Variable aperture device and camera module with variable aperture device

Abstract

The present invention provides a variable aperture device and a camera module with a variable aperture device, wherein the variable aperture device includes a housing, a blade assembly, a transmission mechanism and a drive assembly, wherein the transmission mechanism is rotatably arranged on the housing and is transmission-connected to the blade assembly, and the blade assembly is driven by the transmission mechanism to form a light-through hole with a variable aperture, and the drive assembly further includes a driving member, a return member, a first guide mechanism and a second guide mechanism, wherein the return mechanism is guided by the second guide mechanism to move telescopically along the direction of the second guide mechanism, wherein the driving member and the return member are transmission-connected to the transmission mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to rotate reciprocally through the driving member and the return mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging technology, and in particular to a variable aperture device and a camera module with the variable aperture device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, camera modules installed in portable devices such as smartphones and tablets have become increasingly smaller, leading to an increase in the aperture index of the camera. However, in many traditional camera modules, the aperture index is unique and cannot be universally changed. Therefore, there is a need for a small and thin variable aperture device that can change the aperture index of the camera in a portable device.

[0003] The variable aperture is an important component of the camera module. The variable aperture has an aperture. By adjusting the area of ​​the aperture, the amount of light entering the camera module can be adjusted, so that the camera module has different brightness and depth of field. When the area of ​​the aperture is larger, the camera module has a greater amount of light entering, so that the image formed has high brightness and good background blur effect. When the area of ​​the aperture is smaller, the camera module has a smaller amount of light entering, so that the details in the formed image are very clear.

[0004] As an important component of the camera module, the characteristics of the aperture device can affect the function of the camera module. For example, portable devices such as smartphones and tablets are small in size and thin in thickness, and the space used to set up the camera module is also very small. Therefore, a fixed aperture device with a simple structure is usually provided. However, the aperture size of the fixed aperture device is fixed and cannot adapt well to different shooting scenes.

[0005] With market development, portable devices that use fixed aperture devices for capturing images are no longer able to meet user needs. Therefore, a variable aperture device that can change the aperture size of the camera module of a portable device is needed to meet the shooting requirements of the camera module in different shooting scenes. To meet this demand, a variable aperture device that can adjust the aperture size is desired. However, variable apertures in the existing technology are generally large in size and require a driving mechanism to drive the aperture movement, making the lens with a variable aperture function larger in size, which is not conducive to the miniaturization design of the camera module. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A major advantage of the present invention is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module with a variable aperture device, wherein the variable aperture device has a light hole with a variable aperture, and the amount of light entering the camera module is adjusted by adjusting the aperture of the light hole, which is conducive to meeting the camera module's demand for light entering.

[0007] Another advantage of the present invention is providing a variable aperture device and a camera module equipped with the variable aperture device, wherein the variable aperture device includes a housing, a drive assembly, a transmission mechanism, and a blade assembly drivingly connected to the transmission mechanism, wherein the drive assembly is disposed in the housing and located to the side of the transmission mechanism. The drive assembly drives the transmission mechanism without increasing the height, thereby facilitating miniaturization of the variable aperture device and the camera module.

[0008] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module with a variable aperture device, wherein the driving component includes a driving member, a movable part, a fixed part and a return member, wherein the driving member can drive the movable part and thereby drive the transmission mechanism to rotate relative to the base, and the return member can drive the movable part and thereby drive the transmission mechanism to return to its original position after the drive stops.

[0009] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module with a variable aperture device, wherein the driving component is an SMA wire, which simplifies the structure of the driving component while meeting the rotation requirements of the transmission mechanism.

[0010] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module with a variable aperture device, wherein the driving component is a spiral SMA wire and the SMA wire with a bend can increase the length of the SMA and increase the active stroke of the SMA wire.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a variable aperture device of the present invention that can achieve the aforementioned objects and other objects and advantages includes:

[0012] case;

[0013] Blade assembly;

[0014] A transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism is rotatably disposed on the housing and is transmission-connected to the blade assembly, and the blade assembly is driven by the transmission mechanism to form a light-through hole with a variable aperture; and

[0015] A drive assembly further includes a drive member, a return member, a first guide mechanism and a second guide mechanism, wherein the drive member is arranged on the first guide mechanism, the return member is arranged on the second guide mechanism, the drive member is supported by the first guide mechanism and can move telescopically, and the return mechanism is supported by the second guide mechanism and can move telescopically, wherein the drive member and the return member are traversably connected to the transmission mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to rotate reciprocally through the drive member and the return mechanism.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the first guide mechanism and the second guide mechanism are tubular structures with hollow interiors, wherein the driving member is built into the first guide mechanism, and the return member is built into the second guide mechanism.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism are support rod structures, wherein the first guiding mechanism is placed on the driving component, and the second guiding mechanism is placed on the restoring component.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism are in the form of an elongated strip, and the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism are located on the same side of the shell.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism are arc-shaped structures.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism are symmetrically arranged on the circumferential outside of the transmission mechanism relative to the transmission mechanism.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, it further includes at least one movable component, wherein the at least one movable component is connected to the transmission mechanism, and the driving member and the return member of the driving assembly are telescopically connected to the at least one movable component.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the driving member further includes a driving member traction end and a driving member fixed end, the return member further includes a return member traction end and a return member fixed end, the driving member fixed end and the return member fixed end are fixed to the housing, the movable part is drivably connected to the driving member traction end and the return member traction end, and the driving member traction end and the return member traction end are located on opposite sides of the movable part, and the transmission mechanism is driven to rotate reciprocally by the driving member and the return member through the movable part.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the driving member and the restoring member are fixed to the same side of the housing, and the driving member traction end, the restoring member traction end and the movable component are in the same straight line.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the device further includes a fixing portion, wherein the fixing portion is fixed to the housing, and the fixing end of the driving member and the fixing end of the restoring member are fixed to the housing by the fixing portion.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the fixing portion includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion, wherein the driving member is telescopically disposed between the first fixing portion and the movable part, and the return member is telescopically disposed between the second fixing portion and the movable part.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the driving member is selected from a group consisting of a straight SMA wire, a long spiral SMA wire, and an arc-shaped spiral SMA wire.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the restoring member is selected from a combination of elastic elements consisting of a spring and a spring.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the restoring member is selected from the group consisting of a straight SMA wire, a long spiral SMA wire, and an arc-shaped spiral SMA wire.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, M is the contraction amount of the driving member, α is the rotation angle of the transmission mechanism, L is the distance from the axis O to the straight line along the length direction of the driving member, and M>sinα*L.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the transmission mechanism includes a transmission body and a movable end provided on the transmission body, wherein the movable end integrally extends outward from the outer side of the transmission body, and the movable end is transmission-connected to the movable part.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the blade assembly includes a plurality of blade elements, wherein each of the blade elements includes a blade body and a blade sleeve, wherein the blade body is connected to the blade sleeve, and the blade sleeve of each blade element is engaged with the transmission mechanism.

[0032] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the shell includes a cover body and a base, wherein the base and the cover body can be buckled with each other to form a receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity is used to accommodate the drive assembly, the blade assembly and the transmission mechanism, wherein the base includes a base body and a first protrusion and a second protrusion formed on the base body, and an annular groove formed on the first protrusion and the second protrusion, wherein the second protrusion includes a limiting protrusion and a plurality of axial protrusions, and the blade sleeve is limited by the axial protrusion of the second protrusion, and the limiting baffle group includes a first limiting baffle and a second limiting baffle, and the first limiting baffle and the second limiting baffle form the limiting groove, and the limiting protrusion is located in the limiting groove of the limiting baffle group.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the device further includes a cover plate, which is arranged between the cover body and the transmission mechanism.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the device further includes an electrical connection element, wherein the electrical connection element is disposed on the housing and is electrically connected to the driving assembly.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present application, the present application further provides a camera module, including:

[0036] Photosensitive components;

[0037] a lens assembly held in a light-sensing path of the light-sensing assembly; and

[0038] The variable aperture device as described above, wherein the variable aperture device is arranged on the light incident side of the lens assembly.

[0039] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be fully apparent from an understanding of the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0040] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a variable aperture device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a blade assembly of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 1 is a top view of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, which shows the engagement state of a transmission mechanism of the variable aperture device and the blade assembly.

[0044] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the transmission mechanism of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 5 1 is a top view of a partial structure of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, which shows the connection state between a driving component and a transmission mechanism of the variable aperture device.

