Mechanism for providing electrical current to electrical component

Abstract

A lens module includes a movable unit and a fixed unit in an actuator for driving the movable unit through an interaction generated between the movable unit and the fixed unit by supplying a current to the movable unit; conductive members (109, 110) provided on the movable unit are movably in contact with conductive members (105, 106) fixed on the fixed unit to receive a supply of current. This reduces the number of parts for providing current, and reduces the size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application generally relate to electrical components, and more particularly to a mechanism for providing current to a component mounted on a movable unit. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, many devices, including mobile or portable devices, are equipped with camera modules. The "camera module" used in this article can refer to the camera module in a dedicated mobile camera, but also to the camera module in mobile devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc.

[0003] The camera module usually includes one or more movable lens groups for focusing or zooming. The movement of the lens or lens group is generally achieved by an actuator.

[0004] A known actuator includes a linear motor including a fixed unit and a movable unit, wherein the electromagnetic interaction between a coil and a magnet in the linear motor drives the movable unit to move. There are two types of such actuators, depending on whether the electrical component (e.g., coil) to which current is to be supplied is mounted on the fixed unit or on the movable unit. The design in which the coil is mounted on the movable unit may be referred to as a moving coil design, while the design in which the coil is mounted on the fixed unit may be referred to as a moving magnet design.

[0005] The advantage of a moving coil design is that it can reduce the weight of the movable unit. This is because the weight of the coil is usually lighter than that of the magnet. On the other hand, a moving coil design requires some mechanism to provide current to the movable unit.

[0006] In recent years, with the emergence of small camera modules, people need smaller actuators. In addition, as telephoto lenses become standard, people want longer travel for movable lens groups. In order to achieve a larger focal length range or zoom ratio, longer travel is also required.

[0007] In a first possible embodiment of the actuator, the current is supplied to the movable unit via a leaf spring, wherein the leaf spring also serves as a mechanical support for the movable lens group. Thus, using one member as a mechanical support for the movable unit and also as a way to supply current to the movable unit in the actuator can reduce the size. This design can be used for wide-angle lenses.

[0008] However, this embodiment is not suitable for long strokes. The large displacement of the movable lens group will increase the internal stress of the leaf spring. In order to prevent the leaf spring from breaking or shortening its service life due to excessive internal stress, the stroke must be within a certain range.

[0009] In a second possible embodiment of the actuator, the current is supplied to the movable unit via a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The flexible printed circuit includes one or more conductors placed on (usually very thin) dielectric films or dielectric plates, or can also be sandwiched between these dielectric films or dielectric plates, so that the FPC can be bent or folded. This embodiment with FPC is suitable for camera modules with relatively long travel of the movable lens group.

[0010] However, this embodiment may cause the following problems: (i) in order to accommodate the foldable FPC, the size of the camera module becomes larger; (ii) the reaction force of the FPC causes the actuator's driving force loss (i.e., reduced efficiency); (iii) the assembly complexity increases (i.e., reduced assemblability).

[0011] Some of the above problems can be solved by the following design: the electrical components that need to be provided with current (e.g., coils) are installed on the fixed unit instead of the movable unit (e.g., moving magnet design). However, this design requires that heavy components such as magnets be installed on the movable unit, which will cause the actuator to lose driving force or increase the size of the actuator, and then increase the size of the camera module to compensate for this loss. Summary of the invention

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for providing current to a movable component that solves one or more of the above problems.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a lens module is provided. In one implementation, the lens module includes a movable unit and a fixed unit in an actuator. The actuator is used to drive the movable unit by providing current to the movable unit and generating an interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit. A conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably in contact with a conductive member fixed on the fixed unit to receive the current supply.

[0014] Since the conductive member provided on the movable unit is movably in contact with the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit to receive the current supply, no FPC is required to provide the current. This eliminates the need for space to accommodate the folding FPC, thereby making the size of the lens module smaller. In addition, since the reaction force of the FPC does not cause a loss of driving force, the efficiency of the driving force is not reduced. Moreover, since it does not rely on a leaf spring, a long stroke can be achieved.

[0015] According to the above implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably in contact with the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit through a bearing to receive current supply.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment of the movable contact is provided that the conductive member provided on the movable unit is movably in contact with the second conductive member via a bearing.

[0017] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the conductive component arranged on the movable unit includes a conductive plate; the conductive component fixed on the fixed unit includes a conductive guide shaft, wherein the conductive guide shaft can be coupled to a power supply; and the guide shaft is used to guide the movable unit to move along the direction of the guide shaft.

[0018] Many lens modules include guide shafts. Using existing guide shafts to provide current to the movable unit reduces the number of components, thereby reducing the size of the lens module.

