Variable aperture assembly and lens module thereof

By adopting the design of a base, turntable and dual drive module in the micro lens module, and utilizing the lever principle and piezoelectric ceramic or shape memory alloy drive method, the problem of multi-functional or large-angle displacement drive of blades in a compact space is solved, achieving efficient aperture control and improved imaging quality while reducing assembly costs.

CN119376160BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-10GUANGZHOU LUXVISIONS INNOVATION TECH LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411599026.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-08
Publication Date
2025-10-10
Estimated Expiration
2044-11-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing technology, it is difficult for the micro lens module to achieve multifunctional or large-angle displacement driving of the blades in a compact space, resulting in limited imaging quality, high assembly costs and increased space requirements.

Method used

The design adopts a base, a turntable, multiple blades and dual drive modules. It uses the lever principle and piezoelectric ceramic or shape memory alloy drive method. The first drive module and the second drive module rotate the turntable in opposite directions respectively, cooperatively driving the movement of the blades. The aperture size is precisely controlled in combination with the magnetic ring and Hall sensor.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient aperture control in a compact space, improves imaging quality, reduces assembly costs, and amplifies pulling force through the lever principle to meet the needs of lens modules with more functional designs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A variable aperture assembly and a lens module thereof are disclosed. The variable aperture assembly includes a base, a rotating disc, a plurality of blades, and two sets of driving modules. The rotating disc is located between the base and the blades. The blades are connected to the rotating disc having two tracks, and the two tracks correspond to the two sets of driving modules, respectively. The two sets of driving modules are used to drive the rotating disc to rotate in opposite directions by leverage, so as to drive the blades to move correspondingly. Each set of driving modules includes a driving member and a driven member. When the driving member is controlled to apply a pushing force to the driven member, a stress receiving portion of the driven member correspondingly generates a restoring force. The pushing force and the restoring force cooperatively drive the driven member to contact one of the two tracks. Therefore, the aperture can be accurately adjusted.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera element, in particular to a variable aperture assembly and a lens module thereof. Background Art

[0002] Generally, mobile phones or cameras with camera functions use the aperture to control the amount of light entering the photosensitive element inside the body. This aperture is usually set inside the lens, and by controlling the amount of light, it affects the image quality of the lens. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The current market demand for multifunctional or high-quality mobile phones and cameras necessitates the installation of miniature lens modules within compact body designs. These modules utilize a magnet-and-coil drive system to pull blades inward or outward motion to control the aperture size. To achieve precise aperture control, the blades' travel is broken down into smaller strokes. However, when electronic products require more blades or a greater degree of blade movement to enhance image quality, the aforementioned drive system often provides insufficient pulling force, limiting the camera's functionality.

[0004] In addition, in order to prevent the blades from moving in the opposite direction during the movement, a reverse stop element, such as a reverse stop pawl, is usually required. This often leads to problems such as increased space required for the lens module or increased assembly costs.

[0005] In view of this, in one embodiment, a variable aperture assembly is provided, comprising a base, a turntable, a plurality of blades, a first drive module, and a second drive module. The blades are arranged in an annular manner on the base, the turntable is located between the base and the blades, the blades are connected to the turntable, the turntable has a first track and a second track, the first drive module corresponds to one of the first track and the second track of the turntable, and the second drive module corresponds to the other of the first track and the second track. The first drive module and the second drive module are used to lever-drive the turntable to rotate in opposite directions, respectively, to drive the blades to move accordingly. The first drive module and the second drive module each comprise an active member and a passive member, the active member and the passive member being arranged on the base, the passive member comprising a stress-bearing portion fixed to the base, wherein when the active member is controlled to apply a thrust to the passive member, the stress-bearing portion generates a corresponding restoring force, and the thrust and the restoring force cooperate to drive the passive member to contact one of the first track and the second track.

[0006] In some embodiments, the driven member further includes a force-bearing portion and a resistance portion. The active member applies a thrust to the force-bearing portion. The resistance portion connects the force-bearing portion and the stress-bearing portion. The resistance portion is parallel to the turntable. The stress-bearing portion has a curved section that generates a restoring force. The thrust and restoring forces cooperatively drive the resistance portion to have a starting position and a contact position. When the resistance portion is in the contact position, it contacts one of the first track and the second track. When the resistance portion is in the starting position, a gap is defined between the resistance portion and the turntable.