[0046] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a housing of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the three-dimensional structure of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a side view of a base of the housing of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 9 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 10A and Figure 10B FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the motion state of the driving component of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Schematic diagram of the variable aperture device in the initial position and the pulled position according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 12 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another optional implementation of a driving component of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 13A and Figure 13B FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another optional implementation of a driving component of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 14A and Figure 14B FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another optional implementation of a driving component of the variable aperture device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 15 2 is a structural diagram of a camera module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention. The preferred embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other obvious variations. The basic principles of the present invention defined in the following description may be applied to other embodiments, variations, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0057] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of the present invention, the terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0058] It is to be understood that the term "one" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the elements may be multiple, and the term "one" should not be understood as a limitation on the quantity.

[0059] Referring to the accompanying drawings of the present invention Figures 1 to 12 As shown, a variable aperture device and a camera module with a variable aperture device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention are described below. By adjusting the aperture size of the variable aperture device 100, the amount of light entering the camera module is controlled, so that the camera module has different depths of field, which can achieve long-range shooting or portrait shooting.

[0060] Exemplary variable aperture device 100

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the present application discloses a variable aperture device 100, comprising a housing 10, a drive assembly 20, a blade assembly 30, and a transmission mechanism 40, wherein the transmission mechanism 40 is drivably connected to the drive assembly 20 and the blade assembly 30, that is, the transmission mechanism 40 can be driven by the drive assembly 20 and drive the blade assembly 30 to move. The housing 10 is mounted on other structures of the camera module, wherein the drive assembly 20, the blade assembly 30, and the transmission mechanism 40 are accommodated in the housing 10. The drive assembly 20 is adjacent to the transmission mechanism 40 and is arranged on the circumference of the transmission mechanism 40. The drive assembly 20 can drive the transmission mechanism 40 so that the transmission mechanism 40 rotates relative to the housing 10. The blade assembly 30 and the transmission mechanism 40 are engaged with each other, and the blade assembly 30 rotates under the drive of the transmission mechanism 40, thereby changing the size of the aperture of the variable aperture device 100. The blade assembly 30 is connected to the transmission mechanism 40, wherein the blade assembly 30 can be driven by the transmission mechanism 40 to form a light-through hole 301 with a variable aperture. It will be understood that in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the size of the light-through hole 301 of the blade assembly 30 determines the aperture of the variable aperture device.

[0062] like Figures 2 to 3 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the blade assembly 30 includes a plurality of blade elements 31, wherein each blade element 31 includes a blade body 311 and a blade sleeve 312, wherein the blade body 311 is connected to the blade sleeve 312, and the blade sleeve 312 of each blade element 31 is drivably connected to the transmission mechanism 40. In a specific example of the present application, the number of the blade elements 31 is 8, and the number of the blade bodies 311 and the blade sleeves 312 is also 8.

[0063] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, the plurality of blade bodies 311 are distributed in a ring shape, and there is overlap between adjacent blade bodies 311, so that the light-through hole 301 for light to pass through is formed between the plurality of blade bodies 311. In the present application, one of the plurality of blade bodies 311 is located above or below the previous (in the counterclockwise direction) blade body 311. Specifically, in a specific example of the present application, one of the plurality of blade bodies 311 is located above the previous blade body 311 and below the next blade body 311. In another specific example of the present application, one of the plurality of blade bodies 311 is located below the previous blade body 311 and above the next blade body 311. In another specific example of the present application, one of the plurality of blade bodies 311 is located below the previous blade body 311 and above the next blade body 311. In another specific example of the present application, one of the plurality of blade bodies 311 is located below the previous blade body 311 and below the next blade body 311. In another specific example of the present application, one of the plurality of blade bodies 311 is located above the preceding blade body 311 and the succeeding blade body 311. In other words, the plurality of blade bodies 311 may be arranged overlappingly in the same direction, or may be arranged alternately high and low in the same direction.

[0064] It is worth noting that in this embodiment of the present application, multiple blade bodies 311 overlap to form a substantially circular aperture. This means that when the multiple blade bodies 311 are closed, a polygonal opening is avoided between the inner sidewalls of two adjacent blade bodies 311, thereby preventing stray light from entering the variable aperture device 100 through this polygonal opening. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present application, the number of blade bodies 311 is an odd number, thereby avoiding the formation of such a polygonal opening and allowing a smaller number of blade bodies 311 to form a larger aperture. In another embodiment of the present application, the number of blade bodies 311 is an even number, and the blade bodies 311 are symmetrically arranged along the center of the aperture to avoid the formation of such a polygonal opening.

[0065] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the housing 10 includes a cover 11 and a base 12, wherein the base 12 and the cover 11 can be interlocked to form a receiving cavity, which is used to accommodate the drive assembly 20, the blade assembly 30, and the transmission mechanism 40 therein. In this way, not only can the various components in the variable aperture device 100 be protected, but also dust, dirt, etc. can be prevented from entering the interior of the variable aperture device 100.

[0066] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, the cover 11 is sleeved on top of the base 12, the cover 11 is located on the light incident side, and the base 12 is located on the light exit side. Furthermore, an opening is provided in the middle of the cover 11, and correspondingly, an opening is also provided in the middle of the base 12. The two openings of the cover 11 and the base 12 are of the same size and correspond to each other up and down. The opening of the cover 11 and the opening of the base 12 form a shell through hole of the shell 10, so that the light reflected by the object can pass through the shell through hole. In a specific example of the present application, the openings of the cover 11 and the base 12 are circular, and the present application does not limit the shape of the openings of the cover 11 and the base 12. In a specific example of the present application, when viewing the plane along one side of the axis O, the base 12 is a quadrilateral, which includes a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side along the clockwise direction, the first side is located on the first side, the second side is located on the second side, the third side is located on the third side, and the fourth side is located on the fourth side, the first side and the third side are parallel to each other, and the second side and the fourth side are parallel to each other.

[0067] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, the base 12 further includes a base body 121. In a specific example of the present application, the opening of the base 12 is located in the base body 121. Furthermore, the base 12 further includes a first protrusion 122, a second protrusion 123, and an annular groove 124. The first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 123, and the annular groove 124 are respectively arranged around the opening of the base 12, that is, the cross-sections of the first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 123, and the annular groove 124 are annular. The annular groove 124 is arranged between the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123. The centers of the opening of the base 12, the first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 123, and the annular groove 124 coincide. In a specific example of the present application, the base 12 is equivalent to one of the fixing parts 23 , and the driving assembly 20 , the blade assembly 30 and the transmission mechanism 40 are arranged on the base 12 , and the various components in the variable aperture device 100 are supported by the base 12 .

[0068] More specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the second protrusion 123 of the base 12 includes a limiting protrusion 1231 and a plurality of shaft protrusions 1232. The limiting protrusion 1231 and the shaft protrusions 1232 extend upward from the second protrusion 123. The top surface of the limiting protrusion 1231 is higher than the top surface of the second protrusion 123, and the top surface of the shaft protrusion 1232 is higher than the top surface of the second protrusion 123. There is at least one limiting protrusion 1231, and the number of the shaft protrusions 1232 is the same as the number of the blade elements 31, that is, multiple. In a specific example of the present application, the number of the limiting protrusion 1231 and the number of the shaft protrusions 1232 are different, and the number of the limiting protrusion 1231 is less than the number of the shaft protrusions 1232. The limiting protrusion 1231 is disposed between two shaft protrusions 1232. In another specific example of the present application, the number of the limiting protrusions 1231 and the shaft protrusions 1232 is the same, and the limiting protrusions 1231 and the shaft protrusions 1232 are alternately arranged along the circumference of the second convex portion 123. Furthermore, in a specific example of the present application, the limiting protrusions 1231 and the shaft protrusions 1232 extend upward from the second convex portion 123 as a whole. In another specific example of the present application, the limiting protrusions 1231 and the shaft protrusions 1232 can also be formed on the second convex portion 123 by secondary injection molding. In another specific example of the present application, the limiting protrusions 1231 and the shaft protrusions 1232 can also be fixed to the top surface of the second convex portion 123 by gluing or welding.