[0019] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the conductive component arranged on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate; the conductive component fixed on the fixed unit includes a first guide shaft and a second guide shaft, wherein the first guide shaft can be coupled to an electrode of a first polarity of a power supply, and the second guide shaft can be coupled to an electrode of a second polarity of the power supply; the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft are used to guide the movable unit to move along the direction of the guide shaft; the first conductive plate is movably in contact with the first guide shaft through a first bearing made of a conductive material; the second conductive plate is movably in contact with the second guide shaft through a second bearing made of a conductive material.

[0020] The conductive plate is movably in contact with the guide shaft through the bearing, which provides an advantageous embodiment of the movable contact. Many lens modules include a guide shaft. Using the existing guide shaft to provide current to the movable unit reduces the number of components, thereby reducing the size of the lens module.

[0021] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit is an electromagnetic interaction between a coil arranged on the movable unit and a magnet arranged on the fixed unit; the first end of the coil is coupled to the first conductive plate, and the second end of the coil is coupled to the second conductive plate; the current path is formed through the first guide shaft, the first bearing, the first conductive plate, the coil, the second conductive plate, the second bearing and the second guide shaft.

[0022] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable unit includes a bracket; the first guide shaft is inserted into the first bearing arranged in the first opening of the bracket, wherein the inner diameter of the first bearing is basically matched with the outer diameter of the first guide shaft; the second guide shaft is inserted into the second bearing arranged in the second opening of the bracket, wherein the inner diameter of the second bearing is basically matched with the outer diameter of the second guide shaft.

[0023] According to any suitable implementation of the above implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate are disposed on the bracket by injection molding.

[0024] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the gap between the first bearing and the first guide shaft and / or the gap between the second bearing and the second guide shaft is filled with conductive grease.

[0025] The use of conductive grease can make the current conduction between the bearing and the guide shaft more reliable. Although conductive grease itself is known, it is usually used to discharge static electricity. The inventor of the present application realized that such conductive grease can be used to provide current.

[0026] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the conductive component arranged on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate; the conductive component fixed on the fixed unit includes a first part and a second part of a first guide shaft, wherein the first part and the second part of the first guide shaft are mechanically coupled through a non-conductive joint; the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft are used to guide the movable unit to move along the direction of the guide shaft; the first conductive plate is movably in contact with the first part through a first bearing made of a conductive material; the second conductive plate is movably in contact with the second part through a second bearing made of a conductive material.

[0027] The conductive plate is movably in contact with various parts of the guide shaft through the bearing, which provides an advantageous embodiment of the movable contact. Many lens modules include a guide shaft. Using the existing guide shaft to provide current to the movable unit reduces the number of components, thereby reducing the size of the lens module.

[0028] Furthermore, when compared to an embodiment in which two guide shafts are used to supply current to the movable unit, disposing a component for supplying current around one guide shaft can further reduce the size of the actuator and simplify the actuator.

[0029] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit is an electromagnetic interaction between a coil arranged on the movable unit and a magnet arranged on the fixed unit; the first end of the coil is coupled to the first conductive plate, and the second end of the coil is coupled to the second conductive plate; the current path is formed through the first part of the first guide shaft, the first bearing, the first conductive plate, the coil, the second conductive plate, the second bearing and the second part of the first guide shaft.

[0030] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable unit includes a bracket; the first guide shaft is inserted into the first bearing arranged in the first opening of the bracket and the second bearing arranged in the second opening of the bracket, wherein the inner diameter of the first bearing and the inner diameter of the second bearing are basically matched with the outer diameter of the first guide shaft.

[0031] According to any suitable implementation of the above implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate are disposed on the bracket by injection molding.

[0032] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the gap between the first bearing and the first part of the first guide shaft and / or the gap between the second bearing and the second part of the first guide shaft is filled with conductive grease.

[0033] The use of conductive grease can make the current conduction between the bearing and the guide shaft more reliable. Although conductive grease itself is known, it is usually used to discharge static electricity. The inventor of the present application realized that such conductive grease can be used to provide current.

[0034] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the conductive component arranged on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate; the conductive component fixed on the fixed unit includes a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern arranged on the fixed unit, wherein the first conductive plate is movably in contact with the first conductive pattern, and the second conductive plate is movably in contact with the second conductive pattern.

[0035] The conductive plate movably contacts the conductive pattern to provide an advantageous embodiment of the movable contact. In addition, the present embodiment omits the bearings in the first and second embodiments, further simplifying the actuator. Moreover, no FPC is required to provide current, so no space is required to accommodate the folding FPC, thereby making the size of the lens module smaller. In addition, since the reaction force of the FPC does not cause a loss of driving force, the efficiency of the driving force will not be reduced.

[0036] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit is an electromagnetic interaction between a coil arranged on the movable unit and a magnet arranged on the fixed unit; a first end of the coil is coupled to the first conductive plate, and a second end of the coil is coupled to the second conductive plate; a current path is formed through the first conductive pattern, the first conductive plate, the coil, the second conductive plate and the second conductive pattern.

[0037] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are arranged in a flexible printed circuit (FPC) attached to the fixing unit in a basically inflexible manner.

