Optical module moving mechanism and terminal equipment

Abstract

Provided is an optical module moving mechanism for reciprocating an optical module along an optical axis. The optical module moving mechanism comprises a supporting plate used for supporting an optical module; the motor is used for driving the rotor shaft; the first gear combination part comprises a plurality of gears, and the first gear combination part is used for transmitting the rotating force of the rotor shaft; the first driving screw is arranged in the mode that the axis direction is parallel to the optical axis direction, and the first driving screw is used for rotating around the axis through the rotating force transmitted by the first gear combination part; the first nut is screwed on the first guide screw and fixed to the supporting plate, and the first nut is used for enabling the supporting plate to move in a reciprocating mode by rotating the first guide screw; the first sleeve is fixed on the supporting plate as a cylindrical component, and a hole is formed in the cylindrical component; the first guide shaft is provided with an axis direction parallel to the optical axis direction, and the first guide shaft is inserted into the hole of the first sleeve; a first elastic body into which the first guide shaft is inserted in the extension / contraction direction, the first elastic body acting a first excitation force in a direction separated from the image sensor, and forming an image with light on the image sensor through the light module; the second guide shaft is provided with an axis direction parallel to the optical axis direction, and the second guide shaft is inserted into the hole of the supporting plate; and a second elastic body inserted by the second guide shaft in the extension / contraction direction, in which the second elastic body acts a second excitation force in a direction separated from the image sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments described herein generally relate to optical module moving mechanisms and terminal devices. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the mainstream of terminal devices such as smartphones or tablet terminals is a terminal device including an optical module and an imaging device, wherein the optical module includes a plurality of lenses and the imaging device includes an image sensor. The optical module is arranged on the sensor surface side of the image sensor, and forms an image of light incident from the outside on the sensor surface. A predetermined distance is required between the lens surface of the optical module on which the light is incident and the sensor surface of the image sensor to provide a focal length for properly forming the above-mentioned image of the light. In addition, recently, image sensors tend to increase in size to improve resolution, and when the image sensor increases in size, the above-mentioned distance needs to be further extended. However, there is a recent demand to reduce the thickness of terminal devices such as smartphones, and therefore, the above-mentioned provision of a predetermined distance between the lens surface of the optical module and the sensor surface of the image sensor to implement proper imaging is contrary to this demand. Summary of the invention

[0003] Solution to the problem

[0004] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention provides an optical module moving mechanism for reciprocating the optical module along the optical axis. The optical module moving mechanism includes: a support plate for supporting the optical module; a motor for driving the rotor shaft; a first gear assembly part including a plurality of gears, wherein the first gear assembly part is used to transmit the rotational force of the rotor shaft; a first lead screw, which is arranged so that the axial direction is parallel to the optical axis direction, wherein the first lead screw is used to rotate around the axis by the rotational force transmitted by the first gear assembly part; a first nut, which is tightened on the first lead screw and fixed to the support plate, wherein the first nut is used to reciprocate the support plate by rotating the first lead screw; a first sleeve, which is fixed to the support plate as a cylindrical component, wherein a hole is opened on the cylinder. ; a first guide shaft having an axial direction parallel to the optical axis direction, wherein the first guide shaft is inserted into the hole of the first sleeve; a first elastomer is inserted by the first guide shaft in the extension / contraction direction, wherein the first elastomer is used to make the first excitation force act in the direction of separation from the image sensor, and form an image on the image sensor with light through the optical module; a second guide shaft having an axial direction parallel to the optical axis direction, wherein the second guide shaft is inserted into the hole of the support plate; and a second elastomer is inserted by the second guide shaft in the extension / contraction direction, wherein the second elastomer is used to make the second excitation force act in the direction of separation from the image sensor.

[0005] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent self-locking from being caused, and to prevent the thickness of the terminal device from increasing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a conventional optical module moving mechanism.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a diagram used to explain self-locking.

[0009] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging unit according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 1 is a diagram for explaining prevention of causing self-lock due to the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical module moving mechanism according to the second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 2 is a diagram for explaining prevention of causing self-lock due to the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism according to the second embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical module moving mechanism according to the third embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical module moving mechanism according to a fourth embodiment.

[0016] Fig.10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical module moving mechanism according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The embodiments of the optical module moving mechanism and the terminal device according to the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and the constituent elements in the following embodiments include constituent elements that are easily thought of by those skilled in the art, substantially the same constituent elements, and so-called equivalents. In addition, the constituent elements can be omitted, replaced, modified, and combined with each other in various ways without departing from the main points of the following embodiments.

[0018] [First embodiment]

[0019] (Configuration of traditional optical module moving mechanism)

[0020] Figure 1is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a conventional optical module moving mechanism. Figure 2 This is a diagram used to explain self-locking. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configuration of a conventional optical module moving mechanism 100 and problems associated therewith are described.

[0021] like Figure 1 The optical module moving mechanism 100 shown is a moving mechanism for performing an ejection operation and a retraction operation of the optical module 10 in the optical axis direction. Figure 1 (a) and Figure 1 As shown in (b), the optical module moving mechanism 100 includes a support plate 11, a support plate 12, a connecting plate 13, a motor 20, a gear assembly 21, a lead screw 22, a nut 23, a guide shaft 24, a sleeve 25, a guide shaft 26, a sleeve 27 and a spring 41.

[0022] The support plate 11 is a plate for supporting the optical module 10 from the image sensor side (not shown). Figure 1 The negative direction side of the Z axis relative to the optical module 10. The optical module 10 is a module that includes an optical system composed of multiple lenses, and the module is used to converge light incident from the external field to form an image on the image sensor. Figure 1 As shown in (a), the support plate 11 includes a direction toward the outside of the optical module 10 ( Figure 1 (a) is a protrusion 14 protruding in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0023] The support plate 12 is a plate provided between the surface of the optical module 10 on the image sensor side and the support plate 11 , and is fixed to the support plate 11 with screws or the like.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown in (a), the support plate 12 includes a direction toward the outside of the optical module 10 ( Figure 1 (a) is a protrusion 12a that protrudes in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown in (a), the connecting plate 13 is a plate fixed to the supporting plate 12 via the connecting portion 13a and the protruding portion 12a. Figure 1 As shown in (b), the coupling plate 13 is fixed to a nut 23 that moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) of the optical module 10 due to the rotation of the lead screw 22, and moves in the optical axis direction along with the movement of the nut 23.

[0026] The motor 20 is a stepping motor or the like that rotationally drives a rotor shaft 20 a by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.

[0027] The gear assembly 21 is a gear set that rotates the lead screw 22 by transmitting the rotational force of the rotor shaft 20a generated by the motor 20 to the lead screw 22. Specifically, Figure 1 As shown in (a), the gear assembly unit 21 is composed of a motor gear 211, an idle gear 212 and a lead screw gear 213.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown in (a), the motor gear 211 is a gear fixed to the rotor shaft 20a so that the central axis of the rotor shaft 20a is consistent with the rotation axis of the motor gear 211 and rotates with the rotation of the rotor shaft 20a. The idle gear 212 is a gear meshing with the motor gear 211, which transmits the rotational force of the motor gear 211 to the lead screw gear 213. The lead screw gear 213 is a gear meshing with the idle gear 212 and rotates by the rotational force of the idle gear 212. Figure 1 As shown in (a), the lead screw gear 213 is fixed to the lead screw 22 so that the axis of the lead screw 22 is consistent with the rotation axis of the lead screw gear 213.

