Variable aperture device and camera module

Abstract

The application provides a variable aperture device and a camera module. The variable aperture device comprises at least one stator and at least one rotor, the rotor is movably assembled on the stator; at least one driving assembly is used to drive the rotor to move around the shaft or linearly relative to the stator; and a plurality of adjusting assemblies are used to define at least one light passing hole, the adjusting assemblies are adjustably mounted on the stator and the rotor, and the relative position of the adjusting assemblies is changed to define the size of the light passing hole with the relative movement of the rotor relative to the stator; the stator and the rotor 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 ball groove extends along an angle inclined to the optical axis and abuts against the at least one ball, and the inner wall surface of the remaining at least one ball groove extends along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and parallel to the optical axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of camera modules, and more specifically to variable aperture devices and camera modules. Background Technology

[0002] Camera modules are a crucial component of smart devices, significantly impacting the user experience. As part of the camera module, the aperture design has a significant influence on the user experience. To meet higher shooting requirements, variable aperture devices are increasingly widely used. Electronic devices equipped with camera modules operate in diverse and changing environments, with varying shooting needs. For example, in strong light, a smaller aperture is used to achieve greater depth of field and sharper images; conversely, in low light, a larger aperture is used to obtain cleaner images with higher exposure and lower noise.

[0003] To achieve aperture size adjustment, aperture devices are typically equipped with a drive and blades. Multiple blades surround a light-gathering aperture that defines an adjustable size. The drive controls the movement of the blades to change the size of the light-gathering aperture, thereby adjusting the amount of light entering the device. Therefore, the blades are configured to be movable. This movable nature of the blades can lead to uncontrolled movements, such as unpredictable wobbling or opening and closing, resulting in deviations in aperture size adjustment and internal noise.

[0004] Generally, a variable aperture device includes a stator and a mover. The stator and mover cooperate to drive the blades mounted on them to move and adjust the aperture size. Ball bearings are placed between the stator and mover to reduce friction. Each stator and mover has a housing space for the ball bearings. Due to manufacturing tolerances in the stator and mover, and to accommodate the ball bearings, a certain gap exists after the ball bearings are placed in the housing space. This gap can cause uncontrolled movement of the ball bearings, which in turn causes random movement of the blades. This results in problems with aperture size adjustment, blade wobble, unstable opening and closing, and internal noise, affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, the variable aperture device achieving greater stability through simple structural improvements.

[0006] One advantage of this 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 stator by compensating for the ball bearing gap, thus avoiding random movement of the mover.

[0007] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, with the moving part and stator stably clamping the ball bearing to prevent the adjusting part from shaking randomly and affecting the aperture size adjustment.

[0008] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, wherein the ball bearings of the variable aperture device are in oblique contact with at least one movable space housing them, which can fill the gaps between the ball bearings and improve stability.

[0009] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module. The ball bearings, due to their oblique contact, cause the moving element to perform gap compensation motion. This can compensate for the ball bearing gaps in other movable spaces through linear motion, thereby improving stability.

[0010] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, which improves the design of existing ball grooves so that at least one ball is subjected to oblique force, generating a driving force that causes the mover to perform gap-compensating motion.

[0011] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, wherein at least one of at least one first ball groove and at least one second ball groove that defines at least one movable space is provided with an inclined surface, such that at least one ball placed in at least one movable space abuts against the inclined surface.

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

[0013] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, in which the ball bearings on one side of the optical axis L are subjected to oblique force, so that the gap of the ball bearings on the other side is compensated, and the ball bearings can be stably clamped without rotating around the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L, thereby further improving stability.

[0014] According to one aspect of this application, a variable aperture device is provided, comprising:

[0015] At least one stator and at least one mover, the mover being movably assembled to the stator;

[0016] At least one drive component is used to drive the mover to perform about-axis or linear motion relative to the stator; and

[0017] Multiple adjusting members, each defining at least one light-transmitting hole, are adjustablely mounted on the stator and the mover. As the mover moves relative to the stator, the relative position of the adjusting members changes, thereby defining the size of the light-transmitting hole.

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

[0019] According to an example of this application, at least two sets of ball grooves corresponding to the stator and the mover are distributed on opposite sides of the optical axis. 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. The inner wall surface defining the first movable space extends in directions perpendicular to and parallel to the optical axis, and the inner wall surface defining the second movable space has at least one inclined surface, which extends obliquely relative to the optical axis.

