Locking structure for camera module and camera module

Abstract

The application provides a locking structure for a camera module and the camera module. The locking structure comprises a coil unit and a magnetic unit. The magnetic unit is arranged opposite to the coil unit. When the coil unit is powered, the magnetic field generated by the coil unit and the magnetic field of the magnetic unit interact with each other, so as to drive the relative movement between the coil unit and the magnetic unit. The locking structure has the advantages of simple structure, easy assembly, and the performance of the locking structure can be tested and maintained separately, so that the yield of the locking structure is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of camera module technology, and in particular to a locking structure for a camera module and a camera module. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are equipped with camera modules. These modules convert light signals into electrical signals, record and save image information, and thus enable photo and video recording functions. Compared to traditional camera systems, cell phone camera modules (CCMs) are widely used in various next-generation portable camera devices due to their advantages such as miniaturization, low power consumption, low cost, and high image quality. Taking the structure of a camera module as an example, it generally includes a lens unit, a voice coil motor (VCM), an infrared cutoff filter, an image sensor, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) or a printed circuit board (PCB), and a connector that connects to the phone's motherboard. The voice coil motor (VCM) is used to enable the autofocus function of the lens unit. A VCM typically includes a magnet and a coil. During camera module operation, current is first passed through the coil. The energized coil cuts magnetic field lines in the magnetic field, generating electromagnetic force. The coil or magnet moves under the influence of this electromagnetic force, thereby moving the lens unit connected to the VCM and adjusting the image distance and object distance of the camera module to produce a clear image. A Hall effect sensor is also often incorporated into the VCM. This sensor measures changes in the magnetic field within the VCM, determining the position of the coil or magnet based on these changes, thus achieving closed-loop control of the VCM.

[0003] With the rapid development of the smartphone industry, people's demands for mobile phone camera functions are also gradually increasing. The continuous increase in focusing range leads to a continuous increase in the travel of the voice coil motor. However, limited by the thickness of the phone and the protective glass on the back cover, the motor travel cannot be increased indefinitely. Furthermore, to achieve better image quality and provide customers with a better photography experience, the mobile phone industry often uses larger optical size image sensors (CMOS Image Sensor, CIS). Larger CIS requires a higher lens focal length and a longer overall lens length, but this increases the phone's thickness. Therefore, due to the limitation of phone thickness, the image quality of the camera cannot increase proportionally with the increase in the CIS optical size, and the macro shooting effect of the camera is also somewhat limited. Ultra-long travel motors cannot use an upper and lower spring structure, otherwise the travel will be limited. A corresponding locking structure is needed to fix the moving parts, preventing them from extending due to inertia or external force when not in operation, thus protecting the moving parts.

[0004] Currently, the assembly of locking structures is very difficult, and there is no locking structure that can reliably protect the camera module when it is not in operation.

[0005] In summary, providing a locking structure that is easy to assemble and can stably protect the camera module when it is not in operation is one of the problems that urgently needs to be solved in camera modules with ultra-long stroke motors. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem solved by this invention is to provide a locking structure for a camera module and a camera module, which simplifies the assembly of the locking structure and provides stable protection for the camera module when it is not in operation.

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a locking structure for a camera module, comprising: a coil unit; and a magnetic unit, wherein the magnetic unit is disposed opposite to the coil unit. When the coil unit is energized, the direction of the magnetic field generated by the coil unit interacts with the direction of the magnetic field of the magnetic unit, thereby driving relative movement between the coil unit and the magnetic unit.

[0008] Optionally, a fixing part is also included, which includes a fixing base and a slide rail located on the fixing base, the slide rail extending along a direction of movement parallel to the magnetic unit or the coil unit.

[0009] Optionally, the fixed base also has a coil winding post, the slide rails are distributed on both sides of the coil winding post, and the coil unit is wound on the coil winding post.

[0010] Optionally, the number of slide rails is at least two, with at least one slide rail and the remaining slide rails respectively distributed on both sides of the coil winding column.

[0011] Optionally, the number of coil winding posts can be one or more, and the number of coil winding posts corresponds to the number of coil units.

[0012] Optionally, when there are multiple coil winding posts, the slide rail is located on both sides of the multiple coil winding posts, and the multiple coil winding posts are distributed in parallel.

[0013] Optionally, the number of coil units is one or more. When the number of coil units is more than one, the coil units are arranged side by side. When the coil units are energized, the magnetic fields generated by adjacent coil units are in opposite directions.

