Variable aperture device and camera module

Abstract

The invention provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, the variable aperture device comprises at least one stator and at least one mover, and the mover is movably assembled on the stator; the at least one driving assembly is used for driving the rotor to do axial or linear motion relative to the stator; the motor comprises a stator, a rotor and a plurality of adjusting assemblies, the adjusting assemblies define at least one light through hole, the adjusting assemblies are adjustably installed on the stator and the rotor, and along with the relative movement of the rotor relative to the stator, the relative positions of the adjusting assemblies are driven to change so as to define the size of the light through hole; the stator and the rotor are correspondingly provided with at least two sets of ball grooves, at least two balls are assembled in the ball grooves respectively, and the surface of the inner wall of at least one ball groove extends along the angle inclined to the optical axis and abuts against the at least one ball. The surface of the inner wall of at least one of the rest ball grooves extends in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and parallel to the optical axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of camera modules, and more specifically to a variable aperture device and a camera module. Background Art

[0002] The camera module is an important part of smart devices, and its use experience greatly affects the user experience of using smart devices. As a part of the camera module, the design of the aperture has an important impact on the user experience of the camera module. In order to meet higher shooting requirements, variable aperture devices are becoming more and more widely used. The shooting environment of electronic devices equipped with camera modules is diverse and changeable, and the shooting requirements are redundant. For example, when the light is strong, a deeper depth of field and a sharper picture can be obtained by reducing the aperture. When the light is insufficient, a pure picture with higher exposure and lower noise can be obtained by increasing the aperture.

[0003] In order to adjust the size of the aperture, the aperture device is usually equipped with a drive and blades. Multiple blades surround a light entrance hole that can be changed in size. The blades are driven to control the movement of the blades to change the size of the light entrance hole, thereby adjusting the amount of light entering. Therefore, the blades are configured to be movable. The movability of the blades can lead to uncontrolled activities, such as unspecified shaking, opening and closing, etc., resulting in deviations in the aperture size adjustment and abnormal noises inside.

[0004] Generally, the variable aperture device includes a stator and a mover, which cooperate with each other to drive the blades installed on the stator and the mover to move and adjust the aperture size. A ball is arranged between the stator and the mover to reduce the friction between the stator and the mover. The stator and the mover are respectively designed with a receiving space for the ball. Since the stator and the mover have manufacturing tolerances, and in order to realize the assembly of the ball, there will be a certain gap after the ball is placed in the receiving space. This gap will cause the ball to produce uncontrolled movement, and then cause the blade to produce random movement, which will cause problems in adjusting the aperture size of the variable aperture device, the blades to shake, the opening and closing to be unstable, and abnormal noises to be generated inside, etc., affecting the user experience of the product. Summary of the invention

[0005] One advantage of the present application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, wherein the variable aperture device achieves higher stability through simple structural improvements.

[0006] One advantage of the present application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module. The variable aperture device maintains the relative stability of the mover and the stator by compensating for the ball gap, thereby avoiding random movement of the mover.

[0007] One advantage of the present application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, in which the mover and the stator stably clamp the ball to prevent the adjustment member from shaking randomly and affecting the aperture size adjustment.

[0008] One advantage of the present application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, wherein the balls of the variable aperture device are in oblique contact with at least one movable space accommodating the balls, thereby filling the gaps between the balls and improving stability.

[0009] One advantage of the present application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module. The driving force of the ball that causes the mover to perform gap compensation movement due to oblique contact can compensate for the ball gap in other movable spaces through linear movement, thereby improving stability.

[0010] One advantage of the present application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, and improves the design of the existing ball groove so that at least one ball is subjected to an oblique force, thereby generating a driving force that prompts the mover to perform a gap compensation movement.

[0011] One advantage of the present application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, and sets an inclined surface for at least one of at least one first ball groove and at least one second ball groove that define at least one movable space, so that at least one ball placed in the at least one movable space abuts against the inclined surface.

[0012] One advantage of the present application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, wherein the movable space includes a first movable space and a second movable space distributed on both sides of the optical axis L, the balls in the second movable space abut against the inclined surface, and the balls in the first movable space abut against the first movable space along the axial and radial directions, so that the balls on one side are subjected to oblique force, causing the mover to move to compensate for the ball gap on the other side.

[0013] One advantage of the present application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, in which the balls on one side of the optical axis L are subjected to oblique force, so that after the ball gap on the other side is compensated, the balls can be stably clamped and will not rotate around the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L, further improving stability.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present application, the present application provides a variable aperture device, comprising:

[0015] at least one stator and at least one mover, the mover being movably mounted on the stator;

[0016] At least one driving assembly is used to drive the mover to perform axial or linear motion relative to the stator; and

[0017] A plurality of adjusting members, each of which defines at least one light-through hole, and is adjustably mounted on the stator and the mover. As the mover moves relative to the stator, the relative position of the adjusting member changes, thereby defining the size of the light-through hole;

[0018] The stator and the mover are correspondingly provided with at least two groups of ball grooves, at least two balls are respectively assembled in the ball grooves, the inner wall surface of at least one of the ball grooves extends along an angle inclined to the optical axis and abuts against the at least one ball, and the inner wall surface of at least one other ball groove extends along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and parallel to the optical axis.

[0019] According to an example of the present application, at least two groups of the ball grooves corresponding to the stator and the mover are distributed on two opposite sides of the optical axis, and the inner wall surfaces of the ball grooves on both sides respectively define at least one first movable space and at least one second movable space, wherein the inner wall surface defining the first movable space extends in a direction perpendicular to and parallel to the optical axis, and the inner wall surface defining the second movable space has at least one inclined surface, and the inclined surface extends obliquely relative to the optical axis.

[0020] According to an example of the present application, the axial cross-sectional shapes defining the first movable space are all straight edges, and the axial cross-sectional shapes defining the second movable space have at least one oblique edge.

[0021] According to an example of the present application, the inclined surface is provided on the mover.

[0022] According to an example of the present application, the ball located in the second movable space abuts against the inclined surface to produce at least one oblique force point, and the ball is subjected to oblique force to generate at least one driving force, and the driving force prompts the mover to perform a gap compensation movement to compensate for the gap in the first movable space.

[0023] According to an example of the present application, the gap compensation motion is a linear motion of the mover along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0024] According to an example of the present application, the direction of the driving force is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first movable space and the second movable space distributed on opposite sides of the optical axis, so as to point from one of the first movable space and the second movable space to the other, and the direction of the driving force is perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0025] According to an example of the present application, after the gap of the first movable space is compensated, the ball disposed in the first movable space abuts against the inner wall surface defining the first movable space in directions perpendicular to the optical axis and parallel to the optical axis.

[0026] According to an example of the present application, the driving force comes from the axial force between the mover and the stator. When the axial force is generated between the mover and the stator, the ball is subjected to oblique force to generate a first force component and a second force component that are perpendicular to each other, wherein the second force component is the driving force.

[0027] According to an example of the present application, the axial force is a magnetic attraction force, and the variable aperture device includes a magnet and a magnetic attraction element distributed in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the magnet and the magnetic attraction element interact with each other to generate the magnetic attraction force.

[0028] According to an example of the present application, the inclined surface is provided on the mover, the magnet is provided on the mover, and the magnetic attraction element is provided in an axially downward direction of the magnet.

[0029] According to an example of the present application, the direction of the magnetic attraction force is axially from the mover to the stator, and the first component force generated by the oblique force on the ball placed in the second movable space is axially directed from the stator to the mover to support the mover, and the second component force is perpendicular to the optical axis to cause the mover to move linearly.

[0030] According to an example of the present application, the stator is provided with at least two first ball grooves, which are distributed on opposite sides of the optical axis, the first ball groove has at least one first axial surface and at least one first radial surface, the first axial surface extends radially along the stator to limit the space of the first ball groove in at least one axial direction, and the first radial surface extends axially along the stator to limit the space of the first ball groove in at least one radial direction.

[0031] According to an example of the present application, the first ball groove has at least two first circumferential surfaces, each of which extends axially and radially on the stator, and at least two first circumferential surfaces are relatively distributed circumferentially on the stator to limit the circumferential distance of the first ball groove.

[0032] According to an example of the present application, the mover is provided with at least two second ball grooves, which are distributed on opposite sides of the optical axis, the second ball grooves having at least one second axial surface and at least one second radial surface, the second axial surface extends radially along the mover to limit the space of the second ball groove in at least one axial direction, and the second radial surface extends axially along the mover to limit the space of the second ball groove in at least one radial direction.

[0033] According to an example of the present application, the second ball groove has at least two second circumferential surfaces, which extend axially and radially on the mover, and at least two of the second axial surfaces are relatively distributed circumferentially to limit the circumferential distance of the second ball groove.

