A mechanism for providing electrical current to an electrical component

Abstract

A lens module includes a movable unit and a fixed unit in an actuator for driving the movable unit by providing a current to the movable unit to generate an interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit. A conductive member (109, 110) provided on the movable unit is movably in contact with a conductive member (105, 106) fixed on the fixed unit to receive the current supply. This reduces the parts for providing the current and reduces the size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to electrical components, and more particularly to a mechanism for supplying current to a component mounted on a movable unit. Background Technology

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

[0003] A camera module typically includes one or more movable lens assemblies for focusing or zooming. Movement of the lens or lens assembly is generally achieved via actuators.

[0004] One known actuator includes a linear motor comprising a fixed unit and a movable unit, wherein electromagnetic interaction between a coil and a magnet in the linear motor drives the movable unit to move. Such actuators come in two types, depending on whether the electrical component requiring current (e.g., a coil) is mounted on the fixed unit or the movable unit. A design with the coil mounted on the movable unit can be called a moving-coil design, while a design with the coil mounted on the fixed unit can be called a moving-magnet design.

[0005] The advantage of a moving-coil design is that it reduces the weight of the movable element. This is because the coil is typically lighter than a magnet. On the other hand, a moving-coil design requires some mechanism to supply current to the movable element.

[0006] In recent years, with the emergence of smaller camera modules, there has been a demand for smaller actuators. Furthermore, as telephoto lenses have become standard, there is a desire for movable lens assemblies with longer travel. Longer travel is also needed to achieve a greater focal length range or zoom ratio.

[0007] In a first possible embodiment of the actuator, current is supplied to the movable unit via a leaf spring, which also serves as a mechanical support for the movable lens assembly. Thus, by using a single component as both a mechanical support for the movable unit and a means of supplying current to the movable unit within the actuator, size can be reduced. This design can be used in wide-angle lenses.

[0008] However, this embodiment is not suitable for long strokes. Large displacements of the movable lens assembly increase the internal stress of the leaf spring. To prevent leaf spring breakage or shortened lifespan due to excessive internal stress, the stroke must be within a certain range.

[0009] In a second possible embodiment of the actuator, current is supplied to the movable unit via a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The flexible printed circuit board includes one or more conductors placed on (typically thin) dielectric films or substrates, or sandwiched between these dielectric films or substrates, allowing the FPC to be bent or folded. This embodiment with an FPC is suitable for camera modules with relatively long travel distances for movable lens assemblies.

[0010] However, this embodiment may present the following problems: (i) the size of the camera module increases in order to accommodate the foldable FPC; (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).

[0011] Some of the aforementioned problems can be addressed by mounting the electrical components that require current (e.g., coils) on a fixed unit instead of a movable unit (e.g., a moving magnet design). However, this design requires mounting heavy components such as magnets on the movable unit, which leads to a loss of actuator driving force or an increase in actuator size, which in turn leads to an increase in the size of the camera module to compensate for this loss. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for supplying current to a movable component in order to solve one or more of the above-mentioned 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 an interaction generated between the movable unit and the fixed unit through supplying current to the movable 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] Because the conductive components on the movable unit can movably contact the conductive components fixed on the fixed unit to receive current supply, an FPC is not required to provide current. This eliminates the need for space to accommodate the folding FPC, resulting in a smaller lens module size. Furthermore, 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-described implementation of the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably contacted by a bearing with the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit to receive current supply.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment provides movable contact by having a conductive member disposed on the movable unit movably contact a second conductive member via a bearing.

[0017] According to any suitable implementation of the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit includes a conductive plate; the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit includes a conductive guide shaft, wherein the conductive guide shaft can be coupled to a power source; 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 movable units reduces the number of components, thereby reducing the size of the lens module.

[0019] According to any suitable implementation of the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate; the conductive member 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 the 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 conductive material; the second conductive plate is movably in contact with the second guide shaft through a second bearing made of conductive material.

