A camera module

Abstract

The application discloses a camera module, which comprises a lens, a focusing motor, a base, a support, a coil, and a magnet. The focusing motor is sleeved on the lens. The support is fixed on the base. The coil is arranged on the support. The magnet is arranged on the focusing motor and located between the focusing motor and the support. The magnet is provided with a through hole. An elastic mechanism passes through the through hole and connects the focusing motor and the support. The coil is arranged in opposite correspondence with the magnet. When current is passed into the coil, the magnet is forced to drive the lens and the focusing motor to displace. The camera module has the ability to push the lens with a large weight to perform OIS anti-shake and has a larger anti-shake angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of camera technology, and more particularly to a camera module. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, one method of optical image stabilization (OIS) in camera modules of mobile electronic devices is to use an OIS stabilization motor to drive the lens movement to achieve OIS stabilization. However, as users' demands for mobile photography continue to increase, camera module lenses are becoming heavier and heavier. Current OIS stabilization motors lack sufficient driving force to move heavy lenses and also suffer from a small stabilization angle for heavy lenses.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, related technologies have begun to introduce micro-gimbal structures into camera modules of mobile electronic devices. For example, existing technology provides a micro-gimbal module with a motor positioned beside a micro-gimbal support. It employs a magnetic levitation assembly composed of a magnet, coil, and magnetic conductor. This magnetic levitation suspension provides the autofocus camera module on the micro-gimbal support with stronger and wider-range driving force, and enables optical image stabilization in the X and Y directions. When the coil is energized, the magnetic conductor or magnet maintains its magnetic levitation state.

[0004] However, in practice, it was found that the micro-gimbal structure of the suspended voice coil motor has a problem with poor anti-shake stability control, resulting in the achievable anti-shake angle being lower than expected. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a camera module to solve or partially solve the technical problems of poor image stabilization stability and small achievable image stabilization angle in current camera modules with micro-gimbal structures using suspended voice coil motors.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a camera module, comprising:

[0007] Lens;

[0008] A focusing motor is mounted on the lens;

[0009] Base;

[0010] The bracket is fixed to the base;

[0011] The coil is mounted on the bracket;

[0012] A magnet is disposed on the focusing motor and located between the focusing motor and the bracket, and the magnet has a through hole;

[0013] A flexible mechanism passes through the through hole and connects the focusing motor and the bracket;

[0014] The coil is positioned corresponding to the magnet. When current flows through the coil, the magnet is subjected to force to move the lens and the focusing motor.

[0015] Optionally, the camera module further includes a ball bearing connected to one end of the elastic mechanism near the bracket, and the elastic mechanism is connected to the bracket via the ball bearing.

[0016] Optionally, the bracket is provided with a ball groove, and the ball is rotatably disposed in the ball groove.

[0017] Optionally, the camera module further includes an elastic sheet, which connects the ball and the elastic mechanism, and the elastic sheet abuts against the ball groove.

[0018] Optionally, the elastic sheet is a thin metal sheet or a sheet-like thermoplastic elastomer.

[0019] Optionally, the elastic sheet includes a contact portion and a connecting portion, the contact portion connecting the ball and the elastic mechanism and extending toward the ball groove; the connecting portion connecting to the bracket.

[0020] Optionally, the camera module further includes a plate with holes through which the elastic mechanism can pass, and the plate is disposed between the magnet and the bracket.

[0021] Optionally, the camera module further includes a carrier, which is fitted onto the focusing motor, and the magnet is disposed on the carrier.

[0022] Optionally, the coil is arranged around the outer wall of the bracket, and the magnet is arranged around the outer wall of the carrier.

[0023] Optionally, both the bracket and the carrier are rectangular frames, with the coil disposed on the four sides of the bracket and the magnet disposed on the four sides of the carrier.

[0024] Through one or more technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention has the following beneficial effects or advantages:

[0025] This invention provides a camera module in which a focusing motor and lens form a motion component, a bracket and base form a fixing component, and a coil, magnet, and elastic mechanism form a driving component. A magnet is placed between the focusing motor and the bracket, and a coil is placed on the bracket. By controlling the magnitude and direction of the current flowing through the coil, the coil experiences a magnetic force of a predetermined direction and magnitude under the magnetic field of the magnet. The magnet, in turn, experiences a reaction force in the opposite direction, which drives the motion component to achieve OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). A through-hole is provided on the magnet, and an elastic mechanism is inserted through the through-hole to suspend the motion component. Utilizing the compression deformation and automatic reset capabilities of the elastic mechanism, the motion component maintains a higher level of horizontality when stationary, and resets and corrects itself during OIS stabilization, thereby balancing the unstable swaying of the motion component during OIS and increasing the achievable stabilization angle.

