Camera module

Abstract

The application provides a camera module, comprising: a fixed unit; a moving unit, comprising a carrier and a lens unit, the carrier being used to drive the lens unit to move along the optical axis direction; and an optical axis stabilizing mechanism, comprising pressure components distributed around the carrier, the pressure components comprising a first pressure component and a second pressure component, the first pressure component and the second pressure component being oppositely arranged on two sides of the carrier, the first pressure component forming elastic contact with the carrier, and the second pressure component forming rigid contact with the carrier, so as to respectively apply positive pressure to the carrier, the resultant force direction of the positive pressure being perpendicular to the optical axis, thus when the carrier drives the lens unit to move along the optical axis direction, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be well limited, so as to ensure the stability of the long-stroke camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a camera module. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are equipped with camera modules. These modules convert light signals into electrical signals, record and save image information, and thus enable photo and video recording functions. Compared to traditional camera systems, cell phone camera modules (CCMs) are widely used in various next-generation portable camera devices due to their advantages such as miniaturization, low power consumption, low cost, and high image quality.

[0003] Currently, a camera module's structure includes a lens unit, a voice coil motor (VCM), an infrared cutoff filter, an image sensor, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) or a printed circuit board (PCB), and a connector for connecting to the phone's motherboard. The voice coil motor is used to enable the lens unit's autofocus function. It typically includes a magnet and a coil. During operation, current is first passed through the coil. The energized coil cuts magnetic field lines in the magnetic field, generating electromagnetic force. The coil or magnet moves under this force, thus moving the lens unit connected to the voice coil motor. This adjusts the image distance and object distance of the camera module, resulting in a clear image. A Hall effect sensor is often incorporated into the voice coil motor to measure changes in the magnetic field. Based on these changes, the position of the coil or magnet is determined, achieving closed-loop control of the voice coil motor. Most commonly, the autofocus function in mobile phone cameras is entirely controlled by this driver.

[0004] With the rapid development of the smartphone industry, people's requirements for the imaging effect of mobile phone cameras are also gradually increasing. Focal length zoom range is an important factor affecting the imaging effect of mobile phone cameras. This requires the voice coil motor to be able to perform a long stroke drive, and the long stroke drive needs to keep the camera stable within the stroke range, which places high demands on the optical axis stability of the voice coil motor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem solved by this invention is to provide a camera module with a large stroke and the ability to maintain stable movement of the lens unit.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a camera module, comprising: a fixed unit; a moving unit, including a carrier and a lens unit, wherein the carrier drives the lens unit to move along the optical axis; and an optical axis stabilizing mechanism, including pressure components distributed around the carrier, wherein the pressure components contact the carrier and apply positive pressure to the carrier, the resultant force of the positive pressure pointing towards and perpendicular to the optical axis; the pressure components include a first pressure component and a second pressure component, the first pressure component and the second pressure component being disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the carrier, the first pressure component forming elastic contact with the carrier, and the second pressure component forming rigid contact with the carrier.

[0007] Preferably, the fixing unit includes a base, the carrier is mounted on the base, and the optical axis stabilizing mechanism further includes a support component disposed on the base. The support component includes a first support component and a second support component, the first pressure component cooperates with the first support component, and the second pressure component cooperates with the second support component.

[0008] Preferably, the first support component has a first locking position and a second locking position. The first pressure component includes a first metal sheet locked in the first locking position and a first rolling element locked in the second locking position. One side of the first rolling element contacts the first metal sheet, and the other side of the first rolling element passes through the second locking position and contacts a first guide rail disposed on the carrier and extending along the optical axis. The first metal sheet also has an elastic structure located on the first metal sheet and locked in the first locking position.

[0009] Preferably, the second support component has a third locking position and a fourth locking position, and the second pressure component includes a second metal sheet locked in the third locking position and a second rolling element locked in the fourth locking position. One side of the second rolling element contacts the second metal sheet, and the other side of the second rolling element passes through the fourth locking position and contacts a second guide rail disposed on the carrier and extending along the optical axis.