[0020] The conductive plate movably contacts the guide shaft via a bearing, providing an advantageous embodiment of movable contact. Many lens modules include guide shafts. Using existing guide shafts to provide current to movable units reduces the number of components, thereby reducing the size of the lens module.

[0021] According to any suitable implementation of the first aspect described above, in one 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 disposed on the movable unit and a magnet disposed 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.

[0022] According to any suitable implementation of the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable unit includes a bracket; a first guide shaft is inserted into a first bearing disposed in a first opening of the bracket, wherein the inner diameter of the first bearing substantially matches the outer diameter of the first guide shaft; a second guide shaft is inserted into a second bearing disposed in a second opening of the bracket, wherein the inner diameter of the second bearing substantially matches the outer diameter of the second guide shaft.

[0023] According to any suitable implementation of the above-described implementation of the first aspect, in one 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-described implementation of the first aspect, in one 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] Using conductive grease can make current conduction between bearings and guide shafts more reliable. While conductive grease itself is known, it is typically used to discharge static electricity. The inventors of this application realized that this conductive grease can be used to provide current.

[0026] According to any suitable implementation of the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate; the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit includes 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 by a non-conductive connector; 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 through a first bearing made of conductive material; the second conductive plate is movably in contact with the second portion through a second bearing made of conductive material.

[0027] The conductive plate movably contacts various parts of the guide shaft via bearings, providing an advantageous embodiment of movable contact. Many lens modules include guide shafts. Using existing guide shafts to provide current to movable units reduces the number of components, thereby reducing the size of the lens module.

[0028] Furthermore, when compared to embodiments that use two axially movable guide units to provide current, arranging the current-providing component around a single guide shaft can further reduce the size of the actuator and simplify the actuator.

[0029] According to any suitable implementation of the first aspect described above, in one 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 disposed on the movable unit and a magnet disposed 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.

[0030] According to any suitable implementation of the above-described implementation of the first aspect, in one 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 disposed in the first opening of the bracket and the second bearing disposed in the second opening of the bracket, wherein the inner diameter of the first bearing and the inner diameter of the second bearing substantially match the outer diameter of the first guide shaft.

[0031] According to any suitable implementation of the above-described implementation of the first aspect, in one 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-described implementation of the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the gap between the first bearing and the first portion of the first guide shaft and / or the gap between the second bearing and the second portion of the first guide shaft is filled with conductive grease.

[0033] Using conductive grease can make current conduction between bearings and guide shafts more reliable. While conductive grease itself is known, it is typically used to discharge static electricity. The inventors of this application realized that this conductive grease can be used to provide current.

[0034] According to any suitable implementation of the above-described implementation of the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the conductive member disposed on the movable unit includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate; the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit includes a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern disposed 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 movable contact between the conductive plate and the conductive pattern provides an advantageous embodiment of movable contact. Furthermore, this embodiment eliminates the bearings found in the first and second embodiments, further simplifying the actuator. Moreover, since the FPC is not required to provide current, no space is needed to accommodate the foldable FPC, resulting in a smaller lens module size. Additionally, the efficiency of the driving force is not reduced because the reaction force of the FPC does not cause a loss of driving force.

[0036] According to any suitable implementation of the above-described implementation of the first aspect, in one 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 disposed on the movable unit and a magnet disposed 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-described implementation of the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are disposed in a flexible printed circuit (FPC) that is substantially inflexible and attached to the fixed unit.

[0038] According to any suitable implementation of the above-described implementation of the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the end of the first conductive plate that is movably in contact with the first conductive pattern and / or the end of the second conductive plate that is movably in contact with the second conductive pattern is brush-shaped.

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

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

[0041] According to any suitable implementation of the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable unit includes a lens group and a lens frame that houses the lens group, the lens group including 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 first aspect described above, in one possible implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable unit includes a lens group and a lens frame that houses the lens group, the lens group including one or more lenses, the movable unit being driven along a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens group, and the lens frame being integral with the support.

