Driving device, camera module and electronic equipment

Abstract

A kind of driving device, camera module and electronic equipment, the driving device, for camera module, include: rotating piece, drive module and piezoelectric stack, the rotating piece is set to the outer circle of lens assembly of the camera module, the drive module is coupled with the piezoelectric stack, wherein: the piezoelectric stack generates deformation under the excitation of electric signal;The drive end of the drive module is under the deformation of the piezoelectric stack High-frequency vibration is carried out, to make the drive end push the rotating piece rotates, the rotating piece drives the lens assembly movement along the optical axis direction to realize focusing.The above scheme, by the high-frequency vibration generated by piezoelectric stack cooperation drive module to provide the driving force to push the rotating piece rotates, can provide large and stable driving force, so that the driving device is used for camera module can realize the auto focusing of camera module large driving force long stroke, improve the performance of camera module when focusing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of camera module technology, and in particular to a driving device, a camera module and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of smartphones, mobile phone camera modules are becoming increasingly miniaturized, low-power, low-cost, and high-image-quality, and are therefore widely used in various new-generation portable camera devices. During autofocus, camera modules typically require a drive mechanism to move the lens assembly along the optical axis. However, current drive mechanisms are not ideal in driving the lens assembly for focusing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a novel driving device and camera module to improve the focusing performance of the camera module.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a driving device for a camera module, comprising: a rotating component, a driving module, and a piezoelectric stack. The rotating component is disposed on the outer ring of the lens assembly of the camera module, and the driving module is coupled to the piezoelectric stack. The piezoelectric stack deforms under electrical signal excitation. The driving end of the driving module vibrates at high frequency under the deformation of the piezoelectric stack, thereby causing the driving end to drive the rotating component to rotate. The rotating component drives the lens assembly to move along the optical axis to achieve focusing.

[0005] Optionally, the drive module includes a receiving portion for housing the piezoelectric stack.

[0006] Optionally, the driving device further includes: a first connecting portion, the first connecting portion being used to movably mount the driving device to the camera module.

[0007] Optionally, the rotating component is provided with an internal thread, which is adapted to the external thread of the outer ring of the lens assembly; or, the rotating component is provided with a helical groove, and the outer ring of the lens assembly is provided with a support post, which is engaged in the groove; or, the inner wall of the rotating component is provided with a support post, and the outer ring of the lens assembly is provided with a helical groove, which is engaged in the groove.

[0008] Optionally, the number of support columns and the number of slots are both two, and the two slots are not connected.

[0009] Optionally, the support column is tangent to the slot at two points.

[0010] Optionally, an annular anti-slip component is sleeved on the outside of the rotating component, and the driving end of the driving module drives the annular anti-slip component.

[0011] Optionally, the shape of the part of the drive end that contacts the annular anti-slip component is adapted to the shape of the outer surface of the annular anti-slip component.

[0012] Optionally, the driving device further includes a control module, which controls the direction of the current input to the piezoelectric stack to adjust the electrical signal that excites the piezoelectric stack.

[0013] This invention also provides a camera module, including a lens assembly and any of the above-mentioned driving devices, wherein the rotating member in the driving device is rotatably connected to the lens assembly, and the rotating member drives the lens assembly to move along the optical axis to achieve focusing.

[0014] Optionally, the camera module may also include a base for supporting the driving device.

[0015] Optionally, the base is provided with a guide portion for connecting the drive device.

[0016] Optionally, the driving device includes a first connecting portion, the first connecting portion including a sleeve portion, the sleeve portion being sleeved on the guide portion.

[0017] Optionally, the base is provided with a groove for placing the rotating component.

[0018] Optionally, the camera module further includes a first positioning unit, which is used to restrict the movement of the rotating member in the radial direction when the rotating member rotates about the optical axis.

[0019] Optionally, the first positioning unit includes: M first placement slots, N first balls, and a first positioning slot, wherein the M first placement slots are circumferentially and spaced apart on the bottom surface of the groove, and the first placement slots are used to place the first balls; the first positioning slots are circumferentially disposed on the side of the rotating component facing the base; a portion of each first ball is located in the first placement slot, and another portion is located in the first positioning slot, M≥3, N≥3, M≥N, and M and N are both positive integers.

[0020] Optionally, the lens assembly includes a lens barrel and a lens disposed on the lens barrel, the lens barrel being rotatably connected to the rotating member.

