Camera motors, camera modules and electronic equipment

Abstract

The present application discloses a camera motor, a camera module, and an electronic device, belonging to the field of electronic technology. The camera motor of the present application includes a camera motor, including a base; a carrier disposed within the base for mounting and fixing a lens module; a driving mechanism for driving the carrier to move within the base along the optical axis of the lens module; and a temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the lens module. A ball guide mechanism is disposed between the carrier and the base, the ball guide mechanism being configured to maintain the direction of relative movement between the carrier and the base along the optical axis. A first heating device is disposed within the carrier, the first heating device being adjacent to the ball guide mechanism; and a second heating device is disposed within the base, the second heating device being adjacent to the ball guide mechanism. When the ambient temperature of the lens module detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the normal operating temperature of the ball oil within the ball guide mechanism, the first heating device is in an operating state, and the second heating device is in an operating state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of electronic technology, and specifically relates to a camera motor, a camera module and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] The camera function of mobile phones and other electronic devices relies on autofocus in their camera modules, and the camera motor is an essential core component for autofocus and image stabilization. Existing ball-bearing camera motors are increasingly used in camera modules. However, when the electronic device is exposed to low temperatures, the temperature drops, causing the ball-bearing camera motor to malfunction in focus or image stabilization, seriously affecting the user's photo and video recording experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a camera motor, a camera module and an electronic device, which can solve the problem of abnormal focus or anti-shake of the ball-type camera motor when the electronic device is in a low-temperature environment.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a camera motor, comprising:

[0005] base;

[0006] A carrier for mounting and fixing the lens module, the carrier being disposed in the base;

[0007] a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism being used to drive the carrier to move in the base along the optical axis direction of the lens module;

[0008] A temperature sensor, configured to detect the ambient temperature of the lens module;

[0009] Wherein, a ball guide mechanism is provided between the carrier and the base, and the ball guide mechanism is used to keep the direction of relative movement between the carrier and the base in the direction of the optical axis;

[0010] A first heating device is provided in the carrier, and the first heating device is close to the ball guide mechanism; a second heating device is provided in the base, and the second heating device is close to the ball guide mechanism;

[0011] When the ambient temperature of the lens module detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the normal operating temperature of the ball oil in the ball guide mechanism, the first heating device is in a working state, and the second heating device is in a working state.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ball guide mechanism comprises:

[0013] a first ball track provided on the carrier;

[0014] a second ball bearing track provided on the base;

[0015] Balls, the balls are respectively in contact with the first ball track and the second ball track;

[0016] Wherein, the first heating device is close to the first ball bearing track, and the second heating device is close to the second ball bearing track.

[0017] In some embodiments, the driving mechanism includes: a driving magnet and a driving coil;

[0018] Wherein, the driving magnet is arranged on the carrier; the driving coil is arranged on the base;

[0019] When the driving coil is energized, it interacts with the driving magnet to generate electromagnetic force, and the electromagnetic force drives the carrier to move in the base along the optical axis direction of the lens module.

[0020] In some embodiments, the base has a receiving groove for receiving the carrier; the first side wall of the receiving groove includes a first end and a second end;

[0021] The first side of the carrier includes a third end and a fourth end;

[0022] wherein the first side surface is opposite to the first side wall, the first end is opposite to the third end, and the second end is opposite to the fourth end;

[0023] One ball guide mechanism is provided between the first end and the third end, and another ball guide mechanism is provided between the second end and the fourth end.

[0024] In some embodiments, an opening is formed between the first end and the second end, the first end is provided with a first groove, and the second end is provided with a second groove;

[0025] The first side surface of the carrier further includes a third groove located between the third end portion and the fourth end portion;

[0026] The driving magnet of the driving mechanism is arranged in the third groove;

[0027] The driving coil of the driving mechanism is fixed to a first steel sheet. Two ends of the first steel sheet are respectively arranged in the first groove and the second groove, and the first steel sheet blocks the opening.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ball in the ball guide mechanism between the first end and the third end is made of a conductive material and is connected to one end of an external power source;

[0029] The material of the balls in the ball guide mechanism between the second end and the fourth end is conductive and is connected to the other end of the external power supply.

[0030] In some embodiments, the camera motor further comprises:

[0031] a first shell;

[0032] A flexible circuit board connected to an external power source;

[0033] Wherein, the flexible circuit board is arranged on the inner side wall of the first shell and can be connected to the driving mechanism; the temperature sensor is arranged on the flexible circuit board.

[0034] In some embodiments, the camera motor further comprises:

[0035] A reinforcing plate is provided on the inner side wall of the first shell and is connected to the flexible circuit board.