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

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

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

[0046] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method is provided for driving an actuator comprising 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. The method includes: supplying 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 the interaction generated between the movable unit and the fixed unit due to the supply of current to the movable unit.

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

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

[0049] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, an assembly is provided comprising a mechanism for supplying current from a fixed unit to a movable 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.

[0050] Various features, including those described above for the lens module, also apply to the method embodiments. They will not be repeated here. Since the advantages of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, they will not be repeated here for simplicity. Attached Figure Description

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

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

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

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

[0055] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the conductive grease being applied;

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

[0057] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for driving an actuator including a movable unit and a fixed unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

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

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

[0060] Camera modules typically include one or more movable lens groups for focusing or zooming. Focusing is achieved by moving the lens group to change its distance from the image sensor. Zooming is achieved by moving one or more other lenses relative to one or more lenses in the lens group to change the focal length of the lens group. Movement of the lenses or lens groups is generally achieved using actuators.

[0061] One known actuator includes a linear motor comprising a fixed unit and a movable unit, wherein electromagnetic interaction between a coil and a magnet in the linear motor drives the movable unit to move. Such actuators come in two types, depending on whether the electrical component requiring current (e.g., a coil) is mounted on the fixed unit or the movable unit. A design with the coil mounted on the movable unit can be called a moving-coil design, while a design with the coil mounted on the fixed unit can be called a moving-magnet design.

[0062] The advantage of a moving-coil design is that it reduces the weight of the movable unit, since the coil is typically lighter than a magnet. On the other hand, a moving-coil design requires some mechanism to supply current to the movable unit.

[0063] In recent years, with the emergence of smaller camera modules, there has been a demand for smaller actuators. Furthermore, as telephoto lenses have become standard, there is a desire for movable lens assemblies with longer travel. Longer travel is also needed to achieve a greater focal length range or zoom ratio.

[0064] Embodiments that provide current via leaf springs may not be suitable for long strokes. Embodiments that provide current via flexible printed circuit (FPC) may present the following problems: (i) the size of the camera module increases in order to provide space to accommodate the folded FPC; (ii) the reaction force of the FPC causes a loss of actuator driving force (i.e., reduced efficiency); and (iii) assembly complexity increases (i.e., reduced assemblability).

[0065] The object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for supplying current to a movable component in order to solve one or more of the above-mentioned 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 (e.g., a coil disposed on the movable unit), resulting in an interaction (e.g., electromagnetic interaction) between the movable unit and the fixed unit. A conductive member (e.g., a conductive plate) disposed on the movable unit movably contacts a conductive member (e.g., a guide shaft or conductive pattern) fixed on the fixed unit to receive the 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 in contact with a conductive member fixed on the fixed unit to receive the current supply.

[0068] The present invention can also provide a method for driving an actuator comprising a movable unit and a fixed unit. A conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably contacted with a conductive member fixed on the fixed unit. The method includes: supplying 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 an interaction (e.g., electromagnetic interaction) generated between the movable unit and the fixed unit (e.g., a magnet disposed on the fixed unit) caused by supplying current to the movable unit (e.g., a coil disposed on the movable unit).

[0069] Because the conductive components on the movable unit can movably contact the conductive components fixed on the fixed unit to receive current supply, an FPC is not required to provide current. This eliminates the need for space to accommodate the folding FPC, resulting in a smaller lens module size. Furthermore, 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 This is a schematic diagram of the lens module provided in the first embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, coil 104 is disposed around the first guide shaft 105, but this is not limiting. With coil 104 as shown, a semi-cylindrical permanent magnet can be disposed on the fixed unit. The semi-cylindrical magnet can be positioned such that its inner surface faces the outer surface of the cylindrical shape of the coil. The inner surface of the semi-cylindrical magnet can have one polarity (e.g., S pole or N pole), while the outer surface can have the 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 coil 104. It should be noted that the shape and arrangement of the coil and magnet are not limited to this. Other shapes and arrangements are also possible. For example, one or more circular coils can be disposed on a movable unit. In some embodiments, the yoke can be provided with a magnet to enhance electromagnetic interaction.