[0021] Optionally, the outer ring of the lens barrel is provided with an external thread, and the inner wall of the rotating component is provided with an internal thread, the external thread being adapted to the internal thread; or, the outer ring of the lens barrel is provided with a support post, and the inner wall of the rotating component is provided with a groove, the support post being engaged in the groove, the groove being spiral-shaped; or, the inner wall of the rotating component is provided with a support post, and the outer ring of the lens barrel is provided with a groove, the support post being engaged in the groove, the groove being spiral-shaped.

[0022] Optionally, the camera module further includes a housing, which is connected to the base and forms a receiving cavity. The receiving cavity is used to accommodate the driving device and the lens assembly. The housing is provided with an opening for exposing the lens assembly.

[0023] Optionally, the camera module further includes a dustproof film assembly that covers the side surface of the lens assembly.

[0024] Optionally, the dustproof film assembly includes: a cover plate, a dustproof film, and a lens protection structure, wherein the dustproof film is connected to the cover plate and the lens protection structure respectively.

[0025] Optionally, the camera module further includes a second positioning unit, which is used to restrict the movement of the lens assembly in the radial direction when the lens assembly moves along the optical axis.

[0026] Optionally, the second positioning unit includes: P second placement slots, Q second balls, and a second positioning slot, wherein the P second placement slots are circumferentially and spaced apart on the side of the cover plate facing the base, and the second placement slots are used to place the second balls; the second positioning slots are circumferentially disposed on the side of the rotating member facing the lens assembly; a portion of each second ball is located in the second placement slot, and another portion is located in the second positioning slot. P≥3, Q≥3, P≥Q, and P and Q are both positive integers.

[0027] Optionally, the second placement slot does not penetrate the cover plate.

[0028] Optionally, the camera module further includes a position feedback system for detecting the movement and displacement of the lens assembly.

[0029] This invention also provides an electronic device, including any of the above-described driving devices or any of the above-described camera modules.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0031] This invention provides a driving device for focusing a camera module. Specifically, the driving device includes a rotating component, a driving module, and a piezoelectric stack. The rotating component is disposed on the outer ring of the lens assembly of the camera module. The driving module is coupled to the piezoelectric stack, which deforms under electrical signal excitation. The driving end of the driving module vibrates at high frequency under the deformation of the piezoelectric stack, causing the driving end to drive the rotating component to rotate. The rotating component drives the lens assembly to move along the optical axis to achieve focusing. By using the high-frequency vibration generated by the piezoelectric stack in conjunction with the driving module to provide the driving force for rotating the component, a large and stable driving force can be provided. Therefore, using the driving device in a camera module can achieve optical focusing with large driving force and long stroke, improving the focusing performance of the camera module. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the driving principle when the driving device drives the rotating component to rotate in a certain direction in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the driving principle when the driving device drives the rotating component to rotate in another rotation direction in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a partial structural diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of a rotating component and a lens assembly in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] As mentioned above, with the rapid development of smartphones, mobile phone camera modules are becoming increasingly miniaturized, low-power, low-cost, and high-image-quality, and are therefore widely used in various new-generation portable camera devices. During autofocus, camera modules typically require a drive mechanism to move the lens assembly along the optical axis. However, current drive mechanisms are not ideal in driving the lens assembly for focusing.

[0043] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a driving device for focusing a camera module. Specifically, the driving device includes a rotating component, a driving module, and a piezoelectric stack. The rotating component is disposed on the outer ring of the lens assembly of the camera module. The driving module is coupled to the piezoelectric stack, which deforms under electrical signal excitation. The driving end of the driving module vibrates at high frequency under the deformation of the piezoelectric stack, causing the driving end to drive the rotating component to rotate. The rotating component then drives the lens assembly to move along the optical axis to achieve focusing. By using the high-frequency vibration generated by the piezoelectric stack in conjunction with the driving module to provide the driving force for rotating the component, a large and stable driving force can be provided. Therefore, using this driving device in a camera module enables high-force, long-stroke autofocus, improving the focusing performance of the camera module.

[0044] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 The present invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view. Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the driving principle when the driving device drives the rotating component to rotate in a certain direction in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the driving principle of a driving device driving a rotating component to rotate in another rotation direction in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle; Figure 9 This is a partial structural diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of a rotating component and a lens assembly in one embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a driving device, which will be described below in conjunction with... Figures 1 to 10 The specific structure of the drive device is described.