[0069] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, the blade sleeve 312 includes a sleeve body 3121, a driven tooth 3122, and a sleeve connecting end 3123. The sleeve connecting end 3123 is provided at one end of the sleeve body 3121, and the driven tooth 3122 is provided at the other end of the sleeve body 3121. The blade sleeve 312 is fixedly connected to the blade body 311 via the sleeve connecting end 3123. In a specific example of the present application, the sleeve connecting end 3123 of the blade sleeve 312 is fixed to the blade body 311 by adhesive. In another specific example of the present application, the blade sleeve 312 is integrally formed with the blade body 311. Furthermore, the blade sleeve 312 can be provided on the bottom surface of the blade body 311. It is understandable that the blade sleeve 312 can also be provided on the top surface of the blade body 311, and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this. In the present application, a positioning hole is provided on the sleeve body 3121, extending from the top surface of the sleeve body 3121 to the bottom surface of the sleeve body 3121. The positioning hole is movably connected to the shaft protrusion 1232 of the base 12, so that the sleeve body 3121 is positioned on the shaft protrusion 1232 of the base 12 and rotates around the shaft protrusion 1232. In the present application, the driven teeth 3122 include at least two driven gear teeth 31221, and the driven gear groove 31220 is formed between the two driven gear teeth 31221. The number of the driven gear groove 31220 is at least one. The driven gear teeth 31221 extend outward from the sleeve body 3121 and mesh with the driving teeth 42 of the movable blade carrier, so that the blade sleeve 312 is driven by the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate. In a specific example of the present application, the number of the driven gear teeth 31221 is 4, and the number of the driven tooth grooves 31220 is 3.

[0070] More specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, the blade body 311 is fixedly connected to the blade sleeve 312, and the rotation of the blade sleeve 312 controls the opening and closing of the blade body 311, thereby adjusting the aperture size of the light-through hole 301. In a specific example of the present application, the blade sleeve 312 rotates in one direction (clockwise) under the drive of the transmission mechanism 40, and the blade body 311 opens as the blade sleeve 312 moves, thereby increasing the aperture size of the light-through hole 301. In another example of the present application, the blade sleeve 312 rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) under the drive of the transmission mechanism 40, and the blade body 311 closes as the blade sleeve 312 moves, thereby decreasing the aperture size of the light-through hole 301. It is understood that the blade sleeve 312 can control the continuous movement of the blade body 311 to achieve continuous change in the aperture size of the light-through hole 301.

[0071] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the transmission mechanism 40 includes a transmission body 41 , a plurality of driving teeth 42 and at least one limiting baffle set 43 .

[0072] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present application, a cross-section of the transmission body 41 is annular, i.e., the outer edge of the movable carrier is circular, the inner edge of the movable carrier is circular, and each of the drive teeth 42 and the limit baffle assembly 43 extend inward from the inner edge of the transmission body 41, i.e., the drive teeth 42 and the limit baffle assembly 43 are disposed within a through hole. In this application, "inward" refers to the side toward the axis O of the transmission body 41, and "outward" refers to the side away from the axis O of the transmission body 41. The axis O of the transmission body 41 is a straight line passing through the center of the transmission body 41 and perpendicular to the plane in which the transmission body 41 lies.

[0073] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, the blade elements 31 of the blade assembly 30 are meshed with the drive teeth 42 of the transmission mechanism 40, and the number of the drive teeth 42 is the same as that of the blade elements 31, that is, the transmission mechanism 40 includes a plurality of the drive teeth 42. In a specific example of the present application, the number of the drive teeth 42 is 8. Further, each of the drive teeth 42 includes at least one drive gear tooth 421, and the drive gear tooth 421 extends inward from the inner edge of the transmission body 41, and at least one drive gear tooth 421 is arranged around the inner edge of the transmission body 41. Further, the drive gear teeth 421 are arranged along the radial direction of the transmission body 41. In a specific example of the present application, the drive gear teeth 421 are integrally formed with the transmission body 41. In another specific example of the present application, the drive gear teeth 421 are adhesively fixed to the transmission body 41, and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0074] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiment of the present application, the driving gear teeth 421 mesh with at least two of the driven gear teeth 31221 to transmit the rotation of the transmission mechanism 40 to the blade assembly 30, thereby driving the blade sleeve 312 to rotate and realize the opening and closing of the blade body 311. In the present application, the number of the driven gear teeth 31221 is N, and the number of the driving gear teeth 421 is M, and the relationship between the two is: M ≥ N-1. In a specific example of the present application, the number of the driven gear teeth 31221 is 4, and the number of the driving gear teeth 421 can be greater than or equal to 3.

[0075] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the limiting baffle set 43 includes a first limiting baffle 431 and a second limiting baffle 432. The first limiting baffle 431 and the second limiting baffle 432 extend inward from the inner edge of the transmission body 41 and are arranged along the radial direction of the transmission body 41. Furthermore, there is at least one limiting baffle set 43. The first limiting baffle 431 and the second limiting baffle 432 form a limiting groove 433, the opening of which faces the axis O. In a specific example of the present application, the limiting protrusion 1231 of the base 12 is positioned upward within the limiting groove 433. When the transmission mechanism 40 rotates relative to the base 12 of the drive housing, the first limiting baffle 431 and the second limiting baffle 432 collide with the limiting protrusion 1231 of the base 12, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the transmission mechanism 40. Furthermore, the radial lengths of the first and second limiting baffles 431, 432 are greater than or equal to the radial length of the limiting protrusion 1231, thereby preventing the first and second limiting baffles 431, 432 from breaking free from the limiting protrusion 1231. Specifically, when viewed from the side of the axis O, the first and second limiting baffles 431, 432 form an angle θ with the axis O. In a specific example of this application, the angle θ is 3°. In other words, the transmission mechanism 40 can rotate through an angle of 3°. When the transmission mechanism 40 rotates 3°, the first and second limiting baffles 431, 432 will collide with the limiting protrusion 1231 of the base 12, preventing the transmission mechanism 40 from further rotating.

[0076] More specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, the driving teeth 42 are arranged adjacent to the limiting baffle group 43. Furthermore, the limiting baffle group 43 is arranged between two of the driving teeth 42. Furthermore, the number of the limiting baffle groups 43 is less than or equal to the number of the driving teeth 42. In one specific example of the present application, the number of the limiting baffle groups 43 is less than the number of the driving teeth 42. The limiting baffle group 43 is arranged between two of the driving teeth 42 to limit the rotation of the transmission mechanism 40. In another specific example of the present application, the number of the limiting baffle groups 43 is equal to the number of the driving teeth 42. The limiting baffle groups 43 and the driving teeth 42 are alternately arranged along the circumference of the carrier body of the transmission mechanism 40. This arrangement ensures that the driving teeth 42 are also arranged in the limiting grooves 433 of the limiting baffle group 43. For example, in a specific example of the present application, the limiting baffle group 43 includes a first group of the limiting baffle group 43 and a second group of the limiting baffle group 43, one of the limiting protrusions 1231 of the base 12 is arranged in the first group of the limiting baffle group 43, and the other limiting protrusion 1231 of the base 12 is arranged in the second group of the limiting baffle group 43, and the driving tooth 42 is placed between one of the limiting protrusions 1231 and the other limiting protrusion 1231, that is, the driving tooth 42 is arranged between the first limiting baffle 431 or the second limiting baffle 432 of the first group of the limiting baffle group 43 and the first limiting baffle 431 or the second limiting baffle 432 of the second group of the limiting baffle group 43.

[0077] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiment of the present application, the arc angle corresponding to the driving teeth 42 is greater than the arc angle corresponding to the limiting groove 433. When the transmission mechanism 40 rotates, the driving gear teeth 421 and the driven teeth 3122 engage with each other, so that the blade assembly 30 is rotated under the drive of the transmission mechanism 40. During this process, the sleeve body 3121 of the blade sleeve 312 will not collide with the first limiting baffle 431 or the second limiting baffle 432, thereby avoiding interference with the rotation of the blade assembly 30.

[0078] like Figure 3As shown, the blade assembly 30 is disposed inside the transmission mechanism 40, and the blade assembly 30 is movably positioned inside the transmission mechanism 40 through the meshing between the driving gear teeth 421 and the driven teeth 3122. In a specific example of the present application, the transmission mechanism 40 can rotate by an angle of 3°, and the blade assembly 30 can rotate by an angle of 16.5° under the drive of the transmission mechanism 40. This is because the transmission mechanism 40 rotates about the axis O, and the blade assembly 30 rotates about the shaft protrusion 1232. The rotation radius of the transmission mechanism 40 is greater than the rotation radius of the blade assembly 30. When the transmission mechanism 40 rotates by a smaller angle, the blade assembly 30 will rotate by a relatively larger angle.