[0074] Lens frame 102 houses lens 101 or lens group. Lens frame 102 is mounted on bracket 103. Although lens frame 102 and bracket 103 are separate in the illustrated embodiment, they can be an integrated component. Separating lens frame 102 and bracket 103 facilitates adjustment of the lens or lens group's displacement and tilt.

[0075] In the example shown, the bracket 103 has a first opening for inserting a first guide shaft 105 and a second opening for inserting a second guide shaft 106.

[0076] To supply current to the movable unit, a conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably in contact with a 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 the power supply, and the second guide shaft 106 can be coupled to an electrode of a second polarity of the power supply. In this embodiment, the first and second guide shafts 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 used to guide the linear movement of the movable unit is also used to supply current to the movable unit. Since many lens modules include this type of guide shaft, the number of parts used to supply current is reduced, and the size is reduced.

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

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

[0080] When the first guide shaft 105 and the second guide shaft 106 are connected to the positive and negative terminals (or negative and positive terminals) of a power supply respectively in any known manner, 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 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] Using conductive grease can make current conduction between bearings and guide shafts more reliable. In products using bearings and guide shafts, there is usually a small gap (void) between the inner surface of the bearing and the outer surface of the guide shaft to achieve smooth sliding. Furthermore, the surfaces of the bearings and guide shafts may have some roughness due to machining. These factors can limit the actual contact between the bearings and guide shafts to some extent, which may be undesirable when such bearings and guide shafts are used for electrical conduction. Moreover, when driving movable units to perform operations such as focusing or zooming of the lens module, the contact state constantly changes due to the constantly changing camera pose and actuator driving force. This poses a problem for the electrical conductivity safety between the bearings and guide shafts. To solve this problem, conductive grease is applied between the bearings and guide shafts. The conductive grease fills the tiny gap between the bearings and guide shafts, enabling electrical conduction even when the bearings and guide shafts are not in direct contact.

[0083] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The illustration shows the application of conductive grease into a tiny gap at the movable contact between the guide shaft and the bearing. This gap may be due to surface roughness of these components, as well as intentionally placed small voids. The bearing is coupled to a conductive plate, which in turn is mounted on a support (e.g., via injection molding).

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

[0085] While conductive grease is known, it is typically used to discharge static electricity or prevent mechanical wear. The inventors of this application recognized that such conductive grease could be used to provide current to improve the conductivity of movable contacts.

[0086] Second Embodiment

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

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

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

[0090] Lens frame 202 houses the lens or lens assembly 201. Lens frame 202 is mounted on bracket 203. Although the lens frame 202 and bracket 203 are separate in the illustrated embodiment, they can be an integrated component. Separating the lens frame 202 and bracket 203 facilitates adjustment of the lens or lens assembly's displacement and tilt.

[0091] In the example shown, the bracket 203 has a first opening for inserting a first guide shaft and a second opening for inserting a second guide shaft.

[0092] Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the second guide shaft 207 is not essential for supplying 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 connector 212 (e.g., Figure 2C (As shown).

[0093] To supply current to the movable unit, a conductive member disposed on the movable unit movably contacts a conductive member fixed to 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 follows...) Figure 2B(As shown in the rear view.) The conductive component fixed to the fixing unit includes a first portion 205 and a second portion 206 of a first guide shaft, wherein the first portion 205 can be coupled to an electrode of a first polarity of the power supply, and the second portion 206 can be coupled to an electrode of a second polarity of the power supply. 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 disposed on the bracket 203 by injection molding. The conductive component fixed to the fixing unit can be directly or indirectly fixed to the fixing unit in the actuator.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the first guide shaft used to guide 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 used to supply current is reduced, and the size is decreased. Furthermore, compared to the first embodiment, the component used to supply current is disposed around one of the two guide shafts, which further reduces the size and simplifies the actuator.