[0010] Preferably, the first rolling element and the second rolling element are balls or rollers.

[0011] Preferably, the first rolling element and the second rolling element are multiple balls arranged side by side.

[0012] Preferably, the carrier has a through hole or opening corresponding to the support component, and after the carrier is installed on the base, the support component passes through the through hole or opening.

[0013] Preferably, the first support assembly is provided with a third guide rail extending along the optical axis, and the first pressure assembly includes a third rolling element disposed on the side wall of the carrier. The third rolling element has a surface protruding from the side wall of the carrier, and the protruding surface of the third rolling element contacts the third guide rail. A spring is disposed in the slot on the side of the carrier, and one side of the spring contacts the third rolling element, and the other side contacts the carrier.

[0014] Preferably, the second support component is provided with a limiting groove extending along the optical axis, and the second pressure component includes a fourth rolling element disposed on the side wall of the carrier. The fourth rolling element has a surface protruding from the side wall of the carrier, and the protruding surface of the fourth rolling element is at least partially embedded in the limiting groove.

[0015] Preferably, the third and fourth rolling elements are balls or rollers.

[0016] Preferably, the fixing unit includes a housing and a support ring. The carrier moves up and down along the optical axis inside the housing. The support ring is fixedly disposed at the top of the housing. The optical axis stabilizing mechanism includes an elastic retaining ring disposed in the support ring. The elastic retaining ring has an opening. A plurality of fifth rolling elements are disposed between the elastic retaining ring and the carrier. The fifth rolling elements close to the opening and the elastic retaining ring form a first pressure assembly, and the fifth rolling elements away from the opening and the elastic retaining ring form a second pressure assembly.

[0017] Preferably, the fifth rolling element is a ball or a roller.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0019] In the camera module of the present invention, a first pressure component and a second pressure component are arranged around the carrier. The first pressure component and the second pressure component are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the carrier. The first pressure component forms an elastic contact with the carrier, and the second pressure component forms a rigid contact with the carrier, thereby applying positive pressure to the carrier respectively. The resultant force of the positive pressure points to the optical axis and is perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, when the carrier carries the lens unit and moves along the optical axis, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be well restricted, thereby ensuring the stability of the long-stroke camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Attached Figure Description

[0020] See the accompanying drawings and subsequent appendices to the instruction manual. Figure 1 The specific embodiments used to illustrate certain principles of the invention will make other features and advantages of the invention clear or more specifically explained.

[0021] Figure 1This is a partial top view of a camera module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 A perspective view of the pressure component in the camera module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the base and support components in the camera module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the carrier, base, and optical axis stabilization mechanism in the camera module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 For along Figure 4 Sectional view of line AA in the middle;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a partial top view of the camera module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the base and support components in the camera module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the carrier, base, and optical axis stabilization mechanism in the camera module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 For along Figure 6 Sectional view of the middle BB line;

[0030] Figure 10 , Figure 11 This is a partial top view of the camera module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the bracket ring and optical axis stabilization mechanism in the camera module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the optical axis stabilizing mechanism combination used in embodiments one and three of the present invention.

[0033] Throughout the figures, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar devices (modules) or steps. Implementation

[0034] As described in the background section, providing a method to effectively restrict the movement of a camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis during operation, thereby improving the stability of the camera module and ensuring that the camera module has a large stroke, is one of the problems that urgently need to be solved in the field of camera modules.

[0035] To address the stability issue of camera modules during operation, this invention provides a camera module with a first pressure component and a second pressure component disposed around a carrier. The first and second pressure components are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the carrier. The first pressure component forms an elastic contact with the carrier, while the second pressure component forms a rigid contact with the carrier, thereby applying positive pressure to the carrier. The resultant force of the positive pressure points towards and is perpendicular to the optical axis. Thus, when the carrier carrying the lens unit moves along the optical axis, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be effectively restricted, thereby ensuring the stability of the long-stroke camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0036] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example

[0037] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 The camera module of this embodiment includes a moving unit and a fixed unit. The moving unit includes a carrier 101 and a lens unit (not shown). Preferably, the carrier 101 has a lens receiving cavity 129 extending through its surface, and the lens unit can be disposed within the lens receiving cavity 129. The fixed unit includes a base 105, on which the carrier 101 is mounted. Under the action of a driving force, the carrier 101 moves up and down relative to the base 105 along the optical axis Z, thereby driving the lens unit to move along the optical axis to achieve focusing.