[0036] In some embodiments, the camera motor further comprises:

[0037] A Hall sensor is provided on the flexible circuit board.

[0038] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a camera module, which includes: a camera motor as described in the first aspect above.

[0039] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, comprising: a second housing; and the camera module described in the second aspect, wherein the camera module is located in the second housing.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present application, the camera motor includes a base; a carrier arranged in the base for mounting and fixing the lens module; a driving mechanism for driving the body to move in the base along the optical axis direction of the lens module; a temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the lens module; wherein a ball guide mechanism is provided between the carrier and the base, and the ball guide mechanism is used to keep the direction of relative movement between the carrier and the base in the optical axis direction; by providing a first heating device at a position close to the ball guide mechanism in the carrier, and providing a second heating device at a position close to the ball guide mechanism in the base, when the ambient temperature of the lens module detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the normal operating temperature of the ball oil in the ball guide mechanism, the first heating device is in a working state, and the second heating device is in a working state, and the heat emitted by the two is conducted to the vicinity of the ball guide mechanism through the base and the carrier, thereby ensuring the lubricating properties of the ball oil in the guide mechanism, so that the camera motor can work normally and improve the user's photo or video experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an existing ball-bearing camera motor;

[0042] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a camera motor provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a camera motor provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the appearance of a camera motor provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of the camera motor provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] The terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein, and that the objects distinguished by "first," "second," and the like are generally of the same type, and do not limit the number of objects; for example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, the term "and / or" in the specification and claims refers to at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the objects connected are in an "or" relationship.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, a conventional ball-bearing camera motor has tracks divided into an upper track 100 and a lower track 200, both made of plastic. A ceramic ball 300 is located in the middle of the tracks. This structural design can cause the electronic device to cool down when exposed to low temperatures, leading to abnormal focus or anti-shake function in the ball-bearing camera motor, seriously impacting the user's photo or video recording experience. The primary cause of this abnormal focus is that the ball oil in the ball-bearing camera motor becomes more viscous in low temperatures, preventing the ball from sliding or rolling freely within the motor's tracks.

[0049] How to ensure that electronic devices using ball-type motor cameras can normally perform the photo-taking function in low-temperature environments is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[0050] The following is combined with Figures 2 to 5 , the camera motor provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail through specific embodiments and their application scenarios.

[0051] An embodiment of the present application provides a camera motor, including: a base 1; a carrier 2 for mounting and fixing a lens module, the carrier 2 being arranged in the base 1; a driving mechanism 3, the driving mechanism 3 being used to drive the carrier 2 to move in the base 1 along the optical axis direction of the lens module; and a temperature sensor 4, the temperature sensor 4 being used to detect the ambient temperature of the lens module.

[0052] A ball guide mechanism 5 is provided between the carrier 2 and the base 1 , and the ball guide mechanism 5 is used to keep the direction of relative movement between the carrier 2 and the base 1 in the direction of the optical axis.

[0053] It should be noted that the ball guide mechanism 5 is arranged between the carrier 2 and the base 1, and is used to realize rolling support between the carrier 2 and the base 1. It can also reduce friction when the carrier 2 and the base 1 move relative to each other, and keep the direction of relative movement between the carrier 2 and the base 1 in the direction of the optical axis, and limit the posture deviation of the carrier 2.

[0054] A first heating device 6 is provided in the carrier 2, and is close to the ball guide mechanism 5; a second heating device 7 is provided in the base 1, and is close to the ball guide mechanism 5. Optionally, the first heating device 6 is injection molded in the carrier 2, and the second heating device 7 is injection molded in the base.

[0055] When the ambient temperature of the lens module detected by the temperature sensor 4 is lower than the normal operating temperature of the ball oil in the ball guide mechanism 5 , the first heating device 6 is in the working state, and the second heating device 7 is in the working state.

[0056] When the camera module of the electronic device performs the photo-taking function, the camera motor operates, and the temperature sensor 4 detects the ambient temperature of the lens module. When the detected ambient temperature of the lens module is lower than the normal operating temperature of the ball oil in the ball guide mechanism 5 (for example, the normal operating temperature of the ball oil is greater than 10°C), the first heating device 6 and the second heating device 7 are in operation. That is, the first heating device 6 and the second heating device 7 near the ball guide mechanism 5 operate, and the heat emitted is transferred to the vicinity of the ball guide mechanism 5 through the base 1 and the carrier 2, thereby ensuring the lubrication properties of the ball oil in the guide mechanism 5. In this way, the camera motor can maintain normal focus or anti-shake functions even in a low-temperature environment, thereby enabling the camera module to operate normally in a low-temperature environment, improving the user's photo or video recording experience.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, see Figure 5 The ball guide mechanism 5 includes a first ball track 51 provided on the carrier 2; a second ball track 52 provided on the base 1; and balls 53, which are respectively in contact with the first ball track 51 and the second ball track 52. The number of balls 53 can be multiple, and the balls 53 serve to support the movement of the carrier 2.