[0026] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 An exploded view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the actuation direction of anti-shake control according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a magnet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the bracket and the magnet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 7A schematic diagram of an elastic mechanism, ball bearings, and elastic sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 8 A left view of an elastic sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 9 A front view of an elastic sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 10 A schematic diagram is shown when the elastic mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is horizontally compressed;

[0038] Figure 11 A schematic diagram is shown when the elastic mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is horizontally stretched;

[0039] Figure 12 A schematic diagram is shown when the elastic mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is stretched obliquely upward;

[0040] Figure 13 A schematic diagram is shown when the elastic mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is stretched obliquely upward;

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0042] 1. Support; 101. Fixing mechanism; 102. Ball groove; 2. Magnet; 201. First sidewall; 202. Second sidewall; 3. Elastic mechanism; 4. Coil; 5. Focusing motor; 6. Lens; 7. Base; 8. Ball; 9. Elastic sheet; 901. Contact part; 902. Connecting part; 903. Connecting hole; 10. Plate; 11. Carrier; 12. Printed circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand this application, the technical solution of this application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, the terminology used herein should be understood as having the meaning commonly used in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. In case of any conflict, this specification takes precedence. Unless otherwise specified, all devices, etc., used in this invention can be purchased commercially or prepared by existing methods.

[0044] The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0045] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0047] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0048] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] Research indicates that the insufficient image stabilization stability of the voice coil motor suspended by the suspended magnetic conductor used in related technologies is due to the fact that the magnetic levitation assembly composed of the magnet, coil, and magnetic conductor cannot stably achieve a "magnetic levitation suspension" for the voice coil motor and lens. Maintaining its suspension and balance actually relies on the flexible circuit board supporting the entire micro-gimbal structure, including the image sensor, image sensor horder, micro-gimbal support, voice coil motor, and autofocus camera module. The flexible circuit board is bent within the camera module. Due to the inherent flexibility of the flexible circuit board, coupled with the influence of its bending angle and shape, the micro-gimbal structure cannot maintain a natural suspension balance. Firstly, its levelness is poor when stationary; that is, the voice coil motor and lens are not horizontal when stationary, but rather relatively horizontal. Firstly, the horizontal plane exhibits a certain degree of tilt or sag. Secondly, the levelness of the voice coil motor and lens during motion is poor, especially in terms of crosstalk capability. This means that during movement, the voice coil motor and lens are constantly shaking with significant amplitude. They move independently along the X, Y, Z, and Yaw axes (rotation around the Z-axis), uncontrolled by any single direction, resulting in an unbalanced state. Even when moving along a single axis, the perpendicular axis will also exhibit wobbling, indicating poor stability. For example, in Z-axis and Yaw rotation, if the voice coil motor and lens are tilted in the Z-direction, they cannot maintain perpendicularity to the Z-axis during Yaw rotation, leading to instability in the Yaw direction. These instabilities cause the stabilization angle achievable by the magnetic levitation micro-gimbal structure to be lower than expected.

[0050] Therefore, in order to simultaneously solve the technical problem of the small anti-shake angle in the current magnetic levitation micro-gimbal structure, in an optional embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 13 As shown, a camera module is provided, including: a motion component, a fixing component, and a driving component, wherein:

[0051] The motion component includes a lens 6 and a focusing motor 5 mounted on the lens 6;

[0052] The fixing assembly includes a base 7 and a bracket 1 fixed on the base 7;

[0053] The drive assembly includes a coil 4, a magnet 2, and an elastic mechanism 3. The coil 4 is disposed on the bracket 1, the magnet 2 is located between the focusing motor 5 and the bracket 1, and the magnet 2 has a through hole. The elastic mechanism 3 passes through the through hole and connects the focusing motor 5 and the bracket 1.

[0054] The coil 4 is arranged correspondingly to the magnet 2. When current is passed through the coil 4, the magnet 2 is subjected to force to drive the lens 6 and the focusing motor 5 to move.