[0038] The camera module in this embodiment further includes an optical axis stabilization mechanism, which includes pressure components 103 and 104 distributed around the carrier 101. The pressure components 103 and 104 contact the carrier 101 and apply positive pressure to the carrier 101. The resultant force of the positive pressure points towards the optical axis Z and is perpendicular to the optical axis Z. Preferably, the pressure components 103 and 104 are evenly distributed around the carrier 101 to ensure that the carrier 101 is subjected to balanced forces.

[0039] Specifically, the pressure assembly includes a first pressure assembly 103 and a second pressure assembly 104. Two first pressure assemblies 103 and two second pressure assemblies 104 are shown here as examples and not as limitations. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific number of first pressure assemblies 103 and second pressure assemblies 104 can be flexibly set according to actual needs. Each first pressure assembly 103 and each second pressure assembly 104 are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the carrier 101. The first pressure assembly 103 forms elastic contact with the carrier 101, and the second pressure assembly 104 forms rigid contact with the carrier 101, thereby applying positive pressure to the carrier 101. The resultant force of the positive pressure points towards and is perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, when the carrier 101 carries the lens unit along the optical axis, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be well restricted, thus ensuring the stability of the long-stroke camera module's movement in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby improving the final imaging quality of the camera module.

[0040] In this embodiment, the optical axis stabilization mechanism further includes support components evenly distributed around the base 105. The support components include a first support component 106 and a second support component 107. The first pressure component 103 is installed in the first support component 106, and the second pressure component 104 is installed in the second support component 107.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first support component 106 has a first locking position 108 and a second locking position 109. The first pressure component 103 includes a first metal piece 110 locked on the first locking position 108 and a first rolling element 111 locked on the second locking position 109. One side of the first rolling element 111 contacts the first metal piece 110, and the other side of the first rolling element 111 passes through the second locking position 109 and contacts the first guide rail 127 disposed on the carrier 101 and extending along the optical axis. When the carrier 101 moves, the coil assembly (not shown) fixed on the carrier 101 forms an electrical connection with the focus control chip through the first rolling element 111 and the first metal piece 110.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second support component 107 has a third locking position 112 and a fourth locking position 113. The second pressure component 104 includes a second metal piece 114 locked on the third locking position 112 and a second rolling element 115 locked on the fourth locking position 113. One side of the second rolling element 115 contacts the second metal piece 114, and the other side of the second rolling element 115 passes through the fourth locking position 113 and contacts the second guide rail 128 disposed on the carrier 101 and extending along the optical axis. When the carrier 101 moves, the coil assembly (not shown) fixed on the carrier 101 forms an electrical connection with the focus control chip through the second rolling element 115 and the second metal piece 114.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first metal sheet 110 and the second metal sheet 114 are straight, which facilitates the vertical insertion of the first metal sheet into the first locking slot 108 and the vertical insertion of the second metal sheet into the third locking slot 112, thereby simplifying assembly, reducing installation time, and improving efficiency. The first metal sheet 110 has an elastic structure 116 located on the first metal sheet and locked within the first locking slot 108, thus forming an elastic contact on one side of the carrier 101. The second metal sheet 114 does not have an elastic structure, thus forming a rigid contact on the opposite side of the carrier 101.