[0095] To enable the movable unit to move smoothly along the guide shaft while maintaining electrical contact, a first conductive plate 210 is movably contacted with a first portion 205 of the first guide shaft via a first bearing 208 made of a conductive material (e.g., metal), and a second conductive plate 211 is movably contacted with a second portion 206 of the first guide shaft via a second bearing 209 made of a conductive material. The movable contact of the conductive plates with the respective portions of the first guide shaft via bearings provides an advantageous embodiment of movable contact. In some embodiments, the first bearing 208 and the second bearing 209 have openings for insertion into 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 coil 204 (e.g., by welding) is coupled to a first conductive plate 210, and a second end of coil 204 (e.g., by welding) is coupled to a second conductive plate 211. The current path starts from one electrode of the power supply, passes through a first portion 205 of the first guide shaft, a first bearing 208, a first conductive plate 210, coil 204, a second conductive plate 211, a second bearing 209, and a second portion 206 of the first guide shaft, and finally reaches the other electrode of the power supply.

[0097] When the first portion 205 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, further details are omitted 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 are filled with conductive grease.

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

[0100] Third Embodiment

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

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

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

[0104] Lens frame 302 houses the lens or lens assembly 301. Lens frame 302 is mounted on bracket 303. Although the lens frame 302 and bracket 303 are separate in the illustrated embodiment, they can be an integrated component. Separating the lens frame 302 and bracket 303 facilitates adjustment of the lens or lens assembly's displacement and tilt.

[0105] In the example shown, the bracket 303 has a first opening for inserting a first guide shaft 305 and a second opening for inserting a second guide shaft 306.

[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 disposed on the fixed unit.

[0107] To supply current to the movable unit, a conductive member disposed on the movable unit movably contacts a conductive member fixed to 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 follows...) Figure 3B (As shown in the rear view.) 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 disposed on the bracket 303 by injection molding. The conductive components fixed on the fixing unit can be directly or not directly fixed to the fixing unit in the actuator.

[0108] The conductive component fixed on the fixed unit includes a first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diagram shows that the first and second conductive patterns are disposed on the FPC 309. However, this is not limiting. The first and second conductive patterns can be metal traces on a circuit board or metal traces on any other component. Even if the first and second conductive patterns are disposed on the FPC 309, the FPC 309 is not necessarily flexible; the FPC 309 can be non-flexibly mounted on a mounting unit (e.g., mounted on the housing of a mounting unit in an actuator). Therefore, as with the first and second embodiments described above, the lens module in the third embodiment does not require space to accommodate the 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. Furthermore, this embodiment omits the bearings found in the first and second embodiments, further simplifying the actuator.

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

[0111] In some embodiments, a first end of coil 304 is coupled to a first conductive plate 307 (e.g., by welding), and a second end of coil 304 is coupled to a 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, 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 and second conductive patterns are connected to a power source, current flows through the coil, thereby generating an electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet. This allows the support to be driven along the direction of the guide axis (i.e., the direction of the optical axis). For simplicity, this will not be elaborated further 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 may include a lens module and an image sensor. Light transmitted through the lens module can be detected by the image sensor and stored in a storage device.

[0115] An electronic device, such as a smartphone or mobile phone, can be provided that includes this camera module. The miniaturized lens module provided by this invention is advantageous for use in portable electronic devices such as smartphones or mobile phones. Figure 5 A portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, is shown in conjunction with any embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Embodiments 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: supplying current from a power source electrically coupled to the fixed unit to the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit. In step 620, the method further includes: conducting 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 further includes: driving the movable unit by an interaction (e.g., electromagnetic interaction) generated between the movable unit and the fixed unit (e.g., a magnet disposed on the fixed unit) through the supply of current to the movable unit (e.g., a coil disposed on the movable unit). It should be noted that the steps of the method described above may be more or fewer than those illustrated. Various features, including those described above for the lens module, are also applicable to the method embodiments. These will not be repeated here.