[0046] The driving device 1 provided in this embodiment of the invention can be used in a camera module 100. Specifically, the driving device 1 may include a rotating component 11, a driving module 12, and a piezoelectric stack 13. The rotating component 11 is disposed on the outer ring of the lens assembly 2 of the camera module 100. The driving module 12 is coupled to the piezoelectric stack 13. The piezoelectric stack 13 deforms under the excitation of an electrical signal. The driving end 122 of the driving module 12 vibrates at high frequency under the deformation of the piezoelectric stack 13, so that the driving end 122 drives the rotating component 11 to rotate. When the rotating component 11 rotates, it can drive the lens assembly 2 to move along the optical axis X to achieve focusing. During the rotation process, the rotating component 11 can convert its own rotational motion into linear motion along the optical axis X. When converted into linear motion along the optical axis X, it can drive the lens assembly 2 to move in a linear direction, thereby achieving focusing of the lens assembly 2.

[0047] As described above, the driving device can include a rotating component, a driving module, and a piezoelectric stack. The rotating component is disposed on the outer ring of the lens assembly of the camera module. The driving module is coupled to the piezoelectric stack, which deforms under electrical signal excitation. The driving end of the driving module vibrates at high frequency under the deformation of the piezoelectric stack, causing the driving end to drive the rotating component to rotate. The rotating component drives the lens assembly to move along the optical axis to achieve focusing. By using the high-frequency vibration generated by the piezoelectric stack in conjunction with the driving module to provide the driving force to rotate the rotating component, a large and stable driving force can be provided. Therefore, using the driving device in the camera module can achieve high driving force and long stroke autofocus of the camera module, improving the focusing performance of the camera module.

[0048] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 4 The drive module 12 may include a receiving portion 121. The receiving portion 121 is used to house the piezoelectric stack 13.

[0049] In some embodiments, the piezoelectric stack 13 can be fixed to the receiving portion 121 in various ways. For example, the receiving portion 121 is provided with a connecting portion for connecting the piezoelectric stack 13. Alternatively, the receiving portion 121 and the piezoelectric stack 13 can be connected by an interference fit. It is understood that the piezoelectric stack 13 can also be fixed to the receiving portion 121 in other ways, as long as the piezoelectric stack 13 can transmit the generated deformation to the drive module 12 and drive the drive end 122 of the drive module 12 to generate high-frequency vibration; further examples are not provided here.

[0050] In a specific implementation, the drive device 1 may further include a control module 15. The control module 15 can be used to control the direction of the current input to the piezoelectric stack 13, so as to adjust the electrical signal that excites the piezoelectric stack 13. The direction of the current input to the piezoelectric stack 13 is related to the direction of the motion trajectory of the drive end 122. That is, when the direction of the current input to the piezoelectric stack 13 changes, the direction of the motion trajectory of the drive end 122 changes accordingly.

[0051] In some non-limiting embodiments, the motion trajectory of the drive end 122 of the drive module 12 under the deformation of the piezoelectric stack 13 is approximately elliptical.

[0052] When the current input to the piezoelectric stack 13 is in different directions, the electrical signals used to excite the piezoelectric stack 13 are different. This results in different directions of high-frequency vibrations generated by the drive end 122 of the drive module 12, leading to different directions of the resulting elliptical motion trajectories. Consequently, the drive end 122 pushes the rotating member 11 to rotate in different directions. The direction of the high-frequency vibration trajectory of the drive end 122 of the drive module 12 is opposite to the rotation direction of the rotating member 11.

[0053] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 When the drive end 122 of the drive module 12 vibrates at high frequency under the deformation of the piezoelectric stack 13, and its trajectory is largely clockwise, the drive end 122 can push the rotating component 11 to rotate counterclockwise. Figure 5 The arrow in the image indicates the direction of rotation of the rotating component 11. Figure 6 The arrow in the image indicates the direction of the high-frequency vibration trajectory of the drive end 122.

[0054] Combination Figure 7 and Figure 8 When the drive end 122 of the drive module 12 vibrates at high frequency under the deformation of the piezoelectric stack 13, and its trajectory is largely counterclockwise, the drive end 122 can push the rotating component 11 to rotate clockwise. Figure 7 The arrow in the image indicates the direction of rotation of the rotating component 11. Figure 8 The arrow in the image indicates the direction of the high-frequency vibration trajectory of the drive end 122.