[0038] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the end of the first conductive plate that can be movably contacted with the first conductive pattern and / or the end of the second conductive plate that can be movably contacted with the second conductive pattern are brush-shaped.

[0039] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable unit includes a bracket, and the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate are arranged on the bracket by injection molding.

[0040] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, one or more guide axes arranged on the fixed unit are used to guide the movable unit to move along the direction of the one or more guide axes.

[0041] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable unit includes a lens group and a lens frame accommodating the lens group, the lens group includes one or more lenses, and the movable unit is driven along a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens group.

[0042] According to any suitable implementation of the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable unit includes a lens group and a lens frame for accommodating the lens group, the lens group includes one or more lenses, the movable unit is driven along a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens group, and the lens frame is integral with the bracket.

[0043] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a camera module is provided, which may include an image sensor and a lens module according to any suitable implementation of the above implementation of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0044] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, which may include the camera module according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0045] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect of the present invention, the electronic device may be a smart phone or a mobile phone.

[0046] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for driving an actuator including a movable unit and a fixed unit is provided. A conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably in contact with a conductive member fixed on the fixed unit. The method comprises: providing a current to the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit from a power source electrically coupled to the fixed unit; conducting the current from the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit to the conductive member disposed on the movable unit through a movable contact; and driving the movable unit by interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit caused by providing the current to the movable unit.

[0047] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit is an electromagnetic interaction between a coil provided on the movable unit and a magnet provided on the fixed unit.

[0048] Various features including those described above for the lens module are also applicable to the method embodiment. They will not be described in detail here. Since the advantages of this embodiment are also similar to those of the first embodiment, they will not be described in detail here for simplicity.

[0049] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly including a mechanism for supplying current from a fixed unit to a movable unit. A conductive member provided on the movable unit movably contacts a conductive member fixed to the fixed unit to receive current supply.

[0050] Various features including those described above for the lens module are also applicable to the method embodiment. They will not be described in detail here. Since the advantages of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, they will not be described in detail here for simplicity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following drawings. It should be noted that the fact that more than one component is illustrated in a drawing does not necessarily mean that these components need to be provided together. The essential components of an invention are limited only by the description in the claims.

[0052] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a lens module provided by a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1B The first guide shaft and the second guide shaft and the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate in the lens module provided by the first embodiment of the present invention are shown in detail;

[0053] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a lens module provided by a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of a rear view of a lens module provided by a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2C The first part and the second part of the first guide shaft and the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate in the lens module provided by the second embodiment of the present invention are shown in detail;

[0054] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a lens module provided by a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a rear view of a lens module provided by a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of applying conductive grease;

[0056] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device that can use a lens module provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method for driving an actuator including a movable unit and a fixed unit provided by one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below.

[0059] Nowadays, many devices, including mobile or portable devices, are equipped with camera modules. The "camera module" used in this article can refer to the camera module in a dedicated mobile camera, but also to the camera module in mobile devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc.

[0060] The camera module usually includes one or more movable lens groups for focusing or zooming. Focusing is achieved by moving the lens group to change the distance from the image sensor. Zooming is achieved by moving one or more lenses relative to one or more lenses in the lens group to change the focal length of the lens group. The movement of the lens or lens group is generally achieved by an actuator.

[0061] A known actuator includes a linear motor including a fixed unit and a movable unit, wherein the electromagnetic interaction between a coil and a magnet in the linear motor drives the movable unit to move. There are two types of such actuators, depending on whether the electrical component (e.g., coil) to which current is to be supplied is mounted on the fixed unit or on the movable unit. The design in which the coil is mounted on the movable unit may be referred to as a moving coil design, while the design in which the coil is mounted on the fixed unit may be referred to as a moving magnet design.

[0062] The advantage of a moving coil design is that the weight of the movable unit can be reduced, because the coil is usually lighter than the magnet. On the other hand, a moving coil design requires some mechanism to provide current to the movable unit.

[0063] In recent years, with the emergence of small camera modules, people need smaller actuators. In addition, as telephoto lenses become standard, people want longer travel for movable lens groups. In order to achieve a larger focal length range or zoom ratio, longer travel is also required.

[0064] Embodiments in which current is provided via leaf springs may not be suitable for long strokes. Embodiments in which current is provided via flexible printed circuits (FPCs) may cause the following problems: (i) the size of the camera module becomes larger in order to provide space for folding FPCs; (ii) the reaction force of the FPC causes a loss of driving force of the actuator (i.e., reduced efficiency); and (iii) the assembly complexity increases (i.e., reduced assemblability).

[0065] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for providing current to a movable component that solves one or more of the above problems.

[0066] One embodiment of the present invention provides a lens module. The lens module includes a movable unit and a fixed unit in an actuator. The actuator is used to drive the movable unit by providing current to the movable unit (for example, a coil provided on the movable unit) to generate an interaction (for example, an electromagnetic interaction) between the movable unit and the fixed unit. A conductive member (for example, a conductive plate) provided on the movable unit is movably contacted with a conductive member (for example, a guide shaft or a conductive pattern) fixed on the fixed unit to receive current supply.