[0007] In some embodiments, one end of the curved section is extendedly connected to the resistance portion, and the other end is fixed to the base.

[0008] In some embodiments, the active member includes a metal wire and a piezoelectric ceramic driver. The metal wire is fixed to the base. The piezoelectric ceramic driver is connected to the free end of the metal wire. The piezoelectric ceramic driver is substantially parallel to the force-bearing portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the piezoelectric ceramic driving component applies a thrust to the force-receiving portion, and a thrust direction of the thrust forms an acute angle with a moving direction of the force-resisting portion from the starting position toward the contact position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the active member includes a shape memory alloy wire that is obliquely connected to the force-bearing portion of the driven member. The shape memory alloy wire applies a thrust to the force-bearing portion, and the thrust direction is substantially parallel to the movement direction of the resistance portion from the starting position to the contact position.

[0011] In some embodiments, an inclined surface of the teeth of one of the first track and the second track is substantially parallel to the shape memory alloy wire.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first track and the second track of the turntable are respectively a first toothed ratchet track and a second toothed ratchet track, the first toothed ratchet track corresponds to the first drive module, and the second toothed ratchet track corresponds to the second drive module, wherein the tooth profile directions of the first toothed ratchet track and the second toothed ratchet track are opposite, and the inner diameter of the first toothed ratchet track is smaller than the inner diameter of the second toothed ratchet track.

[0013] In some embodiments, the teeth of the first toothed ratchet track and the second toothed ratchet track are both straight teeth.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first track and the second track of the turntable are respectively a first friction track and a second friction track, and the inner diameter of the first friction track is smaller than the inner diameter of the second friction track.

[0015] In some embodiments, the variable aperture assembly further includes a magnetic ring and a Hall effect sensor. The magnetic ring is located on the turntable and has multiple magnetic segments. Adjacent magnetic segments have opposite polarities, and the width of each magnetic segment corresponds to one rotational stroke of the turntable. Furthermore, a Hall effect sensor is located on the base and is used to detect changes in the turntable's rotational position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the inner side of the rotating disc has a stop surface and a sliding surface, the sliding surface has an inclination angle smaller than that of the stop surface, and the stop surface contacts the outer side surface of the base.

[0017] In some embodiments, each of the first driving module and the second driving module further comprises a controller connected to the driving member, the controller being configured to alternately apply power to and cut off power from the driving member to control the driving member to generate the pushing force.

[0018] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a lens module comprising a lens and the variable aperture assembly as described above, the variable aperture assembly being arranged in the lens, and the variable aperture assembly being configured to control the amount of light entering the lens.

[0019] In summary, the variable aperture assembly or the lens module thereof according to any of the embodiments can generate pulling force by using the lever principle, the generated pulling force can be adapted to pull more blades outward, and the pulling force can also be converted into a longer stroke to meet the requirements of the structural design of electronic devices. In addition, the variable aperture assembly has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.

[0020] The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but is not limited thereto. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lens module according to some embodiments, showing the direction of incident light with dotted arrows;

[0022] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a variable aperture assembly according to some embodiments;

[0023] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a variable aperture assembly according to some embodiments;

[0024] Figure 4 is a bottom view of a variable aperture assembly according to some embodiments, without showing the base;

[0025] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a rotating disc according to some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 6 is Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing the position of region B;

[0027] Figure 7 is Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the position of 7-7, and a partial enlarged view showing the position of a point chain line;

[0028] Figure 8 is Figure 2An enlarged schematic view showing the position of region A, with the direction of movement of the resistance portion from the starting position to the contact position indicated by the dashed arrow;

[0029] Figure 9A is a perspective view of a driven member according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 9B is a top view of a driven member of a second drive module according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 9C is a top view of a driven member of a first drive module according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 10 is Figure 8 An enlarged schematic view showing the position of region C, with the second track portion shown in grey, the resistance portion in the starting position shown in solid grey blocks, and the resistance portion in the contact position shown in dashed white blocks;

[0033] Figure 11 is a partial enlarged schematic view of a turntable and a driven member according to some embodiments, with the driven member in the starting position;

[0034] Figure 12 is a partial enlarged schematic view of a turntable, a driving member and a driven member according to some embodiments; and

[0035] Figure 13 is a partial enlarged schematic view of a magnetic ring, a turntable and a Hall sensor according to some embodiments, with the turntable shown in dashed lines.