[0034] According to an example of the present application, the second ball groove defining the second movable space has at least one inclined surface.

[0035] According to one example of the present application, at least one of the first axial surfaces, at least one of the first radial surfaces, at least one of the second axial surfaces and at least one of the second radial surfaces define the first movable space, and the ball located in the first movable space is suitable for abutting against the inner wall surface of the first movable space along the axial and radial directions.

[0036] According to an example of the present application, at least one of the first axial surfaces, at least one of the first radial surfaces, at least one of the inclined surfaces, at least one of the second axial surfaces, and at least one of the second radial surfaces define at least one of the second movable spaces, and the balls located in the second movable space abut against the inclined surfaces.

[0037] According to an example of the present application, the inclined surface connects the second axial surface and the second radial surface, and there is a gap between the ball located in the second movable space and the second radial surface.

[0038] According to an example of the present application, the circumferential distance of one of the first ball groove and the second ball groove relatively arranged in the stator and the mover is suitable for the rolling of the balls, and the circumferential distance of the other is suitable for the relative sliding of the balls.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present application, the present application provides a camera module, including:

[0040] The variable aperture device, the amount of light entering the camera module is adjusted by the variable aperture device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1A It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an embodiment of a variable aperture device according to the present application.

[0042] Figure 1B 1 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a variable aperture device according to the present application, showing a state before gap compensation.

[0043] Figure 1C FIG. 1 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a variable aperture device according to the present application, showing a state after gap compensation.

[0044] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of an embodiment of a variable aperture device according to the present application.

[0045] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram of a stator and a partial enlargement thereof according to an embodiment of a variable aperture device of the present application.

[0046] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a mover according to an embodiment of a variable aperture device of the present application.

[0047] Figure 5 It is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a mover according to an embodiment of a variable aperture device of the present application.

[0048] Fig. 6A yes Figure 1A Sectional view along line AA'.

[0049] Figure 6B is another cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of a variable aperture device according to the present application.

[0050] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the variable aperture device according to the present application.

[0051] Fig. 8A It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal structure of another embodiment of the variable aperture device according to the present application.

[0052] Figure 8B It is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a stator of another embodiment of a variable aperture device according to the present application.

[0053] Fig.9A It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a mover according to another embodiment of the variable aperture device of the present application.

[0054] Fig. 9B It is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a mover according to another embodiment of the variable aperture device of the present application.

[0055] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along line BB'.

[0056] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of an implementation of the magnetic attraction force of the variable aperture device according to the present application.

[0057] Fig.12 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram from another angle of an embodiment of a variable aperture device according to the present application.

[0058] Fig.13 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an embodiment of a variable aperture device according to the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The following description is used to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention. The preferred embodiments described below are only examples, and those skilled in the art can think of other obvious variations. The basic principles of the present invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, variations, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0060] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of the present invention, the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0061] It is to be understood that the term "one" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element may be multiple, and the term "one" should not be understood as a limitation on the quantity.

[0062] The present application provides a variable aperture device, combined with Figure 1A and Figure 2 , the variable aperture device includes a housing 10, a stator 20, a mover 30, a driving assembly 40 and an adjusting assembly 50, wherein the mover is movably mounted on the stator 20, the housing 20 is mounted on the stator 20, and the driving assembly 40 drives the mover 30 to move relative to the stator 20. The adjusting assembly 50 is adjustably mounted on the mover 30, the stator 20 and / or the stator 20 and the mover assembly 30, and the adjusting assembly 50 defines at least one light-through hole 500. The driving assembly 40 drives the mover 30 to move relative to the stator 20, thereby driving the adjusting assembly 50 to adjust the size of the light-through hole 500 to achieve variable aperture adjustment. The variable aperture device has an optical axis L defined by the central axis of the light-through hole 500.

[0063] The mover 30 rotates around the optical axis L, that is, moves in the circumferential direction, so as to drive the adjustment component 50 to adjust the size of the light-through hole 500 .

[0064] The adjustment assembly 50 includes a plurality of adjustment members 51 , each of which is mounted on the stator 20 and the mover 30 and defines an adjustable light-through hole 500 . Each of the adjustment members is driven by the movement of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20 , thereby adjusting the size of the light-through hole 500 .

[0065] The driving assembly 40 includes a ball 41, which is disposed between the stator 20 and the mover 30. The mover 30 moves relative to the stator 20 with the assistance of the ball 41. The ball 41 rolls to assist the mover 30 in moving.

[0066] By providing the ball bearings 41, the friction between the mover 30 and the stator 20 is reduced, and the driving force required for the mover 30 to move relative to the stator 20 is reduced, which is beneficial to reducing the volume of the drive assembly 40, reducing power consumption, and miniaturizing the variable aperture device.

[0067] The variable aperture device defines a movable space 410 , and the ball 41 is received in the movable space 410 and moves in the movable space 410 , thereby assisting the movement of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20 .

[0068] The implementation method of the variable aperture device to achieve aperture adjustment is schematically described. The driving assembly 40 generates power to push the mover 30 to move relative to the stator 20, so as to prompt the adjustment assembly 50 to adjust the size of the light hole 500. The ball 41 rolls to assist the mover 30 to rotate relative to the stator to perform aperture adjustment movement, thereby driving the various adjustment members 51 of the adjustment assembly 50 to move.

[0069] Reference Figure 1B and Figure 1C As briefly shown in FIG. 1 , the stator 20 and the mover 30 are provided with ball grooves correspondingly, wherein the stator 20 is provided with a first ball groove 240, and the mover 30 is provided with a second ball groove 340. The first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 cooperate to define a movable space 410 suitable for receiving and moving the ball 41. The ball 41 is movably installed in the movable space 410. In order to facilitate the installation of the ball 41 to the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 defining the movable space 410, there is a gap between the ball 41 and the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340, that is, there is a gap between the ball 41 and the inner wall surface defining the movable space 410, which makes it possible for the ball 41 to produce uncontrolled movement with the stator 20 and the mover 30. When the variable aperture device is working, the mover 30 needs to be driven to move in a specific direction. Usually, the mover 30 rotates around the optical axis L to adjust the aperture size. When the ball 41 assists the movement of the mover 30, it also needs to move in a specific direction, such as circumferentially. The aforementioned gap will cause the ball 41 to move in an uncontrolled direction, causing the mover 30 to move randomly relative to the stator 20, and then causing the adjustment component 50 to move randomly, affecting the user experience of the variable aperture device. If the gap is distributed along the radial direction, the ball 41 may produce random movement along the radial direction, causing the mover 30 to move randomly along the radial direction, and then causing the adjustment member 51 to shake or open and close, produce abnormal noise, etc.

[0070] For example, when assembling the variable aperture device, the ball 41 is assembled in the first ball groove 240 of the stator 20, and then the mover 30 is assembled in the stator 20. The ball 41 rolls in the first ball groove 240, the second ball groove 340 slides relative to the ball 41, and the mover 30 rotates relative to the stator 20. In order to achieve the first ball groove 240 to accommodate the ball 41, there is a certain gap between the first ball groove 240 and the ball 41, so the ball 41 may produce a deviation in the direction of movement when rolling, thereby driving the mover 30 to move randomly. Therefore, it is necessary to use technical means to compensate for the gap to avoid random movement of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20.

[0071] The inner wall surface defining at least one of the at least one first ball groove 240 and the at least one second ball groove 340 is provided with at least one inclined surface S, and the inclined surface S extends along an angle inclined to the optical axis L so as to be inclined relative to the optical axis L. The inclined surface S fills at least part of the gap and generates an oblique force point with the ball 41. The oblique force is decomposed to generate a first component force and a second component force perpendicular to each other. The first component force can be used as a supporting force, and the second component force can be used as a driving force to prompt the mover 30 to perform a gap compensation movement, so that the mover 30 and the stator 20 after the gap compensation remain relatively stable, so as to avoid the mover 30 from having an uncontrolled random movement relative to the stator 20. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the design of the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340.

[0072] The stator 20 is provided with at least two first ball grooves 240. The inner wall surface defining the first ball groove 240 has at least one first axial surface 2401, at least one first radial surface 2402 and at least two first circumferential surfaces 2403. The first axial surface 2401 extends radially in the stator 20, defining the space and shape of the first ball groove 240 in at least one axial direction; the first radial surface 2402 extends axially in the stator 20, defining the space and shape of the first ball groove 240 in at least one radial direction; at least two first circumferential surfaces 2403 are formed at both ends of the first axial surface 2401 and the first radial surface 2402, and the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the first ball groove 240 is defined between the at least two first circumferential surfaces 2403.