[0055] Specifically, the focusing motor 5 in the motion component can be a commonly used voice coil motor (VCM) that drives the lens 6 for focusing, or it can be an OIS motor that combines focusing and image stabilization functions; unless otherwise specified, the focusing motor 5 in this embodiment is a voice coil motor that drives the lens 6 for focusing.

[0056] The bracket 1 can be a rectangular frame shape, disposed outside the focusing motor 5, located between the focusing motor 5 and the housing of the camera module. The bracket 1 has an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, wherein the inner sidewall is close to the focusing motor 5, and the outer sidewall is away from the focusing motor 5. The fixing mechanism 101 for mounting the coil 4 can be disposed on the outer sidewall or in the corner area of ​​the bracket 1, the corner area being located near the four vertices of the frame. Unless otherwise specified, in this embodiment, the fixing mechanism 101 is located on the four outer sidewalls of the bracket 1, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0057] The magnet 2 in the drive assembly serves as the component that provides the magnetic field and the driving force after the coil 4 is energized. It can be a monopole permanent magnet or a multipole magnetized permanent magnet. In the absence of other intermediate components, the magnet 2 can be bonded to the outer wall of the focusing motor 5. The magnet 2 can be integral or discrete, meaning there must be at least one magnet 2. For example, for a ring-shaped focusing motor 5, the magnet 2 can be ring-shaped; for a square focusing motor 5 with four side walls, the magnet 2 is discrete and arranged in pairs. For example, the number of magnets can be four, with one magnet 2 positioned on one outer wall of the focusing motor 5. Thus, two magnets 2 in the X direction are used for image stabilization in the X direction, and two magnets 2 in the Y direction are used for image stabilization in the Y direction. For a polyhedral focusing motor 5, the number of magnets 2 can be determined based on the number of side walls of the polyhedron.

[0058] The principle of image stabilization control in the camera module is as follows: During autofocus, the focusing motor 5 drives the lens 6 to move in the Z-axis direction to achieve automatic AF focusing. Since it is a micro-gimbal suspension structure, the moving components may experience unstable shaking or displacement during focusing. At this time, the coil 4 is energized. By controlling the direction and magnitude of the current in the coil 4, the coil 4 is subjected to a force of a set direction and magnitude under the magnetic field of the magnet 2, while the magnet 2 is subjected to a reaction force. This reaction force drives the moving components to move, thereby achieving OIS image stabilization control.

[0059] Please refer to the example of image stabilization. Figure 4Taking X-axis image stabilization as an example, during focusing, if the moving components shift upwards in direction A of the X-axis and downwards in direction B, image stabilization control in the X-axis direction is required. Figure 4 As shown, two sets of magnets 2 and coils 4 are provided in the X direction. By controlling the magnitude and direction of the current in the coil 4 in the A direction, the magnet 2 in the A direction is subjected to a downward reaction force; by controlling the magnitude and direction of the current in the coil 4 in the B direction, the magnet 2 in the B direction is subjected to an upward reaction force, thereby balancing the offset of the moving component in the X direction and achieving X-axis anti-shake. Similarly, Y-axis anti-shake uses two sets of magnets 2 and coils 4 to balance the offset of the moving component in the Y direction; while Yaw-axis anti-shake uses at least one set of magnets 2 and coils 4 to drive the moving component to rotate around the Z-axis, which can be achieved by adding corresponding magnets 2.

[0060] Optionally, a first flexible circuit board (not shown in the figure) is provided between the coil 4 and the bracket 1. The first flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the coil 4 and is used to supply power to the coil 4.

[0061] The shape of magnet 2 is determined according to assembly requirements. Taking the above four magnets 2 set on the side wall of the focusing motor 5 as an example, for instance... Figure 5 As shown, the magnet 2 has a first sidewall 201 and a second sidewall 202. The first sidewall 201 is close to the focusing motor 5, and the second sidewall 202 is close to the bracket 1. The first sidewall 201 has a first predetermined curvature, and the second sidewall 202 has a second predetermined curvature. Intuitively, the first sidewall 201 can be regarded as the inner sidewall of the magnet 2, and the second sidewall 202 can be regarded as the outer sidewall of the magnet 2. The inner and outer sidewalls of each magnet 2 have a certain curvature. By processing the inner and outer sidewalls of the magnet 2 into curvatures, on the one hand, the material thickness of the magnet 2 can be made uniform, thereby providing a uniform magnetic field for the coil 4 to drive; on the other hand, the angle formed by the two sides of the arc of the curved magnet 2 is more conducive to increasing the adhesive area during the assembly of the magnet 2, thereby increasing the bonding strength of the magnet.