[0036] Wherein the reference numerals:

[0037] 10: variable aperture assembly

[0038] 11: magnetic ring

[0039] 110, 110a, 110b, 110c: magnetic block

[0040] 12: base

[0041] 120: recess

[0042] 121: sensor fixing portion

[0043] 122: short shaft

[0044] 124: turntable clamping portion

[0045] 14: turntable

[0046] 141: positioning column

[0047] 142: second track

[0048] 143: First Track

[0049] 145: Sliding surface

[0050] 146: Stop surface

[0051] 147: Inclined surface

[0052] 148: Stop surface

[0053] 15:Leaf

[0054] 150: aperture hole

[0055] 151: Positioning hole

[0056] 152: shaft hole

[0057] 16: Cover plate

[0058] 20:Driver module

[0059] 20A: First driver module

[0060] 20B: Second driver module

[0061] 21, 21A, 21B: follower

[0062] 23,23A,23B: Active parts

[0063] 25A, 25B: Controller

[0064] 210: Stress bearing part

[0065] 211: Resistance Department

[0066] 212: Force-bearing part

[0067] 213: Contact segment

[0068] 214: curved section

[0069] 216: Fixed segment

[0070] 218: Outer edge

[0071] 219: Inner Edge

[0072] 231:Shape memory alloy wire

[0073] 232: Piezoelectric ceramic drive element

[0074] 233: Fixed block

[0075] 234: Metal wire

[0076] 235: Slider

[0077] 30: Lens

[0078] 41: Hall sensor

[0079] F1: Thrust

[0080] F2: Resilience

[0081] D2: moving direction

[0082] R1, R2: inner diameter

[0083] w1:interval

[0084] w2: width

[0085] P1: Starting position

[0086] P2: Contact position

[0087] S: Gap

[0088] α: Angle

[0089] θ: tilt angle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a lens module according to some embodiments, with dashed arrows indicating the direction of incident light. A lens module comprises a lens 30 and a variable aperture assembly 10. The lens module is suitable for being mounted in an electronic device (not shown), such as a camera, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a wearable electronic device, a smartwatch, an augmented reality (AR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, or a device with a camera function. Furthermore, the variable aperture assembly 10 is mounted on the lens 30 to control the amount of light entering the lens 30. For example, when photographing at night, where the ambient light is low, the variable aperture assembly 10 can be controlled to increase the aperture to increase the amount of light entering the lens 30, thereby improving the image quality of the lens module.

[0091] See also Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 8 , Figure 2 is a perspective schematic diagram of a variable aperture assembly 10 according to some embodiments; Figure 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of the variable aperture assembly 10 according to some embodiments; Figure 4 is a bottom view of the variable aperture assembly 10 according to some embodiments, without showing the base 12; Figure 8 yes Figure 2The enlarged schematic diagram of the area marked A shows the movement direction D2 of the resistance portion 211 from the starting position P1 to the contact position P2 with a dotted arrow.

[0092] The variable aperture assembly 10 comprises a base 12, a plurality of blades 15, a rotating disk 14 and two sets of driving modules 20. The two sets of driving modules 20 are as follows: Figure 3 The first driving module 20A and the second driving module 20B are respectively disposed on two sides of the base 12. Figure 3 The turntable 14 is located between the base 12 and the blades 15. The blades 15 are annularly arranged on the base 12 and form an aperture 150. These blades 15 are connected to the turntable 14. Figure 4 The turntable 14 has two tracks corresponding to two sets of driving modules 20. The two sets of driving modules 20 use the lever principle to drive the turntable 14 to rotate in opposite directions to control the size of the aperture 150. Figure 4 The first driving module 20A corresponds to the first track 143 of the turntable 14, and the second driving module 20B corresponds to the second track 142 of the turntable 14. The first driving module 20A and the second driving module 20B are used to drive the turntable 14 to rotate in opposite directions respectively, so as to drive the blades 15 to move accordingly. For example, the first driving module 20A drives the turntable 14 to rotate in opposite directions. Figure 4 The blade 15 moves centripetally and the aperture 150 becomes smaller. The second driving module 20B drives the turntable 14 to rotate counterclockwise. Figure 4 As the viewing angle rotates clockwise, the blade 15 moves centrifugally and the aperture 150 becomes larger. It should be noted that the first track 143 and the second track 142 of the turntable 14 can be, but are not limited to, two adjacent inner and outer ring tracks (such as Figure 4 As shown), or two tracks located at different positions on the bottom surface of the turntable 14, which are pushed to rotate in opposite directions.