[0058] The first heating device 6 is close to the first ball track 51 , and the second heating device 7 is close to the second ball track 52 .

[0059] It should be noted that when the ambient temperature of the lens module detected by the temperature sensor 4 is lower than the normal operating temperature of the ball oil in the ball guide mechanism 5, the first heating device 6 and the second heating device 7 are both in operation. Specifically, the first heating device 6 near the first ball track 51 is in operation, and the second heating device 7 near the second ball track 52 is in operation. The heat generated is conducted through the base 1 and the carrier 2 to the tracks on both sides of the ball 53. This ensures that the temperature of the tracks on both sides of the ball 53 does not fall below the normal operating temperature of the ball oil, thereby ensuring the lubricating properties of the ball oil in the guide mechanism 5.

[0060] In an optional embodiment, the driving mechanism 3 includes: a driving magnet 31 and a driving coil 32; wherein, the driving magnet 31 is arranged on the carrier 2; the driving coil 32 is arranged on the base 1; when the driving coil 32 is energized, it interacts with the driving magnet 31 to generate electromagnetic force, and the electromagnetic force drives the carrier 2 to move in the base 1 along the optical axis direction of the lens module.

[0061] When the camera module of the electronic device performs the photo-taking function, the camera motor works and current is passed through the drive coil 32, that is, the drive coil 32 is energized; after the drive coil 32 is energized, it interacts with the drive magnet 31 to generate electromagnetic force, and this electromagnetic force drives the carrier 2 to move in the base 1 along the optical axis direction of the lens module.

[0062] In an optional embodiment, the base 1 has a receiving groove 11 for accommodating the carrier 2; the first side wall 12 of the receiving groove 11 includes a first end 121 and a second end 122; the first side surface 21 of the carrier 2 includes a third end and a fourth end; wherein, the first side surface 21 of the carrier 2 is opposite to the first side wall 12, the first end 121 is opposite to the third end, and the second end 122 is opposite to the fourth end; a ball guide mechanism 5 is provided between the first end 121 and the third end, and another ball guide mechanism 5 is provided between the second end 122 and the fourth end.

[0063] In this embodiment, two ball guide mechanisms 5 are provided. The two ball guide mechanisms 5 are symmetrically arranged about the first axis, and the first axis is perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the lens module. The two ball guide mechanisms 5 have the same structure, see Figure 5 .based on Figure 5 The structural design is as follows: specifically, the first end portion 121 is provided with a second ball track 52, and the second end portion 122 is provided with a second ball track 52; the third end portion of the first side surface 21 of the carrier 2 is provided with a first ball track 51, which is opposite to the second ball track 52 provided at the first end portion 121, and together with the balls 53 provided therebetween, constitute a ball guide mechanism 5; the fourth end portion of the first side surface 21 of the carrier 2 is provided with a first ball track 51, which is opposite to the second ball track 52 provided at the second end portion 122, and together with the balls 53 provided therebetween, constitute another ball guide mechanism 5.

[0064] By symmetrically arranging two ball guide mechanisms 5 between the carrier 2 and the base 1 , rolling support between the carrier 2 and the base 1 can be more effectively achieved, and friction can be further reduced when the carrier 2 and the base 1 move relative to each other.

[0065] Furthermore, an opening 123 is formed between the first end 121 and the second end 122 of the first side wall 12 of the accommodating groove 11, the first end 121 is provided with a first groove 124, and the second end 122 is provided with a second groove 125; the first side surface 21 of the carrier 2 also includes a third groove 22 located between the third end and the fourth end.

[0066] Among them, the driving magnet 31 of the driving mechanism 3 is arranged in the third groove 22; the driving coil 32 of the driving mechanism 3 is fixed to the first steel sheet 8, and the two ends of the first steel sheet 8 are respectively arranged in the first groove 124 and the second groove 125, and the first steel sheet 8 blocks the opening 123.

[0067] Through the above structural design, the driving mechanism 3, the ball guide mechanism 5, the first heating device 6 and the second heating device 7 are concentrated on one side, which is beneficial to the circuit wiring of the above components and reduces the complexity of the circuit wiring.