[0014] Optionally, it may also include an elastic component, one end of which is fixedly disposed with the magnetic unit.

[0015] Optionally, when the coil unit is energized, and relative movement occurs between the coil unit and the magnetic unit, the other end of the elastic member is compressed, and the elastic member is in a compressed state.

[0016] Optionally, when the coil unit is de-energized, the magnetic field of the coil unit disappears, and the magnetic unit is reset by the rebound force of the elastic component.

[0017] Optionally, a locking slider is also included, wherein a sliding element is provided between the locking slider and the slide rail.

[0018] Optionally, the locking slider has a receiving cavity, and the magnetic unit is detachably fixed in the receiving cavity.

[0019] Optionally, the locking slider has a locking tongue located on the outer wall of the receiving cavity.

[0020] Optionally, the number of locking tongues is one or more. When the number of locking tongues is more than one, the locking tongues are evenly distributed along the length direction of the magnetic unit.

[0021] Optionally, the locking slider also has a connecting portion located on the side wall of the receiving cavity, and one end of the elastic member is detachably connected to the connecting portion.

[0022] Optionally, it also includes a housing, one side of which is provided with a mounting groove, and the locking slider is installed in the mounting groove. When the magnetic unit and the coil unit move relative to each other, the other end of the elastic member comes into contact with the side wall of the mounting groove and is compressed.

[0023] Optionally, the mounting groove is provided with a through hole, through which the locking tongue passes.

[0024] Optionally, it further includes: a reinforcing magnetic sheet adsorbed on the surface of the magnetic unit, wherein the reinforcing magnetic sheet is located between the magnetic unit and the receiving cavity.

[0025] Optionally, the fixing part further includes an adsorption magnetic sheet located on the fixing base and distributed on two opposite sides of the fixing base along with the slide rail, for adsorbing the magnetic unit onto the fixing base.

[0026] Optionally, the number of magnetic units is one or more. When the number of magnetic units is more than one, the magnetic poles of two adjacent magnetic units are set in opposite directions.

[0027] Optionally, the elastic component is a spring or an elastic component containing a spring.

[0028] Optionally, the slider is a metal ball or a ceramic ball.

[0029] Accordingly, the present invention also provides a camera module, comprising: a base; a moving unit for driving the camera to move along the optical axis; and at least one of the above-described locking structures, wherein the relative movement between the coil unit and the magnetic unit is used to lock or unlock the moving unit.

[0030] Optionally, the number of locking structures is one or more. When there are multiple locking structures, the locking structures are evenly distributed around the outer periphery of the moving unit.

[0031] Optionally, the relative movement direction between the coil unit and the magnetic unit is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0033] The locking structure of the present invention includes a coil unit and a magnetic unit. The magnetic unit is disposed facing the coil unit. When the coil unit is energized, the magnetic field generated by the coil unit is opposite to the magnetic field direction of the magnetic unit, which is used to drive relative movement between the coil unit and the magnetic unit. This locking structure has the advantages of simple structure, easy assembly, and the ability to test and repair the performance of the locking structure independently, thereby ensuring a high yield rate of the locking structure.

[0034] The camera module of the present invention includes the above-described locking structure, so that even when the camera module is not working, the locking structure can still protect the camera module. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the locking structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the structure including the magnetically conductive adsorption sheet;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a locking structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the locking structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the locking structure of another embodiment of the present invention from different viewing angles;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention in a direction parallel to the optical axis. Detailed Implementation

[0041] As described in the background section, providing a locking structure that is easy to assemble and can stably protect the camera module when it is not in operation is one of the problems that urgently needs to be solved in the field of camera modules.

[0042] To address the issues of assembling the locking structure and protecting the camera module when it is not in operation, this invention provides a locking structure for a camera module and a camera module itself. When the coil unit is energized, the magnetic field generated by the coil unit is opposite in direction to the magnetic field of the magnetic unit, driving relative movement between the coil unit and the magnetic unit. This locking structure is simple in structure, easy to assemble, and allows for independent testing and maintenance of its performance, thus ensuring a high yield rate.

[0043] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the locking structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the structure including the magnetically conductive adsorption sheet; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a locking structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the locking structure according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the locking structure of another embodiment of the present invention from different viewing angles; Figure 6This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0045] For easier observation Figure 3 The internal structure makes the adsorption magnetic sheet transparent.