[0079] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present application, the height of the blade assembly 30 does not exceed the height of the transmission mechanism 40, thereby preventing friction between the blades of the blade assembly 30 and the drive housing during the rotation of the variable aperture device 100. Furthermore, the height of the variable aperture device 100 can be avoided, thereby meeting the requirements of miniaturization of the camera module.

[0080] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiment of the present application, the limiting protrusion 1231 extends upward and is disposed within the limiting baffle group 43 of the transmission mechanism 40. When the transmission mechanism 40 rotates relative to the base 12, the limiting protrusion 1231 contacts the first limiting baffle 431 or the second limiting baffle 432 of the limiting baffle group 43 to limit the movement of the transmission mechanism 40. Furthermore, the limiting protrusion 1231 is disposed along the circumference of the second convex portion 123 and is located on the same circumference. The shaft protrusion 1232 extends upward and is disposed within the positioning hole of the blade shaft sleeve 312. When the blade assembly 30 rotates relative to the base 12, the blade shaft sleeve 312 rotates around the shaft protrusion 1232. Furthermore, the shaft protrusion 1232 is disposed along the circumference of the second convex portion 123 and is located on the same circumference. In a specific example of the present application, the shaft protrusion 1232 is located on the inner side of the limiting protrusion 1231, that is, the shaft protrusion 1232 is arranged on the side closer to the axis O, so as to adapt to the blade assembly 30 being arranged on the inner side of the transmission mechanism 40. Furthermore, the height of the shaft protrusion 1232 is not higher than the height of the limiting protrusion 1231, that is, the upper surface of the shaft protrusion 1232 is lower than the upper surface of the limiting protrusion 1231, or the upper surface of the shaft protrusion 1232 is flush with the upper surface of the limiting protrusion 1231, so as to avoid increasing the height of the variable aperture device 100. In a specific example of the present application, the limiting protrusion 1231 is a cubic structure, and the shaft protrusion 1232 is a cylinder. Of course, the limiting protrusion 1231 and the shaft protrusion 1232 can also have other shapes, and this application does not limit this.

[0081] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present application, the blade sleeve 312 of the blade assembly 30 is positioned on the top surface of the second protrusion 123 by the positioning of the shaft protrusion 1232, and the blade body 311 of the blade assembly 30 is positioned on the top surface of the first protrusion 122. The blade sleeve 312 rotates around the axis O under the drive of the transmission mechanism 40 to thereby realize the opening and closing of the blade body 311. During this process, the blade sleeve 312 and the top surface of the second protrusion 123 are in frictional contact, and the blade body 311 and the top surface of the first protrusion 122 are in frictional contact. Therefore, in the present application, the annular groove 124 is provided between the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123. The provision of the annular groove 124 reduces the area of ​​the top surfaces of the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123, thereby reducing the friction between the blade element 31 and the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123. Furthermore, dust-catching glue is provided in the annular groove 124 so that dust, particles and other impurities in the variable aperture device 100 fall onto the dust-catching glue, thereby preventing dust, particles and other impurities from entering the camera module.

[0082] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present application, the base 12 further includes a track 125, which is arranged on the outer side of the second protrusion 123 of the base body 121. The track 125 surrounds the opening of the base 12, and the track 125 coincides with the center of the circle of the opening of the base 12. Furthermore, the outer wall of the transmission mechanism 40 extends downward from the transmission body 41 to form an annular extension leg 45. The extension leg 45 of the transmission mechanism 40 is placed in the track 125 of the base 12 so that the transmission mechanism 40 can only rotate within the track 125, thereby limiting the translation or tilt of the transmission mechanism 40. Of course, in other examples of the present application, the above functions can also be achieved by other structures. For example, in a specific example of the present application, the top surface of the base 12 extends a plurality of limit posts 126 circumferentially upward along the maximum outer diameter of the transmission mechanism 40. The limit posts 126 are fixed to the base body 121 by integral molding or bonding. The outer side wall of the transmission mechanism 40 contacts the limiting column 126 , thereby limiting the translation or tilt of the transmission mechanism 40 .

[0083] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the transmission mechanism 40 and the blade assembly 30 are arranged above the base 12, that is, the transmission mechanism 40 and the blade assembly 30 are supported by the base 12. The driving assembly 20 drives the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate relative to the base 12 around the axis O. The blade assembly 30 is arranged on the inner side of the transmission mechanism 40, and through the engagement of the driven teeth 3122 and the driving gear teeth 421, it drives the blade sleeve 312 to rotate, driving the blade body 311 to open and close, so as to achieve the change of the aperture. It can also be said that the transmission mechanism 40 is the active part, the blade assembly 30 is the driven part, and the driving assembly 20 drives the active part to rotate, thereby driving the driven part to rotate.

[0084] like Figures 5 to 12 As shown, in this embodiment of the present application, the drive assembly 20 includes a drive member 21 and a return member 22, wherein one end of each of the drive member 21 and the return member 22 is fixed to the housing 10, and the other ends of each of the drive member 21 and the return member 22 are drivably connected to the transmission mechanism 40, and the drive member 21 and the return member 22 drive the transmission mechanism 40 to move back and forth. The drive member 21 and the return member 22 provide the transmission mechanism 40 with driving forces in opposite directions. As an example, in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the drive member 21 is connected to the transmission mechanism 40 and is driven by the drive member 21 to rotate the transmission mechanism 40 clockwise (counterclockwise); the return member 22 is connected to the transmission mechanism 40 and is driven by the return member 22 to rotate the transmission mechanism 40 counterclockwise (clockwise), so that the transmission mechanism 40 rotates back and forth under the driving action of the drive member and the return member 22.

[0085] The drive assembly 20 further includes at least one movable component 24, wherein the at least one movable component 24 is connected to the transmission mechanism 40 and is disposed outside the transmission member 40, with the movable component 24 driving the transmission mechanism 40 to move. The movable component 24 of the drive assembly 20 is drivably connected to the drive member 21 and the return member 22, with the drive member 21 and the return member 22 driving the transmission mechanism 40 to move via the movable component 24. It is worth noting that in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the movable component 24 is disposed outside the transmission mechanism 40 and is connected to the transmission mechanism 40.

[0086] It is understood that in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the number of the movable components 24 can be one, two, or more. As an example, in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the number of the movable component 24 is one, wherein the driving member 21 and the return member 22 of the driving assembly 20 are connected to the movable component 24, and the driving member 21 and the return member 22 are located on opposite sides of the movable component 24, and the driving member 21 and the return member 22 provide mutually opposite driving forces to the movable component 24.

[0087] Alternatively, in other optional embodiments of the present application, the number of movable components 24 is two, that is, the drive assembly 20 includes two movable components 24. For example, in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the two movable components 24 are spaced apart from each other on the outside of the transmission mechanism 40. Preferably, the two movable components 24 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the transmission mechanism 40, with the drive member 21 connected to one of the movable components 24, and the return member 22 connected to the other movable component 24. It will be appreciated that in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the drive member 21 and the return member 22 are fixed to opposite sides of the housing 10. It will be appreciated that the drive member 21 and the return member 22 provide opposing driving forces to the transmission mechanism 40 on opposite sides of the housing 10, thereby driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate reciprocally.

[0088] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in other optional embodiments of the present application, the number of the movable components 24 is merely exemplary and not limiting.

[0089] The drive assembly 20 is transmission-connected to the transmission mechanism 40. The drive assembly 20 drives the transmission mechanism 40 to reciprocate, thereby driving the blade assembly 30 connected thereto. The fixed portion 23 includes a first fixed portion 231 and a second fixed portion 232. The first fixed portion 231 and the second fixed portion 232 of the fixed portion 23 are fixed to the base 12. The drive member 21 is telescopically disposed between the first fixed portion 231 and the movable component 24, and the return member 22 is telescopically disposed between the second fixed portion 232 and the movable component 24. In an initial state, the movable component 24 is in a force-balanced state under the combined action of the drive member 21 and the return member 22. For example, in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the drive member 21 and the return member 22 are in a mutually pulling state, wherein the movable component 24 maintains equilibrium under the mutual pulling action of the drive member 21 and the return member 22. Therefore, when the driving member 21 pulls the movable part 24 to move, the restoring member 22 is stretched by the movable part 24 to generate a force acting in the opposite direction to the driving member 21 .