[0073] The mover 30 is provided with at least two second ball grooves 340. The inner wall surface defining the second ball groove 340 has at least one second axial surface 3401, at least one second radial surface 3402 and at least two second circumferential surfaces 3403. The second axial surface 3401 extends radially in the stator 20, defining the space and shape of the second ball groove 340 in at least one axial direction; the second radial surface 3402 extends axially in the stator 20, defining the space and shape of the second ball groove 340 in at least one radial direction; at least two second circumferential surfaces 3403 are formed at both ends of the second axial surface 3401 and the second radial surface 3402, and the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the second ball groove 340 is defined between the at least two second circumferential surfaces 3403.

[0074] The axial direction refers to a direction parallel to the optical axis L, and the radial direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L. The circumferential direction and the radial direction intersect and are perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0075] After the stator 20 and the mover 30 are assembled together, the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 cooperate with each other, and the inner wall surfaces of the two define the movable space 410. The first axial surface 2401, the first radial surface 2402, the second axial surface 3401, and the second radial surface 3402 surround the axial cross-sectional shape defining the movable space 410.

[0076] When the first axial surface 2401 and the first radial surface 2402 are perpendicular to each other, and the second axial surface 3401 and the second radial surface 3402 are perpendicular to each other, the edges of the axial cross-section shape defining the movable space 410 are all straight edges. If the edges of the axial cross-section of the movable space 410 between the stator 20 and the mover 30 are straight edges, there is a movement gap in the balls 41 therein, and the mover 30 is prone to random movement relative to the stator 20. Therefore, at least one of the ball grooves is improved and designed so that at least one ball groove has an inclined surface S, so that at least one ball 41 is obliquely stressed to generate a driving force for pushing the mover 30 to compensate for the movement gap, thereby compensating for the gap, maintaining the relative stability of the mover 30 and the stator 20, and avoiding random movement of the mover 30.

[0077] An implementation scheme of designing the inclined surface S in the ball groove is schematically as designing at least one inclined surface S between at least one axial surface and at least one radial surface, or replacing at least one radial surface with at least one inclined surface S, or replacing at least one axial surface with at least one inclined surface S.

[0078] The ball groove may be at least one first ball groove 240 and / or at least one second ball groove 340. The inclined surface S extends along an angle inclined relative to the optical axis L, so that the axial cross section defined by the inclined surface S forms a hypotenuse inclined relative to the optical axis L.

[0079] Preferably, at least one inclined surface S is provided on at least one ball groove on one side of the optical axis L, and at least one ball groove on the other side opposite to the optical axis L maintains a straight edge design, so that after the at least one ball 41 on one side of the optical axis L is subjected to an oblique force to prompt the mover 30 to perform a gap compensation movement, the stability of the at least one ball 41 on the other side of the optical axis L after being clamped by the stator 20 and the mover 30 is maintained, thereby maintaining the relative stability of the stator 20 and the mover 30.

[0080] It is understandable that the number of the balls is two or more so as to distribute the light on opposite sides of the optical axis.

[0081] like Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown, the variable aperture device is defined by at least one first movable space 4101 and at least one second movable space 4102 . The first movable space 4101 and the second movable space 4102 are distributed on two opposite sides of the optical axis L. At least one inclined surface S is provided in the second movable space 4102 .

[0082] Among them, at least one first axial surface 2401, at least one first radial surface 2402, at least one second axial surface 3401 and at least one second radial surface 3402 define at least one first movable space 4101, and the axial cross-sectional shape of at least one first movable space 4101 is a straight edge; at least one first axial surface 2401, at least one first radial surface 2402, at least one inclined surface S, at least one second axial surface 3401 and at least one second radial surface 3402 define at least one second movable space 4102, and the axial cross-sectional shape of at least one second movable space 4102 has at least one oblique edge.

[0083] The ball 41 placed in the first movable space 410 is suitable for abutting against the inner wall surface of the first movable space 4101 in the axial and radial directions; the ball 41 placed in the second movable space 4102 abuts against the inclined surface S of the second movable space 4102.

[0084] When the stator 20 and the mover 30 are subjected to an axial force, the oblique force on the ball 41 in the second movable space 4102 is decomposed to generate a first force component RAY and a second force component RAX which are perpendicular to each other. The first force component RAY is parallel to the optical axis L, and the second force component RAX is parallel to the arrangement direction between the first movable space 4101 and the second movable space 4102 which are relatively arranged on both sides of the optical axis L, and acts as a driving force to cause the mover 30 to move in the direction of the first movable space 4101 and / or the second movable space 4102 or in the opposite direction. That is, the clearance compensation movement of the mover 30 is a linear movement in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L. Among them, the first force component RAY is suitable for supporting the mover 30 in the axial direction.

[0085] The mover 30 is pushed by the driving force to generate a gap compensation movement, which compensates the gap in the first movable space 4101 and makes the ball 41 therein stably clamped by the stator 20 and the mover 30. The mover 30 and the stator 20 remain relatively stable to avoid random movement of the mover 30.

[0086] It is understandable that as long as there is a gap in the movable space 410, the driving force can push the mover 30 to perform gap compensation movement. In some embodiments, when there is a gap during the aperture adjustment process, the mover 30 can perform gap compensation movement and aperture size adjustment movement rotating around the optical axis L.

[0087] Next, the specific implementation of the illustrative embodiment of the present application is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] Reference Figures 2 to 6B , the stator 20 includes an inner peripheral wall 21 and a bottom wall 22, the inner peripheral wall 21 surrounds the optical axis L and extends in the axial direction. The bottom wall 22 extends radially from the end of the inner peripheral wall 21 in a direction away from the optical axis L. The inner peripheral wall 21 and the bottom wall 22 define a receiving space 201. The mover 30 is assembled to the receiving space 201.

[0089] In one embodiment of the stator 20, the stator 20 further includes an outer peripheral wall 23, which is formed by extending from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 22 in the direction of the optical axis L, i.e., axially, and is opposite to the inner peripheral wall 21. The inner peripheral wall 21, the bottom wall 22, and the outer peripheral wall 23 jointly define a receiving space 201. The mover 30 is assembled to the receiving space 201, and the mover 30 moves in the receiving space 201. Further, the mover 30 moves circumferentially relative to the stator 20 to rotate around the optical axis L.

[0090] The housing 10 is mounted on the stator 20. The housing 10 can be implemented as a cover body, the main body of which extends radially, the peripheral wall 23 of the stator 20 forms the periphery and bottom of the variable aperture device, and the housing 10 forms the top cover of the stator 20 and the mover 30, so as to avoid expanding the radial size of the variable aperture device, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the variable aperture device.

[0091] The first ball groove 240 is optionally formed on the inner peripheral wall 21, the bottom wall 22 and / or the outer peripheral wall 23 of the stator 20 or a combination thereof; the second ball groove 340 is optionally formed on the inner peripheral portion 31, the bottom 32 and / or the outer peripheral portion 33 of the mover 30 or a combination thereof. The first ball groove 240 is optionally protrudingly provided on the stator 20 or recessed in the stator 20; the second ball groove 340 is optionally recessedly provided on the mover 30 or protruding in the mover 30. The positions and shapes of the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 are adaptively designed so that after the stator 20 and the mover 30 are assembled together, the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 cooperate with each other, and the inner wall surfaces of the two jointly define the movable space 410.

[0092] The housing 10 has an opening 100 through which a light-through hole 500 of the adjustment component 50 is exposed.

[0093] The mover 30 is disposed on the periphery of the inner peripheral wall 21. The mover 30 includes an inner peripheral portion 31 and a bottom portion 32, wherein the inner peripheral portion 31 faces the inner peripheral wall 21 of the stator 20, and the bottom portion 32 faces the bottom wall 22. Further, the mover 30 includes an outer peripheral portion 33, wherein the outer peripheral portion 33 faces the outer peripheral wall 23 of the stator 20. The mover 30 is located between the outer peripheral wall 23 and the inner peripheral wall 21.

[0094] In some embodiments, a first ball groove 240 is formed on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 23 of the stator 20 , and correspondingly, a second ball groove 340 is formed on the outer peripheral portion 33 of the mover 30 .

[0095] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the stator 20 includes at least two first circumferential side walls 241, which are relatively distributed along the circumferential direction to define the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the first ball groove 240. Each first circumferential side wall 241 extends from the bottom wall 22 along the optical axis L, i.e., along the axial direction, and is formed on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 23. Further, each first circumferential side wall 241 is respectively connected to the bottom wall 22 and the outer peripheral wall 23, extends from the bottom wall 22 along the axial direction, and extends radially from the surface of the outer peripheral wall 23 facing the optical axis L side. The first ball groove 240 is defined between the opposing surfaces of each first circumferential side wall 241, and the circumferential movable space of the ball 41 in the stator 20 is limited.