[0029] The lead screw 22 is a screw assembly fixed to the lead screw gear 213, so that the axis of the lead screw 22 is consistent with the rotation axis of the lead screw gear 213, and the arrangement of the screw assembly makes the axis direction parallel to the optical axis direction of the optical module 10. Figure 1 As shown in (b), the nut 23 is tightened on the lead screw 22, and the lead screw 22 rotates around the axis through the rotational force of the lead screw gear 213, so that the nut 23 reciprocates in the axial direction (ie, the optical axis direction).

[0030] The nut 23 is a component that is tightened on the lead screw 22. Figure 1 As shown, the nut 23 is fixed to the coupling plate 13. Therefore, when the nut 23 reciprocates in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) by the rotation of the lead screw 22, the nut 23 causes the coupling plate 13 to reciprocate in the optical axis direction accordingly.

[0031] The guide shaft 24 is a shaft component arranged so that the axis direction is parallel to the optical axis direction of the optical module 10, and is inserted into the hole of the sleeve 25 supported by the protrusion 14 of the support plate 11. The guide shaft 24 guides the optical module 10 via the sleeve 25, so that the optical module 10 supported by the support plate 11 is accurately reciprocated in the optical axis direction by the rotation drive of the motor 20.

[0032] The sleeve 25 is a substantially cylindrical component having a hole therein and a cylindrical outer peripheral surface which is similar to the Figure 1 The holes formed on the protrusion 14 are connected and fixed together. The guide shaft 24 is inserted into the sleeve 25, and the sleeve 25 slides along the axial direction of the guide shaft 24 as the support plate 11 combined with the protrusion 14 moves in the optical axis direction.

[0033] The guide shaft 26 is a shaft component arranged so that the axis direction is parallel to the optical axis direction of the optical module 10, and is inserted into the hole of the sleeve 27 supported by the coupling plate 13. The guide shaft 26 guides the optical module 10 via the sleeve 27, so that the optical module 10 supported by the support plate 11 is precisely reciprocated in the optical axis direction by the rotation drive of the motor 20.

[0034] The sleeve 27 is a substantially cylindrical component having a hole therein and a cylindrical outer peripheral surface which is similar to the Figure 1 The sleeve 27 is located between the lead screw gear 213 of the gear assembly 21 and the sleeve 25 in the X-axis direction. The guide shaft 26 is inserted into the sleeve 27, and the sleeve 27 slides along the axial direction of the guide shaft 26 as the support plate 11 moves in the optical axis direction. The support plate 12 is engaged with the coupling plate 13 and fixed on the support plate 11.

[0035] The spring 41 is an elastic component into which the guide shaft 24 is inserted in its extension / contraction direction, and the elastic component causes the excitation force F1 to act on the protrusion 14 in the positive direction of the Z axis, that is, as Figure 1 (b) shows a direction in which the optical module 10 is moved away from the image sensor. That is, the spring 41 assists the support plate 11 to move in the optical axis direction through the energizing force F1.

[0036] In the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 100 described above, the motor 20 drives the rotor shaft 20a to rotate, the lead screw 22 is rotated via the gear assembly 21, and the nut 23 reciprocates in the optical axis direction. Due to the reciprocating movement of the nut 23, the support plate 11 reciprocates in the optical axis direction via the coupling plate 13 and the support plate 12. In this case, the reciprocating movement of the support plate 11 is guided by the guide shaft 24 and the guide shaft 26. Therefore, the optical module 10 supported by the support plate 11 can reciprocate in the optical axis direction and perform the ejection operation and the retraction operation. In this case, the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 assists the support plate 11 to move in the optical axis direction.

[0037] However, the above and Figure 1 The optical module moving mechanism 100 shown has the following problem. As described above, the spring 41 causes the excitation force F1 in the positive direction of the Z axis to act on the protrusion 14 to assist the support plate 11 (protrusion 14) to move in the optical axis direction (specifically, the positive direction of the Z axis). As described above, although the sleeve 27 slides along the axial direction of the guide shaft 26 as the support plate 11 moves in the optical axis direction, there is a predetermined gap between the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 27 and the outer circumferential surface of the guide shaft 26. Therefore, as Figure 2As shown, the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 acting on the protrusion 14 acts as a torque, and the position of the torque around the sleeve 27 is the rotation axis. Due to the action of the excitation force F1, the protrusion 14 is pushed upward, and the axis of the sleeve 27 in the hole direction is inclined relative to the axis of the guide shaft 26. Therefore, self-locking is easily caused, so that the outer peripheral portion of the opening of the sleeve 27 digs into the side surface of the guide shaft 26, and the sleeve 27 cannot or hardly moves in the axial direction of the guide shaft 26.

[0038] As a measure to prevent the above-mentioned self-locking, the sleeve 27 can be enlarged in the hole direction. Therefore, the inclination of the axis of the sleeve 27 in the hole direction relative to the axis of the guide shaft 26 can be controlled to be smaller, thereby preventing the self-locking. However, if the sleeve 27 is enlarged in the hole direction, the size of the optical module moving mechanism 100 in the optical axis direction will increase, resulting in the problem of increasing the thickness of the terminal device (such as a smartphone) including the optical module moving mechanism 100.

[0039] The following describes an optical module moving mechanism according to this embodiment, which can prevent self-locking and increase the thickness of the terminal device. Here, the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism is, for example, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a compact camera module, a vehicle-mounted imaging device, etc.

[0040] Configuration of optical module moving mechanism

[0041] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 The configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to the present embodiment has been described.

[0042] like Figure 3 The optical module moving mechanism 1 shown is a moving mechanism for performing an ejection operation and a retraction operation of the optical module 10 in the optical axis direction. Figure 3 As shown in (a), the optical module moving mechanism 1 includes a support plate 11, a support plate 12, a connecting plate 13, a motor 20, a gear assembly 21, a lead screw 22, a nut 23, a guide shaft 24, a sleeve 25, a guide shaft 26, a sleeve 27, a spring 41 and a spring 42. The configuration other than the spring 42 is the same as Figure 1 The configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 100 shown is the same.

[0043] The support plate 11 , the support plate 12 and the connecting plate 13 have the function of supporting the optical module 10 as a whole, so each of them corresponds to a “support plate”.

[0044] The spring 42 is an elastic component into which the guide shaft 26 is inserted in its extension / contraction direction. The elastic component causes the excitation force F2 to act on the coupling plate 13 in the positive direction of the Z axis, that is, Figure 3(b) shows a direction in which the optical module 10 is away from the image sensor. That is, the spring 42 assists the support plate 11 to move in the optical axis direction through the excitation force F2. It should be noted that the magnitude relationship between the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 and the excitation force F2 of the spring 42 preferably satisfies F1>F2.

[0045] The gear assembly 21, lead screw 22, nut 23, sleeve 25, guide shaft 24, spring 41, guide shaft 26, spring 42 and sleeve 27 correspond to the "first gear assembly", "first lead screw", "first nut", "first sleeve", "first guide shaft", "first elastomer", "second guide shaft", "second elastomer" and "second sleeve" respectively.

[0046] In the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1 described above, the motor 20 drives the rotor shaft 20a to rotate, the lead screw 22 is rotated via the gear combination part 21, and the nut 23 reciprocates in the optical axis direction. Due to the reciprocating movement of the nut 23, the support plate 11 reciprocates in the optical axis direction via the coupling plate 13 and the support plate 12. In this case, the reciprocating movement of the support plate 11 is guided by the guide shaft 24 and the guide shaft 26. Therefore, the optical module 10 supported by the support plate 11 can reciprocate in the optical axis direction and perform the ejection operation and the retraction operation. In this case, the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 and the excitation force F2 of the spring 42 assist the support plate 11 to move in the optical axis direction.