[0046] Please refer to Figures 1 to 2 The locking structure 100 used in the camera module includes a coil unit 101 and a magnetic unit 102.

[0047] The magnetic unit 102 is disposed opposite to the coil unit 101. When the coil unit 101 is energized, the magnetic field generated by the coil unit 101 interacts with the magnetic field of the magnetic unit 102, thereby driving relative movement between the coil unit 101 and the magnetic unit 102.

[0048] In this embodiment, the camera module generally includes a base and a moving unit mounted on the base. The moving unit moves the camera up and down along the optical axis. However, when the camera module is not working, the moving unit will shake on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the optical axis under the impact of external forces, which can easily damage the camera module. Therefore, after the locking structure 100 is installed on the base, the locking structure 100 can fix the moving unit on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby protecting the camera module.

[0049] In this embodiment, since the magnetic unit 102 and the coil unit 101 are arranged opposite to each other, when the coil unit 101 is energized, the magnetic field generated by the coil unit 101 is opposite to the magnetic field direction of the magnetic unit 102. This magnetic field is used to drive the relative movement between the coil unit 101 and the magnetic unit 102, thereby achieving the function of locking or unlocking. This locking structure 100 has a simple structure and is easy to assemble. When the camera module is not working, the relative movement between the coil unit 101 and the magnetic unit 102 is used to lock the camera module. When the camera module is working, the relative movement between the coil unit 101 and the magnetic unit 102 can be used to unlock the camera module, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the camera module.

[0050] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 It also includes a fixing part 103.

[0051] The fixing part 103 includes a fixing base 104 and a slide rail 105 located on the fixing base 104. The slide rail 105 extends along the moving direction parallel to the magnetic unit 102 or the coil unit 101.

[0052] In this embodiment, the slide rail 105 provides space for the movement of the magnetic unit 102 or the coil unit 101, and the number of slide rails 105 is at least two.

[0053] In this embodiment, the fixed base 104 also has a coil winding post 106, the slide rails 105 are distributed on both sides of the coil winding post 106, and the coil unit 101 is wound on the coil winding post 106.

[0054] In this embodiment, the coil unit 101 is fixed, and the magnetic unit 102 is movable relative to the coil unit 101.

[0055] In other embodiments, the magnetic unit 102 may be fixed, and the coil unit 101 may be movable relative to the magnetic unit 102.

[0056] In this embodiment, the fixing part further includes an adsorption magnetic sheet 107, which is shell-shaped and encloses the fixing part and the locking slider.

[0057] In some embodiments, the housing of the camera module is equivalent to the magnetic adsorption sheet 107.

[0058] In other embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 5 The magnetic adsorption sheet 107 is sheet-shaped and is located on the fixed base 103. It and the slide rail 105 are located on opposite sides of the fixed base 103, respectively, and are used to adsorb the magnetic unit 102 onto the fixed base 104.

[0059] In this embodiment, an adsorption force is generated between the magnetic absorber sheet 107 and the magnetic unit 102, thereby facilitating the connection between the locking slider and the fixing part 103.

[0060] In this embodiment, the coil unit 101 is provided with pins. When the pins of the coil unit 101 are connected to the outside, the coil unit 101 generates a magnetic field. The direction of the generated magnetic field is opposite to the direction of the magnetic field of the magnetic unit 102.

[0061] In this embodiment, at least one of the slide rails 105 and the remaining slide rails 105 are respectively distributed on both sides of the coil winding post 106. This ensures that the locking slider has a large stroke on the fixed base, which helps to better lock or unlock the camera module.

[0062] In this embodiment, there are four slide rails 105, with two slide rails 105 and the remaining two slide rails 105 distributed on both sides of the coil winding post 106.

[0063] In other embodiments, the number of slide rails 105 shall also be at least two, with at least one slide rail 105 and the remaining slide rails 105 respectively distributed on both sides of the coil winding post 106.

[0064] In this embodiment, the number of coil units 101 is one.

[0065] In other embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 5 The number of coil units 101 is multiple.

[0066] When there are multiple coil units 101, the number of coil winding posts 106 corresponds to the number of coil units 101. Multiple coil units 101 are arranged side by side. When a coil unit 101 is energized, the magnetic fields generated by adjacent coil units 101 are in opposite directions.

[0067] When there are multiple coil winding posts 106, the slide rail 105 is located on both sides of the multiple coil winding posts 106, and the multiple coil winding posts 106 are distributed in parallel.