[0044] In this embodiment, since the first pressure component 103 is located on the first support component 106 and the second pressure component 104 is located on the second support component 107, and since the first support component 106 and the second support component 107 are evenly distributed around the carrier 101, the carrier 101 is uniformly subjected to compressive force in all four directions in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. This enhances the torsional resistance of the carrier 101, thereby improving the stability of the carrier 101 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0045] Preferably, the first rolling element 111 and the second rolling element 115 can be balls or rollers. More preferably, they can also be multiple balls arranged side by side. For example, using two balls arranged side by side can increase the contact area between the first rolling element 111, the second rolling element 115 and the first guide rail 127, the second guide rail 128. On the one hand, this can increase the conductivity between the rolling element and the guide rail. On the other hand, it can enhance the difficulty of twisting the lens unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby reducing the twist angle of the lens unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and improving the stability of the lens unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0046] In this embodiment, the base 105 may also have a wire embedding layer (not shown in the figure). The wire embedding layer is embedded inside the base 105. One end of the wire embedding layer is connected to the first metal sheet 110 and the second metal sheet 114, and the other end of the wire embedding layer is connected to the focus control chip through a PCB circuit.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the four corners of the carrier 101 are respectively provided with openings 102 corresponding to the support components. After the carrier 101 is installed on the base 105, the support components 106 and 107 pass through the openings 102. In other embodiments not shown, through holes corresponding to the support components 106 and 107 can also be provided on the carrier 101. After the carrier 101 is installed on the base 105, the support components pass through the through holes, thereby fixing the position of the carrier 101 relative to the base 105. Example

[0048] Please refer to Figures 6 to 9 The camera module of this embodiment includes a moving unit and a fixed unit. The moving unit includes a carrier 201 and a lens unit (not shown). Preferably, the carrier 201 has a lens receiving cavity 229 extending through its surface, and the lens unit can be disposed within the lens receiving cavity 229. The fixed unit includes a base 205, on which the carrier 201 is mounted. Under the action of a driving force, the carrier 201 moves up and down relative to the base 205 along the optical axis Z, thereby driving the lens unit to move along the optical axis to achieve focusing.

[0049] The camera module in this embodiment further includes an optical axis stabilization mechanism, which includes pressure components 203 and 204 distributed around the carrier 201. The pressure components 203 and 204 contact the carrier 201 and apply positive pressure to the carrier 201. The resultant force of the positive pressure points towards the optical axis Z and is perpendicular to the optical axis Z. Preferably, the pressure components 203 and 204 are evenly distributed around the carrier 201 to ensure that the carrier 201 is subjected to balanced forces.

[0050] Specifically, the pressure components include a first pressure component 203 and a second pressure component 204. Two first pressure components 203 and two second pressure components 204 are shown here as examples and not as limitations. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific number of first pressure components 203 and second pressure components 204 can be flexibly set according to actual needs. Each first pressure component 203 and each second pressure component 204 are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the carrier 201. The first pressure component 203 forms elastic contact with the carrier 201, and the second pressure component 204 forms rigid contact with the carrier 201, thereby applying positive pressure to the carrier 201. The resultant force of the positive pressure points towards and is perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, when the carrier 201 carries the lens unit along the optical axis, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be well restricted, thus ensuring the stability of the long-stroke camera module's movement in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and ultimately improving the imaging quality of the camera module.

[0051] In this embodiment, the optical axis stabilization mechanism further includes support components evenly distributed around the base 205. The support components include a first support component 206 and a second support component 207. The first pressure component 203 is in contact with the first support component 206, and the second pressure component 204 is in contact with the second support component 207.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first support component 206 is provided with a third guide rail 222 extending along the optical axis, and the first pressure component 203 includes a third rolling element 211 disposed on the side wall of the carrier 203, the third rolling element 211 having a surface protruding from the side wall of the carrier 203. When the carrier 201 is mounted on the base 205, the protruding surface of the third rolling element 211 contacts the third guide rail 222, so that when the carrier 201 moves, the third rolling element 211 moves with the carrier 201 and forms a rolling or sliding contact with the first support component 206. The process of the third rolling element 211 moving with the carrier 201 is essentially the process of the carrier 201 moving with the third rolling element 211. Therefore, the distance that the third rolling element 211 moves on the third guide rail 222 is equivalent to the stroke of the camera module. Since the third rolling element 211 can move a large distance on the third guide rail 222, the corresponding camera module has a large stroke, thereby ensuring that the formed camera module has good imaging quality.