[0047] With the above and Figure 1 Unlike the optical module moving mechanism 100 shown, the excitation force F2 of the spring 42 acts on a portion of the connecting plate 13 fixed to the sleeve 27 in the positive direction of the Z axis, so that the torque around the position of the sleeve 27 as the rotation axis based on the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 acting on the protrusion 14 is offset.

[0048] (Overview of Imaging Unit Configuration and Operation)

[0049] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 An overview of the configuration and operation of the imaging unit 50 according to the present embodiment has been described.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the imaging unit 50 according to the present embodiment includes an optical module 10, a housing 51, a spring 52a, a spring 52b, an infrared cut filter 53, a substrate 54, an image sensor 55, and an optical module moving mechanism 1. The configuration and function of the optical module 10 and the optical module moving mechanism 1 have been described above.

[0051] The housing 51 is a housing that accommodates the optical module 10 and supports the optical module 10. The spring 52a is an elastic component that connects the peripheral portion of the upper surface (the surface on which light is incident) of the optical module 10 to the inner wall surface of the housing 51 and supports the optical module 10 in the housing 51. The spring 52b is an elastic component that connects the peripheral portion of the lower surface (the surface on which light is emitted) of the optical module 10 to the inner wall surface of the housing 51 and supports the optical module 10 in the housing 51.

[0052] The infrared cut filter 53 is a filter that removes infrared components from the light incident on the optical module 10. Figure 4 As shown, the infrared cut filter 53 is provided on the lower surface (light emitting surface) side of the optical module 10. Due to this function of the infrared cut filter 53, the light incident on the optical module 10 is incident on the image sensor 55 after the infrared rays therein are removed as noise.

[0053] The substrate 54 is a substrate on which the image sensor 55 and the housing 51 are mounted.

[0054] The image sensor 55 is a sensor that converts incident light into an electrical signal to generate an image and is a solid-state image sensor such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

[0055] In the imaging unit 50 having the above configuration, the motor 20 of the optical module moving mechanism 1 rotates the rotor shaft 20a, rotates the lead screw 22 via the gear assembly 21, and the nut 23 reciprocates in the optical axis direction. Due to the reciprocating movement of the nut 23, the support plate 11 reciprocates in the optical axis direction. Therefore, Figure 4 As shown in (a), when the imaging unit 50 performs an imaging operation, a pop-up operation can be performed to ensure the focal length by increasing the distance between the infrared cut filter 53 and the image sensor 55, which is a so-called flange collar. Figure 4 As shown in (b), when the imaging unit 50 is not performing an imaging operation, the optical module 10 can be stored in the terminal device by shrinking the flange collar and performing a retraction operation. At this time, in order to prevent the sleeve 27 from expanding in the hole direction and causing self-locking, the structure of the flange collar makes it impossible to shrink it sufficiently when performing a retraction operation, so the thickness of the terminal device including the imaging unit 50 may increase. However, the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to this embodiment can prevent self-locking caused by the action of the excitation force F2 of the spring 42, so there is no need to expand the sleeve 27 in the hole direction.

[0056] (Effects of the First Embodiment)

[0057] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining how the self-locking is prevented due to the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 The effects exhibited by the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to the present embodiment are described.

[0058] With the above and Figure 1 The optical module moving mechanism 100 shown is different, such as Figure 5 As shown, in addition to the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 in the positive direction of the Z axis acting on the protrusion 14 of the support plate 11, the excitation force F2 of the spring 42 in the positive direction of the Z axis acts on the coupling plate 13. Due to the action of the excitation force F2, the torque around the position of the sleeve 27 as the rotation axis based on the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 acting on the protrusion 14 is offset, thereby preventing the axis of the sleeve 27 in the hole direction from tilting relative to the axis of the guide shaft 26.

[0059] Therefore, the sleeve 27 is prevented from self-locking relative to the guide shaft 26, and the support plate 11 can reciprocate in the Z-axis direction along the guide shaft 24 and the guide shaft 26 in a state where the optical axis of the optical module 10 is perpendicular to the sensor surface of the image sensor 55. In this case, even in the ejected state, due to the action of the excitation force F2, the axis of the sleeve 27 in the hole direction can be prevented from tilting relative to the axis of the guide shaft 26, and the imaging operation can be performed in a state where the optical axis of the optical module 10 is perpendicular to the sensor surface of the image sensor 55. Therefore, the so-called one-sided blur state caused in the image captured by the image sensor 55 can be prevented. In addition, it is not necessary to enlarge the sleeve 27 in the hole direction to prevent the self-locking, and it is possible to prevent the thickness of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1 from increasing.

[0060] Therefore, it is possible to prevent self-locking from being caused, and to prevent the thickness of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1 from being increased.

[0061] [Second embodiment]

[0062] The following describes an optical module moving mechanism according to the second embodiment, focusing on the difference from the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment. This embodiment specifically describes a configuration in which the distance between the sleeve 25 and the sleeve 27 is shortened.

[0063] (Configuration of optical module moving mechanism)

[0064] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 The configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1 a according to the present embodiment has been described.

[0065] like Figure 6As shown, the optical module moving mechanism 1 a includes a support plate 11 , a connecting plate 13 b , a motor 20 , a gear assembly 21 a , a lead screw 22 , a nut 23 , a guide shaft 24 , a sleeve 25 , a guide shaft 26 , a sleeve 27 , a spring 41 and a spring 42 .

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown in (b), the connecting plate 13b is a plate fixed to the nut 23, and the plate moves in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction) of the optical module 10 due to the rotation of the lead screw 22, and moves in the optical axis direction with the movement of the nut 23. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the end of the coupling plate 13b on the positive direction side of the X-axis engages with the protrusion 14 of the support plate 11. Therefore, the support plate 11 reciprocates in the optical axis direction with the reciprocating movement of the coupling plate 13b, wherein the coupling plate 13b reciprocates with the movement of the nut 23. Figure 6 In the illustrated configuration, the end of the coupling plate 13b on the positive X-axis direction side is joined to the support plate 11 (protrusion 14), but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The coupling plate 13b may be joined to the support plate 11 at a location other than the end.

[0067] The supporting plate 11 and the connecting plate 13 b have the function of supporting the optical module 10 as a whole, so each of them corresponds to a “supporting plate”.

[0068] The gear assembly 21a is a gear set that rotates the lead screw 22 by transmitting the rotational force of the rotor shaft 20a generated by the motor 20 to the lead screw 22. Specifically, as Figure 6 As shown in (a), the gear assembly part 21a is composed of a motor gear 211, an idle gear 212, an idle gear 214 and a lead screw gear 213.

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown in (a), the motor gear 211 is a gear fixed to the rotor shaft 20a so that the central axis of the rotor shaft 20a is consistent with the rotation axis of the motor gear 211 and rotates with the rotation of the rotor shaft 20a. The idle gear 212 is a gear meshing with the motor gear 211, which transmits the rotational force of the motor gear 211 to the idle gear 214. The idle gear 214 is a gear meshing with the idle gear 212, which transmits the rotational force of the idle gear 212 to the lead screw gear 213. The lead screw gear 213 is a gear meshing with the idle gear 214, and rotates by the rotational force of the idle gear 214. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the lead screw gear 213 is fixed to the lead screw 22 so that the axis of the lead screw 22 is consistent with the rotation axis of the lead screw gear 213.

[0070] That is, the length of the gear assembly part 21a of the optical module moving mechanism 1a in the X-axis direction is longer than the length of the gear assembly part 21 of the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment described above in the X-axis direction by the length corresponding to the idle gear 214 incorporated therein. Therefore, compared with the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment, the lead screw 22 and the guide shaft 26 are arranged closer to the guide shaft 24. That is, since the gear column of the gear assembly part 21a is extended, the sleeve 27 provided on the side of the gear column of the gear assembly part 21a opposite to the motor 20 side is closer to the sleeve 25.