[0096] Furthermore, the stator 20 also includes at least one first radial side wall 242, which is formed at the outer end of the first circumferential side wall 241 and extends axially from the bottom wall 22, defining a first ball groove 240 between the first radial side wall 242 and the outer circumferential wall 23, and limiting the radial activity space of the ball 41 in the stator 20, that is, the width of the second ball groove 240.

[0097] That is, the space of the second ball groove 240 of the stator 20 itself on the plane perpendicular to the axial direction is limited by the first circumferential side wall 241 and the first radial side wall 242, and can be directly used to assemble the ball 24 without the need for other parts. The design of the first ball groove 240 mentioned above can facilitate the ball 41 to be directly assembled on the stator 20 without being separated from the stator 20.

[0098] The first circumferential side wall 241, the outer peripheral wall 23, at least another first circumferential side wall 241, the first radial side wall 242 and the bottom wall 22 are connected and circumferentially define the first ball groove 240, limit the movable space of the ball 41 in the circumferential and radial directions of the stator 20, and define the shape of the first ball groove 240. The surface of the first circumferential side wall 241 facing the first ball groove 240 forms a first circumferential surface 2403; the surface of the outer peripheral wall 23 facing the first ball groove 240 forms a first radial surface 2402; the surface of the first radial side wall 242 facing the second ball groove 240 forms another first radial surface 2402; the surface of the bottom wall 22 facing the first ball groove 240 forms a first axial surface 2401.

[0099] Optionally, in some embodiments, the axial height of the first axial surface 2401 is different from the axial height of the surface of the bottom wall 22 facing the receiving space 201, such as the axial height of the first axial surface 2401 is higher than the height of the surface of the bottom wall 22 facing the receiving space 201, that is, the bottom of the first ball groove 240 is axially higher than the bottom wall 22.

[0100] The first axial surface 2401 and the first radial surface 2402 are perpendicular to each other, so that the axial cross-section of the first ball groove 240 is L-shaped.

[0101] Further, the circumferential distance, ie, the length, and the radial distance, ie, the width, of the first ball groove 240 are suitable for the balls 41 to roll in the first ball groove 240 .

[0102] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer peripheral surface of the movable member 30 extends axially and radially toward the optical axis L to define the second ball groove 340. In conjunction with the three-dimensional protruding design of the first ball groove 240 of the stator 20, the second ball groove 340 is designed as a hollow-avoiding groove on the movable member 30, or in other words, each second ball groove 340 is a step design on the movable member 30.

[0103] Further, after the mover 30 and the stator 20 are assembled together, refer to Figure 6BAs shown in the figure, the first ball groove 240 of the stator 20 is accommodated in the second ball groove 340 of the mover 30, that is, the length of the first ball groove 240 is less than the length of the second ball groove 340. When the mover 30 moves relative to the stator 20, the ball 41 rolls in the first ball groove 240 to assist the mover 30 to rotate relative to the stator 20, and the second ball groove 340 slides relative to the ball 41, that is, the movement form of the ball 41 relative to the second ball groove 340 is sliding. The second ball groove 340 is longer than the first ball groove 240, so that the movement stroke of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20 is large enough. It is understandable that the design can also be reversed so that the first ball groove 240 is longer than the second ball groove 340.

[0104] In one embodiment of the improved design of the ball groove, at least one inclined surface is provided on at least one second ball groove 340. At least two second ball grooves 340 are relatively distributed on both sides of the optical axis L, wherein the axial cross-sectional shape of at least one second ball groove 340 on one side is a straight edge, and the axial cross-sectional shape of at least one second ball groove 340 on the other side has at least one oblique edge, and the inclined surface is inclined relative to the optical axis L, that is, the inclined surface is inclined and extended relative to the optical axis L at a certain angle.

[0105] When the ball 41 is placed in each second ball groove 340, the contact force points between the second ball groove 340 with an L-shaped cross section and the ball 41 are located on the mutually perpendicular axial surface and radial surface, and the contact force points between the second ball groove 340 with an inclined surface and the ball 41 are located on the hypotenuse, that is, the ball on the other side of the optical axis L is not subjected to oblique force, and the ball 41 on one side of the optical axis L is subjected to oblique force. The oblique force of the ball 41 on the other side of the optical axis L is decomposed to generate a compensating motion thrust, so that the mover 30 is pushed to move from the second ball groove 340 on one side to the second ball groove 340 on the other side, or from the second ball groove 340 on one side to the opposite direction of the second ball groove 340 on the other side, thereby making the gap of the ball 41 on the other side of the optical axis L in the second ball groove 340 where it is located filled by the movement of the mover 30, so that the ball 41 is clamped, and the mover 30 and the stator 20 remain relatively stable, avoiding random shaking of the mover 30.

[0106] The movement direction of the mover 30 is affected by the direction of the force of the oblique force source and the position of the oblique force. By setting the inclined surface, the ball 41 in contact with the inclined surface generates an oblique force point G, and then generates a compensating motion thrust when subjected to force, so as to push the mover 30 to make a compensating motion, thereby achieving gap compensation in the movable space 410, so that the mover 30 and the stator 20 remain relatively stable.

[0107] Specifically, the second ball rolling groove 340 includes at least one first side ball rolling groove 3410 and at least one second side ball rolling groove 3420, and the first side ball rolling groove 3410 and the second side ball rolling groove 3420 are distributed on two opposite sides of the optical axis L. At least one first side ball rolling groove 3410 is distributed on one side of the optical axis L, and at least one second side ball rolling groove 3420 is relatively distributed on the other side of the optical axis L.

[0108] The outer peripheral surface of the first side ball groove 3410 automatically extends axially and radially toward the optical axis L. The first side ball groove 3410 has at least one first side axial surface 3411, at least one first side radial surface 3412, and at least two first side circumferential surfaces 3413. The first side axial surface 3411 defines the axial distance, i.e., the height, of the first side ball groove 3410; the first side radial surface 3412 defines the radial distance, i.e., the width, of the first side ball groove 3410; and the first side circumferential surface 3413 defines the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the first side ball groove 3410.

[0109] The second side ball groove 3420 automatically extends inwardly axially and radially from the outer peripheral surface of the roller 30. The second side ball groove 3420 has at least one second side axial surface 3421 and at least one second side inclined surface 3422, and also has at least two second side circumferential surfaces 3424. The second side axial surface 3421 defines the axial distance, i.e., the height, of the second side ball groove 3420; the second side inclined surface 3422 defines or at least assists in defining the radial distance, i.e., the width, of the second side ball groove 3420; and the second side axial surface 3424 defines the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the second side ball groove 3420.

[0110] In one embodiment of the second ball groove 340, in cooperation with one embodiment of the first ball groove 240 of the stator 20, the second ball groove 340 is at least partially formed on the outer periphery 33 of the mover 30. That is, the first side ball groove 3410 and the second side ball groove 3420 are at least partially formed on the outer periphery 33 of the mover 30, respectively.

[0111] First, a specific implementation of the first side ball groove 3410 is described.

[0112] The first side axial surface 3411 of the first side ball rolling groove 3410 is formed by radially extending from the outer surface 331 of the outer peripheral portion 33 in the direction of the optical axis L, and there is an axial height difference between the first side axial surface 3411 and the bottom surface 321 of the bottom portion 32 to define the height of the first side ball rolling groove 3410. The first side radial surface 3412 is formed by axially extending from the inner side edge of the first side axial surface 3411, and the width of the first side ball rolling groove 3410 is defined between the first side radial surface 3412 and the outer surface 331 of the outer peripheral portion 33. At least two first side circumferential surfaces 3412 extend from the circumferential ends of the first side axial surface 3411 and the first side radial surface 3412 to the outer surface 331 of the outer peripheral portion 33 and the bottom surface 321 of the bottom portion 32, and the width of the first side ball rolling groove 3410 is defined between the at least two first side circumferential surfaces 3412.

[0113] The first side axial surface 3411 and the first side radial surface 3412 are perpendicular to each other, so that the axial cross-section of the first side ball groove 3410 is L-shaped.

[0114] Corresponding to the position of the first side ball groove 3410 of the mover 30, the axial cross-sectional shape of the first ball groove 240 of the stator 20 is L-shaped. After the mover 30 and the stator 20 are assembled, the first side ball groove 3410 and the first ball groove 240 cooperate with each other to define at least one first movable space 4101, and the axial cross-sectional shape of the first movable space 4101 defined by the first axial surface 2401, the first radial surface 2402, the first side axial specific surface 3411 and the first side radial surface 3412 is double L-shaped.

[0115] Next, a specific implementation of the second side ball groove 3420 is described.