[0062] In this embodiment, a through hole is provided on the magnet 2, and an elastic mechanism 3 is inserted through the through hole. One end of the elastic mechanism 3 is connected to the bracket 1, and the other end is connected to the focusing motor 5. This embodiment utilizes the elastic mechanism 3 to suspend the magnet 2 and the motion component to form a micro-gimbal structure. On the other hand, it utilizes the extension, deformation, and reset capabilities of the elastic mechanism 3 to balance the movement of the magnet 2 and the motion component during image stabilization. Specifically, at least one through hole is provided on each magnet 2, and the elastic mechanism 3 is inserted into each corresponding through hole. For example, the above-mentioned four magnets 2 arranged outside the square focusing motor, each magnet 2 has a through hole, and an elastic mechanism 3 is inserted through each hole, for a total of four elastic mechanisms 3. By limiting the magnet 2 from multiple directions, the displacement of the motion component is balanced.

[0063] The connection between the elastic mechanism 3 and the support 1 and the focusing motor 5 can be achieved by bonding or snap-fitting. Unless otherwise specified, this embodiment uses bonding. Optionally, the bonding method is not a completely cured bonding, but rather using elastic adhesive to give the bonding points of the elastic mechanism a certain degree of flexibility, which can increase the stretching and deformation capacity of the elastic mechanism 3 and achieve a better effect in balancing the motion components.

[0064] The elastic mechanism 3 in the drive assembly can be a spring, or a rubber or silicone pillar with compression deformation and reset capabilities. Unless otherwise specified, the elastic mechanism 3 in this embodiment uses a ring spring. If a rubber pillar is used, thermoplastic elastic materials such as TPE or TPU can be selected. The advantage of using a rubber pillar instead of a spring as the elastic mechanism 3 is that the rubber pillar can correct the swaying caused by high-intensity impacts and avoid the extreme state of being unable to reset due to the large-scale torsional deformation of the spring caused by reliability issues.

[0065] The orientation of the elastic mechanism 3 in the camera module can be horizontal, i.e., the horizontal direction of the image sensor, or at a certain angle to the horizontal direction, without being specifically limited here.

[0066] The aforementioned camera module suspends the magnet 2, focusing motor 5, and lens 6 via an elastic mechanism 3, forming a micro-gimbal structure. The focusing motor 5 drives the lens 6 for autofocus. The magnet 2, coil 4, and elastic mechanism 3 work together to drive the focusing motor 5 and lens 6 for OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). The elastic mechanism 3 passes through the magnet 2 and connects between the bracket 1 and the focusing motor 5. Utilizing the compression deformation and automatic reset capabilities of the elastic mechanism 3, it corrects the magnet 2 and focusing motor 5 when they are far from their equilibrium position, thereby balancing the unstable swaying of the magnet 2, focusing motor 5, and lens 6 during OIS and increasing the stability of OIS stabilization.

[0067] Further investigation in practical applications revealed that in some extreme cases, excessive displacement of the magnet 2 and the motion component during OIS stabilization may cause the elastic mechanism 3 to be pulled stiffly, resulting in the elastic mechanism 3 getting stuck or failing, and losing its ability to balance the displacement of the motion component.

[0068] Therefore, in some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the drive assembly also includes a ball bearing 8, which is connected to one end of the elastic mechanism 3 near the bracket 1. The elastic mechanism 3 is connected to the bracket 1 through the ball bearing 8.