[0117] While various embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described or illustrated. Features described for one embodiment of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with features described for other embodiments of the invention, unless such combination is impossible or expressly excluded. Those skilled in the art will recognize other objects or advantages besides those described above.

[0118] The unit division disclosed in the embodiments of this application is not limiting, and other component divisions may be configured in various embodiments.

[0119] Where appropriate, some functions (e.g., controlling the movement of a lens or lens assembly) can be implemented in the form of a computer program so that a processor or computing device performs one or more functions. For example, various signal processing and control functions can be implemented as computer programs. Computer programs can be embodied on non-transitory computer-readable storage media. The storage medium can be any medium capable of storing a computer program, and can be solid-state storage such as a USB drive, flash drive, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), etc.; magnetic storage media such as removable or non-removable hard disks; or optical storage media such as optical discs.

[0120] The above description merely illustrates various embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any variations that can be readily conceived by those skilled in the art based on this invention are within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A lens module, characterized in that, The lens module includes a movable unit and a fixed unit in the actuator, wherein... The actuator is used to drive the movable unit by providing current to the movable unit, which generates an interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit; The conductive component disposed on the movable unit can movably contact the conductive component fixed on the fixed unit to receive the current supply; The conductive component 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 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 by a non-conductive connector. 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 conductive material; The second conductive plate is movably in contact with the second portion via a second bearing made of conductive material.

2. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit is an electromagnetic interaction between a coil disposed on the movable unit and a magnet disposed 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 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.

3. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable unit includes a support frame; 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, wherein the inner diameter of the first bearing and the inner diameter of the second bearing are substantially matched with the outer diameter of the first guide shaft.

4. The lens module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first conductive plate and the second conductive plate are mounted on the bracket by injection molding.

5. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gap between the first bearing and the first portion of the first guide shaft and / or the gap between the second bearing and the second portion of the first guide shaft are filled with conductive grease.

6. The lens module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The movable unit includes a lens assembly and a lens frame that houses the lens assembly. The lens assembly includes one or more lenses, and the movable unit is driven along a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens assembly.

7. The lens module according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The movable unit includes a lens assembly and a lens frame that houses the lens assembly. The lens assembly includes one or more lenses. The movable unit is driven along a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens assembly. The lens frame is integral with the support.

8. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module includes an image sensor and a lens module according to claim 6.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes the camera module according to claim 8.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electronic device is a smartphone or mobile phone.

11. A method for driving a lens module, characterized in that, The lens module includes a movable unit and a fixed unit in the actuator, wherein a conductive member disposed on the movable unit is movably in contact with a conductive member fixed on the fixed unit, and the method includes: Current is supplied from the power source connected to the fixed unit to the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit; The current is conducted from the conductive member fixed on the fixed unit to the conductive member disposed on the movable unit through a movable contact; The movable unit is driven by the interaction generated between the movable unit and the fixed unit through the supply of current to the movable unit; The conductive component 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 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 by a non-conductive connector. 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 conductive material; The second conductive plate is movably in contact with the second portion via a second bearing made of conductive material.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The interaction between the movable unit and the fixed unit is an electromagnetic interaction between a coil disposed on the movable unit and a magnet disposed on the fixed unit.

13. A component for supplying current to a movable unit in a lens module, characterized in that, The component includes a mechanism for supplying current from the fixed unit to the movable unit, and the lens module includes the movable unit and the fixed unit in the actuator; The conductive component disposed on the movable unit can movably contact the conductive component fixed on the fixed unit to receive the current supply; The conductive component 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 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 by a non-conductive connector. 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 conductive material; The second conductive plate is movably in contact with the second portion via a second bearing made of conductive material.

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