[0093] See also Figure 2 Each set of driving modules 20 has an active component 23 and a passive component 21, and both the active component 23 and the passive component 21 are disposed on the base 12. Figure 8 The follower 21 includes a stress-bearing portion 210 fixed to the base 12. When the active member 23 is controlled to apply a thrust F1 to the follower 21, the stress-bearing portion 210 generates a corresponding restoring force F2. This thrust F1 and the restoring force F2 cooperate to drive the follower 21 into contact with the first track 143 or the second track 142 of the turntable 14. In this way, the variable aperture assembly 10 utilizes the principle of leverage to generate a pulling force. This generated pulling force is suitable for pulling a large number of blades 15 and can also be converted into a longer stroke, meeting the requirements of electronic device camera structural design. Furthermore, the variable aperture assembly 10 has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.

[0094] Furthermore, the structure of components in the variable aperture assembly 10 is described below.

[0095] See also Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 5 is a perspective schematic diagram of a turntable 14 according to some embodiments; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged schematic diagram showing the location of area B; Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional diagram showing the position 7-7, and a partial enlarged diagram showing the position marked by a dot chain line.

[0096] See also Figure 3 In some embodiments, the cover plate 16 is located on one side of the base 12. In the following descriptions, the side where the cover plate 16 is located is referred to as the "top" or "upper," and the opposite side is referred to as the "bottom" or "lower." The turntable 14 is located on the outer surface of the base 12. The top surface of the base 12 has multiple short shafts 122 and multiple positioning posts 141. Each positioning post 141 and each short shaft 122 corresponds to one blade 15. Specifically, each blade 15 has a positioning hole 151 and an axis hole 152 at one end. The positioning hole 151 is closer to the outer edge of the blade 15 than the axis hole 152. The positioning post 141 of the turntable 14 is located in the positioning hole 151, and the short shaft 122 of the base 12 is located in the axis hole 152. Consequently, each blade 15 can move centrifugally or eccentrically about the short shaft 122 to control the size of the aperture 150.

[0097] See also Figure 3 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the turntable clamping portion 124 of the base 12 protrudes from the outer surface of the base 12. The turntable clamping portion 124 can be annularly arranged on the outer surface of the base 12, or can be multiple and evenly arranged on the outer surface of the base 12. The inner side of the turntable 14 has two sets of inclined surface structures. For details, please refer to Figure 5 The first set of inclined surface structures has a sliding surface 145 connected to the bottom surface of the rotating disk 14, and the second set of inclined surface structures has a stopping surface 146, which is located above the sliding surface 145. Figure 7 The sliding surface 145 is located in the groove 120 of the turntable clamping portion 124, and the stop surface 146 contacts the outer surface of the base 12. In addition, the inclination angle of the sliding surface 145 is smaller than the inclination angle of the stop surface 146, and the inclination angle is the same as that of the stop surface 146. Figure 7 When the turntable 14 is mounted on the base 12 from top to bottom, the first set of inclined surface structures with sliding surfaces 145 facilitates assembly. The stop surface 146 can be used to position the turntable 14 and guide its rotation.

[0098] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the first drive module 20A has a controller 25A, an active member 23A, and a driven member 21A. Similarly, the second drive module 20B has a controller 25B, an active member 23B, and a driven member 21B. The controllers 25A and 25B can be, but are not limited to, smooth impact drive mechanism (SIDM) actuators, or other linear actuators. The configuration and actuation of the first drive module 20A and the second drive module 20B are the same, and the second drive module 20B is used as an example for explanation. The controller 25B is connected to the active member 23B, and the controller 25B is used to alternately energize and de-energize the active member 23B to control the active member 23B to generate a thrust F1 (see Figure 8 For details, please refer to Figure 8 When controller 25B energizes active element 23B, active element 23A deforms accordingly, generating thrust F1. Driven element 21B, under the influence of thrust F1, contacts turntable 14 and generates a corresponding restoring force F2. When controller 25B de-energizes active element 23B, restoring force F2 drives driven element 21B away from turntable 14.