[0069] Specifically, the function of ball bearing 8 is to correct the position and angle of elastic mechanism 3 during OIS stabilization, preventing the elastic mechanism 3 from jamming or malfunctioning due to excessive stretching or deformation. Optional, such as Figure 6As shown, a ball groove 102 can be provided on the bracket 1, and the balls 8 are rolled within the ball groove 102. When the elastic mechanism 3 is deformed by force, a portion of the force is transmitted to the balls 8. After being subjected to force, the balls 8 adjust the position and angle of the elastic mechanism 3 through rolling action. The number of balls 8 is equal to the number of elastic mechanisms 3, and a corresponding number of ball grooves 102 for accommodating the balls 8 are provided on the bracket 1.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, the drive assembly also includes an elastic sheet 9, which connects the ball bearing 8 and the elastic mechanism 3. The elastic sheet 9 abuts against the ball bearing groove 102. One side of the elastic sheet 9 contacts the ball bearing 8, and the other side is connected to one end of the elastic mechanism 3. The connection between the elastic mechanism 3 and the elastic sheet 9 can be adhesive, which can be done using elastic glue.

[0071] The reason for including the elastic plate 9 is that, in practice, it has been found that without the elastic plate 9, the elastic mechanism 3 and the ball 8 cannot easily make direct contact, thus the ball 8 cannot effectively correct the position and angle of the elastic mechanism 3. With the introduction of the elastic plate 9, it acts as a buffer, connecting the upper and lower parts of the mechanism. When the elastic mechanism 3 deforms, the elastic plate 9 undergoes expansion and contraction. This expansion and contraction is transmitted to the ball 8 through the contact point between the elastic plate 9 and the ball 8, causing the ball 8 to rotate under pressure and thus adjust the position and angle of the elastic mechanism 3. This prevents the elastic mechanism 3 from jamming or failing due to excessive tension.

[0072] In some optional embodiments, the elastic sheet 9 can be selected from a metal sheet or a sheet-like thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), such as styrene-based TPE or polyurethane-based TPE. Because metals have good plasticity, they can acquire a certain degree of elasticity after being processed into sheets, thereby playing a role in shrinkage cushioning.

[0073] The shape design of elastic sheet 9 can be found in [reference]. Figure 8 It includes a contact portion 901 and a connecting portion 902. The contact portion 901 connects the ball 8 and the elastic mechanism 3; the connecting portion 902 connects to the bracket 1. The contact portion 901 extends into the ball groove 102.

[0074] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the connecting part 902 is provided with a connecting hole 903, which connects the elastic sheet 9 to the bracket 1 via a shaft connection. Optionally, the diameter of the connecting hole 903 is larger than the diameter of the connecting shaft, so that the elastic sheet 9 and the bracket 1 are not completely fixedly connected, but can be twisted or swung to a certain extent, thereby increasing the buffering and corrective ability of the elastic sheet 9 on the elastic mechanism 3.

[0075] Taking the steel sheet as an example, the thickness of the elastic sheet 9 ranges from 0.01mm to 0.1mm, with a maximum thickness not exceeding 1.2mm, to ensure that the steel sheet has the ability to shrink and deform during the anti-shake process.

[0076] During focusing and OIS image stabilization, please refer to the following for the correction principle of the position of the elastic mechanism 3 by the ball bearing 8 and the elastic plate 9. Figures 10-13 The details are as follows:

[0077] Figure 10 This illustrates the case where the elastic mechanism 3 is compressed by the moving component in the X or Y direction. When the elastic mechanism 3 compresses the elastic sheet 9 in the X or Y direction, the ball bearing 8 acts as a limit, preventing the elastic mechanism 3 from being further compressed. Figure 10 The direction the arrow points is compressed.

[0078] Figure 11 This illustrates the case where the elastic mechanism 3 is stretched by the moving component in the X or Y direction. When the elastic mechanism 3 stretches the elastic sheet 9 in the X or Y direction, the elastic sheet 9 acts as a limit, preventing the elastic mechanism 3 from being further stretched. Figure 11 Stretch in the direction the arrow points.

[0079] Figure 12 This illustrates a situation where, during X-axis or Y-axis anti-shake control, the elastic mechanism 3 is subjected to an upwardly stretched force from the moving component. This upward stretching of the elastic mechanism 3 drives the elastic plate 9, causing it to deform upwards. This deformation of the elastic plate 9, through the contact point, drives the ball bearing 8 along... Figure 12 The counterclockwise rolling direction indicated by the arrow utilizes the rolling contact between the rolling ball 8 with rolling capability and the elastic sheet 9 with appropriate angle correction and contraction function to alleviate the further stretching and deformation of the elastic sheet 9, thereby preventing the elastic mechanism 3 from being excessively stretched to an excessive angle. At the same time, the rolling contact can also speed up the process of correcting the elastic sheet 9 and the elastic mechanism 3 to the equilibrium position.