[0090] The driving member 21 further includes a driving member traction end 212 and a driving member fixed end 213, wherein the driving member traction end 212 of the driving member 21 is connected to the movable part 24, and the driving member fixed end 213 is fixed to the first fixing portion 231. The restoring member 22 further includes a restoring member traction end 222 and a restoring member fixed end 223, wherein the restoring member traction end 222 of the restoring member 22 is connected to the movable part 24, and the restoring member fixed end 223 is fixed to the second fixing portion 232. Therefore, in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the driving member traction end 212 of the driving member 21 and the restoring member traction end 222 of the restoring member 22 are located on opposite sides of the movable part 24. In a balanced state, the driving member traction end 212 of the driving member 21 and the restoring member traction end 222 of the restoring member 22 apply mutually balanced forces to the movable part 24. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the driving member traction end 212 of the driving member 21 and the restoring member traction end 222 of the restoring member 22 are disposed back-to-back on opposite sides of the movable component 24, so that the driving member traction end 212 of the driving member 21 and the restoring member traction end 222 of the restoring member 22 apply opposite and mutually balanced forces to the movable component 24. It is understood that, in the present application, the opposite sides of the movable component 24 may be two side surfaces of the movable component facing away from each other, or two symmetrically distributed end surfaces, etc.

[0091] In the present application, the transmission mechanism 40 further includes a movable end 44, which extends outward from the outer edge of the transmission body 41. The movable end 44 can be integrally formed with the transmission body 41, or bonded to the transmission body 41. The movable end 44 of the transmission mechanism 40 is fixedly connected to the movable part 24 of the drive assembly 20, so as to drive the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate and move through the movable part 24. In the present application, the drive assembly 20 and the transmission mechanism 40 are both arranged on the base 12 of the housing 10, wherein the drive assembly 20 is fixed to the base 12 by the fixing portion 23, and the transmission mechanism 40 is movably coupled to the base 12. The transmission mechanism 40 is connected to the movable part 24 of the drive assembly 20, and the transmission mechanism 40 can rotate relative to the base 12 under the drive of the movable part 24.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present application, the driving member 21 is capable of driving the movable component 24, thereby causing the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate relative to the base 12. The driving member 21 may be a voice coil motor, a piezoelectric motor, an SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) motor, or other types of drive motors. Shape memory alloys are alloy materials that, upon heating, can completely eliminate deformation incurred at lower temperatures and restore their original shape prior to deformation. For example, after a shape memory alloy undergoes limited plastic deformation below its phase transition temperature, it can be restored to its original shape prior to deformation by heating. Heating the SMA wire can be achieved by energizing the SMA wire. In a specific example of the present application, the driving member 21 is an SMA wire. The heat generated by energizing the wire increases the temperature of the SMA wire, thereby causing the SMA wire to contract. In a specific example of the present application, the driving member 21 is a linear SMA wire. In another specific example of the present application, the driving member 21 is a spiral SMA wire. The spiral SMA wire can increase its total length and increase its shrinkage when heated. In another embodiment of the present application, the driving member 21 is an SMA wire with at least one curved section, which can increase the total length of the SMA wire and increase the travel range of the SMA wire.

[0093] In the embodiment of the present application, the return member 22 is capable of driving the movable component 24 and, consequently, the transmission mechanism 40, to return to its original position after driving stops. The return member 22 has a certain degree of elasticity. In one specific example of the present application, the return member 22 is an elastic member such as a spring or a spring. In another specific example of the present application, the return member 22 is an SMA wire, and its structure may be the same as or different from that of the drive member 21.

[0094] Preferably, the movable components 24 of the drive member 21 and the return member 22 are connected to the transmission mechanism 40, wherein the movable component 24, at least a portion of the drive member 21, and at least a portion of the return member 22 are located on the same straight line. That is, in the present application, the movable component 24, at least a portion of the drive member 21, and at least a portion of the return member 22 are disposed on the same side of the base 12, and at least a portion of the drive member 21 and at least a portion of the return member 22 extend along the direction of the side of the base 12. Furthermore, the straight line on which at least a portion of the drive member 21 lies coincides with the straight line on which at least a portion of the return member 22 lies, and the movable component 24 is disposed between the drive member 21 and the return member 22, so that the three components are located on the same straight line.

[0095] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the first fixing portion 231, the second fixing portion 232, and the movable component 24 are disposed on the same side of the base 12. For example, in one specific example of the present application, the first fixing portion 231 is disposed at a corner of the base 12, and the second fixing portion 232 is disposed at an adjacent corner of the base 12; or the second fixing portion 232 is disposed on the same side of the base 12. In another specific example of the present application, the first fixing portion 231 is disposed at a side of the base 12, and the second fixing portion 232 is disposed at the same side, or the second fixing portion 232 is disposed at a corner of that side. The movable component 24 is disposed between the first fixed portion 231 and the second fixed portion 232. One end of the movable component 24 is connected to the driving member traction end 212 of the driving member 21, and the other end of the movable component 24 is connected to the return member traction end 222 of the return member 22. The driving member fixed end 213 of the driving member 21 is connected to the first fixed portion 231, and the return member fixed end 223 of the return member 22 is connected to the second fixed portion 232. In other words, the driving member 21 and the return member 22 are disposed opposite each other along two opposing sides of the movable component 24. In one specific example of the present application, the fixed portion 23 and the movable component 24 are clamping plates, respectively clamped and connected to the driving member 21 and the return member 22. In another specific example of the present application, the fixed portion 23 and the movable component 24 are fixed protrusions, respectively wound and connected to the driving member 21 and the return member 22. This is not a limitation of the present application.

[0096] As an example, in one embodiment of the present application, the driving member 21 and the return member 22 are arranged in the same direction and on the same side, that is, the straight line along the length direction of the driving member 21 and the return member 22 is tangent to the outer diameter of the transmission mechanism 40.

[0097] like Figure 12As shown, in one embodiment of the present application, the driving member 21 is an SMA wire, and the restoring member 22 is a spring. The driving member fixed end 213 of the driving member 21 is connected to the first fixing portion 231, and the SMA wire is fixed to the base 12 through the first fixing portion 231. The driving member traction end 212 of the driving member 21 is connected to the movable part 24. The restoring member fixed end 223 of the restoring member 22 is connected to the second fixing portion 232, and the restoring member 22 is fixed to the base 12 through the second fixing portion 232. The restoring member traction end 222 of the restoring member 22 is connected to the movable part 24. When power is applied, the SMA wire contracts due to heat, and the SMA wire provides a positive torque to the transmission mechanism 40, thereby driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate. Specifically, the SMA wire generates a force in a linear direction to drive the movable part 24 to move. Since the sleeve connection end 3123 of the transmission mechanism 40 connected to the movable part 24 is limited by the track 125 to only be able to rotate around the axis O, the movable part 24 generates rotational motion under the drive of the force in the linear direction, thereby driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate.

[0098] In other words, when the SMA wire contracts, the spring is stretched, the length of the SMA wire segment decreases, and the length of the spring segment increases. The straight line along the SMA wire and the straight line along the spring do not overlap, but form a certain angle. When power is removed or the current is reduced, the spring applies a reverse torque to the transmission mechanism 40 that is opposite to the forward torque, driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate in the opposite direction and return to its initial position. In this application, in the initial state, the intersection of the line connecting the endpoint of the SMA wire connecting the movable component 24 and the center of the transmission mechanism 40 and the outer wall of the transmission mechanism 40 is A. After power is applied, the SMA wire contracts due to heat, driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate. The intersection of the line connecting the endpoint of the SMA wire connecting the movable component 24 and the center of the transmission mechanism 40 and the outer wall of the transmission mechanism 40 is B. The angle formed by A, B, and the line connecting the center of the circle is the rotation angle θ of the transmission mechanism 40.