[0068] Please refer to Figures 1 to 2 It also includes an elastic component 108.

[0069] One end of the elastic member 108 is fixedly disposed with the magnetic unit 102.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the coil unit 101 is energized, relative movement occurs between the coil unit 101 and the magnetic unit 102, and the other end of the elastic member 108 is compressed, so the elastic member 108 is in a compressed state; when the coil unit 101 is de-energized, the magnetic field of the coil unit 101 disappears, and the magnetic unit 102 is driven to reset by the rebound force of the elastic member 108.

[0071] In this embodiment, one end of the elastic member 108 is fixedly disposed with the magnetic unit 102. When the coil unit 101 and the magnetic unit 102 move relative to each other, the other end of the elastic member 108 can be compressed into a compressed state. Thus, when the coil unit 101 is de-energized, the coil unit 101 will not generate a magnetic field. At this time, since the other end of the elastic member 108 is in a compressed state, the rebound force generated by the elastic member 108 can also drive the relative movement between the coil unit 101 and the magnetic unit 102. The locking or unlocking effect of the camera module is achieved by utilizing the relative movement of the coil unit 101 and the magnetic unit 102 under the action of two different forces. The structure is simple and has a wide range of applications.

[0072] In this embodiment, the elastic component 108 is a spring or an elastic component including a spring. The spring can be a V-shaped spring or an N-shaped spring.

[0073] In other embodiments, the elastic member 108 may also be a spring-like component, as long as it can be compressed and rebound when released.

[0074] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 1 to 3 It also includes a locking slider 114.

[0075] A sliding member 109 is provided between the locking slider 114 and the slide rail 105.

[0076] In this embodiment, the slider 109 is made of metal beads, and the metal beads are in point contact with the slide rail 105, resulting in low sliding friction, which helps to improve the sliding effect between the locking slider 114 and the slide rail 105.

[0077] In other embodiments, the slider 109 may also be a roller or a ceramic ball.

[0078] In this embodiment, the locking slider 114 has a receiving cavity 112, and the magnetic unit is detachably connected to the receiving cavity 112.

[0079] In this embodiment, the locking slider 114 has a locking tongue 115, which is located on the outer wall of the receiving cavity 112.

[0080] In this embodiment, the number of locking tongues 115 is one.

[0081] In other embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 5 The number of latches 115 can be multiple. When the number of latches 115 is multiple, the latches 115 are evenly distributed along the length direction of the magnetic unit 102.

[0082] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 1 to 3 The locking slider 114 also has a connecting part 111, which is located on the side wall of the receiving cavity 112. One end of the elastic member 108 is detachably connected to the connecting part 111. The connecting part 111 can be in the form of a bolt or a screw hole.

[0083] In other embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 5 Alternatively, the locking slider 114 may not have the connecting part; one end of the elastic member 108 can be bonded to the side wall of the locking slider 114.

[0084] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 1 to 3 It also includes the outer casing 116.

[0085] The outer casing 116 has a mounting groove 118 on one side, and the locking slider 114 is installed in the mounting groove 118. When the coil unit 101 and the magnetic unit 102 move relative to each other, the other end of the elastic member 108 comes into contact with the side wall of the mounting groove 118 and is compressed.

[0086] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 1 to 3 The mounting groove 118 is provided with a through hole 117, through which the locking tongue 115 passes.

[0087] It also includes a reinforcing magnetic sheet 110 adsorbed on the surface of the magnetic unit 102, and the reinforcing magnetic sheet 110 is located between the magnetic unit 102 and the receiving cavity 112.

[0088] In this embodiment, the reinforcing magnetic sheet 110 is used to increase the magnetism of the magnetic unit 102.

[0089] In this embodiment, please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3 The number of magnetic units 102 is one.

[0090] In other embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 to 5 The number of magnetic units 102 is multiple, and when the number of magnetic units 102 is multiple, the magnetic poles of two adjacent magnetic units 102 are arranged in opposite directions. In one embodiment, the multiple magnetic units 102 are realized by multi-stage magnetization of a single magnet.

[0091] Accordingly, please refer to Figure 6 The present invention also provides a camera module, including a base 201; a moving unit 202 for driving the camera to move along the optical axis; and a locking structure 100, wherein the relative movement between the coil unit 101 and the magnetic unit 102 is used to lock or unlock the moving unit 202.