[0067] More generally, the present invention provides an assembly including a mechanism for supplying current from a fixed unit to a movable unit. A conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably contacted with a conductive member fixed to the fixed unit to receive the current supply.

[0068] The present invention may also provide a method for driving an actuator including a movable unit and a fixed unit. A conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably in contact with a conductive member fixed on the fixed unit, and the method comprises: providing a current from a power source electrically coupled to the fixed unit to the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit; conducting the current from the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit to the conductive member disposed on the movable unit through a movable contact; and driving the movable unit by providing a current to the movable unit (for example, a coil disposed on the movable unit) and generating an interaction (for example, an electromagnetic interaction) between the movable unit and the fixed unit (for example, a magnet disposed on the fixed unit).

[0069] Since the conductive member provided on the movable unit is movably in contact with the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit to receive the current supply, no FPC is required to provide the current. This eliminates the need for space to accommodate the folding FPC, thereby making the size of the lens module smaller. In addition, since the reaction force of the FPC does not cause a loss of driving force, the efficiency of the driving force is not reduced. Moreover, since it does not rely on a leaf spring, a long stroke can be achieved.

[0070] First embodiment

[0071] Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a lens module provided by the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 1A The lens module shown includes a movable unit (including a lens 101, a lens frame 102 and a bracket 103) and a fixed unit in an actuator. (It should be noted that the actuator may include one or more other units other than those shown in the figure.) The actuator is used to drive the movable unit by providing current to the movable unit (for example, a coil 104 provided on the movable unit) to generate an interaction (for example, an electromagnetic interaction) between the movable unit and the fixed unit (for example, a magnet provided on the fixed unit). The first guide shaft 105 and the second guide shaft 106 guide the movable unit to move along the direction of the guide shaft. Although the number of guide shafts is not limited to two, providing at least two guide shafts is an ideal choice for guiding linear movement.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the coil 104 is disposed around the first guide shaft 105, but this is not restrictive. In the case where the coil 104 is as shown in the figure, a semi-cylindrical permanent magnet can be disposed on the fixed unit. The semi-cylindrical magnet can be placed in such a way that the inner surface of the semi-cylindrical magnet faces the outer surface of the cylindrical shape of the coil. The inner surface of the semi-cylindrical magnet can have a polarity (e.g., S pole or N pole), while the outer surface of the semi-cylindrical magnet can have an opposite polarity. The magnetic poles formed on the inner surface of the semi-cylindrical magnet interact with one or more magnetic poles induced at one or both ends of the coil 104. It should be noted that the shape and arrangement of the coil and the magnet are not limited to this. Other shapes and other arrangements may also exist. For example, one or more circular coils can be disposed on the movable unit. In some embodiments, the yoke can be provided with a magnet to enhance electromagnetic interaction.

[0074] The lens frame 102 accommodates the lens or lens group 101. The lens frame 102 is mounted on a bracket 103. Although the lens frame 102 and the bracket 103 in the illustrated embodiment are separate, the lens frame 102 and the bracket 103 may be an integrated component. Providing separate lens frame 102 and bracket 103 facilitates adjustment of the shift and tilt of the lens or lens group.

[0075] In the illustrated example, the bracket 103 has a first opening into which the first guide shaft 105 is inserted and a second opening into which the second guide shaft 106 is inserted.

[0076] In order to provide current to the movable unit, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably in contact with the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit. In a first embodiment, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate 109 and a second conductive plate 110. The conductive member fixed on the fixed unit includes a first guide shaft 105 and a second guide shaft 106, wherein the first guide shaft 105 can be coupled to an electrode of a first polarity of a power source, and the second guide shaft 106 can be coupled to an electrode of a second polarity of the power source. In this embodiment, the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft are made of a conductive material (e.g., metal). The first conductive plate 109 and the second conductive plate 110 can be disposed on the bracket 103 by injection molding. The conductive member fixed on the fixed unit may or may not be directly connected to the fixed unit in the actuator.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the guide shaft for guiding the linear movement of the movable unit is also used to supply current to the movable unit. Since many lens modules include such guide shafts, the number of parts for supplying current is reduced and the size is reduced.

[0078] In order to enable the movable unit to move smoothly along the guide shaft while maintaining electrical contact, the first conductive plate 109 is movably in contact with the first guide shaft 105 through a first bearing 107 made of a conductive material (e.g., metal), and the second conductive plate 110 is movably in contact with the second guide shaft 106 through a second bearing 108 made of a conductive material. The conductive plates movably contact the guide shafts through the bearings to provide an advantageous embodiment of movable contact. In some embodiments, the first bearing 107 and the second bearing 108 have openings for inserting the guide shafts. The inner diameter of the first bearing 107 is substantially matched with the outer diameter of the first guide shaft 105, and the inner diameter of the second bearing 108 is substantially matched with the outer diameter of the second guide shaft 106.