[0053] In this embodiment, the third rolling element 211 is detachably connected to the side wall of the carrier 201; in other embodiments, the third rolling element 211 can also be fixedly connected to the side wall of the carrier 201. A spring piece 220 is provided in the side groove 224 of the carrier. One side of the spring piece 220 contacts the third rolling element 211, and the opposite side contacts the carrier 201, thereby forming an elastic contact on one side of the carrier 201.

[0054] In this embodiment, the third rolling element 211 is a conductive ball. The reason for using a conductive ball is twofold: firstly, it provides electrical conductivity; secondly, the conductive ball can roll within the third guide rail 222, thereby reducing the friction generated when the carrier 201 moves and improving the imaging quality of the camera module. In other embodiments, the third rolling element 211 may also be a roller.

[0055] In this embodiment, the third guide rail 222 serves as both a slide rail and an electrical conductor. When the camera module is powered on, an electrical connection is formed between the third guide rail 222, the third rolling element 211, and the carrier 201.

[0056] In this embodiment, the second support component 207 is provided with a limiting groove 223 extending along the optical axis, and the second pressure component 204 includes a fourth rolling element 215 disposed on the side wall of the carrier 201. The fourth rolling element 215 has a surface protruding from the side wall of the carrier 201, and the protruding surface of the fourth rolling element 215 is at least partially embedded in the limiting groove 223, thereby forming a rigid contact on the other side of the carrier 201.

[0057] The limiting groove 223 provides space for the rolling or sliding of the fourth rolling element 215. In this embodiment, the limiting groove 223 adopts a "V"-shaped groove structure, so when the fourth rolling element 215 is partially embedded in the limiting groove 223, the contact between the fourth rolling element 215 and the limiting groove 223 is a two-point contact. This reduces the kinetic friction between the fourth rolling element 215 and the limiting groove 223, which helps the fourth rolling element 215 roll. On the other hand, the fourth rolling element 215 has a three-point contact with the limiting groove 223 and the carrier 201, ensuring that when the carrier 201 moves, the fourth rolling element 215 can both move with the carrier 201 and rotate within the limiting groove 223, thereby achieving rolling or sliding contact between the fourth rolling element 215 and the second support component 207. In other embodiments not shown, the limiting groove 223 may also be a "U"-shaped groove structure.

[0058] In this embodiment, the fourth rolling element 215 is detachably connected to the side wall of the carrier 201; in other embodiments, the fourth rolling element 215 may also be fixedly connected to the side wall of the carrier 201.

[0059] In this embodiment, the fourth rolling element 215 is engaged with the side wall of the carrier 201. The side wall of the carrier 203 is provided with a engagement groove 221. One side of the fourth rolling element 215 is engaged in the engagement groove 221, and the other side of the fourth rolling element 215 protrudes from the side wall surface of the carrier 201. The fourth rolling element 215 can rotate within the engagement groove 221.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first support component 206 and the second support component 207 are symmetrically distributed around the base 205, and the first pressure component 203 and the second pressure component 204 are respectively located on a pair of oppositely arranged sidewalls of the carrier 201. The first pressure component 203 cooperates with the first support component 206 to form an elastic contact on one side of the carrier 201; the second pressure component 204 and the second support component 207 cooperate with each other to form a rigid contact on the opposite side of the carrier 201. Thus, the carrier 201 is uniformly subjected to compressive force in all four directions in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby enhancing the torsional resistance of the carrier 201 and improving the stability of the carrier 201's movement in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thus improving the imaging quality of the camera module.