[0080] Figure 13 This illustrates the situation where, during X-axis or Y-axis anti-shake control, the elastic mechanism 3 is subjected to downward stretching. The downward stretching of the elastic plate 9 by the elastic mechanism 3 causes the elastic plate 9 to deform downwards. This deformation of the elastic plate 9 drives the ball 8 along the contact point. Figure 13 Roll clockwise as indicated by the arrow to prevent the elastic mechanism 3 from being stretched too much and to speed up the process of correcting the elastic sheet 9 and the elastic mechanism 3 to the equilibrium position.

[0081] In summary, during image stabilization control, magnet 2 and coil 4 provide driving force for the OIS stabilization of the moving components. Elastic mechanism 3, elastic plate 9, and ball bearing 8 constitute the horizontal steering axis of focusing motor 5 and lens 6. During image stabilization, the compression deformation and reset capabilities of elastic mechanism 3 are used to correct the OIS stabilization operation of the moving components, thereby balancing the unstable swaying of the moving components during OIS and increasing the achievable stabilization angle. Ball bearing 8 has the function of preventing elastic mechanism 3 from getting stuck and reducing friction, so as to avoid the elastic mechanism 3 being excessively stretched during OIS operation. Elastic plate 9 has a shrinking and buffering function, playing a connecting and buffering role between elastic mechanism 3 and ball bearing 8, so that ball bearing 8 can better correct the position and angle of elastic mechanism 3, thereby supporting a larger stabilization angle.

[0082] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the camera module also includes a plate 10, which has a hole through which the elastic mechanism 3 can pass. The plate 10 is disposed between the magnet 2 and the bracket 1.

[0083] Specifically, the plate 10 can be a relatively large thin sheet located between the magnet 2 and the support 1, and the plate 10 has holes for the elastic mechanism 3 to pass through. The elastic mechanism 3 suspends the plate 10, and the plate 10 maintains a certain step difference with the support 1. Furthermore, the magnet 2 is movable, while the support 1 is fixed. Therefore, the plate 10 is provided to avoid direct contact between the magnet 2 and the support 1 during image stabilization, thus isolating the relative movement between the magnet 2 and the support 1 and preventing the magnet 2 from rubbing against the support 1 to generate debris, which would alter the magnetic field and affect the accuracy of image stabilization control.

[0084] The plate 10 can be made of metal sheet or plastic sheet with a certain degree of plasticity, as long as it can serve as a partition and buffer. Its material and thickness are not specifically limited. The size of the plate 10 is sufficient to effectively isolate the contact between the magnet 2 and the support 1.

[0085] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the camera module also includes a carrier 11, which is fitted onto the focusing motor 5; the magnet 2 is disposed on the carrier 11; and the elastic mechanism 3 is located between the carrier 11 and the support 1. The shape of the carrier 11 can be adapted to the shape of the support 1. That is, when the support 1 is a rectangular frame, the carrier 11 can also be set to a corresponding rectangular frame shape. In this case, the coil 4 is arranged around the outer wall of the support 1, and the magnet 2 is arranged around the outer wall of the carrier 11, so that the coil 4 and the magnet 2 can be better aligned.

[0086] The purpose of setting up carrier 11 is as follows:

[0087] 1) Install or support the focusing motor 5;

[0088] 2) Provide an adhesive for the magnet 2;

[0089] 3) Provide a connection point at the other end of the elastic mechanism 3.

[0090] In some optional embodiments, a connecting groove may be provided on the carrier 11, and the other end of the elastic mechanism 3 is connected to the connecting groove. Optionally, the elastic mechanism 3 is bonded to the bracket 1 and the connecting groove by elastic adhesive. It should be noted that if the carrier 11 is not provided, the magnet 2 can be fixed to the outer wall of the focusing motor 5, and the other end of the elastic mechanism 3 can be connected to the outer wall of the focusing motor 5.

[0091] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the camera module also includes a printed circuit board 12, on which an image sensor is electrically connected. The printed circuit board 12 of the camera module is disposed on the base 7, below the lens 6 and the focusing motor 5.

[0092] Optionally, the printed circuit board 12 can be a rigid PCB, which can be electrically connected to a second flexible circuit board (not shown in the figures). The camera module is led out through the second flexible circuit board and electrically connected to an electronic device equipped with the camera module. The first flexible circuit board, which is electrically connected to the coil 4, can be electrically connected to the second flexible circuit board.