[0116] The second side axial surface 3421 of the second side ball rolling groove 3420 is formed to extend radially from the outer surface 331 of the outer peripheral portion 33 in the direction of the optical axis L. The second side axial surface 3421 and the bottom surface 321 of the bottom portion 32 have an axial height difference, defining the height of the second side ball rolling groove 3420. The second side inclined surface 3422 is formed to extend from the second side axial surface 3421 in an inclined manner relative to the optical axis in the opposite direction of the optical axis L. The second side circumferential surface 3424 axially extends from the end portions of the second side axial surface 3421 and the second side inclined surface 3422 in the circumferential direction to the outer surface 331 and the bottom surface 321. The length of the second side ball rolling groove 3420 is defined between at least two second side circumferential surfaces 3424.

[0117] In one embodiment, the second side ball groove 3420 further has a second side radial surface 3423, the second side radial surface 3424 is formed by axially extending from the second side inclined surface 3422, and the radial distance, i.e., the width, of the second side ball groove 3420 is defined between the second side radial surface 3424 and the outer surface 331, wherein the second side inclined surface 3422 assists in defining the width of the second side ball groove 3420. The second side axial surface 3421, the second side inclined surface 3422, and the second side radial surface 3423 are sequentially connected, and at least two second side circumferential surfaces 3424 are formed at both side ends to jointly define the second side ball groove 3420.

[0118] In one embodiment, different from the aforementioned embodiment, the second side inclined surface 3422 extends integrally to the bottom 22 to directly define the radial distance, ie, the width, of the second side ball groove 3420 .

[0119] The second side ball groove 3420 and the first ball groove 240 cooperate with each other to define the second movable space 4102 , and the first axial surface 2401 , the first radial surface 2402 , the second side axial surface 3421 , the second side inclined surface 3422 and the second side radial surface 3423 define the axial cross-sectional shape of the second movable space 4102 .

[0120] Optionally, the first side ball groove 3410 further has at least one first side bottom surface 3414, the second side bottom surface 3414 faces the bottom of the mover 30, and there is a height difference between the first side bottom surface 3414 and the bottom surface 321 of the bottom 32. After the mover 30 is assembled to the stator 20, the first radial side wall 242 can be accommodated between the first side bottom surface 3414 and the bottom wall 22. The first side bottom surface 3414 faces the first radial side wall 242.

[0121] Similarly, the second side ball groove 3420 also has at least one second side bottom surface 3425, the second side bottom surface 3425 faces the bottom of the mover 30, and there is a height difference between the second side bottom surface 3425 and the bottom surface 321 of the bottom 32. After the mover 30 is assembled on the stator 20, the second side bottom surface 3425 faces the bottom wall 22 of the stator 20, and the first radial side wall 242 can be accommodated between the second side bottom surface 3425 and the bottom wall 22.

[0122] The axial height of the first circumferential side wall 241 is greater than the axial height of the first radial side wall 242 , that is, the first circumferential side wall 241 is axially higher than the first radial side wall 242 , so as to facilitate the assembly of the mover 30 .

[0123] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific shape design of the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340, such as the shape design of other parts of the axial cross-sectional shape that define the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 other than the aforementioned ones, the height difference design, etc., can be set according to design requirements, assembly requirements or other requirements, and the present application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0124] In summary, the axial cross-sectional shape of the second side ball groove 3420 is affected by the second side inclined surface 3422 and has at least one oblique edge.

[0125] After the mover 30 and the stator 20 are assembled, the first side ball groove 3410 and the first ball groove 240 jointly define at least one first movable space 4101, and the axial cross-section of the first movable space 4101 is double L-shaped. The second side ball groove 3420 and the first ball groove 240 jointly define at least one second movable space 4102, and the axial cross-section of the second movable space 4102 has at least one oblique side.

[0126] Reference Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown in the figure, the first movable space 4101 accommodates at least one ball 41, and the second movable space 4102 accommodates at least one ball 41. The axial cross-section defining the first movable space 4101 is in a double L-shape, and the force points generated by the contact between the ball 41 and the stator 20 and the mover 30 are located in the axial and / or radial direction. The axial cross-section defining the second movable space 4102 has at least one oblique side, and the oblique contact between the ball 41 and the stator 20 and the mover 30 generates at least one oblique force point G.

[0127] Among them, the second side inclined surface 3422 of the second side ball groove 3420 is toward the outer side of the mover 30, and the oblique force point G generated by the ball 41 in the second movable space 4102 between the stator 20 and the mover 30 is located on the side of the ball 41 closer to the optical axis L.

[0128] The oblique force RA of the ball 41 in the second movable space 4102 is decomposed into the first component and the second component, respectively, of the axial component RAX and the driving force RAY perpendicular to the axial direction. When the ball 41 is subjected to the downward axial force F from the automatic 30 in the direction of the stator 20, the axial component RAX generated by the decomposition of the oblique force supports the movable 30. When there is a gap between the inner wall surface of the first movable space 4101 and the ball 41, the driving force RAY perpendicular to the axial direction prompts the movable 30 to move from the second movable space 4102 to the first movable space 4101, so that the ball 41 in the first movable space 4101 is clamped by the stator 20 and the movable 30. As a stable clamping feature, the movable 30 and the stator 20 remain relatively stable, avoiding random movement of the movable 30 relative to the stator 20.

[0129] Optionally, when the ball 41 in the second movable space 4102 contacts the second side ball groove 3420, there is a gap between the ball 41 and the second movable space 4102 in the radial direction. Further, the second side inclined surface 3422 of the second side ball groove 3420 contacts the ball 41, and there is a gap between the second side radial surface 3423 and the ball 41.

[0130] The axial cross-section of the first movable space 4101 is double L-shaped, and the ball 41 therein has contact force points with the stator 20 and the mover 30 only in the axial direction and in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The ball 41 is not subjected to oblique force, that is, the oblique force on the ball 41 will not generate a new component force to affect the stability of the ball 41 when it is clamped. Fig. 6A As shown, the ball 41 located in the first movable space 4101 contacts the first side axial surface 3411 of the mover 30 and the first axial surface 2401 of the stator 20 in the axial direction, and contacts the first radial surface 2402 of the stator 20 and the first side radial surface 3412 of the mover 30 in the radial direction.

[0131] When the mover 30 is pushed by the driving force RAY' so that the ball 41 located in the first movable space 4101 is clamped by the force, the ball 41 in the first movable space 4101 is stably clamped by the stator 20 and the mover 30 without generating radial rotation, so that the degree of freedom of the ball 41 in the first movable space 4101 is controllable, thereby maintaining the relative stability of the stator 20 and the mover 30 and avoiding random movement of the mover 30.

[0132] The above embodiment discloses that the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 are designed on the side of the stator 20 and the mover 30 away from the optical axis L. Similarly, the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 can be designed on the side of the stator 20 and the mover 30 close to the optical axis L.

[0133] For example, the first ball groove 240 is designed on the inner peripheral wall 21 of the stator 20 and faces the outer peripheral direction of the stator 20 , and the second ball groove 340 is designed on the inner peripheral portion 31 of the mover 30 and faces the optical axis L direction.

[0134] See attached Figures 7 to 10 Another embodiment of the present application is shown, illustrating another specific implementation of the ball groove.

[0135] Different from the above-mentioned embodiment, the mover 30A of the variable aperture device is arranged outside the stator 20A, and the outer peripheral wall design of the stator 20A is omitted. The housing 10A covers the top of the stator 20A and the mover 30A. The housing 10A includes an outer peripheral wall 11A extending in the axial direction and a cover wall 12A extending perpendicular to the axial direction, the outer peripheral wall 11A is suitable for being located at the radial periphery of the stator 20A and the mover 30A around the optical axis L, and the cover wall 12A is suitable for covering the stator 20A and the mover 30A.

[0136] Specifically, refer to Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The stator 20A includes an inner peripheral wall 21A and a bottom wall 22A. The inner peripheral wall 21A is formed around the optical axis L. The bottom wall 22A is formed to extend radially from the axial end of the inner peripheral wall 21A in a direction away from the optical axis L. The first ball groove 240A is at least partially provided on the inner peripheral wall 21A.

[0137] The stator 20A includes at least two first circumferential side walls 241A, which extend radially away from the optical axis L from the outer surface of the inner circumferential wall 21A. The first ball groove 240A is defined between the at least two first circumferential side walls 241A, and the circumferential distance, i.e., length, of the first ball groove 240A is limited.

[0138] The stator 20A includes at least one first radial side wall 242A, which is formed at the outer end of at least two first circumferential side walls 241A and extends axially from the bottom wall 22A. The first radial side wall 242A and the inner circumferential wall 21A define a first ball groove 240A and limit the radial distance, i.e., the width, of the first ball groove 240A.