[0071] The other configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1 a is the same as that of the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to the above-described first embodiment.

[0072] The gear assembly 21a, lead screw 22, nut 23, sleeve 25, guide shaft 24, spring 41, guide shaft 26, spring 42 and sleeve 27 correspond to the "first gear assembly", "first lead screw", "first nut", "first sleeve", "first guide shaft", "first elastomer", "second guide shaft", "second elastomer" and "second sleeve" respectively.

[0073] In the configuration of the above-mentioned optical module moving mechanism 1a, the motor 20 drives the rotor shaft 20a to rotate, and the lead screw 22 is rotated via the gear combination part 21a, and the nut 23 reciprocates in the optical axis direction. Due to the reciprocating movement of the nut 23, the support plate 11 reciprocates in the optical axis direction via the connecting plate 13b. In this case, the reciprocating movement of the support plate 11 is guided by the guide shaft 24 and the guide shaft 26. Therefore, the optical module 10 supported by the support plate 11 can reciprocate along the optical axis direction and perform ejection operation and retraction operation. In this case, the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 and the excitation force F2 of the spring 42 assist the support plate 11 to move in the optical axis direction. It should be noted that the magnitude relationship between the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 and the excitation force F2 of the spring 42 preferably satisfies F1>F2.

[0074] (Effects of the Second Embodiment)

[0075] Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining how the self-locking is prevented due to the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 The effects exhibited by the optical module moving mechanism 1 a according to the present embodiment are described.

[0076] With the above and Figure 1 The optical module moving mechanism 100 shown is different, such as Figure 7As shown, in addition to the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 in the positive direction of the Z axis acting on the protrusion 14 of the support plate 11, the excitation force F2 of the spring 42 in the positive direction of the Z axis acts on the coupling plate 13b. Due to the action of the excitation force F2, the torque around the position of the sleeve 27 as the rotation axis based on the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 acting on the protrusion 14 is offset, thereby preventing the axis of the sleeve 27 in the hole direction from tilting relative to the axis of the guide shaft 26. In addition, as described above, the length of the gear combination part 21a of the optical module moving mechanism 1a in the X-axis direction is longer than the length of the gear combination part 21 of the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment described above in the X-axis direction by the length corresponding to the idle gear 214 incorporated therein. Therefore, compared with the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment, the guide shaft 26 is configured to be closer to the guide shaft 24. Therefore, compared with the first embodiment, the torque around the position of the sleeve 27 as the rotation axis based on the excitation force F1 is reduced, thereby enhancing the effect of offsetting the torque by the excitation force F2.

[0077] Therefore, the sleeve 27 is prevented from self-locking relative to the guide shaft 26, and the support plate 11 can reciprocate in the Z-axis direction along the guide shaft 24 and the guide shaft 26 in a state where the optical axis of the optical module 10 is perpendicular to the sensor surface of the image sensor 55. In this case, even in the ejected state, due to the action of the excitation force F2, the axis of the sleeve 27 in the hole direction can be prevented from tilting relative to the axis of the guide shaft 26, and the imaging operation can be performed in a state where the optical axis of the optical module 10 is perpendicular to the sensor surface of the image sensor 55. Therefore, the so-called one-sided blur state caused in the image captured by the image sensor 55 can be prevented. In addition, it is not necessary to enlarge the sleeve 27 in the hole direction to prevent the self-locking, and it is possible to prevent the thickness of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1a from increasing.

[0078] Therefore, it is possible to prevent self-locking from being caused, and to prevent the thickness of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1 a from being increased.

[0079] [Third embodiment]

[0080] The following describes an optical module moving mechanism according to a third embodiment, focusing on the difference from the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment. This embodiment describes a configuration in which another guide shaft is disposed at a position that is point-symmetrical with respect to a straight line passing through the center of gravity of the optical module 10 and parallel to the optical axis and the guide shaft 24.

[0081] (Configuration of optical module moving mechanism)

[0082] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical module moving mechanism according to the third embodiment. Figure 8The configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1 b according to the present embodiment has been described.

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown, the optical module moving mechanism 1b includes a support plate 11, a connecting plate 13, a motor 20, a gear assembly 21, a lead screw 22, a nut 23, a guide shaft 24, a sleeve 25, a guide shaft 26, a sleeve 27, a spring 41, a guide shaft 28 and a spring 43.

[0084] The support plate 11 is a plate for supporting the optical module 10 from the image sensor side (not shown). Figure 8 The negative direction side of the Z axis relative to the optical module 10. Figure 8 As shown in (a), the support plate 11 includes a direction toward the outside of the optical module 10 ( Figure 1 The outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 25 is connected and fixed to the hole formed on the protrusion 14 (in the positive direction of the Y axis in (a)). As described in the first embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 25 is connected and fixed to the hole formed on the protrusion 14. On the support plate 11, the hole 11a is formed at a position that is point-symmetrical with respect to the straight line passing through the center of gravity of the optical module 10 and parallel to the optical axis A and the sleeve 25. The sleeve 25 and the hole 11a may exist at positions that are point-symmetrical to each other with respect to the optical axis A.

[0085] The guide shaft 28 is a shaft component that is arranged with its axis direction parallel to the optical axis A direction of the optical module 10 and is inserted into the hole 11a. That is, the guide shaft 24 inserted into the sleeve 25 and the guide shaft 28 inserted into the hole 11a have a point-symmetric positional relationship with respect to a straight line that passes through the center of gravity of the optical module 10 and is parallel to the optical axis A. In the case where the sleeve 25 and the hole 11a are located at positions that are point-symmetric to each other with respect to the optical axis A, the guide shaft 24 and the guide shaft 28 have a point-symmetric positional relationship with respect to the optical axis A.

[0086] The spring 43 is an elastic component into which the guide shaft 28 is inserted in its extension / contraction direction. The elastic component causes the excitation force F2 to act on the support plate 11 in the positive direction of the Z axis, that is, Figure 8 (b) shows a direction in which the optical module 10 is away from the image sensor. The spring 43 assists the support plate 11 to move in the direction of the optical axis A through the excitation force F2. That is, in the optical module moving mechanism 1b according to the present embodiment, the spring 43 replaces the spring 42 provided on the guide shaft 26 of the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment and is provided on the guide shaft 28. The magnitude relationship between the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 and the excitation force F2 of the spring 43 satisfies F1>F2.

[0087] On the housing of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1, as Figure 8As shown in (a), bases 56 are respectively provided at positions corresponding to the four vertices of the rectangular support plate 11. Therefore, when the optical module 10 is ejected by the optical module moving mechanism 1b, its movement in the positive direction of the Z axis is restricted.

[0088] The other configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1 b is the same as that of the optical module moving mechanism 1 according to the above-described first embodiment.

[0089] The gear assembly 21, lead screw 22, nut 23, sleeve 25, guide shaft 24, spring 41, guide shaft 28, spring 43, sleeve 27 and guide shaft 26 correspond to the "first gear assembly", "first lead screw", "first nut", "first sleeve", "first guide shaft", "first elastomer", "second guide shaft", "second elastomer", "second sleeve" and "third guide shaft" respectively.

[0090] In the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1 described above, the motor 20 drives the rotor shaft 20a to rotate, the lead screw 22 is rotated via the gear assembly 21, and the nut 23 reciprocates in the optical axis direction. Due to the reciprocating movement of the nut 23, the support plate 11 reciprocates in the optical axis A direction via the coupling plate 13 and the support plate 12. In this case, the reciprocating movement of the support plate 11 is guided by the guide shafts 24, 26, and 28. Therefore, the optical module 10 supported by the support plate 11 can reciprocate in the optical axis A direction and perform the ejection operation and the retraction operation. In this case, the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 and the excitation force F2 of the spring 43 assist the support plate 11 to move in the optical axis A direction.