[0020] According to an example of this application, the axial cross-sectional shape defining the first movable space is all straight sides, and the axial cross-sectional shape defining the second movable space has at least one inclined side.

[0021] According to one example of this application, the inclined surface is disposed on the mover.

[0022] According to one example of this application, the ball located in the second movable space and the inclined surface abut against each other to generate at least one oblique force point. The ball is obliquely forceped to generate at least one pushing force, which causes the mover to perform a gap-compensating movement to compensate for the gap in the first movable space.

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

[0024] According to one example of this 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 one example of this application, after the gap of the first movable space is compensated, the ball placed in the first movable space abuts against the inner wall surface defining the first movable space in directions perpendicular to and parallel to the optical axis.

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

[0027] According to one example of this application, the axial force is a magnetic attraction force, and the variable aperture device includes magnets and magnetic attraction elements distributed in a direction parallel to the optical axis, the magnets and the magnetic attraction elements interacting to generate the magnetic attraction force.

[0028] According to one example of this application, the inclined surface is disposed on the mover, the magnet is disposed on the mover, and the magnetic attraction element is disposed in the axial downward direction of the magnet.

[0029] According to an example of this application, the direction of the magnetic attraction force is axial 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 axial 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 one example of this application, the stator is provided with at least two first ball grooves 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 in the stator and defines the space of the first ball groove in at least one axial direction. The first radial surface extends axially in the stator and defines the space of the first ball groove in at least one radial direction.

[0031] According to one example of this application, the first ball groove has at least two first circumferential surfaces, each of which extends axially and radially in the stator, and the at least two first circumferential surfaces are distributed circumferentially relative to each other in the stator, defining the circumferential distance of the first ball groove.

[0032] According to one example of this application, the mover is provided with at least two second ball grooves distributed on 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 in the mover and defines the space of the second ball groove in at least one axial direction. The second radial surface extends axially in the mover and defines the space of the second ball groove in at least one radial direction.

[0033] According to one example of this application, the second ball groove has at least two second circumferential surfaces that extend axially and radially in the mover, and at least two second axial surfaces are distributed circumferentially relative to each other, defining the circumferential distance of the second ball groove.

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

[0035] According to one example of this application, 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 adapted to abut against the inner wall surface of the first movable space in both the axial and radial directions.

[0036] According to one example of this application, 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 at least one second movable space, and the ball located in the second movable space abuts against the inclined surface.

[0037] According to one example of this 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 one example of this application, the circumferential distance of one of the first ball groove and the second ball groove disposed opposite to the stator and the mover is suitable for the ball to roll, and the circumferential distance of the other is suitable for the ball to slide relative to each other.

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

[0040] The variable aperture device is used to adjust the amount of light entering the camera module. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the variable aperture device according to this application.

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

[0043] Figure 1C A schematic axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the variable aperture device according to this application shows the state after gap compensation.

[0044] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of one embodiment of the variable aperture device according to this application.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of the stator and a portion thereof, according to an embodiment of the variable aperture device of this application.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the mover of one embodiment of the variable aperture device according to this application.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the mover in one embodiment of the variable aperture device according to this application.

[0048] Figure 6A yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view along line AA'.

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

[0050] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the variable aperture device according to this application.

[0051] Figure 8A This is a perspective view of the internal structure of another embodiment of the variable aperture device according to this application.

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

[0053] Figure 9A This is a perspective view of the mover of another embodiment of the variable aperture device according to this application.

[0054] Figure 9B This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the mover of another embodiment of the variable aperture device according to this application.

[0055] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view along line BB'.

[0056] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the magnetic attraction force of the variable aperture device according to this application.

[0057] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the variable aperture device according to this application.

[0058] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the variable aperture device according to this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention and enable those skilled in the art to implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0060] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of this invention, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting this invention.