[0079] In some embodiments, a first end of the coil 104 is coupled to the first conductive plate 109 (e.g., by welding), and a second end of the coil 104 is coupled to the second conductive plate 110 (e.g., by welding). The current path starts from one electrode of the power source, passes through the first guide shaft 105, the first bearing 107, the first conductive plate 109, the coil 104, the second conductive plate 110, the second bearing 108, and the second guide shaft 106, and finally reaches the other electrode of the power source. Figure 1B A first guide shaft 105 and a second guide shaft 106 , a first bearing 107 and a second bearing 108 , a first conductive plate 109 and a second conductive plate 110 are shown.

[0080] When the first guide shaft 105 and the second guide shaft 106 are connected to the positive and negative poles (or negative and positive poles) of the power supply respectively by any known means, current flows through the coil, thereby generating an electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet. In this way, the bracket can be driven along the direction of the guide shaft (i.e., the direction of the optical axis). The sense of movement of the bracket can be controlled by switching the polarity of the power supply.

[0081] In some embodiments, the gap between the first bearing 107 and the first guide shaft 105 and / or the gap between the second bearing 108 and the second guide shaft 106 is filled with conductive grease.

[0082] The use of conductive grease can make the current conduction between the bearing and the guide shaft more reliable. In products using bearings and guide shafts, a small gap (void) is usually left between the inner surface of the bearing and the outer surface of the guide shaft to achieve smooth sliding. In addition, the surfaces of the bearing and the guide shaft will have some roughness due to processing. These factors may limit the actual contact between the bearing and the guide shaft to a certain extent, which may be undesirable when such bearings and guide shafts are used for electrical conduction. In addition, when the movable unit is driven to perform operations such as focusing or zooming of the lens module, the contact state will continue to change due to the constant changes in the camera posture and the driving force of the actuator. This poses a problem for the safety of electrical conduction between the bearing and the guide shaft. To solve this problem, conductive grease is applied between the bearing and the guide shaft. The conductive grease fills the tiny gap between the bearing and the guide shaft, and electrical conduction can be achieved even if the bearing and the guide shaft are not in direct contact.

[0083] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Conductive grease is shown applied to the tiny gap in the movable contact between the guide shaft and the bearing. The gap may be caused by the surface roughness of these components and the intentional small gap. The bearing is coupled to a conductive plate, which is in turn mounted on a bracket (e.g., by injection molding).

[0084] Another advantage of conductive grease is its good lubrication effect, which improves the sliding properties between the bearing and the guide shaft.

[0085] Although conductive grease is known per se, it is usually used to discharge static electricity or to prevent mechanical wear. The inventors of the present application realized that such conductive grease can be used to provide an electric current to improve the conductivity of a movable contact.

[0086] Second embodiment

[0087] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a lens module provided by a second embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0088] Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe lens module shown includes a movable unit (including a lens 201, a lens frame 202 and a bracket 203) and a fixed unit in an actuator. (It should be noted that the actuator may include one or more other units other than those shown in the figure.) The actuator is used to drive the movable unit by providing current to the movable unit (for example, a coil 204 provided on the movable unit) to generate an interaction (for example, an electromagnetic interaction) between the movable unit and the fixed unit (for example, a magnet provided on the fixed unit). The first guide shaft (including a first part 205 and a second part 206) and the second guide shaft 207 guide the movable unit to move along the direction of the guide shaft. Although the number of guide shafts is not limited to two, providing at least two guide shafts is an ideal choice for guiding linear movement.

[0089] The coil 204 and the magnet may be similar to the coil and the magnet provided in the first embodiment described above. Although for the sake of simplicity, they are not described here in detail, it should be noted that the shape and arrangement of the coil 204 are not limited to the example shown.

[0090] The lens frame 202 accommodates the lens or lens group 201. The lens frame 202 is mounted on a bracket 203. Although the lens frame 202 and the bracket 203 in the illustrated embodiment are separate, the lens frame 202 and the bracket 203 can be an integrated component. Providing separate lens frame 202 and bracket 203 facilitates adjustment of the shift and tilt of the lens or lens group.

[0091] In the illustrated example, the bracket 203 has a first opening into which the first guide shaft is inserted and a second opening into which the second guide shaft is inserted.

[0092] Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the second guide shaft 207 is not essential for providing current to the movable unit. Instead, the first guide shaft includes a first portion 205 and a second portion 206, which are mechanically coupled via a non-conductive joint 212 (eg, Figure 2C shown).

[0093] In order to supply current to the movable unit, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably contacted with the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit. In the second embodiment, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate 210 and a second conductive plate 211. (The second conductive plate 211 is as shown in FIG. Figure 2B) The conductive member fixed to the fixed unit includes a first portion 205 of the first guide shaft and a second portion 206 of the first guide shaft, wherein the first portion 205 can be coupled to an electrode of a first polarity of a power source, and the second portion 206 can be coupled to an electrode of a second polarity of the power source. In this embodiment, the first portion 205 and the second portion 206 of the first guide shaft are made of a conductive material (e.g., metal). The first conductive plate 210 and the second conductive plate 211 can be set on the bracket 203 by injection molding. The conductive member fixed to the fixed unit may or may not be directly fixed to the fixed unit in the actuator.