[0099] Next, the specific structures of the rotary disk 14 , the driven member 21 , and the driving member 23 are introduced.

[0100] See also Figure 5 The first track 143 and the second track 142 are located on the bottom surface of the turntable 14. Figure 4 The inner diameter R1 of the first track 143 is smaller than the inner diameter R2 of the second track 142. The first track 143 and the second track 142 are two adjacent circular tracks. It should be noted that the first track 143 and the second track 142 can also be two curved tracks located at different positions of the turntable 14. The inner diameter R1 of the first track 143 and the inner diameter R2 of the second track 142 can also be equal to or different from each other.

[0101] See also Figure 6 In some embodiments, both the first track 143 and the second track 142 are toothed ratchet tracks, each having an involute tooth profile, with the tooth profiles of the first track 143 and the second track 142 being positive and negative involute, respectively. Consequently, as the turntable 14 rotates, each tooth contact point can maintain a constant speed, thereby reducing wear and noise on the tooth surfaces and improving the efficiency and service life of the variable aperture assembly 10. The tooth profiles of the first track 143 and the second track 142 include, but are not limited to, straight teeth, helical teeth, serrated teeth, or bidirectional teeth.

[0102] Next, see Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、 Figure 9C and Figure 10 , Figure 9A is a perspective schematic diagram of a follower 21B of a second driving module 20B according to some embodiments; Figure 9B is a schematic top view of a follower 21B of a second driving module 20B according to some embodiments; Figure 9C is a schematic top view of a follower 21A of a first driving module 20A according to some embodiments; Figure 10 yes Figure 8 The enlarged schematic diagram of the position of the area marked C shows the portion of the second track 142 in gray, the solid gray block indicates that the resistance portion 211 is located at the starting position P1, and the dotted white block indicates that the resistance portion 211 is located at the contact position P2.

[0103] In some embodiments, the followers 21A and 21B each have a force-bearing portion 212, a resistance portion 211, and a stress-bearing portion 210, wherein the resistance portion 211 connects the force-bearing portion 212 and the stress-bearing portion 210, and the stress-bearing portion 210 has a curved section 214 and a fixed section 216, one end of the curved section 214 is extendedly connected to the resistance portion 211, and the other end is connected to the fixed section 216, and the fixed section 216 is fixed to the base 12 by a fastener (such as a tenon or a screw), and the curved section 214 can be, but is not limited to, an S-shape, a C-shape, or a ">" shape. In some embodiments, an angle α is provided between the force-bearing portion 212 and the resistance portion 211. Preferably, the angle α is at least 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In addition, the resistance portion 211 is a portion parallel to the bottom surface of the turntable 14 (see Figure 8 ), the contact section 213 of the resistance portion 211 is the portion where the resistance portion 211 contacts the corresponding track. For example, please refer to Figure 4 The follower 21A and the follower 21B correspond to the first track 143 and the second track 142 respectively, and the contact section 213 of the follower 21A is located at Figure 9C The inner edge 219 of the resistance portion 211 is shown, and the contact section 213 of the follower 21B is located at Figure 9B The outer edge 218 of the resistance portion 211 is shown.

[0104] Next, the actuation relationship between the follower 21 and the corresponding track is described. Take the second driving module 20B as an example. Figure 10 When the follower 21B is not subjected to force, the resistance portion 211 is located at the starting position P1, and there is a gap S between the resistance portion 211 and the rotary disk 14. Figure 8 When the active member 23B applies a thrust F1 to the force-bearing portion 212, the force-resisting portion 211 is moved to the contact position P2 (see FIG. Figure 10) and contacts the corresponding track, thereby pushing the turntable 14 to rotate. At this time, the curved section 214 generates a restoring force F2. When the thrust F1 disappears or the restoring force F2 becomes greater than the thrust F1, the resistance portion 211 moves from the contact position P2 toward the starting position P1, away from the turntable 14. This completes one stroke.