[0093] In some alternative embodiments, the camera module further includes a housing (not shown in the figures), which is fixed to the base 7 and is used to cover the bracket 1, the magnet 2, the elastic mechanism 3, the coil 4 and the carrier 11.

[0094] In some optional embodiments, the camera module further includes a position sensor (not shown in the figures), which is disposed on a third flexible circuit board (not shown in the figures) located on the base 7. The position sensor may be a Hall sensor with a control chip, which performs closed-loop control based on the position information of the moving component detected by the position sensor. The third flexible circuit board may be electrically connected to the second flexible circuit board.

[0095] In summary, the camera module provided in this embodiment comprises a focusing motor 5 and a lens 6 forming a motion assembly, a magnet 2, an elastic mechanism 3, a coil 4, a ball bearing 8, an elastic sheet 9, and a carrier 11 forming a drive assembly, and a bracket 1 and a base 7 forming a fixing assembly. By placing a magnet 2 between the focusing motor 5 and the bracket 1, and placing a coil 4 on the bracket 1, the magnitude and direction of the current flowing through the coil 4 are controlled, causing the coil 4 to experience a magnetic force in a predetermined direction (e.g., X, Y, or Yaw) and a predetermined magnitude under the magnetic field of the magnet 2. The magnet 2, in turn, experiences a reaction force in the opposite direction, which drives the motion assembly to perform OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). A through-hole is provided on the magnet 2, and an elastic mechanism 3 passes through the through-hole to suspend the motion assembly. The elastic mechanism 3 utilizes its compression deformation and automatic reset properties. The system has two main functions: firstly, it enables the moving components to maintain a higher level of horizontality when stationary, i.e., it corrects the focusing motor 5 and lens 6 to keep them horizontal in the X and Y directions; secondly, it resets and corrects the moving components during OIS image stabilization, thereby balancing the unstable oscillations of the moving components in the X, Y, Z axis directions and the Yaw rotation direction during OIS, thus increasing the achievable stabilization angle; during image stabilization, the ball bearing 8 prevents the elastic mechanism 3 from getting stuck and reduces friction, so as to avoid the elastic mechanism 3 being pulled too hard during OIS operation and losing its balance; while the elastic plate 9 between the elastic mechanism 3 and the ball bearing 8 plays a connecting and buffering role, allowing the ball bearing 8 to better correct the position and angle of the elastic mechanism 3, thereby supporting a larger stabilization angle.

[0096] On the other hand, based on the same inventive concept as the foregoing embodiments, in another optional embodiment, an electronic device is provided, which includes the camera module in the foregoing embodiments.

[0097] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0098] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module includes: Lens; A focusing motor is mounted on the lens; Base; The bracket is fixed to the base; The coil is mounted on the bracket; A magnet is disposed on the focusing motor and located between the focusing motor and the bracket, and the magnet has a through hole; A flexible mechanism passes through the through hole and connects the focusing motor and the bracket; The coil is positioned corresponding to the magnet. When current flows through the coil, the magnet is subjected to force to move the lens and the focusing motor.

2. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes ball bearings connected to one end of the elastic mechanism near the support, and the elastic mechanism is connected to the support via the ball bearings.

3. The camera module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The bracket is provided with a ball groove, and the ball is rolled within the ball groove.

4. The camera module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic sheet that connects the ball and the elastic mechanism, and the elastic sheet abuts against the ball groove.

5. The camera module as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic sheet is a thin metal sheet or a sheet-like thermoplastic elastomer.

6. The camera module as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic sheet includes a contact portion and a connecting portion. The contact portion connects the ball and the elastic mechanism and extends toward the ball groove. The connecting portion is connected to the bracket.

7. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a plate having holes through which the elastic mechanism can pass, the plate being disposed between the magnet and the support.

8. The camera module as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes a carrier, which is fitted onto the focusing motor, and the magnet is disposed on the carrier.

9. The camera module as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The coil is arranged around the outer wall of the bracket, and the magnet is arranged around the outer wall of the carrier.

10. The camera module as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Both the bracket and the carrier are rectangular frames. The coil is disposed on the four sides of the bracket, and the magnet is disposed on the four sides of the carrier.

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