[0094] According to the present embodiment, the first guide shaft for guiding the linear movement of the movable unit is also used to supply current to the movable unit. Since many lens modules include such guide shafts, the parts for supplying current are reduced and the size is reduced. In addition, when compared with the first embodiment, the component for supplying current is arranged around one of the two guide shafts, which further reduces the size and simplifies the actuator.

[0095] In order to enable the movable unit to move smoothly along the guide shaft while maintaining electrical contact, the first conductive plate 210 is movably in contact with the first portion 205 of the first guide shaft through a first bearing 208 made of a conductive material (e.g., metal), and the second conductive plate 211 is movably in contact with the second portion 206 of the first guide shaft through a second bearing 209 made of a conductive material. The conductive plates movably contact the respective portions of the first guide shaft through the bearings to provide an advantageous embodiment of movable contact. In some embodiments, the first bearing 208 and the second bearing 209 have an opening for inserting the first guide shaft. The inner diameter of the first bearing 208 substantially matches the outer diameter of the first guide shaft, and the inner diameter of the second bearing 209 substantially matches the outer diameter of the first guide shaft.

[0096] In some embodiments, a first end of the coil 204 is coupled to the first conductive plate 210 (e.g., by welding), and a second end of the coil 204 is coupled to the second conductive plate 211 (e.g., by welding). The current path starts from one electrode of the power source, passes through the first portion 205 of the first guide shaft, the first bearing 208, the first conductive plate 210, the coil 204, the second conductive plate 211, the second bearing 209, and the second portion 206 of the first guide shaft, and finally reaches the other electrode of the power source.

[0097] When the first portion 205 of the first guide shaft and the second portion 206 of the first guide shaft are connected to a power source, current flows through the coil, thereby generating an electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet. In this way, the bracket can be driven along the direction of the guide shaft (i.e., the direction of the optical axis). For simplicity, it is not repeated here.

[0098] In some embodiments, the gap between the first bearing 208 and the first portion 205 of the first guide shaft and / or the gap between the second bearing 209 and the second portion 206 of the first guide shaft is filled with conductive grease.

[0099] More details about conductive grease have been introduced above and will not be repeated here for simplicity.

[0100] Third embodiment

[0101] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A schematic diagram of a lens module provided by a third embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0102] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The lens module shown includes a movable unit (including a lens 301, a lens frame 302 and a bracket 303) and a fixed unit in an actuator. (It should be noted that the actuator may include one or more other units other than those shown in the figure.) The actuator is used to drive the movable unit by providing current to the movable unit (for example, a coil 204 provided on the movable unit) to generate an interaction (for example, electromagnetic interaction) between the movable unit and the fixed unit (for example, a magnet provided on the fixed unit). The first guide shaft 305 and the second guide shaft 306 guide the movable unit to move along the direction of the guide shaft. Although the number of guide shafts is not limited to two, providing at least two guide shafts is an ideal choice for guiding linear movement.

[0103] The coil 304 and the magnet may be similar to the coil and the magnet provided in the first embodiment described above. Although for the sake of simplicity, they are not described here in detail, it should be noted that the shape and arrangement of the coil 304 are not limited to the example shown.

[0104] The lens frame 302 accommodates the lens or lens group 301. The lens frame 302 is mounted on a bracket 303. Although the lens frame 302 and the bracket 303 in the illustrated embodiment are separate, the lens frame 302 and the bracket 303 can be an integrated component. Providing separate lens frame 302 and bracket 303 facilitates adjustment of the shift and tilt of the lens or lens group.

[0105] In the illustrated example, the bracket 303 has a first opening into which the first guide shaft 305 is inserted and a second opening into which the second guide shaft 306 is inserted.

[0106] Unlike the first and second embodiments, in the third embodiment, the first guide shaft 305 and the second guide shaft 306 are not essential for supplying current to the movable unit. Instead, the conductive member fixed to the fixed unit includes a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern provided on the fixed unit.

[0107] In order to supply current to the movable unit, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably contacted with the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit. In the third embodiment, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate 307 and a second conductive plate 308. (The second conductive plate 308 is as shown in FIG. Figure 3B ) The first conductive plate 307 can be coupled to the electrode of the first polarity of the power supply, and the second conductive plate 308 can be coupled to the electrode of the second polarity of the power supply. The first conductive plate 307 and the second conductive plate 308 can be arranged on the bracket 303 by injection molding. The conductive member fixed to the fixing unit may or may not be directly fixed to the fixing unit in the actuator.