[0105] The following describes embodiments of other variations and applications.

[0106] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 The tooth profiles of the first track 143 and the second track 142 are straight tooth profiles. Each tooth has an inclined surface 147 and a stop surface 148 and is in the form of a right triangle. The inclined surface 147 of the first track 143 is inclined in the opposite direction to the inclined surface 147 of the second track 142. For example, the inclined surface 147 of the first track 143 is oriented in the following direction: Figure 6 In the upper left corner of the viewing angle, the inclined surface 147 of the second track 142 faces Figure 6 In the upper right corner of the viewing angle, the two are tilted in opposite directions. If the tooth profile direction of the first track 143 is forward, the tooth profile direction of the second track 142 is reverse. In this way, the first track 143 or the second track 142 can be pushed unidirectionally by the corresponding follower 21, avoiding the slippage between the follower 21 and the corresponding track. Figure 4 and Figure 6 Taking the follower 21A of the first driving module 20A as an example, when the follower 21A contacts the inclined surface 147 of each tooth, the follower 21A slides from one end of the inclined surface 147 to the other end, and then pushes the stop surface 148 of each tooth to drive the turntable 14 to rotate in a single direction. That is, when the stop surface 148 of the first track 143 is pushed, the turntable 14 rotates in a single direction. Figure 4 If the viewing angle is rotated clockwise, the blade 15 moves centrifugally.

[0107] See also Figure 6 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the moving direction D2 of the resistance portion 211 from the starting position P1 to the contact position P2 is substantially parallel to the inclined surface 147 of the tooth profile of the rotating disk 14. For example, Figure 8 The moving direction D2 shown is parallel to Figure 6 The inclined surface 147 of the second track 142 is shown.

[0108] In some embodiments, see Figure 11 , Figure 11: is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the turntable 14 and the follower 21 according to some embodiments, showing the follower 21 at the starting position P1. In some embodiments, the turntable 14 can also be a friction wheel without any teeth, that is, in this embodiment, the first track 143 and the second track 142 can be a first friction track and a second friction track respectively. These two friction tracks can be, for example but not limited to, tracks with a concave-convex structure without any teeth or a non-smooth friction surface. The structures of the followers 21A and 21B in this embodiment are similar. Figures 9A to 9C The structure shown differs in that the contact segment 213 has a concave-convex structure without any teeth or a non-smooth friction surface. The operation between the followers 21A and 21B and the corresponding tracks is similar to the previous embodiment, except that the rotation of the turntable 14 is driven by the friction between the contact segment 213 and the corresponding tracks. Therefore, since friction is used to propel the turntable 14, the magnitude of the friction can be determined by the material of the follower 21 and the normal pressure, and is not limited by the number of teeth, which provides design convenience.

[0109] See also Figure 8 In some embodiments, the first and second drive modules 20A and 20B utilize a shape memory alloy (SMA) drive mechanism. Taking the second drive module 20B as an example, the active element 23B comprises a shape memory alloy wire 231 and a fixed block 233. The fixed block 233 is disposed on the outer surface of the base 12. One end of the shape memory alloy wire 231 is connected to the fixed block 233, and the other end is obliquely connected to the force-bearing portion 212 of the driven element 21B. The shape memory alloy wire 231 and the force-bearing portion 212 form a generally V-shape. Preferably, the inclination angle θ of the shape memory alloy wire 231 is less than or equal to 45 degrees. Furthermore, the shape memory alloy wire 231 applies a thrust F1 to the force-bearing portion 212. The thrust F1 is directed substantially parallel to the direction D2 of movement of the resisting portion 211 from the starting position P1 to the contact position P2. To illustrate using the principle of lever, the stress-bearing portion 210 is the fulcrum of the lever, and the thrust F1 acts on the force-bearing portion 212. The direction of the thrust F1 is not parallel to the force-resisting portion 211. Therefore, the thrust F1 and the fulcrum are located at the two ends of the follower 21B, respectively, forming a force-saving lever structure. Through this lever action, the pulling force of the blade 15 can be amplified. For example, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8Controllers 25A and 25B can control the shape memory alloy wire 231 to produce a telescopic deformation, with the telescopic rate of the shape memory alloy wire 231 ranging from 2% to 10%. When the telescopic rate of the shape memory alloy wire 231 is 2% and the length is 2 mm, although the length of the shape memory alloy wire 231 only changes by 0.04 mm, through the aforementioned lever principle, the shape memory alloy wire 231 is sufficient to cause the turntable 14 to move a stroke of 0.2 mm. In addition, in some embodiments, the active member 23B may also include a sliding block 235, which is located between the fixed block 233 and the force-bearing portion 212, and the shape memory alloy wire 231 is located in a groove of the sliding block 235. When the shape memory alloy wire 231 contracts, the sliding block 235 will also move.