[0055] It should be noted that the above Figures 5 to 8 This is an illustration based on the relative positions of the drive module 12 and the rotating component 11 shown in the figure. When the relative positions of the drive module 12 and the rotating component 11 change, the direction of the high-frequency vibration trajectory of the drive end 122 of the drive module 12 and the direction of the rotating component 11 may change accordingly, which will not be elaborated here.

[0056] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 4The piezoelectric stack 13 is provided with a second connection part 131, which is used to connect to the control module 15 to receive electrical signals.

[0057] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 4 The driving device 1 may further include a first connecting portion 14. The first connecting portion 14 is used to movably mount the driving device 1 to the camera module 100.

[0058] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 4 A guide portion 41 may be provided on the camera module 100. The guide portion 41 cooperates with the first connecting portion 14 to enable the driving device 1 to be movably connected to the camera module 100. The specific shape of the first connecting portion 14 is related to the shape of the guide portion 41. For example, when the guide portion 41 is columnar, the first connecting portion 14 may include a sleeve portion 141, which sleeves onto the guide portion 41. Alternatively, when the guide portion 41 is a groove, the first connecting portion 14 may be a protrusion that cooperates with the guide portion 41. Yet another example is that when the guide portion 41 is a protrusion, the first connecting portion 14 may be a groove that cooperates with the guide portion 41. It is understood that other forms are also possible, which will not be listed here.

[0059] In specific implementations, the first connecting part 14 can be connected to the drive module 12 in various ways. (Refer to...) Figure 4 As one example, the first connecting portion 14 may include a clamping portion 142, which clamps onto the recess 123 of the drive module 12. It is understood that the first connecting portion 14 may also be connected to the drive module 12 by a plug-in connection, by fastener fixation, or by other means, which will not be listed here.

[0060] In specific implementations, there can be multiple ways to connect the rotating component 11 and the lens assembly 2, that is, the two can be connected in multiple ways.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating member 11 is provided with an internal thread, which is adapted to the external thread of the outer ring of the lens assembly 2, and the rotating member 11 is threadedly connected to the lens assembly 2.

[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, the rotating member 11 is provided with a spiral groove 62, and the outer ring of the lens assembly 2 is provided with a support post 61, which is engaged in the groove 62.

[0063] In another embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall of the rotating member 11 is provided with a support column 61, and the outer ring of the lens assembly 2 is provided with a spiral groove 62, and the support column 61 is engaged in the groove 62.

[0064] Since the support column 61 is locked in the slot 62, and the slot 62 is spiral, the relative position between the support column 61 and the slot 62 changes when the rotating component 11 rotates. The support column 61 spirals up or down along the slot 62, thereby enabling the rotating component 11 to drive the lens assembly 2 to move linearly along the optical axis X.

[0065] In a specific implementation, when the lens assembly 2 and the rotating component 11 are connected by the support column 61 and the slot 62, the support column 61 is tangent to the slot 62 at two points. When the rotating component 11 rotates, this improves the stability of the lens assembly 2 moving along the optical axis and avoids shaking.

[0066] Furthermore, to improve the stability of the movement of the lens assembly 2 driven by the rotating component 11, there are two slots 62 and two support pillars 61, with each support pillar 61 located in its corresponding slot 62. The two slots 62 are not connected.

[0067] In specific implementation, in order to facilitate the installation between the lens assembly 2 and the rotating part 11, the two support columns 61 are symmetrically arranged, the lowest point of the spiral of the two slots 62 is at the same height, and the highest point of the spiral of the two slots 62 is at the same height.

[0068] It is understandable that the two support columns 61 can also be arranged asymmetrically, that is, the two support columns 61 may not be at the same height. In this case, the lowest points of the two slots 62 are not at the same height, and the highest points of the two slots 62 are not at the same height. As long as the two support columns 61 are engaged in the corresponding slots 62, the overall assembly requirements of the lens assembly 2 are met.

[0069] In practical implementation, the helix angle of the slot 62 can be configured according to the requirements of the lens assembly 2 moving along the optical axis during focusing, as well as the focusing response time. With the same zoom ratio, a larger helix angle in the slot 62 results in a shorter focusing response time. Given a fixed size for the camera module 100, a larger moving distance along the optical axis necessitates a larger helix angle in the slot 62.