[0068] In an optional embodiment, the ball 53 in the ball guide mechanism 5 between the first end 121 of the first side wall 12 of the accommodating groove 11 and the third end of the first side surface 21 of the carrier 2 is made of conductive material and is connected to one end of an external power supply.

[0069] The ball 53 in the ball guide mechanism 5 between the first end 121 of the first sidewall 12 of the accommodating groove 11 and the fourth end of the first side surface 21 of the carrier 2 is made of conductive material and is connected to one end of an external power source.

[0070] Specifically, the two ball guide mechanisms 5 disposed between the carrier 2 and the base 1 have two (or a group of) balls 53 corresponding thereto made of a conductive material, such as a metal. One of the two (or a group of) balls 53 is connected to the positive terminal of an external power supply, and the other is connected to the negative terminal of the external power supply.

[0071] Here, two (or a group of) balls 53 function as conductors, and each first heating device 6 is connected to two (or a group of) balls 53. In other words, the balls 53 provide power to the first heating device 6. Of course, each second heating device 7 can also be connected to two (or a group of) balls 53. In other words, the balls 53 provide power to the second heating device 7. This design simplifies circuit wiring.

[0072] It should be noted that the ball 53 can be directly connected to the external power supply through an external wire, or it can be connected to the external power supply through the flexible circuit board in the camera motor (that is, the ball 53 is connected to the flexible circuit board, and the flexible circuit board is connected to the external power supply).

[0073] In addition, each second heating device 7 may not be connected to two (or groups of) balls 53, but may be connected to an external power supply through a flexible circuit board in the camera motor, and the external power supply provides power support for the second heating device 7.

[0074] In an optional embodiment, the camera motor of the present application also includes: a first shell 9; a flexible circuit board 10 connected to an external power supply; wherein the flexible circuit board 10 is arranged on the inner wall of the first shell 9 and can be connected to the driving mechanism 3; the temperature sensor 4 is arranged on the flexible circuit board 10.

[0075] The carrier 2 is arranged in the base 1, and the first shell 9 is sleeved on the base 1. The first shell 9 is used to protect the internal components of the camera motor.

[0076] It should be noted that when the camera module of the electronic device performs the photo-taking function, the processor in the electronic device controls the flexible circuit board 10 and the driving mechanism 3 to be connected (it can be to control the flexible circuit board 10 and the driving coil 32 to be connected, that is, the external power supply energizes the driving coil 32), that is, the camera motor starts working.

[0077] The temperature sensor 4 is mounted on a flexible circuit board 10 . The flexible circuit board 10 is used to fix the temperature sensor 4 .

[0078] Furthermore, in order to maintain the required thickness of the flexible circuit board 10 and support and protect the flexible circuit board 10, in one embodiment, the camera motor of the present application further includes:

[0079] The reinforcing plate 13 is disposed on the inner wall of the first housing 9 and connected to the flexible circuit board 10 .

[0080] In an optional embodiment, the camera motor of the present application further includes:

[0081] The Hall sensor 14 is disposed on the flexible circuit board 10 .

[0082] The Hall sensor 14 is used to provide positioning for the precise focus of the camera motor. Here, the Hall sensor 14 is provided on the flexible circuit board 10, and the function of the flexible circuit board 10 is to fix the Hall sensor 14.

[0083] The camera motor of the embodiment of the present application is configured such that a first heating device is arranged in a position near the ball guide mechanism in the carrier, and a second heating device is arranged in a position near the ball guide mechanism in the base. When the ambient temperature of the lens module detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the normal operating temperature of the ball oil in the ball guide mechanism, the first heating device is in a working state, and the second heating device is in a working state. The heat emitted by the two is conducted to the vicinity of the ball guide mechanism through the base and the carrier, thereby ensuring the lubricating properties of the ball oil in the guide mechanism, thereby enabling the camera motor to work normally and improving the user's photo or video recording experience.

[0084] An embodiment of the present application also provides a camera module, which includes the camera motor described above.

[0085] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, comprising a second housing and the camera module described above, wherein the camera module is located in the second housing.

[0086] The electronic device further includes a processor, which is electrically connected to the camera motor of the camera module, and the processor is used to control the operation of the camera motor.

[0087] Here, when the camera module of the electronic device performs a photo-taking function, the processor controls the camera motor to operate, that is, the external power supply is connected to the drive mechanism 3 within the camera motor, so that the carrier 2 within the camera motor moves relative to the base 1, achieving focus or anti-shake functions. The processor obtains the ambient temperature of the lens module as detected by the temperature sensor 4 within the camera motor. When the detected ambient temperature of the lens module is lower than the normal operating temperature of the ball oil within the ball guide mechanism 5, the processor controls the first heating device 6 within the camera motor to be in an operating state, and the second heating device 7 within the camera motor to be in an operating state. (A switch can be provided in the first heating device and a switch can be provided in the second heating device. The control signals sent by the processor control the opening and closing of the switches to achieve state control of the first and second heating devices.)