[0091] As described above, by configuring the optical module moving mechanism 1b according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, in addition to the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 in the positive direction of the Z axis acting on the protrusion 14 of the support plate 11, the excitation force F2 of the spring 43 in the positive direction of the Z axis acts on a part of the hole 11a of the support plate 11. Due to the action of the excitation force F2, the torque around the position of the sleeve 27 as the rotation axis based on the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 acting on the protrusion 14 is offset, thereby preventing the axis of the sleeve 27 in the hole direction from tilting relative to the axis of the guide shaft 26.

[0092] Therefore, the sleeve 27 is prevented from self-locking relative to the guide shaft 26, and the support plate 11 can reciprocate in the Z-axis direction along the guide shafts 24, 26, and 28 in a state where the optical axis A of the optical module 10 is perpendicular to the sensor surface of the image sensor 55. In this case, even in the ejected state, due to the action of the excitation force F2, the axis of the sleeve 27 in the hole direction can be prevented from being tilted relative to the axis of the guide shaft 26, and the imaging operation can be performed in a state where the optical axis A of the optical module 10 is perpendicular to the sensor surface of the image sensor 55. Therefore, the so-called one-sided blur state caused in the image captured by the image sensor 55 can be prevented. In addition, it is not necessary to enlarge the sleeve 27 in the hole direction to prevent the self-locking, and it is possible to prevent the thickness of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1b from increasing.

[0093] Therefore, it is possible to prevent self-locking from being caused, and to prevent the thickness of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1 b from being increased.

[0094] Further, assuming that the magnitude relationship between the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 and the excitation force F2 of the spring 43 is F1>F2, the excitation force F1 can first assist the support plate 11 to move in the direction of the optical axis A, and can prevent the sleeve 25 from self-locking relative to the guide shaft 24.

[0095] [Fourth embodiment]

[0096] The following describes an optical module moving mechanism according to a fourth embodiment, focusing on the difference from the optical module moving mechanism 1a according to the second embodiment. This embodiment describes a configuration in which a drive mechanism for reciprocating the support plate 11, such as a gear combination 21, a lead screw 22, and a nut 23, is also provided on the opposite side.

[0097] (Configuration of optical module moving mechanism)

[0098] Fig. 9 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical module moving mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 9 The configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1 c according to the present embodiment has been described.

[0099] like Fig. 9 As shown, the optical module moving mechanism 1c includes a support plate 11, a connecting plate 13b, a motor 20, a gear assembly 21a, a lead screw 22, a nut 23, a guide shaft 24, a sleeve 25, a guide shaft 26, a sleeve 27, a spring 41, a spring 42, a connecting plate 13c, a gear assembly 21b, a lead screw 22b, a guide shaft 28, a guide shaft 26b, a sleeve 27b, a spring 43 and a spring 42b.

[0100] The gear assembly 21b is a gear set that rotates the lead screw 22b by transmitting the rotational force of the rotor shaft 20a generated by the motor 20 to the lead screw 22b. The gear assembly 21a is arranged in Fig. 9 On the other hand, the gear combination part 21b is a gear combination arranged in the Y-axis direction, that is, a direction orthogonal to the gear combination part 21a. Specifically, as Fig. 9 As shown, the gear assembly part 21b is composed of a motor gear 211, an idle gear 212b, an idle gear 214b and a lead screw gear 213b.

[0101] like Fig. 9 As shown, the motor gear 211 is a gear fixed to the rotor shaft 20a so that the central axis of the rotor shaft 20a is consistent with the rotation axis of the motor gear 211 and rotates with the rotation of the rotor shaft 20a. The idle gear 212b is a gear meshed with the motor gear 211, which transmits the rotational force of the motor gear 211 to the idle gear 214b. The idle gear 214b is a gear meshed with the idle gear 212b, which transmits the rotational force of the idle gear 212b to the lead screw gear 213b. The lead screw gear 213b is a gear meshed with the idle gear 214b, and rotates by the rotational force of the idle gear 214b. As shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the lead screw gear 213b is fixed to the lead screw 22b so that the axis of the lead screw 22b is consistent with the rotation axis of the lead screw gear 213b.

[0102] The lead screw 22b is a screw assembly fixed to the lead screw gear 213b, so that the axis of the lead screw 22b is consistent with the rotation axis of the lead screw gear 213b, and the arrangement of the screw assembly makes the axis direction parallel to the optical axis A direction of the optical module 10. Fig. 9 As shown, the nut 23b is tightened on the lead screw 22b, and the lead screw 22b rotates around the axis through the rotational force of the lead screw gear 213b, so that the nut 23b reciprocates in the axial direction (ie, the direction of the optical axis A).

[0103] The nut 23b is a component that is tightened on the lead screw 22b. Fig. 9 Therefore, when the nut 23b reciprocates in the optical axis A direction (Z-axis direction) by the rotation of the lead screw 22b, the nut 23b causes the coupling plate 13c to reciprocate in the optical axis A direction accordingly.

[0104] The support plate 11 is a plate for supporting the optical module 10 from the image sensor side (not shown). Fig. 9The support plate 11 is formed with a hole 11a at a position that is point-symmetrical with respect to a straight line passing through the center of gravity of the optical module 10 and parallel to the optical axis A and the sleeve 25. The sleeve 25 and the hole 11a may be located at positions that are point-symmetrical with respect to the optical axis A.

[0105] The guide shaft 28 is a shaft component that is arranged with its axis direction parallel to the optical axis A direction of the optical module 10 and is inserted into the hole 11a. That is, the guide shaft 24 inserted into the sleeve 25 and the guide shaft 28 inserted into the hole 11a have a point-symmetric positional relationship with respect to a straight line that passes through the center of gravity of the optical module 10 and is parallel to the optical axis A. In the case where the sleeve 25 and the hole 11a are located at positions that are point-symmetric to each other with respect to the optical axis A, the guide shaft 24 and the guide shaft 28 have a point-symmetric positional relationship with respect to the optical axis A.

[0106] The spring 43 is an elastic component into which the guide shaft 28 is inserted in its extension / contraction direction. The elastic component causes the excitation force F2 to act on the support plate 11 in the positive direction of the Z axis, that is, Fig. 9 The direction shown is to make the optical module 10 away from the image sensor. The spring 43 assists the support plate 11 to move in the direction of the optical axis A through the excitation force F2.

[0107] like Fig. 9 As shown, the coupling plate 13c is a plate fixed to the nut 23b, and the plate moves in the optical axis A direction (Z-axis direction) of the optical module 10 due to the rotation of the lead screw 22b, and moves in the optical axis A direction with the movement of the nut 23b. Fig. 9 As shown, the end of the coupling plate 13c on the negative side of the Y axis is engaged with the outer peripheral portion of the hole 11a of the support plate 11. Therefore, the support plate 11 reciprocates in the direction of the optical axis A with the reciprocating movement of the coupling plate 13c, wherein the coupling plate 13c reciprocates with the movement of the nut 23b. Fig. 9 In the illustrated configuration, the end portion of the coupling plate 13c on the negative side of the Y axis is joined to the support plate 11, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The coupling plate 13c may be joined to the support plate 11 at a location other than the end portion.

[0108] The supporting plate 11 , the connecting plate 13 b and the connecting plate 13 c have the function of supporting the optical module 10 as a whole, and therefore each of them corresponds to a “supporting plate”.

[0109] The guide shaft 26 b guides the optical module 10 via the sleeve 27 b so that the optical module 10 supported by the support plate 11 accurately reciprocates in the direction of the optical axis A by the rotation drive of the motor 20 .