[0070] Furthermore, an annular anti-slip member 16 is sleeved on the outside of the rotating component 11. The driving end 122 of the driving module 12 drives the annular anti-slip member 16. The annular anti-slip member 16 can increase the friction between itself and the driving end 122 of the driving module 12, preventing slippage when the driving module 12 drives the rotating component 11 to rotate, improving the stability of the rotating component 11 during rotation, and thus improving the stability of the lens assembly 2 moving along the optical axis, thereby improving the stability of the camera module 100 during focusing.

[0071] Furthermore, the shape of the part of the drive end 122 that contacts the annular anti-slip member 16 is adapted to the shape of the outer surface of the annular anti-slip member 16, so as to increase the contact area between the drive end 122 and the annular anti-slip member 16 and further improve the anti-slip effect.

[0072] The present invention also provides a camera module, which is described below. Figures 1 to 10 The specific structure of the camera module 100 is explained.

[0073] In a specific implementation, the camera module 100 may include a lens assembly 2 and a driving device 1. The rotating component 11 in the driving device 1 is rotatably connected to the lens assembly 2, and the rotating component 11 drives the lens assembly 2 to move along the optical axis X to achieve focusing.

[0074] In specific implementations, the drive device 1 can be any of the drive devices 1 provided in the above embodiments. The specific working principle and structure of the drive device 1 can be found in the descriptions of the drive devices provided in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0075] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 3 The camera module 100 may include a base 4, which is used to support the driving device 1. That is, the driving device 1 is mounted on the base 4.

[0076] Furthermore, the base 4 is provided with a guide portion 41, which is used to connect the drive device 1.

[0077] In some non-limiting embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the drive device 1 includes a first connecting part 14, the first connecting part 14 cooperates with the guide part 41 to movably connect the drive device 1 to the base 4.

[0078] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 14 includes a sleeve portion 141, which is sleeved on the guide portion 41.

[0079] Furthermore, to improve the smoothness of the movement of the drive device 1 relative to the base 4, the guide part 41 is cylindrical, and correspondingly, the sleeve part 141 is annular.

[0080] In a specific implementation, the base 4 is provided with a groove 42, which is used to place the rotating component 11.

[0081] Specifically, the base 4 may be provided with a first opening 43, which is used to avoid the lens assembly 2 so that light passing through the lens assembly 2 can reach the image processing device. The image processing device may be an image sensor.

[0082] A limiting part 44 can be provided on the base 4. The limiting part 44 is arranged around the first opening 43 to form a groove 42. The limiting part 44 has a notch for installing the drive module 12 and piezoelectric stack 13 in the drive device 1. The size of the groove 42 is larger than the size of the first opening 43, so that the bottom surface 421 of the groove 42 can be formed, and the bottom surface 421 of the groove 42 is used to support the rotating part 11.

[0083] In some non-limiting embodiments, in the area near the notch, the limiting portion 44 is recessed toward the first opening direction to form a recessed area 411, and the guide portion 41 is disposed in the recessed area 411.

[0084] In a specific implementation, the camera module 100 may further include a first positioning unit. When the rotating member 11 rotates around the optical axis, the first positioning unit is used to restrict the movement of the rotating member 11 in the radial direction. By restricting the movement of the rotating member 11 in the radial direction by the first positioning unit, the rotating member 11 can rotate stably around the optical axis, thereby ensuring that the rotating member 11 drives the lens assembly 2 to move stably in a straight line along the optical axis with the optical axis as the center, without deviating from the optical axis direction.

[0085] In some non-limiting embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 10 The first positioning unit includes M first placement slots 51, N first balls 52, and a first positioning groove. The M first placement slots 51 are circumferentially and spaced apart on the bottom surface 421 of the groove 42, and are used to place the first balls 52. The first positioning groove is circumferentially disposed on the side of the rotating member 11 facing the base 4. A portion of each first ball 52 is located in the first placement slot 51, and another portion of each first ball 52 is located in the first positioning groove. M ≥ 3, N ≥ 3, M ≥ N, and both M and N are positive integers.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first positioning groove may be annular, with a portion of the first ball 52 located in the first placement groove 51 and another portion located in the first positioning groove. Thus, when the rotating member 11 rotates, the first ball 52 rotates within the space defined by the first positioning groove and the first placement groove 51. In this way, the first ball 52 restricts the radial movement of the rotating member 11 without affecting the rotation of the rotating member 11.

[0087] In a non-limiting embodiment, the M first placement slots 51 may be evenly circumferentially spaced on the side of the base 4 facing the rotating member 11. Alternatively, the M first placement slots 51 may be non-uniformly circumferentially spaced on the side of the base 4 facing the rotating member 11.