[0088] It should be noted that the electronic devices in the embodiments of the present application include mobile electronic devices and non-mobile electronic devices.

[0089] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of this application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of this application and the scope of protection of the claims, all of which are within the protection of this application.

Claims

1. A camera motor, characterized in that: include: Base (1); A carrier (2) for mounting and fixing the lens module, the carrier (2) being arranged in the base (1); A driving mechanism (3), the driving mechanism (3) being used to drive the carrier (2) to move in the base (1) along the optical axis direction of the lens module; A temperature sensor (4), the temperature sensor (4) being used to detect the ambient temperature of the lens module; A ball guide mechanism (5) is provided between the carrier (2) and the base (1), and the ball guide mechanism (5) is used to keep the direction of relative movement between the carrier (2) and the base (1) in the direction of the optical axis; A first heating device (6) is provided in the carrier (2), and the first heating device (6) is close to the ball guide mechanism (5); a second heating device (7) is provided in the base (1), and the second heating device (7) is close to the ball guide mechanism (5); When the ambient temperature of the lens module detected by the temperature sensor (4) is lower than the normal operating temperature of the ball oil in the ball guide mechanism (5), the first heating device (6) is in an operating state, and the second heating device (7) is in an operating state.

2. The camera motor according to claim 1, wherein: The ball guide mechanism (5) comprises: A first ball track (51) provided on the carrier (2); A second ball track (52) provided on the base (1); Rolling balls (53), the rolling balls (53) are respectively in contact with the first rolling ball track (51) and the second rolling ball track (52); Wherein, the first heating device (6) is close to the first ball track (51), and the second heating device (7) is close to the second ball track (52).

3. The camera motor according to claim 1, wherein: The driving mechanism (3) comprises: a driving magnet (31) and a driving coil (32); Wherein, the driving magnet (31) is provided on the carrier (2); the driving coil (32) is provided on the base (1); When the driving coil (32) is energized, it interacts with the driving magnet (31) to generate electromagnetic force, and the electromagnetic force drives the carrier (2) to move in the base (1) along the optical axis direction of the lens module.

4. The camera motor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The base (1) has a receiving groove (11) for receiving the carrier (2); a first side wall (12) of the receiving groove (11) includes a first end (121) and a second end (122); The first side surface (21) of the carrier (2) includes a third end and a fourth end; wherein the first side surface (21) is opposite to the first side wall (12), the first end portion (121) is opposite to the third end portion, and the second end portion (122) is opposite to the fourth end portion; A ball guide mechanism (5) is provided between the first end (121) and the third end, and another ball guide mechanism (5) is provided between the second end (122) and the fourth end.

5. The camera motor according to claim 4, wherein: An opening (123) is formed between the first end (121) and the second end (122); the first end (121) is provided with a first groove (124); and the second end (122) is provided with a second groove (125); The first side surface (21) of the carrier (2) further includes a third groove (22) located between the third end and the fourth end; The driving magnet (31) of the driving mechanism (3) is arranged in the third groove (22); The driving coil (32) of the driving mechanism (3) is fixed to a first steel sheet (8), two ends of the first steel sheet (8) are respectively arranged in the first groove (124) and the second groove (125), and the first steel sheet (8) blocks the opening (123).

6. The camera motor according to claim 4, wherein: The ball (53) in the ball guide mechanism (5) between the first end (121) and the third end is made of a conductive material and is connected to one end of an external power supply; The material of the ball (53) in the ball guide mechanism (5) between the second end (122) and the fourth end is conductive and is connected to the other end of the external power supply.

7. The camera motor according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a first housing (9); a flexible circuit board (10) connected to an external power source; The flexible circuit board (10) is arranged on the inner side wall of the first shell (9) and can be connected to the driving mechanism (3); and the temperature sensor (4) is arranged on the flexible circuit board (10).

8. The camera motor according to claim 7, wherein: Also includes: A reinforcing plate (13), the reinforcing plate (13) is arranged on the inner side wall of the first shell (9) and is connected to the flexible circuit board (10).

9. The camera motor according to claim 7, wherein: Also includes: A Hall sensor (14), wherein the Hall sensor (14) is arranged on the flexible circuit board (10).

10. A camera module, characterized in that: The camera module includes: a camera motor as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: a second shell; as well as, The camera module described in claim 10 is located in the second shell.

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