this invention have the following advantages and beneficial effects: This invention provides a lens driving mechanism and an electronic device having the lens driving mechanism, wherein, since the outer frame of the lens driving mechanism contains plastic material, it can be manufactured by integral molding, thereby significantly reducing the overall size of the lens driving mechanism and effectively reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, even if communication components (such as antennas or wireless communication chips) located inside the electronic device are close to the lens driving mechanism, the plastic material of the lens driving mechanism reduces the impact on the communication components, thus ensuring the performance of the communication components while miniaturizing the electronic device.

[0024] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1A A schematic diagram showing a known voice coil motor connected to a transparent plate and a circuit board;

[0026] Figure 1B Indicates along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of line segment AA in the middle;

[0027] Figure 2 An exploded view showing a lens driving mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3A express Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the lens drive mechanism combined with a transparent plate and a circuit board;

[0029] Figure 3B Indicates along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of line segment BB in the middle;

[0030] Figure 4A express Figure 3A A 3D view of the outer frame;

[0031] Figure 4B express Figure 4A Top view of the outer frame;

[0032] Figure 5A express Figure 4A A three-dimensional view of the outer frame, lens carrier, and first magnetic element assembled together;

[0033] Figure 5B express Figure 5A A top view of the outer frame, lens mount, and first magnetic element;

[0034] Figure 6 A perspective view showing a lens driving mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0035] Figure 7 A perspective view showing a lens driving mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0037] Voice coil motor 10

[0038] Capacity 101

[0039] Outer frame 11

[0040] Top surface 111

[0041] Depressed structure 112

[0042] Lens carrier 12

[0043] Base 13

[0044] Lens drive mechanism 20

[0045] Outer frame 21

[0046] Body 21'

[0047] 210 opening

[0048] Top surface 211

[0049] Side view 212

[0050] Bump 213

[0051] Lens carrier 22

[0052] 220 piercings

[0053] Slider 221

[0054] Base 23

[0055] Metal plate 24

[0056] Hole 240

[0057] First magnetic element M

[0058] Second magnetic element C

[0059] Transparent plate G

[0060] Optical axis L

[0061] Circuit board P

[0062] Limiting structure R1

[0063] Limiting part R11

[0064] Groove R12

[0065] Clamping part R2

[0066] Groove R21

[0067] Upper spring S1

[0068] Lower spring S2 Detailed Implementation

[0069] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] The foregoing and other technical contents, features, and effects related to 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 are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the present invention.

[0071] Figure 2 This figure shows an exploded view of a lens driving mechanism 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the lens driving mechanism 20 of this embodiment is mainly used to support a lens unit (not shown). Inside the lens driving mechanism 20, there is a driving assembly composed of magnetic elements such as magnets and coils, which drives the lens unit to move along the optical axis L of the lens unit, thereby achieving the effect of automatic focusing.

[0072] Specifically, the lens driving mechanism 20 mainly includes an outer frame 21, a lens carrier 22, a base 23, an upper spring S1, a lower spring S2, at least one first magnetic element M, and at least one second magnetic element C. The outer frame 21 is generally quadrilateral and has an opening 210. The four sides 212 of the outer frame 21 extend from the edge of its top surface 211 toward the base 23, and the base 23 is fixedly connected to the outer frame 21. The lens carrier 22 is movably disposed between the outer frame 21 and the base 23. The lens carrier 22 has a through hole 220 for accommodating and supporting the aforementioned lens unit (not shown). It should be understood that external light can enter the lens driving mechanism 20 through the opening 210 of the outer frame 21, and pass sequentially through the lens unit in the center of the lens carrier 22 and the base 23 below, and finally be projected onto the surface of an image sensing unit (e.g., CCD) to obtain image data.