[0088] In a non-limiting embodiment, there are three first placement slots 51 and three first balls 52. Arranging three first placement slots 51 and three first balls 52 respectively can both facilitate the radial movement of the rotating member 11 and simplify the structural design. It should be noted that the number of first placement slots 51 and the number of first balls 52 can also be greater than three; examples are not provided here.

[0089] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 9 The lens assembly 2 may include a lens barrel 21 and a lens disposed on the lens barrel 21. The number of lenses may be one or more. The lens barrel 21 is rotatably connected to the rotating member 11.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lens barrel 21 is provided with an external thread, and the inner wall of the rotating member 11 is provided with an internal thread, the external thread being adapted to the internal thread. The connection between the external and internal threads enables the lens barrel 21 and the rotating member 11 to be connected. Furthermore, the connection between the external and internal threads allows the rotating member 11 to drive the lens barrel 21 in linear motion along the optical axis.

[0091] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the lens barrel 21 is provided with a support column 61, and the inner wall of the rotating member 11 is provided with a groove 62, the support column 61 is engaged in the groove 62, and the groove 62 is spiral.

[0092] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the inner wall of the rotating member 11 is provided with a support column 61, the lens barrel 21 is provided with a slot 62, the support column 61 is engaged in the slot 62, and the slot 62 is spiral in shape.

[0093] Since the support column 61 is locked in the slot 62, and the slot 62 is spiral, the relative position between the support column 61 and the slot 62 changes when the rotating component 11 rotates. The support column 61 spirals up or down along the slot 62, thereby enabling the rotating component 11 to drive the lens barrel 21 to move linearly in the optical axis direction.

[0094] In a specific implementation, the support column 61 is tangent to the slot 62 at two points. When the rotating component 11 rotates, it improves the stability of the lens assembly 2 moving along the optical axis and avoids shaking.

[0095] Furthermore, to improve the stability of the movement of the lens assembly 2 driven by the rotating component 11, there are two slots 62 and two support pillars 61, with each support pillar 61 located in its corresponding slot 62. The two slots 62 are not connected.

[0096] In specific implementation, in order to facilitate the installation between the lens assembly 2 and the rotating part 11, the two support columns 61 are symmetrically arranged, the lowest point of the spiral of the two slots 62 is at the same height, and the highest point of the spiral of the two slots 62 is at the same height.

[0097] It is understandable that the two support columns 61 can also be arranged asymmetrically, that is, the two support columns 61 may not be at the same height. In this case, the lowest points of the two slots 62 are not at the same height, and the highest points of the two slots 62 are not at the same height. As long as the two support columns 61 are engaged in the corresponding slots 62, the overall assembly requirements of the lens assembly 2 are met.

[0098] In practical implementation, the helix angle of the slot 62 can be configured according to the requirements of the lens assembly 2 moving along the optical axis during focusing, as well as the focusing response time. With the same zoom ratio, a larger helix angle in the slot 62 results in a shorter focusing response time. Given a fixed size for the camera module 100, a larger moving distance along the optical axis necessitates a larger helix angle in the slot 62.

[0099] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The camera module 100 may also include a housing 3, which is connected to the base 4 and forms a receiving cavity. The driving device 1 and the lens assembly 2 are located in the receiving cavity. The housing 3 is provided with an opening 311 for exposing the lens assembly 2, so as to avoid the housing 3 from blocking the lens assembly 2 and ensure that the camera module 100 can perform image acquisition normally.

[0100] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 2 The camera module 100 may also include a dustproof film assembly 7, which covers the outer surface of the lens assembly 2 to prevent dust and other foreign objects from entering the lens assembly 2 and affecting the imaging quality of the camera module 100.

[0101] The dustproof film assembly 7 may include: a cover plate 71, a dustproof film 72, and a lens protection structure 73, wherein the dustproof film 72 is connected to the cover plate 71 and the lens protection structure 73 respectively.

[0102] A lens protection structure 73 is fitted onto the lens assembly 2. Specifically, the lens protection structure 73 is fitted onto the outer surface of the lens barrel 21 of the lens assembly 2. The cover plate 71 has an opening, the size of which is adapted to the size of the lens protection structure 73. A dustproof film 72 is connected to both the cover plate 71 and the lens protection structure 73, and the dustproof film 72 is connected to both the opening and the lens protection structure 73.