[0110] The sleeve 27b is a substantially cylindrical component having a hole therein and a cylindrical outer peripheral surface that is similar to the Fig. 9The sleeve 27b is connected and fixed with a hole formed on the connecting plate 13c shown. The sleeve 27b is located between the lead screw gear 213b of the gear assembly part 21b and the hole 11a in the X-axis direction. The guide shaft 26b is inserted into the sleeve 27b, and the sleeve 27b slides along the axial direction of the guide shaft 26b as the support plate 11 moves in the direction of the optical axis A, and the connecting plate 13 is fixed on the support plate 11.

[0111] The spring 42b is an elastic component into which the guide shaft 26b is inserted in its extension / contraction direction, and the elastic component causes the excitation force F2 to act on the connecting plate 13c in the positive direction of the Z axis, that is, Fig. 9 The direction shown makes the optical module 10 away from the image sensor. That is, the spring 42b assists the support plate 11 to move in the direction of the optical axis A through the excitation force F2.

[0112] The magnitude relationship between the energizing force F1 of the spring 41 and the energizing force F2 of the spring 42 , the spring 43 , and the spring 42 b satisfies F1 ≥ F2 .

[0113] On the housing of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1c, as Fig. 9 As shown, bases 56 are respectively provided at positions corresponding to the four vertices of the rectangular support plate 11. Therefore, when the optical module 10 is ejected by the optical module moving mechanism 1c, its movement in the positive direction of the Z axis is restricted.

[0114] The other configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1 c is the same as that of the optical module moving mechanism 1 a according to the above-described second embodiment.

[0115] The gear assembly 21a, the lead screw 22, the nut 23, the sleeve 25, the guide shaft 24, the spring 41, the guide shaft 26, the spring 42 and the sleeve 27 correspond to the "first gear assembly", "the first lead screw", "the first nut", "the first sleeve", "the first guide shaft", "the first elastic body", "the second guide shaft", "the second elastic body" and "the second sleeve", respectively. The gear assembly 21b, the lead screw 22b, the nut 23b, the guide shaft 28, the spring 43, the sleeve 27b, the guide shaft 26b and the spring 42b correspond to the "second gear assembly", "the second lead screw", "the second nut", "the third guide shaft", "the third elastic body", "the third sleeve", "the fourth guide shaft" and "the fourth elastic body", respectively.

[0116] In the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1c described above, the motor 20 drives the rotor shaft 20a to rotate, the lead screw 22 is rotated via the gear combination 21a, and the nut 23 reciprocates in the direction of the optical axis A; the lead screw 22b is rotated via the gear combination 21b, and the nut 23b reciprocates in the direction of the optical axis A. Due to the reciprocating movement of the nut 23 and the nut 23b, the support plate 11 reciprocates in the direction of the optical axis A. In this case, the reciprocating movement of the support plate 11 is guided by the guide shaft 24, the guide shaft 26, the guide shaft 28, and the guide shaft 26b. Therefore, the optical module 10 supported by the support plate 11 can reciprocate in the direction of the optical axis A and perform the ejection operation and the retraction operation. In this case, the excitation force F1 of the spring 41, and the excitation force F2 of the spring 42, the spring 43, and the spring 42b assist the support plate 11 to move in the direction of the optical axis A.

[0117] As described above, by configuring the optical module moving mechanism 1c according to this embodiment, Fig. 9 As shown, in addition to the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 in the positive direction of the Z axis acting on the protrusion 14 of the support plate 11, the excitation force F2 of the spring 43 acts on the support plate 11, the excitation force F2 of the spring 42 acts on the connecting plate 13b, and the excitation force F2 of the spring 42b acts on the connecting plate 13c. Due to the action of the excitation force F2, the torque around the position of the sleeve 27 as the rotation axis based on the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 acting on the protrusion 14 is offset, thereby preventing the axis of the sleeve 27 in the hole direction from tilting relative to the axis of the guide shaft 26.

[0118] Therefore, the sleeve 27 is prevented from self-locking relative to the guide shaft 26, and the support plate 11 can reciprocate in the Z-axis direction along the guide shafts 24, 26, 28, and 26b in a state where the optical axis A of the optical module 10 is perpendicular to the sensor surface of the image sensor 55. In this case, even in the ejected state, due to the action of the excitation force F2, the axis of the sleeve 27 in the hole direction can be prevented from being tilted relative to the axis of the guide shaft 26, and the imaging operation can be performed in a state where the optical axis A of the optical module 10 is perpendicular to the sensor surface of the image sensor 55. Therefore, the so-called one-sided blur state caused in the image captured by the image sensor 55 can be prevented. In addition, it is not necessary to enlarge the sleeve 27 in the hole direction to prevent the self-locking, and it is possible to prevent the thickness of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1c from increasing.

[0119] Therefore, it is possible to prevent self-locking from being caused, and to prevent the thickness of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1 c from being increased.

[0120] Furthermore, in addition to the energizing force F1 of the spring 41, the energizing force F2 of the springs 42, 43 and 42b is applied, so that the energizing force in the positive direction of the Z axis can be increased compared with the optical module moving mechanism 1b according to the third embodiment described above.

[0121] Further, assuming that the magnitude relationship between the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 and the excitation force F2 of the spring 42, spring 43 and spring 42b is F1≥F2, the excitation force F1 can first assist the support plate 11 to move in the direction of the optical axis A, and can prevent the sleeve 25 from self-locking relative to the guide shaft 24. When F1≥F2 is satisfied, the support plate 11 can be safely adjacent to the base 56.

[0122] [Fifth embodiment]

[0123] The following describes an optical module moving mechanism according to a fifth embodiment, focusing on the difference from the optical module moving mechanism 1c according to the fourth embodiment. This embodiment describes a configuration in which an idle gear is further added to the gear combination portion.

[0124] (Configuration of optical module moving mechanism)

[0125] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an optical module moving mechanism according to a fifth embodiment. Fig.10 The configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1d according to the present embodiment has been described.

[0126] like Fig.10 As shown, the optical module moving mechanism 1d includes a support plate 11, a connecting plate 13d, a motor 20, a gear assembly 21d, a lead screw 22, a nut 23, a guide shaft 24, a sleeve 25, a spring 41, a connecting plate 13e, a gear assembly 21e, a lead screw 22e, a guide shaft 28 and a spring 43.

[0127] The support plate 11 is a plate for supporting the optical module 10 from the image sensor side (not shown). Fig.10 The support plate 11 is formed with a hole 11a at a position that is point-symmetrical with respect to a straight line passing through the center of gravity of the optical module 10 and parallel to the optical axis A and the sleeve 25. The sleeve 25 and the hole 11a may be located at positions that are point-symmetrical with respect to the optical axis A.

[0128] like Fig.10 As shown, the coupling plate 13d is a plate fixed to the nut 23, and the plate moves in the optical axis A direction (Z-axis direction) of the optical module 10 due to the rotation of the lead screw 22, and moves in the optical axis A direction with the movement of the nut 23. Fig.10As shown, the end of the coupling plate 13d on the positive direction side of the X-axis engages with the protrusion 14 of the support plate 11. Therefore, the support plate 11 reciprocates in the direction of the optical axis A with the reciprocating movement of the coupling plate 13d, wherein the coupling plate 13d reciprocates with the movement of the nut 23. Fig.10 In the illustrated configuration, the end of the coupling plate 13d on the positive X-axis direction side is joined to the support plate 11 (protrusion 14), but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The coupling plate 13d may be joined to the support plate 11 at a location other than the end.