[0099] like Figures 10A to 11BAs shown, in another embodiment of the present application, the driving member 21 is a first SMA wire 211, and the restoring member 22 is a second SMA wire 221. One end of the first SMA wire 211 is connected to the first fixing portion 231, which secures the first SMA wire 211 to the base 12. The other end of the first SMA wire 211 is connected to the movable component 24. One end of the second SMA wire 221 is connected to the second fixing portion 232, which secures the second SMA wire 221 to the base 12. The other end of the second SMA wire 221 is connected to the movable component 24. In the initial state, the lengths of the first SMA wire 211 and the second SMA wire 221 coincide with each other. When powered on, the first SMA wire 211 contracts due to heat, providing a positive torque to the transmission mechanism 40, thereby driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate. Specifically, the first SMA wire 211 generates a linear force that drives the movable component 24 to move. Since the sleeve connection end 3123 of the transmission mechanism 40 connected to the movable component 24 is limited by the track 125 to only rotational motion about the axis O, the movable component 24 generates rotational motion driven by the linear force, thereby driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate. In other words, after the first SMA wire 211 contracts, the second SMA wire 221 is stretched, the length of the first SMA wire 211 segment decreases, and the length of the second SMA wire 221 increases. The straight line along the length of the first SMA wire 211 and the straight line along the length of the second SMA wire 221 do not overlap, but are at a certain angle. After the first SMA wire 211 is de-energized or the current flowing through the first SMA wire 211 is reduced, the second SMA wire 221 is energized. The second SMA wire 221 contracts due to heat, and the second SMA wire 221 provides a reverse torque opposite to the forward torque to the transmission mechanism 40, thereby driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate in the reverse direction and return to the initial position.

[0100] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiment of the present application, M>sinα*L, where M is the contraction amount of the drive member 21, α is the angle of rotation of the transmission mechanism 40, and L is the distance from the axis O to the straight line along the length direction of the drive member 21. For example, in a specific example of the present application, when the angle α of rotation of the transmission mechanism 40 is 0-3°, the distance L from the axis O to the straight line along the length direction of the drive member 21 ranges from 4.6mm to 6.6mm, the contraction amount M of the drive member 21 is greater than 0.24mm, and the total length of the drive member 21 is 4.8mm to 8mm. In a specific example of the present application, the rotation angle α of the transmission mechanism 40 is 3°, the distance L from the axis O to the straight line along the length direction of the drive member 21 is 5.4mm, and the contraction amount M of the drive member 21 is greater than 0.3mm. In a specific example of the present application, the drive member 21 is an SMA wire, the return member 22 is a spring, the contraction distance M of the drive member 21 is greater than 0.28 mm, and the total length of the drive member 21 is 5.6 mm to 9.3 mm. In the present application, the contraction distance M of the drive member 21 is the travel distance of the drive member 21 along the linear direction in which it is located.

[0101] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, in another embodiment of the present application, the driving member 21 is an SMA wire with a bending structure, wherein the driving member 21 includes at least one curved segment 214 and at least two straight segments 215 extending integrally from the curved segment 214, wherein the driving member fixed end 213 and the driving member traction end 212 of the driving member 21 are located in the straight segment 214 of the driving member.

[0102] The curved section 214 is connected between at least two of the straight sections 215. The curved section 214 of the driving member 21 is located at a corner of the base 12. The at least two straight sections 215 of the driving member 21 extend along the directions of the two sides of the base 12 that are perpendicular to each other. In a specific example of the present application, at least one winding post 127 is provided at a corner of the base 12. The number of the winding posts 127 is the same as the number of the curved sections 214 of the driving member 21. The curved section 214 of the driving member 21 is in contact with the winding posts 127. It can be understood that in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the driving member 21 is interspersed around the winding posts 127, and the curved section 214 is formed at the position in contact with the winding posts 127.

[0103] In the present application, the greater the number of curved sections 214 of the drive member 21, the longer the overall length of the drive member 21. This increases the amount of contraction generated when the drive member 21 contracts due to heat, and the greater the travel of the drive member 21. The movable component 24, at least a portion of the drive member 21, and at least a portion of the return member 22 are disposed on the same side of the base 12. The first fixing portion 231 is disposed on an adjacent or opposite side of the base 12, and the second fixing portion 232 is disposed on the same or adjacent side of the base 12. The movable component 24 is disposed between the first fixing portion 231 and the second fixing portion 232. This arrangement increases the overall length of the drive member 21, thereby extending its travel.

[0104] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present application, the drive member 21 is disposed on the side of the transmission mechanism 40, or in other words, on the edge of the base 12. At least a portion of the drive member 21, along its length, lies parallel to a side edge of the base 12. Furthermore, the drive member 21 is positioned close to the side edge of the base 12 to provide sufficient space for the transmission mechanism 40. Because the drive member 21 and the transmission mechanism 40 are positioned horizontally, the center of the transmission mechanism 40 is not aligned with the center of the variable aperture device 100.

[0105] like Figure 14A and Figure 14BAs shown, in another embodiment of the present application, the drive member 21 and the return member 22 are disposed on opposite sides of the base 12, and the drive member 21 and the return member 22 extend along the circumference of the transmission mechanism 40. In a specific example of the present application, the drive member 21 and the return member 22 are arc-shaped structures, with the arc line of the drive member 21 and the arc line of the return member 22 being opposite each other, and the fixed portion 23 and the movable component 24 are both disposed between the drive member 21 and the return member 22. Furthermore, the drive member traction end 212 of the drive member 21 is connected to the movable component 24, the drive member fixed end 213 of the drive member 21 is connected to the first fixed portion 231, the return member traction end 222 of the return member 22 is connected to the movable component 24, and the return member fixed end 223 of the return member 22 is connected to the second fixed portion 232. The movable component 24 is disposed between the first fixed portion 231 and the second fixed portion 232. In a specific example of the present application, the first fixing portion 231 and the second fixing portion 232 are located on the same side of the base 12, and the movable component 24 is located on the side of the base 12 opposite to the side where the first fixing portion 231 and the second fixing portion 232 are located.

[0106] In another specific example of the present application, the first fixing portion 231 and the second fixing portion 232 can also be arranged on different sides of the base 12. For example, the first fixing portion 231 and the second fixing portion 232 are arranged on opposite sides of the base 12, and the movable component 24 is arranged on the side of the base 12 adjacent to the side where the first fixing portion 231 and the second fixing portion 232 are located. In a specific example of the present application, the fixing portion 23 and the movable component 24 are clamping plates, which are clamped and connected to the driving member 21 and the return member 22 respectively. In another specific example of the present application, the fixing portion 23 and the movable component 24 are fixed protrusions, which are wound and connected to the driving member 21 and the return member 22 respectively, and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0107] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present application, when the driving member 21 is an SMA wire and the restoring member 22 is a spring, one end of the SMA wire is connected to the first fixing portion 231, and the SMA wire is fixed to the base 12 via the first fixing portion 231. The other end of the SMA wire is connected to the movable component 24. One end of the spring is connected to the second fixing portion 232, and the spring is fixed to the base 12 via the second fixing portion 232. The other end of the spring is connected to the movable component 24. In the initial state, the line connecting one end of the SMA wire connecting the first fixing portion 231 and one end of the spring connecting the second fixing portion 232 is parallel to the line connecting one end of the SMA wire connecting the movable component 24 and one end of the spring connecting the movable component 24. When power is applied, the SMA wire contracts due to heat, and the SMA wire provides a positive torque to the transmission mechanism 40, thereby driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate. Specifically, the SMA wire has an arc-shaped structure. When energized, it produces an arc-shaped contraction trajectory, which in turn drives the movable component 24 to rotate, and thus the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate. In other words, when the SMA wire contracts, the spring is stretched, the arc length of the SMA wire decreases, and the arc length of the spring increases. When the power is removed or the current is reduced, the spring applies a reverse torque to the transmission mechanism 40, which is opposite to the forward torque, driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate in the opposite direction and return to its initial position.

[0108] Specifically, in another embodiment of the present application, the driving member 21 is a first SMA wire 211, and the restoring member 22 is a second SMA wire 221. One end of the first SMA wire 211 is connected to the first fixing portion 231, and the first SMA wire 211 is fixed to the base 12 via the first fixing portion 231. The other end of the first SMA wire 211 is connected to the movable component 24. One end of the second SMA wire 221 is connected to the second fixing portion 232, and the second SMA wire 221 is fixed to the base 12 via the second fixing portion 232. The other end of the second SMA wire 221 is connected to the movable component 24. In an initial state, a straight line connecting one end of the first SMA wire 211 connecting the first fixing portion 231 and one end of the second SMA wire 221 connecting the second fixing portion 232 is parallel to a straight line connecting one end of the first SMA wire 211 connecting the movable component 24 and one end of the second SMA wire 221 connecting the movable component 24. When energized, the first SMA wire 211 contracts due to heat, providing a positive torque to the transmission mechanism 40, thereby driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate. Specifically, the first SMA wire 211 has an arc-shaped structure. When energized, it produces an arc-shaped contraction trajectory, thereby driving the movable component 24 to rotate, and thus the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate. In other words, after the first SMA wire 211 contracts, the second SMA wire 221 is stretched, the arc length of the first SMA wire 211 decreases, and the arc length of the second SMA wire 221 increases. After de-energizing the first SMA wire 211 or reducing the current flowing through the first SMA wire 211, power is applied to the second SMA wire 221, causing it to contract due to heat. The second SMA wire 221 provides a reverse torque to the transmission mechanism 40, opposite to the positive torque, driving the transmission mechanism 40 to rotate in the opposite direction and return to its initial position. It is worth mentioning that in the embodiment of the present application, the contraction amount of the driving member 21 is the movable stroke of the driving member 21 along the arc direction in which it is located. Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the driving member 21 and the restoring member 22 are spiral SMA wires, and the driving member 21 and the restoring member 22 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the transmission mechanism 40.