[0103] Furthermore, the dustproof film 72 has tensile elasticity. When the lens assembly 2 moves along the optical axis, the dustproof film 72 can undergo tensile deformation, so as to prevent foreign objects from entering the lens assembly 2 while better cooperating with the focusing of the lens assembly 2.

[0104] In a specific implementation, the camera module 100 also includes a second positioning unit. When the lens assembly 2 moves along the optical axis, the second positioning unit is used to restrict the movement of the lens assembly 2 along the radial direction. Furthermore, the movement of the rotating member 11 about its radial direction can also be further restricted. The second positioning unit further improves the stability of the lens assembly 2's movement along the optical axis, preventing deviation from the optical axis during focusing.

[0105] In specific implementation, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 10 The second positioning unit may include: P second placement slots, Q second balls 81, and a second positioning slot 82. The P second placement slots are circumferentially and spaced apart on the side of the cover plate 71 facing the base 4, and are used to place the second balls 81. The second positioning slot 82 is circumferentially disposed on the side of the rotating member 11 facing the lens assembly 2; a portion of each second ball 81 is located in the second placement slot, and another portion is located in the second positioning slot 82, where P≥3, Q≥3, P≥Q, and both P and Q are positive integers.

[0106] In some embodiments, the second positioning groove 82 may be annular, with a portion of the second ball 81 located in the second placement groove and another portion located in the second positioning groove 82. Thus, when the rotating member 11 rotates, the second ball 81 rotates within the space defined by the second placement groove and the second positioning groove 82. This allows the second ball 81 to limit the radial movement of the rotating member 11 and the radial movement of the lens assembly 2, without affecting the rotation of the rotating member 11.

[0107] In some non-limiting embodiments, the P second placement slots may be evenly circumferentially spaced on the side of the cover plate 71 facing the rotating member 11. Alternatively, the P second placement slots may be non-uniformly circumferentially spaced on the side of the cover plate 71 facing the rotating member 11.

[0108] In some non-limiting embodiments, the number of second placement slots and the number of second balls 81 are both three. Configuring three second placement slots and three second balls 81 respectively can simplify the structural design while simultaneously enabling the radial movement of the rotating member 11 around itself and the radial movement of the lens assembly 2 around itself. It should be noted that the number of second placement slots and the number of second balls 81 can also be greater than three; examples are not provided here.

[0109] In specific implementation, the second placement groove does not penetrate the cover plate 71 to ensure the sealing performance of the dustproof film assembly 7 and prevent dust and other foreign objects from entering the lens assembly 2 through the second placement groove.

[0110] In a specific implementation, the camera module 100 may further include a position feedback system, which is used to detect the movement displacement of the lens assembly 2. The position of the lens assembly 2 can be determined based on the movement displacement detected by the position feedback system, providing a basis for monitoring and adjusting the position of the lens assembly 2 during the focusing process of the camera module 100.

[0111] In some embodiments, to facilitate the installation of the camera module 100, some of the components provided in the above embodiments can be assembled together to form a unit as needed, and then the formed unit can be reinstalled.

[0112] For example, the drive unit 1 can be mounted on the base 4 to form a fixed unit 9. During focusing, the position of the lens assembly 2 can change relative to the fixed unit 9.

[0113] It should be noted that the camera module 100 may also include an image processing device, which may be an image sensor. The camera module 100 may also include a filter, which is located between the lens assembly 2 and the image processing device, and is positioned above the image processing device.

[0114] Furthermore, the filter is located directly above the photosensitive area of ​​the image processing device.

[0115] The camera module 100 may also include some other components, which will not be listed here.

[0116] This invention also provides an electronic device. The electronic device may include the driving device 1 provided in any of the above embodiments, or the camera module 100 provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0117] In practice, electronic devices may include mobile phones, tablets, and other devices with camera functions.

[0118] In specific implementations, the working principle and workflow of the camera module or driving device in the electronic device can be found in the description of the camera module or driving device in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0119] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in any computer-readable storage medium, which may include ROM, RAM, disk, or optical disk, etc.