[0073] Depend on Figure 2As can be seen, the first magnetic element M is disposed on the inner surface of the outer frame 21, and the second magnetic element C is disposed on the outer surface of the lens carrier 22, corresponding to the first magnetic element M. In this embodiment, the first magnetic element M is, for example, a monopole or multipole magnet, and the second magnetic element C is, for example, a coil. When it is desired to drive the lens unit to move along the optical axis L, an appropriate current can be applied to the second magnetic element C so that the magnetic field generated by the second magnetic element C interacts with the magnetic field of the first magnetic element M. In this way, the lens unit can be moved along the optical axis L by magnetic force to achieve the purpose of rapid focusing and anti-shake. It should be noted that the first magnetic element M can also be a coil, and the second magnetic element C can be a monopole or multipole magnet, which can also achieve the effect of controlling the movement of the lens unit by magnetic force.

[0074] Please refer to the following as well. Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B ,in Figure 3A express Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the lens drive mechanism 20 combined with a transparent plate G and a circuit board P. Figure 3B Then it means along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of line segment BB in the middle. Figure 3A As can be seen, the assembled lens drive mechanism 20 can be combined with a transparent plate G made of plastic or glass. The transparent plate G is attached to the flat top surface 211 above the outer frame 21, thereby protecting the lens unit and other parts inside the lens drive mechanism 20. At the same time, it allows external light to enter the lens drive mechanism 20 through the transparent plate G, so that the received light can be converted into electronic signals by the image sensing unit (e.g., CCD). The lens drive mechanism 20 can be electrically connected to an external power source through the circuit board P connected to it, or the electronic signals can be transmitted to a processor outside the lens drive mechanism 20 for data processing through the circuit board P.

[0075] Please refer to the following as well. Figure 2 , Figure 3B As shown in the figure, the lens carrier 22, the upper spring S1, and the lower spring S2 are all disposed within the receiving space 201 formed by the outer frame 21 and the base 23. The upper spring S1 connects the outer frame 21 and the lens carrier 22, while the lower spring S2 connects the base 23 and the lens carrier 22. It should be noted that, since the outer frame 21 in this embodiment contains plastic material (for example, it can be entirely composed of plastic material, or metal powder can be incorporated into the plastic material), it can be manufactured using integral molding methods such as injection molding or insert molding. Furthermore, a protrusion 213 can be directly formed on the inner surface of the outer frame 21 during its molding process. Figure 3BFurthermore, the aforementioned protrusion 213 is located at the junction of the quadrilateral top surface 211 and the side surface 212 of the outer frame 21. This not only forms a large and flat quadrilateral top surface 211 above the outer frame 21, thereby increasing the bonding area between the outer frame 21 and the transparent plate G and strengthening the fixing effect between them, but also significantly improves the overall structural strength of the outer frame 21 by forming the protrusion 213 near the junction of the top surface 211 and the side surface 212 of the outer frame 21.

[0076] Alternatively, the outer frame 21 can be fabricated by doping metal powder into the plastic material. Compared to fabrication with pure plastic material, this not only increases the magnetic field strength inside the mechanism but also improves its structural strength compared to traditional pure metal sheet pressing. Furthermore, since the outer frame 21 is made of plastic and can be manufactured using a one-piece molding process, wires can be directly formed onto the outer frame 21 using molded interconnect device (MID) technology. In this case, it is unnecessary to add additional circuit components (such as...). Figure 3A The circuit board P in the middle is used to connect with external circuits, which can greatly reduce the overall size of the lens drive mechanism 20 and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0077] Please refer to the following as well. Figure 2 , Figures 4A to 5B ,in Figure 4A express Figure 3A The three-dimensional view of the outer frame 21 in the middle. Figure 4B express Figure 4A Top view of the outer frame 21 in the middle. Figure 5A express Figure 4A A three-dimensional view of the outer frame 21 assembled with the lens carrier 22 and the first magnetic element M. Figure 5B express Figure 5A A top view of the outer frame 21, lens support 22, and first magnetic element M. (See attached image.) Figure 2 , Figures 4A to 5B As shown, at least one protruding slider 221 is formed on the outer surface of the lens carrier 22, and at least one limiting structure R1 is formed on the inner surface of the outer frame 21, corresponding to the slider 221. Each limiting structure R1 has two limiting portions R11 protruding from the inner surface of the outer frame 21, and an elongated groove R12 extending in the direction of the optical axis L is formed between the two limiting portions R11. The width of the groove R12 is slightly larger than the width of the slider 221. In this embodiment, by housing the slider 221 within the limiting structure R1, the horizontal movement of the slider 221 can be restricted to prevent it from colliding with other parts in the lens drive mechanism 20 during use.