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

[0062] This application provides a variable aperture device, combined with Figure 1A and Figure 2 As illustrated, the variable aperture device includes a housing 10, a stator 20, a mover 30, a drive assembly 40, and an adjustment assembly 50. The mover is movably mounted on the stator 20, the housing 20 is mounted on the stator 20, and the drive assembly 40 drives the mover 30 to move relative to the stator 20. The adjustment assembly 50 is adjustablely mounted on the mover 30, the stator 20, and / or the stator 20 and the mover assembly 30, and defines at least one light-transmitting aperture 500. The drive assembly 40 drives the mover 30 to move relative to the stator 20, thereby causing the adjustment assembly 50 to adjust the size of the light-transmitting aperture 500, thus achieving variable aperture adjustment. The variable aperture device has an optical axis L, defined by the central axis of the light-transmitting aperture 500.

[0063] Among them, 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-transmitting 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-transmitting hole 500. Each adjustment member is driven by the movement of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20, thereby adjusting the size of the light-transmitting hole 500.

[0065] The drive assembly 40 includes balls 41 disposed between the stator 20 and the mover 30, which move relative to the stator 20 with the assistance of the balls 41. Specifically, the balls 41 roll to assist the movement of the mover 30.

[0066] By setting the ball bearing 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. This helps to reduce the size of the drive assembly 40, reduce power consumption, and also helps to miniaturize the variable aperture device.

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

[0068] The implementation method of aperture adjustment by the variable aperture device is illustrated schematically. The drive assembly 40 generates power to drive the mover 30 to move relative to the stator 20, thereby causing the adjustment assembly 50 to adjust the size of the light-transmitting aperture 500. The ball bearing 41 rolls to assist the mover 30 in rotating relative to the stator, performing aperture adjustment movement, and thereby driving the adjustment components 51 of the adjustment assembly 50 to move.

[0069] Reference Figure 1B and Figure 1C In a simplified illustration, the stator 20 and the mover 30 are correspondingly provided with ball grooves. The stator 20 has a first ball groove 240, and the mover 30 has a second ball groove 340. The first and second ball grooves 240 cooperate to define a movable space 410 suitable for receiving and moving the ball 41. The ball 41 is movably mounted within the movable space 410. To facilitate the installation of the ball 41 into the first and second ball grooves 240 and 340 defining the movable space 410, there is a gap between the ball 41 and the first and second ball grooves 240 and 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 undergo 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. Typically, the mover 30 rotates around the optical axis L to adjust the aperture size. When the ball bearing 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 bearing 41 to move in an uncontrolled direction, causing the mover 30 to move randomly relative to the stator 20, which in turn causes the adjustment component 50 to move randomly, affecting the user experience of the variable aperture device. If the gap is distributed radially, the ball bearing 41 may generate random radial movement, causing the mover 30 to move randomly radially, which in turn causes the adjustment component 51 to wobble or open and close, or produce abnormal noises.

[0070] For example, when assembling a variable aperture device, the ball bearing 41 is fitted into the first ball groove 240 of the stator 20, and then the mover 30 is fitted into the stator 20. The ball bearing 41 rolls within the first ball groove 240, slides relative to the ball bearing 41 in the second ball groove 340, and rotates relative to the stator 20. To accommodate the ball bearing 41 in the first ball groove 240, a certain gap exists between the first ball groove 240 and the ball bearing 41. Therefore, the ball bearing 41 may deviate in its direction of motion when rolling, thereby causing the mover 30 to move randomly. Therefore, technical means are needed to compensate for the gap to prevent random movement of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20.

[0071] The inner wall surface defining at least one of a first ball groove 240 and at least one second ball groove 340 has at least one inclined surface S. The inclined surface S extends at 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 creates an oblique force point with the ball 41. The oblique force is decomposed into a first component force and a second component force that are perpendicular to each other. The first component force can act as a supporting force, and the second component force can act as a driving force, causing the mover 30 to perform gap-compensated movement, so that the mover 30 and the stator 20 remain relatively stable after gap compensation, so as to avoid the mover 30 from moving randomly relative to the stator 20. Therefore, the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 need to be improved in design.

[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; the at least two first circumferential surfaces 2403 are formed at both ends of the first axial surface 2401 and the first radial surface 2402, defining the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the first ball groove 240 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, defining the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the second ball groove 340 between the at least two second circumferential surfaces 3403.