[0108] The conductive member fixed to the fixing unit includes a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern. Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are arranged on the FPC 309. However, this is not restrictive. The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern can be metal traces on a circuit board, or metal traces on any other component. Even if the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are arranged on the FPC 309, the FPC 309 is not necessarily bendable, and the FPC 309 can be mounted on a fixed unit (for example, on a housing of a fixed unit in an actuator) in an inflexible manner. Therefore, as with the first and second embodiments described above, the lens module in the third embodiment does not require space to accommodate a foldable FPC.

[0109] According to this embodiment, the conductive plate is movable while maintaining contact with the conductive pattern, providing an advantageous embodiment of movable contact. In addition, this embodiment omits the bearings in the first and second embodiments, further simplifying the actuator.

[0110] In some embodiments, the end portion of the first conductive plate 307 that is movably in contact with the first conductive pattern and / or the end portion of the second conductive plate 308 that is movably in contact with the second conductive pattern is in a brush shape.

[0111] In some embodiments, a first end of the coil 304 is coupled to the first conductive plate 307 (e.g., by welding), and a second end of the coil 304 is coupled to the second conductive plate 308 (e.g., by welding). The current path starts from one electrode of the power source, passes through the first conductive pattern, the first conductive plate 307, the coil 304, the second conductive plate 308, and the second conductive pattern, and finally reaches the other electrode of the power source.

[0112] When the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are connected to a power source, current flows through the coil, thereby generating an electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet. In this way, the bracket can be driven along the direction of the guide axis (i.e., the direction of the optical axis). For simplicity, it will not be described here.

[0113] Other aspects

[0114] The lens module provided in any of the above embodiments can be used in a camera module. The camera module can include a lens module and an image sensor. The light transmitted through the lens module can be detected by the image sensor and stored in a storage device.

[0115] An electronic device including such a camera module may be provided, for example, a smart phone or a mobile phone. The reduced-size lens module provided by the present invention may be advantageously used in portable electronic devices such as smart phones or mobile phones. Figure 5 A portable electronic device, such as a smart phone, incorporating any embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0116] The embodiment of the present invention may also provide a method 600 for driving an actuator, such as Figure 6 As shown. The actuator includes a movable unit and a fixed unit, wherein a conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably in contact with a conductive member fixed on the fixed unit. In step 610, the method includes: providing current to the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit from a power supply electrically coupled to the fixed unit. In step 620, the method also includes: conducting the current from the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit to the conductive member disposed on the movable unit through a movable contact. In step 630, the method also includes: driving the movable unit by providing current to the movable unit (for example, a coil disposed on the movable unit) and generating an interaction (for example, electromagnetic interaction) between the movable unit and the fixed unit (for example, a magnet disposed on the fixed unit). It should be noted that the steps of the method may be more or less than the steps illustrated. Various features, including the features described above for the lens module, are also applicable to the method embodiment. No further description is given here.

[0117] Although various embodiments are described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described or shown. Features described for one embodiment of the invention may be combined with features described for other embodiments of the invention in any suitable manner, unless such combination is not possible or explicitly stated to be excluded. A skilled person may recognize other objects or advantages in addition to the above objects or advantages.

[0118] The unit divisions disclosed in the embodiments of the present application are not restrictive, and various embodiments may be configured with other component divisions.

[0119] Where appropriate, some functions (e.g., controlling the movement of a lens or lens group) may be implemented in the form of a computer program to cause a processor or computing device to perform one or more functions. For example, various signal processing and control functions may be implemented as a computer program. The computer program may be embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be any medium that can store a computer program, and may be a solid-state memory such as a USB drive, a flash drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), etc.; a magnetic storage medium such as a removable or non-removable hard disk; or an optical storage medium such as a compact disk.

[0120] The above description only illustrates various embodiments of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any changes that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art based on the present invention belong to the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A lens module, characterized in that: The lens module includes a movable unit and a fixed unit in an actuator, wherein: The actuator is used to drive the movable unit by providing a current to the movable unit to generate an interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit; The conductive member provided on the movable unit movably contacts the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit to receive current supply.

2. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive member provided on the movable unit movably contacts the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit through a bearing to receive current supply.

3. The lens module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The conductive member disposed on the movable unit includes a conductive plate; The conductive member fixed to the fixing unit includes a conductive guide shaft, wherein the conductive guide shaft can be coupled to a power source; The conductive guide shaft is used to guide the movable unit to move along the direction of the guide shaft.

4. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive member disposed on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate; The conductive member fixed on the fixing unit includes a first guide shaft and a second guide shaft, wherein the first guide shaft can be coupled to an electrode of a first polarity of a power source, and the second guide shaft can be coupled to an electrode of a second polarity of the power source; The first guide shaft and the second guide shaft are used to guide the movable unit to move along the direction of the guide shaft; The first conductive plate is movably in contact with the first guide shaft via a first bearing made of a conductive material; The second conductive plate is movably in contact with the second guide shaft via a second bearing made of a conductive material.