[0110] In this way, the lever action of the shape memory alloy wire 231 and the follower 21 can amplify the pulling force acting on the blade 15 by more than 10 times. Therefore, the variable aperture assembly 10 can be applied to lens modules with more functional designs.

[0111] Also, see Figure 12 , Figure 12 : is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the turntable 14, the active member 23 and the driven member 21 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first driving module 20A and the second driving module 20B are driven by piezoelectric ceramic materials. Taking the second driving module 20B as an example, the active member 23B has a metal wire 234 and a piezoelectric ceramic driving member 232. One end of the metal wire 234 is fixed to the base 12, and the other end is a free end. This free end is connected to the piezoelectric ceramic driving member 232. The piezoelectric ceramic driving member 232 is adjacent to the force-bearing portion 212, and the piezoelectric ceramic driving member 232 is substantially parallel to the force-bearing portion 212. When the controller 25B (see Figure 4 ) When the metal wire 234 is not energized, the piezoelectric ceramic driver 232 and the force-bearing portion 212 may be in contact or have a gap therebetween. When energized, the piezoelectric ceramic driver 232 deforms, contacts the force-bearing portion 212, and applies a thrust F1 to the force-bearing portion 212. The thrust direction of the thrust F1 is not parallel to the movement direction D2 of the resistance portion 211 from the starting position P1 toward the contact position P2, meaning that the thrust direction of the thrust F1 forms an acute angle with the movement direction D2. The lever principle of this embodiment is the same as that of the aforementioned embodiment and will not be further described. It is worth noting that this embodiment utilizes a piezoelectric ceramic driver 232, which has the advantages of small size, simple structure, no external shape restrictions, high power density, non-flammability, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. In addition, the piezoelectric ceramic driver 232 does not require coil winding, and therefore does not generate electromagnetic interference, leakage inductance, low-frequency noise, and other problems, while being lightweight, practical, and safe.

[0112] See also Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 13, Figure 13 FIG is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of the magnetic ring 11, the rotating disk 14, and the Hall sensor 41 according to some embodiments, wherein the rotating disk 14 is represented by a dotted line. In some embodiments, the variable aperture assembly 10 further comprises a magnetic ring 11 and a Hall sensor 41. The magnetic ring 11 is located on the top surface of the rotating disk 14, and the Hall sensor 41 is located on the sensor fixing portion 121 of the base 12 (see FIG. Figure 3 ), the Hall sensor 41 is used to sense the rotation position change of the turntable 14. Figure 13 The magnetic ring 11 has a plurality of magnetic blocks 110, and the width w2 of each magnetic block 110 corresponds to one stroke of the turntable 14. In addition, the polarities of two adjacent magnetic blocks 110 are opposite. Figure 13 For example, if magnet 110b has an S pole, magnets 110a and 110c adjacent to magnet 110b have N poles. Because Hall sensor 41 is located outside the magnetic field of magnetic ring 11, the magnetic field of magnetic ring 11 affects the movement of electrons in Hall sensor 41, thereby generating a potential difference in Hall sensor 41. This potential difference can be converted into a voltage signal or current signal for reading or processing by a control unit (e.g., a circuit board). For example, when turntable 14 is pushed and rotates a certain distance, magnetic ring 11 is also driven to rotate a certain distance. The corresponding voltage signal or current signal generated by Hall sensor 41 is used to sense the change in the rotational position of turntable 14 and to detect the accuracy of the turntable 14's movement.