[0061] In this embodiment, the base 205 may also have a wire embedding layer (not shown in the figure). The wire embedding layer is embedded inside the base 205. One end of the wire embedding layer is connected to the third guide rail 226, and the other end of the wire embedding layer is connected to the focus control chip through a PCB circuit. Example

[0062] Please refer to Figures 10 to 12 The camera module of the present invention may further include an iron shell (not shown) and a bracket ring 330. The iron shell is arranged around the base. The carrier 301 moves up and down along the optical axis inside the iron shell. The bracket ring 330 is fixedly arranged at the top of the iron shell.

[0063] In this embodiment, the optical axis stabilizing mechanism includes an elastic retaining ring 331 disposed in the support ring 330. The elastic retaining ring 331 has an opening 332. A plurality of fifth rolling elements 333 and 334 are disposed between the elastic retaining ring 331 and the carrier 301. Preferably, the fifth rolling elements 333 and 334 are evenly distributed around the carrier 301. More preferably, the fifth rolling elements 333 and 334 are arranged in pairs and evenly distributed around the carrier 301 to ensure that the carrier 301 is subjected to balanced force. Since the elastic retaining ring 331 can produce significant elastic deformation near the opening 332 when compressed, the fifth rolling elements 333 near the opening 332 and the elastic retaining ring 331 form a first pressure component, forming elastic contact with the carrier 301. The fifth rolling elements 334 away from the opening 332 and the elastic retaining ring 331 form a second pressure component, forming rigid contact with the carrier 301. Preferably, the fifth rolling elements 333 and 334 can be balls or rollers.

[0064] Therefore, the carrier 301 is subjected to uniform compressive force in all directions in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby enhancing the stability of the carrier 301 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and improving the imaging quality of the camera module.

[0065] It should be noted that the carrier 301 can be the carrier body, preferably, or it can be a metal protective sleeve fitted on the top of the carrier body to prevent deformation during the extrusion process, which would affect the performance.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will understand that the optical axis stabilizing mechanisms of Embodiments 1 and 2 are disposed between the carrier and the base, while the optical axis stabilizing mechanism of Embodiment 3 is disposed between the carrier and the support ring. As needed, the optical axis stabilizing mechanism of Embodiment 3 can be used in combination with the optical axis stabilizing mechanisms of Embodiments 1 and 2. For example, Figure 13 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the combined use of the optical axis stabilizing mechanisms of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 3 is provided. Specifically, on one side of the carrier 101 / 301 ( Figure 13 On the right side of the center, the first rolling element 111 cooperates with the first support assembly (not shown) disposed on the base, forming elastic contact with the carrier 101 / 301. Simultaneously, the fifth rolling element 333 near the opening 332 of the elastic retaining ring 331 also forms elastic contact with the carrier 101 / 301; on the other side of the carrier 101 / 301 (… Figure 13On the left side of the middle section, the second rolling element 115 cooperates with the second support assembly (not shown) disposed on the base, forming a rigid contact with the carrier 101 / 301. Simultaneously, the fifth rolling element 334, located away from the opening 332 of the elastic retaining ring 331, also forms a rigid contact with the carrier 101 / 301. Therefore, by combining the optical axis stabilizing mechanisms of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 3, the torsional resistance of the carrier is further enhanced, thereby improving the stability of the carrier's movement in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and thus improving the imaging quality of the camera module.

[0067] Furthermore, in other embodiments not shown, the optical axis stabilization mechanisms of Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3 can also be used in combination, and the specific details will not be elaborated further.

[0068] In summary, in the camera module of the present invention, a first pressure component and a second pressure component are arranged around the carrier. The first pressure component and the second pressure component are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the carrier. The first pressure component forms an elastic contact with the carrier, and the second pressure component forms a rigid contact with the carrier, thereby applying positive pressure to the carrier respectively. The resultant force of the positive pressure points towards the optical axis and is perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, when the carrier carries the lens unit and moves along the optical axis, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be well restricted, thereby ensuring the stability of the long-stroke camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0069] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and not restrictive in any way. Furthermore, it is clear that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements and steps, and the word "a" does not exclude a plurality. Multiple elements recited in the apparatus claims may also be implemented by a single element. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used to denote names and do not indicate any particular order.