5. The lens module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit is an electromagnetic interaction between a coil provided on the movable unit and a magnet provided on the fixed unit; A first end of the coil is coupled to the first conductive plate, and a second end of the coil is coupled to the second conductive plate; A current path is formed through the first guide shaft, the first bearing, the first conductive plate, the coil, the second conductive plate, the second bearing, and the second guide shaft.

6. The lens module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The movable unit includes a bracket; The first guide shaft is inserted into the first bearing disposed in the first opening of the bracket, and the inner diameter of the first bearing substantially matches the outer diameter of the first guide shaft; The second guide shaft is inserted into the second bearing disposed in the second opening of the bracket, and the inner diameter of the second bearing is substantially matched with the outer diameter of the second guide shaft.

7. The lens module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first conductive plate and the second conductive plate are arranged on the bracket by injection molding.

8. The lens module according to claim 4, characterized in that: A gap between the first bearing and the first guide shaft and / or a gap between the second bearing and the second guide shaft is filled with conductive grease.

9. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive member disposed on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate; The conductive member fixed to the fixing unit comprises a first portion and a second portion of a first guide shaft, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the first guide shaft are mechanically coupled via a non-conductive joint; The first guide shaft and the second guide shaft are used to guide the movable unit to move along the direction of the guide shaft; The first conductive plate is movably in contact with the first portion via a first bearing made of a conductive material; The second conductive plate is movably in contact with the second portion via a second bearing made of a conductive material.

10. The lens module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit is an electromagnetic interaction between a coil provided on the movable unit and a magnet provided on the fixed unit; A first end of the coil is coupled to the first conductive plate, and a second end of the coil is coupled to the second conductive plate; A current path is formed through the first portion of the first guide shaft, the first bearing, the first conductive plate, the coil, the second conductive plate, the second bearing, and the second portion of the first guide shaft.

11. The lens module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The movable unit includes a bracket; The first guide shaft is inserted into the first bearing disposed in the first opening of the bracket and the second bearing disposed in the second opening of the bracket, and the inner diameters of the first bearing and the second bearing are substantially matched with the outer diameter of the first guide shaft.

12. The lens module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first conductive plate and the second conductive plate are arranged on the bracket by injection molding.

13. The lens module according to claim 9, characterized in that: A gap between the first bearing and the first portion of the first guide shaft and / or a gap between the second bearing and the second portion of the first guide shaft is filled with conductive grease.

14. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive member disposed on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate; The conductive member fixed on the fixing unit includes a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern provided on the fixing unit, wherein: The first conductive plate is movably in contact with the first conductive pattern, The second conductive plate is movably in contact with the second conductive pattern.

15. The lens module according to claim 14, characterized in that: The interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit is an electromagnetic interaction between a coil provided on the movable unit and a magnet provided on the fixed unit; A first end of the coil is coupled to the first conductive plate, and a second end of the coil is coupled to the second conductive plate; A current path is formed through the first conductive pattern, the first conductive plate, the coil, the second conductive plate, and the second conductive pattern.

16. The lens module according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are provided in a flexible printed circuit (FPC) substantially inflexibly attached to the fixing unit.

17. The lens module according to claim 14, characterized in that: The end portion of the first conductive plate that is movably in contact with the first conductive pattern and / or the end portion of the second conductive plate that is movably in contact with the second conductive pattern is in a brush shape.

18. The lens module according to claim 14, characterized in that: The movable unit includes a bracket, and the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate are arranged on the bracket by injection molding.

19. The lens module according to claim 14, characterized in that: One or more guide shafts arranged on the fixed unit are used to guide the movable unit to move along the direction of the one or more guide shafts.

20. The lens module according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that: The movable unit includes a lens group and a lens frame accommodating the lens group, the lens group includes one or more lenses, and the movable unit is driven in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the lens group.

21. The lens module according to any one of claims 6, 7, 11, 12 and 18, characterized in that: The movable unit includes a lens group and a lens frame accommodating the lens group, the lens group includes one or more lenses, the movable unit is driven along a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens group, and the lens frame is integrated with the bracket.

22. A camera module, characterized in that: The camera module includes an image sensor and a lens module according to claim 20.

23. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises the camera module according to claim 22.

24. The electronic device according to claim 23, characterized in that: The electronic device is a smartphone or a mobile phone.

25. A method for driving an actuator comprising a movable unit and a fixed unit, characterized in that, The conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably in contact with the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit, and the method includes: supplying current to the conductive member fixed to the fixing unit from a power source electrically coupled to the fixing unit; conducting the current from the conductive member fixed to the fixed unit to the conductive member disposed on the movable unit through a movable contact; The movable unit is driven by interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit caused by supplying current to the movable unit.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit is an electromagnetic interaction between a coil provided on the movable unit and a magnet provided on the fixed unit.

27. A component, characterized in that The assembly includes a mechanism for providing current from the fixed unit to the movable unit; The conductive member provided on the movable unit movably contacts the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit to receive current supply.

Images