[0074] Here, the axial direction refers to the direction parallel to the optical axis L, and the radial direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L. The circumferential and radial directions 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 their inner wall surfaces 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 and define the axial cross-sectional shape of 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 defining the axial cross-sectional shape of 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 will be a movement gap in the ball bearing 41 located therein, which can easily cause random movement of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20. Therefore, at least one of the ball bearing grooves is improved to have an inclined surface S, so that at least one ball bearing 41 is subjected to oblique force and generates a pushing force to push 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 embodiment of the ball groove design with an inclined surface S is schematically provided as if at least one inclined surface S is designed between at least one axial surface and at least one radial surface, or at least one inclined surface S replaces at least one radial surface, or at least one inclined surface S replaces at least one axial surface.

[0078] The ball groove can be at least one first ball groove 240 and / or at least one second ball groove 340. The inclined surface S extends at an angle inclined relative to the optical axis L, such that the axial section it defines forms a bevel with an inclination relative to the optical axis L.

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

[0080] It is understandable that the number of balls is two or more, distributed on opposite sides of the optical axis.

[0081] like Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown, the variable aperture device defines 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 opposite sides of the optical axis L, and at least one inclined surface S is provided in the second movable space 4102.

[0082] Wherein, 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 inclined edge.

[0083] The ball bearing 41 placed in the first movable space 410 is adapted to abut against the inner wall surface of the first movable space 4101 in the axial and radial directions; the ball bearing 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 axial force, the oblique force on the ball bearing 41 in the second movable space 4102 is decomposed into a first component force RAY and a second component force RAX that are perpendicular to each other. The first component force RAY is parallel to the optical axis L, and the second component force RAX is parallel to the arrangement direction between the first movable space 4101 and the second movable space 4102 arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the optical axis L. As a driving force, it causes 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 component force RAY is suitable for supporting the mover 30 axially.

[0085] The moving part 30 is pushed by the pushing force to generate gap compensation motion, which compensates for the gap in the first movable space 4101, and makes the ball 41 in it stably clamped by the stator 20 and the moving part 30. The moving part 30 and the stator 20 remain relatively stable, avoiding random movement of the moving part 30.

[0086] It is understandable that as long as a gap exists in the movable space 410, the pushing force can drive the mover 30 into a gap-compensating movement. In some embodiments, when a gap exists during aperture adjustment, the mover 30 can perform gap-compensating movement and aperture-size adjustment movement around the optical axis L.

[0087] The following describes in detail the specific implementation of the illustrative embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] Reference Figures 2 to 6B As illustrated, the stator 20 includes an inner peripheral wall 21 and a bottom wall 22. The inner peripheral wall 21 is formed around the optical axis L and extends in the axial direction. The bottom wall 22 is formed by extending radially from the end of the inner peripheral wall 21 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 into the receiving space 201.

[0089] In one embodiment of the stator 20, the stator 20 further includes an outer peripheral wall 23, which extends axially from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 22 along the optical axis L, and is opposite to the inner peripheral wall 21. The inner peripheral wall 21, the bottom wall 22, and the outer peripheral wall 23 together define a receiving space 201. The mover 30 is assembled into the receiving space 201 and moves within the receiving space 201. Furthermore, the mover 30 moves circumferentially relative to the stator 20 to rotate about the optical axis L.

[0090] The housing 10 is mounted on the stator 20. The housing 10 can be implemented as a cover with its main body extending radially. The outer peripheral wall 23 of the stator 20 forms the outer periphery and bottom of the variable aperture device. The housing 10 forms the top cover of the stator 20 and the mover 30 to avoid increasing the radial dimension of the variable aperture device, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the variable aperture device.

[0091] The first ball groove 240 is optionally formed on the inner peripheral wall 21, bottom wall 22, and / or 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, bottom 32, and / or outer peripheral portion 33 of the mover 30, or a combination thereof. The first ball groove 240 may be protruding from or recessed in the stator 20; the second ball groove 340 may be recessed in or protruding in the mover 30. The positions and shapes of the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340 are adapted to fit together 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 their inner wall surfaces jointly define the movable space 410.

[0092] The housing 10 has an opening 100, which is suitable for the light-transmitting hole 500 of the adjustment component 50 to be exposed.