[0129] The gear assembly part 21d is a gear set that rotates the lead screw 22 by transmitting the rotational force of the rotor shaft 20a generated by the motor 20 to the lead screw 22. Specifically, as Fig.10 As shown, the gear assembly part 21 d is composed of a motor gear 211 , an idle gear 212 , an idle gear 214 , an idle gear 215 and a lead screw gear 213 .

[0130] like Fig.10 As shown, the motor gear 211 is a gear fixed to the rotor shaft 20a so that the central axis of the rotor shaft 20a is consistent with the rotation axis of the motor gear 211 and rotates with the rotation of the rotor shaft 20a. The idle gear 212 is a gear meshed with the motor gear 211, which transmits the rotational force of the motor gear 211 to the idle gear 214. The idle gear 214 is a gear meshed with the idle gear 212, which transmits the rotational force of the idle gear 212 to the idle gear 215. The idle gear 215 is a gear meshed with the idle gear 214, which transmits the rotational force of the idle gear 214 to the lead screw gear 213. The lead screw gear 213 is a gear meshed with the idle gear 215, and rotates by the rotational force of the idle gear 215. As shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the lead screw gear 213 is fixed to the lead screw 22 so that the axis of the lead screw 22 is consistent with the rotation axis of the lead screw gear 213.

[0131] That is, the length of the gear assembly 21d of the optical module moving mechanism 1d in the X-axis direction is longer than the length of the gear assembly 21a of the optical module moving mechanism 1c according to the fourth embodiment in the X-axis direction by the length of the idle gear 215 incorporated therein. Therefore, compared with the optical module moving mechanism 1c according to the fourth embodiment, the lead screw 22 is arranged closer to the guide shaft 24. Unlike the above-mentioned optical module moving mechanism 1c, the guide shaft 26 and the sleeve 27 are not provided in the optical module moving mechanism 1d.

[0132] The lead screw 22 is a screw assembly fixed to the lead screw gear 213, so that the axis of the lead screw 22 is consistent with the rotation axis of the lead screw gear 213, and the arrangement of the screw assembly makes the axis direction parallel to the optical axis A direction of the optical module 10. Fig.10As shown, the nut 23 is tightened on the lead screw 22, and the lead screw 22 rotates around the axis through the rotational force of the lead screw gear 213, so that the nut 23 reciprocates in the axial direction (ie, the direction of the optical axis A).

[0133] The nut 23 is a component that is tightened on the lead screw 22. Fig.10 Therefore, when the nut 23 reciprocates in the optical axis A direction (Z-axis direction) by the rotation of the lead screw 22, the nut 23 causes the coupling plate 13d to reciprocate in the optical axis A direction accordingly.

[0134] like Fig.10 As shown, the coupling plate 13e is a plate fixed to the nut 23e, and the plate moves in the optical axis A direction (Z-axis direction) of the optical module 10 due to the rotation of the lead screw 22e, and moves in the optical axis A direction with the movement of the nut 23e. Fig.10 As shown, the end of the coupling plate 13e on the negative side of the Y axis is engaged with the outer peripheral portion of the hole 11a of the support plate 11. Therefore, the support plate 11 reciprocates in the direction of the optical axis A with the reciprocating movement of the coupling plate 13e, wherein the coupling plate 13e reciprocates with the movement of the nut 23e. Fig.10 In the illustrated configuration, the end portion of the coupling plate 13e on the negative side in the Y-axis direction is joined to the support plate 11, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The coupling plate 13e may be joined to the support plate 11 at a location other than the end portion.

[0135] The supporting plate 11 , the connecting plate 13 d and the connecting plate 13 e have the function of supporting the optical module 10 as a whole, and therefore each of them corresponds to a “supporting plate”.

[0136] The gear assembly 21e is a gear set that rotates the lead screw 22e by transmitting the rotational force of the rotor shaft 20a generated by the motor 20 to the lead screw 22e. The gear assembly 21d is arranged in Fig.10 On the other hand, the gear assembly 21e is a gear assembly arranged in the Y-axis direction, that is, a direction orthogonal to the gear assembly arrangement direction of the gear assembly 21d. Specifically, as Fig.10 As shown, the gear assembly part 21e is composed of the motor gear 211, the idle gear 212e, the idle gear 214e, the idle gear 215e and the lead screw gear 213e. The motor gear 211 has been described above.

[0137] The idle gear 212e is a gear meshed with the motor gear 211, and transmits the rotational force of the motor gear 211 to the idle gear 214e. The idle gear 214e is a gear meshed with the idle gear 212e, and transmits the rotational force of the idle gear 212e to the idle gear 215e. The idle gear 215e is a gear meshed with the idle gear 214e, and transmits the rotational force of the idle gear 214e to the lead screw gear 213e. The lead screw gear 213e is a gear meshed with the idle gear 215e, and rotates by the rotational force of the idle gear 215e. Fig.10 As shown, the lead screw gear 213e is fixed to the lead screw 22e so that the axis of the lead screw 22e is consistent with the rotation axis of the lead screw gear 213e.

[0138] The lead screw 22e is a screw assembly fixed to the lead screw gear 213e, so that the axis of the lead screw 22e is consistent with the rotation axis of the lead screw gear 213e, and the arrangement of the screw assembly makes the axis direction parallel to the optical axis A direction of the optical module 10. Fig.10 As shown, the nut 23e is tightened on the lead screw 22e, and the lead screw 22e rotates around the axis through the rotational force of the lead screw gear 213e, so that the nut 23e reciprocates in the axial direction (ie, the direction of the optical axis A).

[0139] The nut 23e is a component that is tightened on the lead screw 22e. Fig.10 Therefore, when the nut 23e reciprocates in the optical axis A direction (Z-axis direction) by the rotation of the lead screw 22e, the nut 23e causes the coupling plate 13e to reciprocate in the optical axis A direction accordingly.

[0140] On the housing of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1d, such as Fig.10 As shown, bases 56 are respectively provided at positions corresponding to the four vertices of the rectangular support plate 11. Therefore, when the optical module 10 is ejected by the optical module moving mechanism 1d, its movement in the positive direction of the Z axis is restricted.

[0141] The other configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1d is the same as that of the optical module moving mechanism 1c according to the above-described fourth embodiment.

[0142] The gear assembly 21d, the lead screw 22, the nut 23, the sleeve 25, the guide shaft 24, the spring 41, the guide shaft 28 and the spring 43 correspond to the "first gear assembly", "the first lead screw", "the first nut", "the first sleeve", "the first guide shaft", "the first elastic body", "the second guide shaft" and "the second elastic body", respectively. The gear assembly 21e, the lead screw 22e and the nut 23e correspond to the "second gear assembly", "the second lead screw" and "the second nut", respectively.

[0143] The magnitude relationship between the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 and the excitation force F2 of the spring 43 satisfies F1 ≥ F2.

[0144] In the configuration of the optical module moving mechanism 1d described above, the motor 20 drives the rotor shaft 20a to rotate, the lead screw 22 is rotated via the gear combination 21d, and the nut 23 reciprocates in the direction of the optical axis A; the lead screw 22e is rotated via the gear combination 21e, and the nut 23e reciprocates in the direction of the optical axis A. Due to the reciprocating movement of the nut 23 and the nut 23e, the support plate 11 reciprocates in the direction of the optical axis A. In this case, the reciprocating movement of the support plate 11 is guided by the guide shaft 24 and the guide shaft 28. Therefore, the optical module 10 supported by the support plate 11 can reciprocate in the direction of the optical axis A and perform the ejection operation and the retraction operation. In this case, the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 and the excitation force F2 of the spring 43 assist the support plate 11 in moving in the direction of the optical axis A.