[0092] In this embodiment, the locking structure 100 can be used as a standalone component. This allows for individual testing of the locking structure when using the camera module, thus improving product yield. Simultaneously, the presence of the locking structure 100 stabilizes the camera when the camera module is not in operation, preventing damage from external impacts and thus improving the overall product quality of the camera module. In other embodiments, the locking structure may not include a housing; in such embodiments, the locking structure is directly assembled into the housing of the camera module.

[0093] In this embodiment, there are multiple locking structures 100. When there are multiple locking structures 100, the locking structures 100 are evenly distributed on the outer periphery of the moving unit. Specifically, there are two locking structures, and the two locking structures 100 are symmetrically distributed on opposite sides of the moving unit.

[0094] In this embodiment, the relative movement direction between the coil unit 101 and the magnetic unit 102 is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera. This allows the moving unit to be fixed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, reducing damage to the camera caused by external impacts and improving the protection of the camera module.

[0095] 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 locking structure for a camera module, characterized in that, include: Coil unit; A magnetic unit is provided, which is disposed opposite to the coil unit. When the coil unit is energized, the magnetic field generated by the coil unit interacts with the magnetic field of the magnetic unit, thereby driving relative movement between the coil unit and the magnetic unit to achieve the function of locking or unlocking. The fixing part includes a fixing base and a slide rail located on the fixing base, the slide rail extending along a direction parallel to the movement direction of the magnetic unit or the coil unit; An elastic component, one end of which is fixedly disposed to the magnetic unit; A locking slider is provided with a sliding member between the locking slider and the slide rail. The locking slider has a receiving cavity, and the magnetic unit is detachably fixed in the receiving cavity. The locking slider has a locking tongue, which is located on the outer wall of the receiving cavity.

2. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed base also has a coil winding post, the slide rails are distributed on both sides of the coil winding post, and the coil unit is wound on the coil winding post.

3. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The number of slide rails is at least two, with at least one slide rail and the remaining slide rails respectively distributed on both sides of the coil winding column.

4. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The number of coil winding posts is one or more, and the number of coil winding posts corresponds to the number of coil units.

5. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When there are multiple coil winding posts, the slide rail is located on both sides of the multiple coil winding posts, and the multiple coil winding posts are distributed in parallel.

6. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of coil units can be one or more. When there are multiple coil units, the multiple coil units are arranged side by side. When the coil units are energized, the magnetic fields generated by adjacent coil units are in opposite directions.

7. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the coil unit is energized, relative movement occurs between the coil unit and the magnetic unit, and the other end of the elastic member is compressed, so the elastic member is in a compressed state.

8. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the coil unit is de-energized, the magnetic field of the coil unit disappears, and the magnetic unit is reset by the rebound force of the elastic component.

9. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of latches can be one or more. When the number of latches is more than one, the latches are evenly distributed along the length direction of the magnetic unit.

10. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The locking slider also has a connecting part, which is located on the side wall of the receiving cavity, and one end of the elastic member is detachably connected to the connecting part.

11. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing, one side of which is provided with a mounting groove. The locking slider is installed in the mounting groove. When the magnetic unit and the coil unit move relative to each other, the other end of the elastic component comes into contact with the side wall of the mounting groove and is compressed.

12. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The mounting groove has a through hole, through which the locking tongue passes.

13. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A reinforcing magnetic sheet is adsorbed on the surface of the magnetic unit, and the reinforcing magnetic sheet is located between the magnetic unit and the receiving cavity.

14. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing part also includes an adsorption magnetic sheet located on the fixing base and distributed on two opposite sides of the fixing base along with the slide rail, for adsorbing the magnetic unit onto the fixing base.

15. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of magnetic units is one or more. When the number of magnetic units is more than one, the magnetic poles of two adjacent magnetic units are set opposite.

16. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic component is a spring or an elastic component containing a spring.

17. The locking structure for a camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding element is a metal ball or a ceramic ball.

18. A camera module, characterized in that, include: Base; A moving unit is used to drive the camera to move along the optical axis. At least one locking structure as described in claim 1, wherein the relative movement between the coil unit and the magnetic unit is used to lock or unlock the moving unit.

19. The camera module as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The number of locking structures is one or more. When there are multiple locking structures, the locking structures are evenly distributed around the outer periphery of the moving unit.

20. The camera module as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The relative movement direction between the coil unit and the magnetic unit is perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera.

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