[0078] In addition, by Figure 2 as well as Figures 4A to 5BAs can be seen, at least one protruding clamping portion R2 is formed on the inner surface of the outer frame 21. The clamping portion R2 has a U-shaped structure, and the first magnetic element M is housed in the groove R21 in the center of the clamping portion R2. This prevents the first magnetic element M from detaching from the outer frame 21 and restricts the first magnetic element M to a predetermined position on the inner surface of the outer frame 21. It should be understood that since the outer frame 21 in this embodiment contains plastic material and can be manufactured in an integral molding manner, the limiting structure R1 and the clamping portion R2 can be directly formed on the inner surface of the outer frame 21 during the molding process, without the need to set additional positioning elements, thereby significantly reducing material and assembly costs.

[0079] Furthermore, by Figure 2 as well as Figures 4A to 5B As can be clearly seen, the lens driving mechanism 20 of this embodiment is approximately quadrilateral and has two pairs of driving components (each driving component includes a first magnetic element M and a second magnetic element C respectively). Multiple driving components are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the lens carrier 22 to drive the lens carrier 22 and the lens unit to move along the optical axis L. The slider 221 and the limiting structure R1 are located on the side of the lens driving mechanism 20 that is different from the multiple driving components (e.g., located on the side of the lens driving mechanism 20). Figure 5B (The left and right sides of the lens carrier 22 in the middle).

[0080] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 This figure shows a perspective view of a lens driving mechanism 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the outer frame 21 of the lens driving mechanism 20 of this embodiment has a hollow, quadrilateral body 21' and a metal plate 24, wherein the body 21' contains plastic material, and the metal plate 24 can be integrally formed on one side of the body 21' by an insert molding method.

[0081] Please see again Figure 7 This figure shows a perspective view of a lens driving mechanism 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this embodiment is similar to... Figure 6 The difference in the embodiment is that: a plurality of elongated holes 240 are formed on the metal plate 24, and a plurality of protrusions are formed on the body 21' corresponding to one side of the metal plate 24, wherein the plurality of protrusions are fitted into the plurality of holes 240.

[0082] Based on the disclosures of the foregoing embodiments, the present invention also provides an electronic device including a lens driving mechanism 20 disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments. The lens driving mechanism 20 is generally polygonal, and the lens driving mechanism 20 and at least one wireless communication element (e.g., an antenna or a wireless communication chip) are disposed within the housing of the electronic device. It should be particularly noted that the aforementioned driving component is adjacent to a first side of the lens driving mechanism 20 (e.g., located on...). Figure 5B The lens carrier 22 is located on the upper or lower side of the lens, while the wireless communication element is located adjacent to a second side of the lens drive mechanism 20 (e.g., located on the upper or lower side of the lens). Figure 5B (The left or right side of the outer frame 21 in the middle).

[0083] In summary, this invention provides a lens driving mechanism and an electronic device having the lens driving mechanism. Because the outer frame of the lens driving mechanism contains a plastic material, it can be manufactured in a single piece, thereby significantly reducing the overall size of the lens driving mechanism and effectively lowering manufacturing costs. Furthermore, even if communication components (such as antennas or wireless communication chips) located inside the electronic device are close to the lens driving mechanism, the plastic material of the lens driving mechanism reduces the impact on the communication components, thus ensuring the performance of the communication components while miniaturizing the electronic device.