[0109] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, the drive assembly 20 further includes a first guide mechanism 25 and a second guide mechanism 26. The drive member 21 and the return member 22 are placed in the first guide mechanism 25 and the second guide mechanism 26, and the extension and contraction of the drive member 21 and the return member 22 are guided by the first guide mechanism 25 and the second guide mechanism 26. The shapes of the first guide mechanism 25 and the second guide mechanism 26 are adapted to the shapes of the drive member 21 and the return member 22. In a specific example of the present application, the drive member 21 and the return member 22 are elongated structures, and the first guide mechanism 25 and the second guide mechanism 26 are correspondingly elongated structures. In another specific example of the present application, the drive member 21 and the return member 22 are arc-shaped structures, and the first guide mechanism 25 and the second guide mechanism 26 are correspondingly arc-shaped structures. Furthermore, the first guide mechanism 25 has a first guide surface 250, and the second guide mechanism 26 has a second guide surface 260, wherein the first guide surface 250 of the first guide mechanism 25 and the second guide surface 260 of the second guide mechanism 26 present the same long strip or arc structure as the driving member 21 and the return member 22.

[0110] Preferably, in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the first guide mechanism 25 and the second guide mechanism 26 are semi-annular tubular structures with openings at both ends, wherein the driving member 21 is built into the first guide mechanism 25, and the return member 22 is built into the second guide mechanism 26. Optionally, in this preferred embodiment of the present application, the first guide mechanism 25 and the second guide mechanism 26 are semi-annular structures having inner annular surfaces, wherein the first guide surface 250 of the first guide mechanism 25 and the second guide surface 260 of the second guide mechanism 26 face opposite sides of the transmission mechanism 40.

[0111] The drive member 21 is positioned within the first guide mechanism 25, and the return member 22 is positioned within the second guide mechanism 26. The first guide mechanism 25 extends in the same direction as the drive member 21, while the second guide mechanism 26 extends in the same direction as the return member 22. The arc-shaped drive member 21 and return member 22 can move in other directions during contraction and extension, such as along the center of the arc. The first and second guide mechanisms 25, 26 control the contraction of the drive member 21 and return member 22 within these two guide mechanisms, ensuring they can move along the arc. The arc-shaped drive member 21 increases the total length of the SMA wire, increasing its thermal contraction and thus its travel. Furthermore, the first and second guide mechanisms 25, 26 protect the drive member 21 and return member 22. In a specific example of the present application, the first guiding mechanism 25 and the second guiding mechanism 26 are made of ceramic material. The ceramic material has a certain heat insulation effect, which prevents the heat generated by the SMA from being quickly lost when it is energized.

[0112] Alternatively, in other optional embodiments of the present application, the first guide mechanism 25 is disposed inside the drive member 21, and the second guide mechanism 26 is disposed inside the return member 22, with the first guide mechanism 25 supporting and guiding the drive member 21, and the second guide mechanism 26 supporting and guiding the return member 22. It is worth mentioning that the drive member 21 and the return member 22 have a helical semi-annular structure, wherein the first guide mechanism 25 and the second guide mechanism 26 have the same semi-annular support structure as the drive member 21 and the return member 22.

[0113] like Figure 1As shown, in an embodiment of the present application, the variable aperture device 100 further includes a cover plate 50, which is disposed between the cover body 11 and the transmission mechanism 40. In one specific example of the present application, the cover plate 50 is fixedly disposed on the top surface of the transmission mechanism 40. This arrangement allows the blade assembly 30 disposed within the transmission mechanism 40 to be clamped between the cover plate 50 and the base 12. This arrangement prevents the blade assembly 30 from disengaging from the shaft protrusion 1232 and, therefore, from moving out of its original position during rotation. Furthermore, the surface of the transmission mechanism 40 may become uneven during the manufacturing process. The cover plate 50 rotates with the rotation of the transmission mechanism 40, reducing friction between the cover plate 50 and the cover body 11. In another specific example of the present application, the cover plate 50 may be simply clamped between the cover body 11 and the transmission mechanism 40, but this application is not limited to this.

[0114] like Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown, in an embodiment of the present application, the variable aperture device 100 further includes an electrical connection element 60, wherein the electrical connection element 60 is disposed in the housing and is electrically connected to the drive assembly 20. The electrical connection element 60 includes at least two connection terminals 61 mounted on the base 12. At least two of the connection terminals 61 are disposed on one side of the fixed portion 23 of the drive assembly 20 and are electrically connected to the drive member 21 and the return member 22 via the fixed portion 23. In a specific example of the present application, the at least two connection terminals 61 are integrally formed with the base 12 via an insert molding process. Furthermore, the connection terminals 61 include a lower end and an upper end extending integrally from the lower end. The connection terminals 61 are fixed to the fixed portion 23 of the base 12 via insert molding, and the lower end of the connection terminals 61 is partially exposed for electrical connection to other energized components of the camera module. The top surface of the upper end of the connection terminal 61 is exposed, and the fixing portion 23 is provided on the top surface of the upper end of the connection terminal 61 and is electrically connected to the driving member 21 and the return member 22 via the fixing portion 23. It is understood that in the present application, the fixing portion 23 and the movable member 24 are made of metal, and the driving member 21 and the return member 22 can achieve electrical conduction through the fixing portion 23 and the movable member 24.

[0115] Exemplary camera module

[0116] like Figure 15As shown, a camera module according to an embodiment of the present application is illustrated, which includes a photosensitive component 300, a lens component 200 held on a photosensitive path of the photosensitive component 300, and a variable aperture device 100.

[0117] The lens assembly 200 includes an optical lens 210 and a lens driving assembly 220 that drives the optical lens 210 to move. The optical lens 210 is an integrated lens, which includes a lens barrel 2110 and at least one lens group 2120 accommodated in the lens barrel 2110, and the at least one lens group 2120 includes at least one optical lens. The lens driving assembly 220 includes a lens driving movable part, a lens driving fixed part, and a lens driving element arranged between the lens driving movable part and the lens driving fixed part, and the lens driving element drives the lens moving part to move relative to the lens fixed part. The optical lens 210 is fixed to the lens moving part of the lens driving assembly 220 and is driven by the lens driving assembly 220 to move along the optical axis or perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby realizing the autofocus function or optical image stabilization function of the camera module.

[0118] In another embodiment of the present application, the optical lens 210 is a split lens, which includes multiple lens parts. Specifically, the split lens includes a first lens part and a second lens part arranged along the optical axis, the second lens part includes a second lens barrel and at least one second lens installed in the second lens barrel, the first lens component includes at least one first lens, and in some embodiments, the first lens component further includes a first lens barrel, and the at least one first lens is accommodated in the first lens barrel.

[0119] The photosensitive assembly 300 includes a chip circuit board 310, a photosensitive chip 320 mounted on the chip circuit board 310, an electronic component 330, a connector 340, a base 350, and a filter element 360. The chip circuit board 310 includes a circuit board body, a connecting strip, and a connector 340. The connecting strip connects the circuit board body and the connector 340 and provides electrical conduction between the circuit board body and the connector. The photosensitive chip 320 and the electronic component 330 are electrically connected to the circuit board body.