[0093] The mover 30 is disposed on the outer periphery of the inner peripheral wall 21. The mover 30 includes an inner peripheral portion 31 and a bottom portion 32, with the inner peripheral portion 31 facing the inner peripheral wall 21 of the stator 20 and the bottom portion 32 facing the bottom wall 22. Further, the mover 30 includes an outer peripheral portion 33, which 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 illustrated, the stator 20 includes at least two first circumferential sidewalls 241, circumferentially opposite each other, to define the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the first ball groove 240. Each first circumferential sidewall 241 extends from the bottom wall 22 along the optical axis L, i.e., axially, and is formed on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 23. Further, each first circumferential sidewall 241 is connected to the bottom wall 22 and the outer peripheral wall 23, extending axially from the bottom wall 22 and radially from the surface of the outer peripheral wall 23 facing the optical axis L. The opposing surfaces of the first circumferential sidewalls 241 define the first ball groove 240 and define the circumferential movable space of the ball 41 in the stator 20.

[0096] Furthermore, the stator 20 also includes at least one first radial sidewall 242, which is formed at the outer end of the first circumferential sidewall 241 and extends axially from the bottom wall 22. The first radial sidewall 242 defines a first ball groove 240 between the first radial sidewall 242 and the outer circumferential wall 23, and defines the radial movement space of the ball 41 in the stator 20, i.e., the width of the second ball groove 240.

[0097] That is, the space of the second ball groove 240 of the stator 20 itself in the plane perpendicular to the axial direction is defined by the first circumferential sidewall 241 and the first radial sidewall 242, which can be directly used to assemble the ball 24 without the need for other parts. The aforementioned design of the first ball groove 240 allows the ball 41 to be directly assembled into the stator 20 without detaching from the stator 20.

[0098] A first circumferential sidewall 241, an outer circumferential wall 23, at least another first circumferential sidewall 241, a first radial sidewall 242, and a bottom wall 22 surround and define a first ball groove 240, defining the movable space of the ball 41 in the circumferential and radial directions of the stator 20, and defining the shape of the first ball groove 240. Specifically, the surface of the first circumferential sidewall 241 facing a portion of the first ball groove 240 forms a first circumferential surface 2403; the surface of the outer circumferential wall 23 facing a portion of the first ball groove 240 forms a first radial surface 2402; the surface of the first radial sidewall 242 facing a portion of the second ball groove 240 forms another first radial surface 2402; and the surface of the bottom wall 22 facing a portion of 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. For example, 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 higher than the bottom wall 22 along the axial direction.

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

[0101] Furthermore, the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, and the radial distance, i.e. the width, of the first ball groove 240 are adapted for the ball 41 to roll within the first ball groove 240.

[0102] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As illustrated, the outer peripheral surface of the actuator 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 recessed groove on the actuator 30, or in other words, each second ball groove 340 is a stepped design on the actuator 30.

[0103] Furthermore, after the mover 30 and stator 20 are assembled together, refer to Figure 6BAs illustrated, the first ball groove 240 of the stator 20 is housed within 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 balls 41 roll within the first ball groove 240 to assist the mover 30 in rotating relative to the stator 20, while the balls 41 slide relative to the second ball groove 340; that is, the movement of the balls 41 relative to the second ball groove 340 is sliding. The second ball groove 340 is longer than the first ball groove 240, ensuring a sufficiently large stroke for the mover 30 relative to the stator 20. It is understood that, conversely, the first ball groove 240 could also be designed to be longer than the second ball groove 340.

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

[0105] When the balls 41 are placed in the second ball grooves 340, the contact points of the L-shaped cross-section second ball grooves 340 and the balls 41 are located on mutually perpendicular axial and radial surfaces. The contact points of the inclined surfaces second ball grooves 340 and the balls 41 are located on the inclined sides. That is, the balls on the other side of the optical axis L are not subjected to inclined forces, while the balls 41 on one side of the optical axis L are subjected to inclined forces. The inclined forces on the balls 41 on the other side of the optical axis L are decomposed to generate compensating motion thrust, which pushes the mover 30 from one side of the second ball groove 340 to the other side of the second ball groove 340, or from one side of the second ball groove 340 to the other side of the second ball groove 340 in the opposite direction. This causes the balls 41 on the other side of the optical axis L to fill the gaps in their respective second ball grooves 340 with the movement of the mover 30, thus clamping the balls 41. The mover 30 and the stator 20 remain relatively stable, preventing the mover 30 from randomly wobbling.