[0084] Although the present invention has been disclosed with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art can make appropriate modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention can be defined according to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lens driving mechanism for driving a lens unit to move along an optical axis, the lens driving mechanism comprising: An outer frame, comprising a plastic material and having an opening, and a limiting structure, wherein the limiting structure is integrally formed and protrudes from an inner surface of the outer frame; A base contacts and is fixed to the outer frame, wherein an accommodating space is formed between the outer frame and the base; A lens carrier is movably disposed within the receiving space to support the lens unit, wherein external light enters the receiving space through the opening in the outer frame and reaches the lens unit, and the lens carrier has a protruding slider on its outer surface, a limiting structure corresponding to the slider, the slider being housed in the limiting structure to restrict the movement of the slider; and A drive assembly is disposed within the receiving space and connects the lens carrier and the outer frame to drive the lens unit to move along the optical axis. The drive assembly includes a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, wherein the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are respectively disposed on the outer frame and the lens carrier, and the lens carrier moves relative to the outer frame and the base by the magnetic force generated between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element. The outer frame also has a clamping part, which is integrally formed and protrudes from an inner surface of the outer frame and restricts the first magnetic element to a predetermined position on the inner surface. The limiting structure has a groove, and there is a space between the groove and the slider; The clamping part has a U-shaped structure and a groove in the center of the clamping part; During the forming of the outer frame, a protrusion is formed directly at the junction of a top surface and a side surface of the outer frame; It also includes an upper spring plate that connects the protrusion of the outer frame and the lens carrier; The width of the groove is greater than the width of the slider; The groove extends toward the optical axis, and the slider and the lens support move together along the optical axis. The slider and the limiting structure are located on a side of the lens drive mechanism that is different from the drive component.

2. The lens driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer frame further has a top surface and a side surface, the side surface extending from the edge of the top surface toward the base, the protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the outer frame and corresponding to the junction of the top surface and the side surface, thereby improving the structural strength of the outer frame.

3. The lens driving mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the top surface is quadrilateral.

4. The lens driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer frame further comprises a metal material.

5. The lens driving mechanism of claim 1, wherein the lens driving mechanism further includes a wire formed on the outer frame using molding interconnect device technology.

6. The lens driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamping portion has a U-shaped structure, and the first magnetic element is housed within the U-shaped structure.

7. The lens drive mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic element is a magnet and the second magnetic element is a coil to which an electric current can be applied.

8. The lens drive mechanism of claim 7, wherein the first magnetic element comprises a multipole magnet.

9. The lens driving mechanism of claim 1, wherein the slider is housed in the limiting structure to restrict the movement of the slider in a horizontal direction.

10. The lens driving mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the limiting structure has two limiting portions, and the groove is formed between the limiting portions.

11. The lens driving mechanism of claim 9, wherein the lens driving mechanism is polygonal and further comprises two driving components, the driving components being respectively disposed on opposite sides of the lens driving mechanism to drive the lens unit to move along the optical axis direction, wherein the slider and the limiting structure are located on a side of the lens driving mechanism different from the driving components.

12. The lens driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer frame is quadrilateral and further comprises a body made of plastic material and a metal plate, wherein the opening is formed on the body and the metal plate is disposed on one side of the body.

13. The lens driving mechanism of claim 12, wherein the metal plate has a plurality of holes and the body has a plurality of protrusions, wherein the protrusions are fitted into the holes.

14. An electronic device comprising a lens driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, a housing, and a wireless communication element, wherein the lens driving mechanism is polygonal, and both the lens driving mechanism and the wireless communication element are disposed within the housing, wherein the driving component is adjacent to a first side of the lens driving mechanism, and the wireless communication element is adjacent to a second side of the lens driving mechanism, and the second side is different from the first side.

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