[0139] The first circumferential side wall 241A, the inner circumferential wall 21A, the bottom wall 22A and the first radial side wall 242A form a first ball groove 240A, which defines the first ball groove 240A and the radial and circumferential spaces of the first ball groove 240A are limited, so that the ball 41 can be directly mounted on the stator 20A.

[0140] The surface of the bottom wall 22A facing the first ball groove 240A forms a first axial surface 2401A, and the surface of the inner circumferential wall 21A facing the first ball groove 240A forms a first radial surface 2402A. The axial cross-sectional shape of the first ball groove 240A defined by the first axial surface 2401A and the first radial surface 2402A is L-shaped. The portion of the first circumferential side wall 241A facing the first ball groove 240A forms a first circumferential surface 2403A.

[0141] The mover 30A includes an inner peripheral portion 31A, a bottom portion 32A, and an outer peripheral portion 33A. After the mover 30A is assembled to the stator 20A, the inner peripheral portion 31A faces the inner peripheral wall 21A of the stator 20A, the bottom portion 32A faces the bottom portion 22A, and the outer peripheral portion 33A faces the outer periphery of the stator 20A and the mover 30A. The housing 10A is assembled to the outside of the mover 30A. The outer peripheral wall 11A of the housing 10A surrounds the mover 30A and faces the outer peripheral portion 33A of the mover 30A. The cover wall 12A covers the ends of the stator 20A and the mover 30A in the axial direction.

[0142] The second ball rolling groove 340A is formed in the inner circumference 31A of the mover 30A. The second ball rolling groove 340A includes at least one first side ball rolling groove 3410A and at least one second side ball rolling groove 3420A, which are respectively distributed on both sides of the optical axis L.

[0143] The first side ball groove 3410A is formed by the inner circumference 31A of the automatic roller 30A extending radially and axially in a direction away from the optical axis L. The first side ball groove 3410A has at least a first side axial surface 3411A, at least one first side radial surface 3412A and at least two first side circumferential surfaces 3413A.

[0144] The first side axial surface 3411A is formed by extending radially from the inner surface 311A ​​of the inner peripheral portion 31A in a direction away from the optical axis L. The first side axial surface 3411A and the bottom surface of the bottom 32A have an axial height difference to define the axial distance, i.e., the height, of the first side ball groove 3410A. The first side radial surface 3412A is formed by extending axially from the bottom surface 321A of the bottom 32A. The first side radial surface 3412A and the inner surface 311A ​​have a radial distance difference to define the radial distance, i.e., the width, of the first side ball groove 3410A. At least two first side circumferential surfaces 3413A are formed at both ends of the first side axial surface 3411A and the first side radial surface 3412A, and extend to the bottom surface 321A and the inner surface 311A. The circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the first side ball groove 3410A is defined between the at least two first side circumferential surfaces 3413A.

[0145] The axial cross-sectional shape of the first side ball groove 3410A is defined by a first side axial surface 3411A and a second side radial surface 3412A, and the first side axial surface 3411A and the second side radial surface 3412A are perpendicular to each other, so that the axial cross-sectional shape of the first side ball groove 3410A is formed into an L-shape.

[0146] The second side ball groove 3420A is formed by the inner circumference 31A of the automatic roller 30A extending radially and axially in a direction away from the optical axis L. The second side ball groove 3420A has at least one second side axial surface 3421A, at least one second side inclined surface 3422A, at least one second side radial surface 3423A and at least two second side circumferential surfaces 3424A.

[0147] The second side axial surface 3421A extends radially away from the inner surface 311A ​​of the automatic roller 30A in the direction of the optical axis L. The second side axial surface 3421A and the bottom surface 321A have a height difference to define the axial distance, i.e., the height, of the second side ball groove 3420A. The second side inclined surface 3422A extends from the second side axial surface 3421A in a direction of the bottom surface 321A obliquely relative to the optical axis L, and the second side inclined surface 3422A faces the optical axis L. The second side radial surface 3423A extends from the second side inclined surface 3423A in a direction of the bottom surface 321A obliquely relative to the optical axis L, and the second side inclined surface 3423A faces the optical axis L. The inclined surface 3422A extends axially to the bottom surface 321, and there is a radial distance difference between the second side radial surface 3423A and the inner surface 311A, which limits the radial distance, i.e. the width, of the second side ball groove 3420A; at least two second side circumferential surfaces 3424A are formed at both ends of the second side axial surface 3421A, the second side inclined surface 3422A and the second side radial surface 3423A, and the circumferential distance, i.e. the length, of the second side ball groove 3420 is defined between at least two second side circumferential surfaces 3424A.

[0148] That is, the second side ball groove 3420A has an inclined surface, so that the axial cross-sectional shape of the second side ball groove 3420A has at least one oblique side.

[0149] Different from the above preferred embodiment, a first ball groove 240A is provided on one side of the inner peripheral wall 21A of the stator 20A, and a second ball groove 340A is provided on one side of the inner peripheral portion 31A of the mover 30A. After the mover 30A and the stator 20A are assembled together, at least one first movable space 4101A and at least one second movable space 4102A are defined on both sides of the optical axis L, respectively.

[0150] The first ball groove 240A and the first side ball groove 3410A on one side of the optical axis L cooperate with each other, and the first movable space 4101A is defined by the inner wall surfaces of the first ball groove 240A and the first side ball groove 3410A. Since the axial cross-sectional shapes of the first ball groove 240A and the first side ball groove 3410A are both L-shaped, the axial cross-sectional shapes of the first movable space 4101A are all straight edges. The contact force points of the ball 41 located in the first movable space 4101A and the stator 20 and the mover 30 are located in the axial direction and in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The ball 41 is not subjected to oblique force, and no new component force in the same direction will be generated due to the oblique force.

[0151] The first ball groove 240A and the second side ball groove 3420A on the other side of the optical axis L cooperate with each other, and the second movable space 4102A is defined by the inner wall surfaces of the first ball groove 240A and the second side ball groove 3420A. Since the axial cross-sectional shape of the second side ball groove 3420A has at least one oblique side, the axial cross-sectional shape of the second movable space 4102A has at least one oblique side.

[0152] The ball 41 in the second movable space 4102A contacts the stator 20A and the mover 30A to generate at least one oblique force point G'. The second side inclined surface 3422A faces the optical axis L, and the oblique force point G' is located on the side of the ball 41 opposite to the optical axis L.

[0153] When the stator 20A and the mover 30A assembly generates an axial force F', such as a downward axial force F', the downward pressure F' at the oblique force point G' is decomposed into an axial component force RAX' and a driving force RAY' perpendicular to the axial direction. The axial component force RAX' is directed from the stator 20A toward the mover 30A, suitable for supporting the mover 30A, and the driving force RAY' causes the mover 30A to move from the first movable space 4101A to the second movable space 4102A. The gap in the first movable space 4101A is compensated by the movement of the mover 30A, and the ball 41 located therein is clamped by the mover 30A and the stator 20A. Since the axial cross-section of the first movable space 4101A is square, the ball 41 is not subjected to oblique force. After being clamped, it will not move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The mover 30A and the stator 20A remain relatively stable, avoiding random movement of the mover 30A relative to the stator 20A.

[0154] The above-mentioned embodiment discloses that the first ball groove 240 is a three-dimensional protruding design on the stator 20, and the second ball groove 340 is a groove design on the mover 30; similarly, the first ball groove 240 can be implemented as a groove design on the stator 20, and the second ball groove 340 is a three-dimensional protruding design on the mover 30; similarly, the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 can be groove designs on the stator 20 and the mover 30.

[0155] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first ball groove 240 is disposed on the bottom wall 22 of the stator 20 , and the second ball groove 340 is disposed on the bottom of the mover 30 .

[0156] Further, the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 are symmetrically distributed around the optical axis L, so that the defined movable space 410 is symmetrically distributed around the optical axis L. The first movable space 4101 and the second movable space 4102 are respectively distributed on two opposite sides of the optical axis L. The first movable spaces 4101 on the same side of the optical axis L have the same design, and the second movable spaces 4102 distributed on the same side on the opposite other side have the same design.

[0157] In some specific embodiments, there are four first ball grooves 240 and four second ball grooves 340 respectively, forming two groups of first movable spaces 4101 and second movable spaces 4102 symmetrically distributed around the optical axis L, the two first movable spaces 4101 are adjacently distributed on one side of the optical axis L, and the two second movable spaces 4102 are adjacently distributed on the other side of the optical axis L.

[0158] In some other examples, the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 have multiple first movable spaces 4101 and second movable spaces 4102 respectively, forming multiple groups of first movable spaces 4101 and second movable spaces 4102 symmetrically distributed around the optical axis L, and the multiple first movable spaces 4101 are adjacently distributed on one side of the optical axis L, and the multiple second movable spaces 4102 are adjacently distributed on the other side of the optical axis L.