[0145] As described above, by configuring the optical module moving mechanism 1d according to this embodiment, Fig.10 As shown, in addition to the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 in the positive direction of the Z axis acting on the protrusion 14 of the support plate 11, the excitation force F2 of the spring 43 acts on the support plate 11. Unlike the optical module moving mechanism 1c according to the fourth embodiment, by adding the idle gear 215 and the idle gear 215e, the length of the gear combination part 21d and the gear combination part 21e is extended, thereby reducing the number of guide shafts that may cause self-locking from 4 to 2, and no sleeve 27 is provided. Therefore, the self-locking is prevented from being caused, and the support plate 11 can reciprocate in the Z axis direction along the guide shaft 24 and the guide shaft 28 in a state where the optical axis A of the optical module 10 is perpendicular to the sensor surface of the image sensor 55. In this case, even in the ejected state, due to the action of the excitation force F2, the imaging operation can be performed in a state where the optical axis A of the optical module 10 is perpendicular to the sensor surface of the image sensor 55. Therefore, the so-called one-sided blur state caused in the image captured by the image sensor 55 can be prevented. In addition, the sleeve 27 is not provided, thereby being able to prevent the thickness of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1d from increasing.

[0146] Therefore, it is possible to prevent self-locking from being caused, and to prevent the thickness of the terminal device including the optical module moving mechanism 1d from being increased.

[0147] Further, assuming that the magnitude relationship between the excitation force F1 of the spring 41 and the excitation force F2 of the spring 43 is F1≥F2, the excitation force F1 can first assist the support plate 11 to move in the direction of the optical axis A, and can prevent the sleeve 25 from self-locking relative to the guide shaft 24. When F1≥F2 is satisfied, the support plate 11 can be safely adjacent to the base 56.

[0148] Reference numerals list

[0149] 1.1a to 1d optical module moving mechanism

[0150] 10 optical modules

[0151] 11 Support plate

[0152] Hole 11a

[0153] 12 Support plate

[0154] 12a protrusion

[0155] 13 Connecting plate

[0156] 13a Joint

[0157] 13b to 13e connecting plate

[0158] 14 protrusion

[0159] 20 Motor

[0160] 20a rotor shaft

[0161] 21, 21a, 21b, 21d, 21e gear assembly

[0162] 22, 22b, 22e lead screw

[0163] 23, 23b, 23e nuts

[0164] 24 guide shaft

[0165] 25 sleeve

[0166] 26, 26b guide shaft

[0167] 27, 27b sleeve

[0168] 28 guide shaft

[0169] 41, 42, 42b, 43 spring

[0170] 50 imaging units

[0171] 52a, 52b spring

[0172] 53 Infrared cutoff filter

[0173] 54 substrate

[0174] 55 Image Sensor

[0175] 56 abutment

[0176] 100 optical module moving mechanism

[0177] 211 motor gear

[0178] 212, 212b, 212e idle gear

[0179] 213, 213b, 213e lead screw gear

[0180] 214, 214b, 214e idle gear

[0181] 215, 215e idle gear

[0182] A-axis

[0183] F1, F2 motivation

Claims

1. An optical module moving mechanism, used to make the optical module reciprocate along the optical axis, the optical module moving mechanism comprising: A supporting plate, used for supporting the optical module; a motor for driving a rotor shaft; A first gear assembly part, comprising a plurality of gears, wherein the first gear assembly part is used to transmit the rotational force of the rotor shaft; A first lead screw, the axis direction of which is parallel to the optical axis direction, wherein the first lead screw is used to rotate around the axis by the rotation force transmitted by the first gear combination part; a first nut, tightened on the first lead screw and fixed to the support plate, wherein the first nut is used to reciprocate the support plate through the rotation of the first lead screw; A first sleeve, as a cylindrical component fixed to the support plate, wherein the cylinder has a hole; a first guide shaft having an axial direction parallel to the optical axis direction, wherein the first guide shaft is inserted into the hole of the first sleeve; a first elastic body, wherein the first guide shaft is inserted into the first elastic body in an extension / contraction direction, wherein the first elastic body is used to make the first excitation force act in a direction away from the image sensor, and an image is formed on the image sensor by light through the optical module; a second guide shaft having an axial direction parallel to the optical axis direction, wherein the second guide shaft is inserted into the hole of the support plate; and A second elastic body into which the second guide shaft is inserted in an extension / contraction direction, wherein the second elastic body is used to cause a second excitation force to act in a direction away from the image sensor.

2. The optical module moving mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising: a second sleeve, fixed to the support plate as a cylindrical component, wherein the cylinder has a hole; Wherein, the second guide shaft is inserted into the hole of the second sleeve.

3. The optical module moving mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The second sleeve is disposed at an end of the gear column of the first gear assembly portion opposite to the motor side, and The second sleeve is closer to the first sleeve by extending the gear column of the first gear assembly part.

4. The optical module moving mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising: a second sleeve fixed to the support plate as a cylindrical component, wherein the cylinder has a hole; and a third guide shaft having an axial direction parallel to the optical axis direction, wherein the third guide shaft is inserted into the hole of the second sleeve; The position where the second guide axis is arranged is point-symmetrical with the position of the first guide axis relative to the optical axis.

5. The optical module moving mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: A second gear assembly part, comprising a plurality of gears, wherein the plurality of gears are arranged in a direction orthogonal to an arrangement direction of the gear sets of the first gear assembly part, and the second gear assembly part is used to transmit the rotational force of the rotor shaft; A second lead screw is arranged with an axial direction parallel to the optical axis, wherein the second lead screw is used to rotate around the axis by the rotational force transmitted by the second gear assembly; a second nut, tightened on the second lead screw and fixed to the support plate, wherein the second nut is used to reciprocate the support plate through the rotation of the second lead screw; A third guide shaft has an axial direction parallel to the optical axis direction, wherein the third guide shaft is inserted into the hole of the support plate, and a position of the third guide shaft is point symmetrical with a position of the first guide shaft relative to the optical axis; a third elastic body, the third guide shaft being inserted into the third elastic body in an extension / contraction direction, wherein the third elastic body is used to make the second excitation force act in a direction separating from the image sensor; A third sleeve, as a cylindrical component, wherein the cylindrical component has a hole, and the third sleeve is fixed to the support plate at a position opposite to the motor side of the gear column of the second gear assembly; a fourth guide shaft having an axial direction parallel to the optical axis direction, wherein the fourth guide shaft is inserted into the hole of the third sleeve; and A fourth elastic body, wherein the fourth guide shaft is inserted into the fourth elastic body in an extension / contraction direction, wherein the fourth elastic body is used to make the second excitation force act in a direction to separate from the image sensor.

6. The optical module moving mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising: A second gear assembly part, comprising a plurality of gears, wherein the plurality of gears are arranged in a direction orthogonal to an arrangement direction of the gear sets of the first gear assembly part, and the second gear assembly part is used to transmit the rotational force of the rotor shaft; A second lead screw is arranged with an axial direction parallel to the optical axis, wherein the second lead screw is used to rotate around the axis by the rotational force transmitted by the second gear assembly part; and a second nut, tightened on the second lead screw and fixed to the support plate, wherein the second nut is used to reciprocate the support plate through the rotation of the second lead screw; The position where the second guide axis is arranged is point-symmetrical with the position of the first guide axis relative to the optical axis.

7. The optical module moving mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The first excitation force is greater than the second excitation force.

8. The optical module moving mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The first excitation force is greater than or equal to the second excitation force.

9. A terminal device, comprising: Optical module; An image sensor, wherein an image is formed on the image sensor with light by the optical module; and The optical module moving mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the optical module moving mechanism is used to: when imaging is performed, perform a pop-up operation to move the optical module in a direction away from the image sensor to ensure a predetermined distance between the optical module and the image sensor; when not imaging, perform a retracting operation to move the optical module in a direction close to the image sensor.

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