[0113] See also Figure 6 and Figure 13 In some embodiments, the width w2 of each magnetic block 110 corresponds to the spacing w1 of each tooth on the turntable 14 (see Figure 6 For example, if the blade 15 is designed to be fully opened at an angle of 45 degrees, the tooth profiles of the first track 143 and the second track 142 are as follows: Figure 6 For the straight tooth type shown, the spacing between each tooth on the turntable 14 can be designed to be 1.8 degrees. The total number of teeth on the first track 143 and the second track 142 is 200. Therefore, 25 strokes are required to fully open the blade 15. Correspondingly, the width w2 of each magnet 110 is also 1.8 degrees to correspond to the movement of each stroke of the turntable 14.

[0114] Of course, the present invention may have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make various corresponding changes and modifications based on the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A variable aperture assembly, characterized in that: Include: base; A plurality of blades are annularly arranged on the base; A turntable is located between the base and the blades, the blades are connected to the turntable, and the turntable has a first track and a second track; a first driving module corresponding to one of the first track and the second track; and a second driving module corresponding to the other of the first track and the second track, wherein the first driving module and the second driving module are used to lever-drive the turntable to rotate in opposite directions, respectively, so as to drive the blades to move correspondingly, and each of the first driving module and the second driving module comprises: an active component, disposed on the base; and A follower is provided on the base, and the follower includes a stress-bearing portion fixed to the base. When the active member is controlled to apply a thrust to the follower, the stress-bearing portion generates a corresponding restoring force. The thrust and the restoring force cooperate to drive the follower to contact one of the first track and the second track.

2. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The follower further comprises: a force-bearing portion, the active member applying the thrust to the force-bearing portion; and A resistance part connects the force-bearing part and the stress-bearing part, the resistance part is parallel to the turntable, the stress-bearing part has a curved section, the curved section generates the restoring force, wherein the thrust and the restoring force cooperatively drive the resistance part to have a starting position and a contact position, when the resistance part is at the contact position, the resistance part contacts one of the first track and the second track; when the resistance part is at the starting position, there is a gap between the resistance part and the turntable.

3. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 2, wherein: One end of the curved section is extendedly connected to the resistance portion, and the other end is fixed to the base.

4. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The active component includes: a metal wire fixed to the base; and The piezoelectric ceramic driving component is connected to the free end of the metal wire, and the piezoelectric ceramic driving component is substantially parallel to the force-bearing part.

5. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The piezoelectric ceramic driving component applies the thrust to the force-bearing portion, and a thrust direction of the thrust forms an acute angle with a moving direction of the force-resisting portion from the starting position toward the contact position.

6. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The active component includes: A shape memory alloy wire is obliquely connected to the force-bearing portion of the follower. The shape memory alloy wire applies the thrust to the force-bearing portion, and the thrust direction is substantially parallel to the moving direction of the resistance portion from the starting position to the contact position.

7. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 6, wherein: An inclined surface of the teeth of one of the first track and the second track is substantially parallel to the shape memory alloy wire.

8. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first track and the second track of the turntable are respectively a first toothed ratchet track and a second toothed ratchet track, the first toothed ratchet track corresponds to the first drive module, and the second toothed ratchet track corresponds to the second drive module, wherein the tooth profile directions of the first toothed ratchet track and the second toothed ratchet track are opposite, and the inner diameter of the first toothed ratchet track is smaller than the inner diameter of the second toothed ratchet track.

9. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The teeth of the first toothed ratchet track and the second toothed ratchet track are both straight teeth.

10. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first track and the second track of the turntable are respectively a first friction track and a second friction track. The inner diameter of the first friction track is smaller than the inner diameter of the second friction track.

11. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: A magnetic ring is located on the turntable, the magnetic ring having a plurality of magnetic blocks, the polarity directions of two adjacent magnetic blocks are opposite, and the width of each magnetic block corresponds to one travel of the turntable; as well as The Hall sensor is located on the base and is used to sense the rotation position change of the turntable.

12. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inner side of the turntable has a stop surface and a sliding surface, the inclination angle of the sliding surface is smaller than the inclination angle of the stop surface, and the stop surface contacts the outer surface of the base.

13. The variable aperture assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first driving module and the second driving module further includes a controller connected to the active member. The controller is used to alternately power on and off the active member to control the active member to generate the thrust.

14. A lens module, characterized in that: Include: lens; as well as The variable aperture assembly according to claim 1 is provided on the lens, and is used to control the amount of light entering the lens.

Citation Information

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