[0159] The number of the first ball rolling groove 240 and the number of the second ball rolling groove 340 may be an even number.

[0160] In some other examples, there are two first ball rolling grooves 240 and two second ball rolling grooves 340 , respectively, forming a first movable space 4101 and a second movable space 4102 symmetrically distributed around the optical axis L.

[0161] It is worth mentioning that the aforementioned ball groove improvement design can be performed on the existing variable aperture device, and the existing ball groove distributed on the same side of the optical axis L can be improved to a ball groove with an inclined surface, and the remaining ball grooves distributed on the other side can maintain the original design, such as a double L design, so as to achieve compensation of the ball gap and improve the stability of the variable aperture device. For example, when improving part of the ball groove, the original radial surface can be retreated and then an inclined surface can be added. Therefore, the stability of the variable aperture device can be improved by improving the design of the ball groove.

[0162] Next, the implementation of the force source that causes the ball 41 to generate the driving force in the second movable space 4102 is described.

[0163] The source of the oblique force on the ball 41 located in the second movable space 4102 can be implemented as an axial force F from the automatic rotor 30 to the stator 20, and the axial force F is preferably implemented as a magnetic attraction force.

[0164] In one embodiment of the magnetic attraction force, the interacting magnets and the magnetic attraction element 60 are arranged in the axial direction, and an axial attraction force is generated between the magnetic attraction element 60 and the magnet, thereby generating an axial force F. In order to generate an axial force from the rotor 30 to the stator 20, the magnetic attraction element 60 is arranged in the axial downward extension direction of the magnet.

[0165] Reference Figure 2As shown in the figure, the driving component 40 includes a driving magnet 42 and a driving coil 43, which are installed on the stator 20 and the mover 30. The driving coil 43 is energized to generate a magnetic field, so that the driving magnet 42 and the driving coil 43 interact with each other, driving the mover 30 to move relative to the stator 20.

[0166] Optionally, a magnetic attraction element 60 is disposed in the axial downward extension direction of the driving magnet 42, so as to utilize existing magnets and adaptively dispose the magnetic attraction element 60 to reduce the use of parts.

[0167] In some embodiments of the variable aperture device, the driving magnet 42 also has a position sensing function and can be used as a position sensing magnet in conjunction with a position sensor for sensing. A magnetic attraction element 60 is provided in the axially downward extending direction of the driving magnet 42, so that the driving magnet, the position sensing magnet and the magnetic attraction magnet can be shared, thereby effectively reducing the use of components.

[0168] In some embodiments of the variable aperture device, reference Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the driving assembly 40 includes another sensing magnet 45 , and the magnetic attraction element 60 is arranged in the axial extension direction of the sensing magnet 45 .

[0169] The magnetic attraction element 60 and the magnet are adaptively arranged on the stator 20 and the mover 30 to generate a mutual magnetic attraction force between the stator 20 and the mover 30 to prevent the mover 30 from being separated from the stator 20 .

[0170] The magnetic element 60 is arranged in the axially downward extending direction of the magnet. When the magnetic element 60 remains relatively still, the magnetic element 60 generates an axially downward suction force on the magnet, which can serve as the source of the axial force F.

[0171] The setting position of the magnetic element 60 is limited to the axial extension direction of the magnet, and there are many specific setting methods. Optionally, the magnetic element 60 is implemented as an independent element and is assembled in the axial extension direction of the magnet; optionally, the magnetic element 60 is implemented as a built-in stator 20, such as being directly set when manufacturing the stator 20 by insert molding; optionally, referring to the schematic diagram of Figure 8, the magnetic element 60 is set on the circuit board 44, and the circuit board 44 is located in the axial downward position of the mover 30. The magnetic element 60 is attached to the circuit board 44, and the magnetic element 60 can be assembled at the same time when the circuit board 44 is assembled.

[0172] Also optionally, the magnetic element 60 is attached to the stator 20 ; also optionally, the magnetic element 60 is built into the mover 30 ; also optionally, the magnetic element 60 is attached to the mover 30 .

[0173] When improving the design of the ball groove of the variable aperture device, the existing configuration of the variable aperture device can be utilized, such as the existing magnets and magnetic elements to generate the aforementioned axial force F, and then generate the aforementioned driving force, without the need to set up new parts and increasing the size of the variable aperture device.

[0174] Furthermore, an embodiment of the drive assembly 40 is explained schematically.

[0175] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment shown in the figure, the driving magnet 42 is installed on the mover 30, and the driving coil 43 is installed on the stator 20. After the driving coil 43 is energized, it interacts with the driving magnet 42 so that the driving magnet 42 moves relative to the driving coil 43. In one embodiment, the driving magnet 42 is installed on the stator 20, and the driving coil 43 is installed on the mover 30. After the driving coil 43 is energized, it interacts with the driving magnet 42 so that the driving coil 43 moves relative to the driving magnet 42.

[0176] The driving assembly 40 further includes a circuit board 44 , to which the driving coil 43 is connected in circuit. The circuit board 44 can be connected to an external power source to supply power to the variable aperture device and further to supply power to the driving coil 43 .

[0177] It is understandable that, in one embodiment, the driving coil 43 is directly disposed on the circuit board 44 , and interacts with the driving magnet 42 disposed on the mover 30 , so that the driving magnet 42 drives the mover 30 to move relative to the driving coil 43 .

[0178] In a specific embodiment of the drive assembly 40, refer to the attached Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the stator includes an outer peripheral wall 23, which is extended from the bottom wall 22 along the direction of the optical axis L. The outer peripheral wall 23 and the inner peripheral wall 21 are arranged opposite to each other. The outer peripheral wall 23 has an installation space 230, and the installation space 230 is an opening opened in the axial direction on the outer peripheral wall 23. The driving coil 43 is arranged in the installation space 230. The mover 30 includes an outer peripheral portion 33, and the outer peripheral portion 33 is formed on the outer periphery of the inner peripheral portion 31. The outer peripheral portion 33 has a mounting groove 330. The driving magnet 42 is installed in the mounting groove 330.

[0179] That is, the driving coil 43 is installed in the installation space 230 of the stator 20, and the driving magnet 42 is installed in the installation slot 330 of the mover 30. After the mover 30 and the stator 20 are assembled, the driving magnet 42 and the driving coil 43 are opposite to each other, so that after the driving assembly 42 is energized, they interact with each other to drive the mover 30 to move relative to the stator 20. It can be understood that the positions of the driving magnet 42 and the driving coil 43 can be interchangeable.

[0180] Reference Fig.12As shown in FIG. 1 , the circuit board 44 can be mounted on the bottom surface 221 of the bottom wall 22 of the stator 20. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 4 , the driving assembly 40 may further include a sensing magnet 45 , and the circuit board 44 is provided with a sensing control element 46 , which cooperates with the sensing magnet 45 for position sensing and control.

[0181] The circuit board 44 may also be installed between the mover 30 and the stator 20 , located at the bottom of the mover 30 , and at least partially built into the stator 20 and the mover 30 .

[0182] The above description is only a schematic illustration of a specific implementation of the drive assembly 40 of the present application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific assembly form and working mode of the drive assembly 40 on the stator 20 and the mover 30 do not affect the protection scope of the present application. According to specific design requirements, assembly requirements and other requirements, those skilled in the art can drive the assembly 40 by themselves to achieve the movement of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20. The drive assembly 40 can be designed as a voice coil motor as required, and can also be implemented as a piezoelectric ceramic drive, a shape memory alloy drive, etc. The ball groove design improvement disclosed in the present application can be correspondingly applied to a variable aperture device that realizes aperture adjustment in various drive modes.

[0183] The variable aperture device can be installed on other components of the camera module to adjust the amount of light entering the camera module. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the inner circumferential wall 21 of the stator 20 of the variable aperture device defines an installation space 200 around the optical axis L. The installation space 200 is used to accommodate other camera module components, such as the lens barrel of the optical lens. The end of the lens barrel can be accommodated in the installation space 200 and lean against the inner circumferential wall 21 to complete the installation of the variable aperture device and the optical lens. The variable aperture device is suitable for adjusting the amount of light entering the optical lens.

[0184] Combination Figure 2 and Fig.13 The embodiment of adjusting the aperture size of the variable aperture device is described with reference to FIG. 5 . The adjusting assembly 50 includes a plurality of adjusting members 51 , which are arranged on the stator 20 and the mover 30 around the optical axis L. The adjusting members 51 are configured to rotate to form an adjustable light-through hole 500 .

[0185] Each adjusting member 51 includes a mounting end 511 and an adjusting end 512, wherein the mounting end 511 is mounted on the stator 20 and the mover 30, and each adjusting end 512 forms a light-through hole 500 around the optical axis L. The mounting end 511 moves with the movement of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20, so that the adjusting end 512 moves to adjust the size of the light-through hole 500.