[0120] The photosensitive chip 320 is used to receive the external light image collected by the lens assembly 200 and is electrically connected to the portable device through the chip circuit board 310. The photosensitive chip 320 includes a photosensitive area and a non-photosensitive area. The photosensitive chip 320 is electrically connected to the chip circuit board 310 through the photosensitive chip 320 pad located in the non-photosensitive area. For example, the photosensitive chip 320 is electrically connected to the circuit board body of the chip circuit board 310 through wire bonding (gold wire), welding, FC process (chip flip-chip) or RDL (rewiring layer technology). The photosensitive chip 320 is suitable for being fixed to the front side of the circuit board body by an adhesive medium (the surface of the chip circuit board 310 facing the lens assembly 200 is defined as the front side, and the side of the chip circuit board 310 opposite to the front side is the bottom side of the chip circuit board 310). In some embodiments of the present application, the circuit board body has a groove or a through hole (circuit board through hole) in the middle, and the photosensitive chip 320 is installed and fixed in the groove of the circuit board body or the circuit board through hole, thereby reducing the impact of the thickness of the circuit board body on the thickness of the photosensitive component 300 and reducing the height of the camera module.

[0121] The base 350 is disposed on the circuit board body of the chip circuit board 310 and is used to support other components. In one embodiment of the present application, the base 350 is implemented as a separately molded plastic bracket, which is attached to the surface of the circuit board body via an adhesive medium and is used to support other components. Of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the base 350 can also be formed on the circuit board body in other ways. For example, the base 350 is implemented as a molded base 350, which is integrally formed at a predetermined position on the circuit board body through a molding process. This is not limited to this application.

[0122] In one embodiment of the present application, the filter element 360 is maintained on the photosensitive path of the photosensitive chip 320, and is used to filter the imaging light entering the photosensitive chip 320. In a specific embodiment of the present application, the filter element 360 is mounted on the base 350 and corresponds to at least the photosensitive area of ​​the photosensitive chip 320. It is worth mentioning that in other examples of the present application, the filter element 360 can be indirectly mounted on the base 350 through other supporting members. In addition, in other embodiments of the present application, the filter element 360 can also be installed at other positions of the camera module, for example, the filter element 360 is formed in the optical lens 210 (for example, as a layer of filter film attached to the surface of a certain optical lens of the optical lens 210), which is not limited to the present application.

[0123] In one embodiment of the present application, the photosensitive component 300 further includes a chip driving component (not shown in the drawings), which is suitable for driving the photosensitive chip 320 of the photosensitive component 300 to translate, rotate or tilt, thereby realizing the chip anti-shake function of the camera module.

[0124] The variable aperture device 100 is mounted on the top surface or in the middle of the optical lens 210. In one embodiment of the present application, the variable aperture device 100 is mounted on the top surface of the optical lens 210 and is fixed to the optical lens 210. Specifically, the base 12 of the variable aperture device 100 is bonded to the lens barrel 2110 of the optical lens 210 via an adhesive medium, and at least a portion of the optical lens 210 extends into the housing through-hole of the variable aperture device 100. The aperture drive circuit board of the variable aperture device 100 is electrically connected to the lens drive assembly 220. In one embodiment of the present application, the variable aperture drive circuit board is electrically connected to the spring of the lens drive assembly 220 used to reset the transmission mechanism 40.

[0125] In another embodiment of the present application, when the optical lens 210 is a split lens, the variable aperture device 100 can be disposed in the middle of the optical lens 210. Specifically, the second lens portion is mounted and fixed to the lens drive assembly 220, the first lens portion is mounted and fixed to the top surface of the variable aperture device 100, and the variable aperture device 100 is further mounted and fixed to the lens barrel 2110 of the optical lens 210, so that the first lens portion and the second lens portion are arranged along the optical axis of the optical lens 210.

[0126] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to limit the present invention. The objectives of the present invention have been fully and effectively achieved. The functional and structural principles of the present invention have been demonstrated and illustrated in the embodiments. Any variations or modifications may be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the principles described.

Claims

1. A variable aperture device, characterized in that: include: case; Blade assembly; A transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism is rotatably disposed on the housing and is transmission-connected to the blade assembly, and the blade assembly is driven by the transmission mechanism to form a light-through hole with a variable aperture; as well as a drive assembly, the drive assembly further comprising a drive member, a return member, a first guide mechanism, and a second guide mechanism, wherein the drive member is disposed on the first guide mechanism, the return member is disposed on the second guide mechanism, the drive member is supported by the first guide mechanism for telescopic movement, and the return member is supported by the second guide mechanism for telescopic movement, wherein the drive member and the return member are drivably connected to the transmission mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to reciprocate through the drive member and the return member; The first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism are arc-shaped structures and are symmetrically arranged on the outer side of the transmission mechanism in the circumferential direction; The housing includes a cover and a base that are interlocked, the base includes a base body and a first convex portion and a second convex portion formed on the base body, and an annular groove formed on the first convex portion and the second convex portion, the second convex portion includes a limiting protrusion and a plurality of shaft protrusions, and the blade assembly is limited by the shaft protrusions of the second convex portion, the transmission mechanism includes a transmission body, a plurality of driving teeth and at least one limiting baffle group, the limiting baffle group includes a first limiting baffle and a second limiting baffle, and the first limiting baffle and the second limiting baffle form a limiting groove; The top surface of the limiting protrusion is higher than the top surface of the second convex portion, the limiting protrusion of the base is placed in the limiting groove from bottom to top, and the height of the shaft protrusion is not higher than the height of the limiting protrusion. 2 . The variable aperture device according to claim 1 , wherein the first guide mechanism and the second guide mechanism are hollow tubular structures, wherein the driving member is built into the first guide mechanism, and the return member is built into the second guide mechanism. 3 . The variable aperture device according to claim 1 , wherein the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism are support rod structures, wherein the first guiding mechanism is disposed on the driving member, and the second guiding mechanism is disposed on the restoring member. 4 . The variable aperture device according to claim 2 , wherein the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism are in a long strip structure, and the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism are located on the same side of the housing.

5. The variable aperture device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising at least one movable component, wherein the at least one movable component is connected to the transmission mechanism, and the driving member and the return member of the driving assembly are telescopically connected to the at least one movable component.

6. The variable aperture device according to claim 5, wherein the driving member further includes a driving member traction end and a driving member fixed end, the return member further includes a return member traction end and a return member fixed end, the driving member fixed end and the return member fixed end are fixed to the housing, the movable part is drivably connected to the driving member traction end and the return member traction end, and the driving member traction end and the return member traction end are located on opposite sides of the movable part, and the driving member and the return member drive the transmission mechanism to rotate reciprocally through the movable part. 7 . The variable aperture device according to claim 6 , further comprising a fixing portion, wherein the fixing portion is fixed to the housing, and the fixing end of the driving member and the fixing end of the restoring member are fixed to the housing by the fixing portion.

8. The variable aperture device according to claim 7, wherein the fixing portion includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion, wherein the driving member is telescopically disposed between the first fixing portion and the movable part, and the restoring member is telescopically disposed between the second fixing portion and the movable part. 9 . The variable aperture device according to claim 1 , wherein the driving member is selected from the group consisting of a straight SMA wire, a long spiral SMA wire, and an arc-shaped helical SMA wire. 10 . The variable aperture device according to claim 9 , wherein the return member is selected from a group of elastic elements consisting of a spring and a spring.

11. The variable aperture device according to claim 9, wherein the restoring member is selected from the group consisting of a straight SMA wire, a long spiral SMA wire, and an arc-shaped helical SMA wire.

12. The variable aperture device according to claim 9, wherein M is the contraction amount of the driving member, α is the rotation angle of the transmission mechanism, L is the distance from the axis O to the straight line along the length direction of the driving member, and M>sinα*L.

13. The variable aperture device according to claim 5, wherein the transmission mechanism comprises a transmission body and a movable end provided on the transmission body, wherein the movable end integrally extends outward from the outer side of the transmission body, and the movable end is transmission-connected to the movable component.

14. The variable aperture device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the blade assembly comprises a plurality of blade elements, wherein each of the blade elements comprises a blade body and a blade sleeve, wherein the blade body is connected to the blade sleeve, and the blade sleeve of each of the blade elements is engaged with the transmission mechanism. 15 . The variable aperture device according to claim 1 , further comprising a cover plate, wherein the cover plate is disposed between the cover body and the transmission mechanism. 16 . The variable aperture device according to claim 2 , further comprising an electrical connection element, wherein the electrical connection element is disposed on the housing and is electrically connected to the driving assembly.

17. A camera module, characterized in that: include: Photosensitive components; a lens assembly held in a light-sensing path of the light-sensing assembly; as well as The variable aperture device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the variable aperture device is arranged on the light incident side of the lens assembly.

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