[0120] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module includes a lens assembly, a driving device, and a base. The base supports the driving device, which comprises a rotating component, a driving module, and a piezoelectric stack. The rotating component is disposed on the outer ring of the lens assembly, and the driving module is coupled to the piezoelectric stack. The piezoelectric stack deforms under electrical signal excitation; The drive end of the drive module vibrates at high frequency under the deformation of the piezoelectric stack, and the motion trajectory is elliptical, so that the drive end pushes the rotating part to rotate. The rotating part in the drive device is rotatably connected to the lens assembly, and the rotating part drives the lens assembly to move along the optical axis to achieve focusing. The base is provided with a groove, a first opening, and a limiting part. The groove is used to place the rotating component, the first opening is used to avoid the lens assembly, and the limiting part is arranged around the first opening to form the groove. The limiting part has a notch for installing the drive module and the piezoelectric stack in the drive device. In the area near the notch, the limiting part is recessed towards the first opening to form a recessed area. A cylindrical guide part is provided in the recessed area. The drive device includes a first connecting part, which cooperates with the guide part to movably connect the drive device to the base. The first connecting part includes a sleeve part and a clamping part. The sleeve part is annular and is sleeved on the guide part. The clamping part clamps the recessed part of the drive module. The drive module includes a receiving portion for placing the piezoelectric stack and for transmitting the deformation generated by the piezoelectric stack to the drive module.

2. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating component is provided with an internal thread, which is adapted to the external thread of the outer ring of the lens assembly. Alternatively, the rotating component is provided with a spiral groove, and the outer ring of the lens assembly is provided with a support post, which is engaged in the groove; Alternatively, the inner wall of the rotating component is provided with a support column, and the outer ring of the lens assembly is provided with a spiral groove, into which the support column is engaged.

3. The camera module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The number of support columns and the number of slots are both two, and the two slots are not connected.

4. The camera module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The support column is tangent to the slot at two points.

5. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating component is fitted with an annular anti-slip component, and the driving end of the driving module drives the annular anti-slip component.

6. The camera module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The shape of the part of the drive end that contacts the annular anti-slip component is adapted to the shape of the outer surface of the annular anti-slip component.

7. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control module, which is used to control the direction of the current input to the piezoelectric stack in order to adjust the electrical signal that excites the piezoelectric stack.

8. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first positioning unit, which is used to restrict the movement of the rotating member in the radial direction when the rotating member rotates about the optical axis.

9. The camera module as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first positioning unit includes: M first placement slots, N first balls, and a first positioning slot, wherein, The M first placement slots are circumferentially and spaced apart on the bottom surface of the groove, and the first placement slots are used to place the first ball; The first positioning groove is disposed circumferentially on the side of the rotating component facing the base; A portion of each first ball is located in the first placement groove, and another portion is located in the first positioning groove, where M≥3, N≥3, M≥N, and both M and N are positive integers.

10. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lens assembly includes a lens barrel and a lens disposed on the lens barrel, the lens barrel being rotatably connected to the rotating member.

11. The camera module as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The outer ring of the lens barrel is provided with an external thread, and the inner wall of the rotating part is provided with an internal thread, wherein the external thread is adapted to the internal thread; Alternatively, the outer ring of the lens barrel is provided with a support column, the inner wall of the rotating component is provided with a slot, the support column is engaged in the slot, and the slot is spiral-shaped; Alternatively, the inner wall of the rotating component is provided with a support column, the outer ring of the lens barrel is provided with a groove, the support column is engaged in the groove, and the groove is spiral-shaped.

12. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing, which is connected to the base and forms a receiving cavity for accommodating the drive device and the lens assembly. The housing has an opening for exposing the lens assembly.

13. The camera module as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, It also includes a dustproof film assembly that covers the side surface of the lens assembly.

14. The camera module as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The dustproof film assembly includes: a cover plate, a dustproof film, and a lens protection structure, wherein the dustproof film is connected to the cover plate and the lens protection structure respectively.

15. The camera module as described in claim 14, characterized in that, It also includes a second positioning unit, which is used to restrict the movement of the lens assembly in the radial direction when the lens assembly moves along the optical axis.

16. The camera module as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The second positioning unit includes: P second placement slots, Q second balls, and a second positioning slot, wherein, The P second placement slots are circumferentially and spaced apart on the side of the cover plate facing the base, and the second placement slots are used to place the second ball bearings; The second positioning groove is disposed circumferentially on the side of the rotating component facing the lens assembly; A portion of each second ball is located in the second placement groove, and another portion is located in the second positioning groove. P≥3, Q≥3, P≥Q, and both P and Q are positive integers.

17. The camera module as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The second placement slot does not penetrate the cover plate.

18. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a position feedback system for detecting the movement and displacement of the lens assembly.

19. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the camera module as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

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