[0186] Each adjusting member 51 has at least one positioning hole 501 and at least one adjusting hole 502. The stator 20 includes a positioning column 25, and the mover 30 includes an adjusting column 35. When each adjusting member 51 is installed on the stator 20 and the mover 30, the positioning hole 501 is suitable for the positioning column 25 to pass through, and the adjusting hole 502 is suitable for the adjusting column 35 to pass through.

[0187] Each adjusting member 51 is rotatably connected to the stator 20. When the adjusting member 51 rotates, the positioning column 25 is used as the axis. The adjusting hole 502 and the adjusting column 35 are slidably matched, and as the mover 30 moves, the adjusting column 35 slides relatively in the adjusting hole 502. The adjusting hole 502 has a travel space for the adjusting column 35 to slide. When the mover 30 moves, the adjusting column 35 moves in the adjusting hole 502 and drives the adjusting member 51 to rotate. Among them, the travel space of the adjusting hole 502 and its shape design can limit the rotation angle of the adjusting member 51 to ensure that the adjusting member 51 rotates between the preset angle range.

[0188] The positioning post 25 is formed by extending axially from the outer peripheral wall 23 of the stator 20, and the adjusting post 35 is formed by extending axially from the top of the moving member 30 relative to the bottom 22. After the moving member 30 is mounted on the stator 20, the adjusting post 35 is closer to the optical axis L than the positioning post 25. In other examples, the positioning post 25 is formed on the inner peripheral wall 21 of the stator 20. The positioning post 25 is closer to the optical axis L than the adjusting post 35.

[0189] In other examples of the present application, the mover 30 is provided with a positioning column, and the stator 20 is provided with an adjusting column. When the mover 30 moves, the adjusting member 51 is driven so that the adjusting hole 502 slides relative to the adjusting column, and the adjusting member 51 rotates around the positioning column to adjust the size of the light-transmitting hole.

[0190] In some examples, the positioning post of the mover is closer to the outside and farther away from the optical axis L than the adjusting post of the stator.

[0191] The setting positions of the positioning column and the adjustment column need to be designed in coordination with each other. In addition, it will also affect the shape setting of the adjustment part and the adjustment of the light hole. Technical personnel in this field can understand that in actual applications, different adjustment part shape designs and quantities, the setting positions of the positioning columns, the setting positions of the adjustment columns, the relative position relationship between the positioning columns and the adjustment columns, etc. can be selected according to actual needs.

[0192] Furthermore, the positioning posts 25 and the adjusting posts 35 are arranged at intervals along the circumference on the stator 20 and the mover 30. The adjusting members 51 are arranged rotationally symmetrically along the circumference. The adjusting members 51 are arranged alternately up and down, or divided into upper and lower layers of adjusting members and stacked.

[0193] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the circuit board 44 is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0194] In some embodiments, the circuit board 44 is mounted on the bottom surface of the stator 20. In some embodiments, the circuit board 44 is mounted between the mover 30 and the stator 20.

[0195] In some embodiments, the variable aperture device includes a mounting plate, which is suitable for being attracted by a magnet. The mounting plate can be disposed on the circuit board 44 to protect the circuit board 44 and enhance the flatness of the circuit board 44. The mounting plate and the driving magnet 42 interact with each other to keep the mover 30 on the stator 20, thereby improving the stability of the variable aperture device.

[0196] The mounting plate provided by the circuit board 44 directly serves as the magnetic element 60 and interacts with the magnets provided on the stator 20 and the mover 30 components to generate the aforementioned magnetic attraction force.

[0197] In some embodiments, the variable aperture device includes a magnetic conductive member, which is disposed on one side of a magnet and interacts with the magnet to enhance the magnetic field of the magnet; in some embodiments, the magnetic conductive member interacts with adjacent magnets to avoid interference with other magnets. Such a magnetic conductive member can be used as the aforementioned magnetic element 60 to generate the aforementioned magnetic attraction.

[0198] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and an explanation of the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the present application is not limited to the technical solution formed by a specific combination of the above technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combination of the above technical features or their equivalent features without departing from the inventive concept. For example, the above features are replaced with the technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application (but not limited to) by each other.

Claims

1. A variable aperture device, characterized in that: include: at least one stator and at least one mover, the mover being movably mounted on the stator; At least one driving assembly is used to drive the mover to perform axial or linear motion relative to the stator; as well as A plurality of adjusting members, each of which defines at least one light-through hole, and is adjustably mounted on the stator and the mover. As the mover moves relative to the stator, the relative position of the adjusting member changes, thereby defining the size of the light-through hole; The stator and the mover are correspondingly provided with at least two groups of ball grooves, at least two balls are respectively assembled in the ball grooves, the inner wall surface of at least one of the ball grooves extends along an angle inclined to the optical axis and abuts against the at least one ball, and the inner wall surface of at least one other ball groove extends along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and parallel to the optical axis.

2. The variable aperture device according to claim 1, wherein: At least two groups of the ball grooves corresponding to the stator and the mover are distributed on two opposite sides of the optical axis, and the inner wall surfaces of the ball grooves on both sides respectively define at least one first movable space and at least one second movable space, wherein the inner wall surface defining the first movable space extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and parallel to the optical axis, and the inner wall surface defining the second movable space has at least one inclined surface, and the inclined surface extends obliquely relative to the optical axis.

3. The variable aperture device according to claim 2, wherein: The ball located in the second movable space abuts against the inclined surface to generate at least one oblique force point. The ball is obliquely forced to generate at least one driving force, and the driving force prompts the mover to perform a gap compensation movement to compensate for the gap in the first movable space.

4. The variable aperture device according to claim 3, wherein: The direction of the driving force is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first movable space and the second movable space distributed on opposite sides of the optical axis, so as to point from one of the first movable space and the second movable space to the other, and the direction of the driving force is perpendicular to the optical axis.

5. The variable aperture device according to claim 3, wherein: After the gap in the first movable space is compensated, the ball disposed in the first movable space abuts against the inner wall surface defining the first movable space in directions perpendicular to the optical axis and parallel to the optical axis.

6. The variable aperture device according to claim 4, wherein: The driving force comes from the axial force between the mover and the stator. When the axial force is generated between the mover and the stator, the ball is subjected to an oblique force to generate a first force component and a second force component that are perpendicular to each other, wherein the second force component is the driving force.

7. The variable aperture device according to claim 6, wherein: The axial force is a magnetic attraction force. The variable aperture device includes a magnet and a magnetic attraction element distributed in a direction parallel to the optical axis. The magnet and the magnetic attraction element interact with each other to generate the magnetic attraction force.

8. The variable aperture device according to claim 7, wherein: The inclined surface is provided on the mover, the magnet is provided on the mover, and the magnetic attraction element is provided in the axial downward direction of the magnet.

9. The variable aperture device according to claim 8, wherein: The direction of the magnetic attraction force is axially from the mover to the stator. The first component force generated by the oblique force on the ball placed in the second movable space is axially directed from the stator to the mover to support the mover, and the second component force is perpendicular to the optical axis to promote linear movement of the mover.

10. The variable aperture device according to claim 2, wherein: The stator is provided with at least two first ball grooves, which are distributed on opposite sides of the optical axis. The first ball groove has at least one first axial surface and at least one first radial surface. The first axial surface extends radially along the stator to limit the space of the first ball groove in at least one axial direction. The first radial surface extends axially along the stator to limit the space of the first ball groove in at least one radial direction.

11. The variable aperture device according to claim 10, wherein: The mover is provided with at least two second ball grooves distributed on two opposite sides of the optical axis, the second ball groove has at least one second axial surface and at least one second radial surface, the second axial surface extends radially along the mover to limit the space of the second ball groove in at least one axial direction, and the second radial surface extends axially along the mover to limit the space of the second ball groove in at least one radial direction.

12. The variable aperture device according to claim 11, wherein: At least one first axial surface, at least one first radial surface, at least one second axial surface and at least one second radial surface define the first movable space, and the ball located in the first movable space is suitable for abutting against the inner wall surface of the first movable space in the axial and radial directions.

13. The variable aperture device according to claim 12, wherein: At least one first axial surface, at least one first radial surface, at least one inclined surface, at least one second axial surface and at least one second radial surface define the second movable space, and the ball located in the second movable space abuts against the inclined surface.

14. The variable aperture device according to claim 13, wherein: The inclined surface connects the second axial surface and the second radial surface, and a gap exists between the ball located in the second movable space and the second radial surface.

15. A camera module, characterized in that: include: According to any one of claims 1 to 14, the amount of light entering the camera module is adjusted by the variable aperture device.

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