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: include: The fixing unit includes a housing and a bracket ring; The moving unit includes a carrier and a lens unit. The carrier is used to drive the lens unit to move along the optical axis inside the housing. The support ring is fixedly disposed at the top of the housing. The optical axis stabilization mechanism includes pressure components distributed around the carrier, the pressure components contacting the carrier and applying positive pressure to the carrier, the resultant force of the positive pressure pointing towards the optical axis and perpendicular to the optical axis; The pressure assembly includes a first pressure assembly and a second pressure assembly. The first pressure assembly and the second pressure assembly are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the carrier. The first pressure assembly forms an elastic contact with the carrier, and the second pressure assembly forms a rigid contact with the carrier. The optical axis stabilization mechanism includes an upper optical axis stabilization mechanism located on the upper part of the carrier. The upper optical axis stabilization mechanism includes an elastic retaining ring disposed in the support ring. The elastic retaining ring has an opening. A plurality of fifth rolling elements are disposed between the elastic retaining ring and the carrier. The fifth rolling elements close to the opening and the elastic retaining ring form a first pressure component of the upper optical axis stabilization mechanism, and the fifth rolling elements away from the opening and the elastic retaining ring form a second pressure component of the upper optical axis stabilization mechanism.

2. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, The fixing unit includes a base, the carrier is mounted on the base, the optical axis stabilizing mechanism also includes a lower optical axis stabilizing mechanism located below the carrier, the lower optical axis stabilizing mechanism also includes a support component disposed on the base, the support component includes a first support component and a second support component, the first pressure component of the lower optical axis stabilizing mechanism cooperates with the first support component, and the second pressure component of the lower optical axis stabilizing mechanism cooperates with the second support component.

3. The camera module of claim 2, wherein, The first support component has a first locking position and a second locking position. The first pressure component of the lower optical axis stabilizing mechanism includes a first metal sheet locked in the first locking position and a first rolling element locked in the second locking position. One side of the first rolling element contacts the first metal sheet, and the other side of the first rolling element passes through the second locking position and contacts a first guide rail disposed on the carrier and extending along the optical axis. The first metal sheet also has an elastic structure located on the first metal sheet and locked in the first locking position.

4. The camera module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second support component has a third locking position and a fourth locking position. The second pressure component of the lower optical axis stabilizing mechanism includes a second metal sheet locked on the third locking position and a second rolling element locked on the fourth locking position. One side of the second rolling element contacts the second metal sheet, and the other side of the second rolling element passes through the fourth locking position and contacts a second guide rail disposed on the carrier and extending along the optical axis direction.

5. The camera module of claim 4, wherein, The first rolling element and the second rolling element are balls or rollers.

6. The camera module of claim 5, wherein, The first rolling element and the second rolling element are multiple balls arranged side by side.

7. The camera module of claim 4, wherein, The carrier has a through hole or opening corresponding to the support component. After the carrier is installed on the base, the support component passes through the through hole or opening.

8. The camera module of claim 2, wherein, The first support assembly is provided with a third guide rail extending along the optical axis. The first pressure assembly of the lower optical axis stabilizing mechanism includes a third rolling element disposed on the side wall of the carrier. The third rolling element has a surface protruding from the side wall of the carrier. The protruding surface of the third rolling element contacts the third guide rail. A spring is disposed in the slot on the side of the carrier. One side of the spring contacts the third rolling element, and the other side contacts the carrier.

9. The camera module of claim 8, wherein, The second support component is provided with a limiting groove extending along the optical axis direction. The second pressure component of the lower optical axis stabilizing mechanism includes a fourth rolling element disposed on the side wall of the carrier. The fourth rolling element has a surface protruding from the side wall of the carrier, and the protruding surface of the fourth rolling element is at least partially embedded in the limiting groove.

10. The camera module of claim 9, wherein, The third and fourth rolling elements are balls or rollers.

11. The camera module of claim 1, wherein, The fifth rolling element is a ball or a roller.

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