[0106] The direction of motion of the mover 30 is affected by the direction of the force source of the oblique force and the position of the oblique force. By setting an inclined surface, the ball 41 in contact with the inclined surface generates an oblique force point G, which in turn generates a compensating motion thrust when subjected to force, thereby driving the mover 30 to compensate for the motion, thereby realizing clearance compensation within the movable space 410, so that the mover 30 and the stator 20 remain relatively stable.

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

[0108] The first ball groove 3410 extends axially and radially toward the optical axis L from the outer peripheral surface of the actuator 30. The first ball groove 3410 has at least one first axial surface 3411, at least one first radial surface 3412, and at least two first circumferential surfaces 3413. The first axial surface 3411 defines the axial distance, i.e., the height, of the first ball groove 3410; the first radial surface 3412 defines the radial distance, i.e., the width, of the first ball groove 3410; and the first circumferential surfaces 3413 define the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the first ball groove 3410.

[0109] The second ball groove 3420 extends axially and radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the actuator 30. The second ball groove 3420 has at least one second axial surface 3421 and at least one second inclined surface 3422, and at least two second circumferential surfaces 3424. The second axial surface 3421 defines the axial distance of the second ball groove 3420, i.e., its height; the second inclined surface 3422 defines or at least partially defines the radial distance of the second ball groove 3420, i.e., its width; and the second axial surface 3424 defines the circumferential distance of the second ball groove 3420, i.e., its length.

[0110] In one embodiment of the second ball groove 340, in conjunction with one embodiment of the first ball groove 240 of the stator 20 described above, 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 each at least partially formed on the outer periphery 33 of the mover 30.

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

[0112] The first axial surface 3411 of the first ball groove 3410 extends radially from the outer surface 331 of the outer peripheral portion 33 towards the optical axis L. An axial height difference exists between the first axial surface 3411 and the bottom surface 321 of the bottom portion 32 to define the height of the first ball groove 3410. A first radial surface 3412 extends axially from the inner edge of the first axial surface 3411. The width of the first ball groove 3410 is defined between the first radial surface 3412 and the outer surface 331 of the outer peripheral portion 33. At least two first circumferential surfaces 3412 extend from the circumferential ends of the first axial surface 3411 and the first radial surface 3412 to the outer surface 331 of the outer peripheral portion 33 and the bottom surface 321 of the bottom portion 32, respectively. The width of the first ball groove 3410 is defined between the at least two first circumferential surfaces 3412.

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

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

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

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

[0117] In one embodiment, the second ball groove 3420 further has a second radial surface 3423, which extends axially from the second inclined surface 3422. The second radial surface 3424 and the outer surface 331 define the radial distance, i.e., the width, of the second ball groove 3420. The second inclined surface 3422 further defines the width of the second ball groove 3420. The second axial surface 3421, the second inclined surface 3422, and the second radial surface 3423 are sequentially connected, and at least two second circumferential surfaces 3424 are formed at both ends, jointly defining the second ball groove 3420.

[0118] In one embodiment, unlike the previous embodiment, the second side inclined surface 3422 extends integrally to the bottom 22 to directly define the radial distance, i.e. the width, of the second side ball groove 3420.

[0119] The second ball groove 3420 and the first ball groove 240 cooperate to define the second movable space 4102. The first axial surface 2401, the first radial surface 2402, the second axial surface 3421, the second inclined surface 3422, and the second 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 facing 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 into the stator 20, the first radial sidewall 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 sidewall 242.

[0121] Similarly, the second side ball groove 3420 also has at least one second side bottom surface 3425 facing the bottom of the mover 30. 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 into the stator 20, the second side bottom surface 3425 faces the bottom wall 22 of the stator 20. 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 sidewall 241 is greater than the axial height of the first radial sidewall 242, that is, the first circumferential sidewall 241 is higher than the first radial sidewall 242 in the axial direction, so as to facilitate the assembly of the mover 30.

[0123] Those skilled in the art will understand 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 other than those defining the axial cross-sectional shape of the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340, the height difference design, etc., can be set according to design requirements, assembly requirements or other requirements, and this application does not impose 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 inclined side.

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

[0126] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B As illustrated, the first movable space 4101 houses at least one ball bearing 41, and the second movable space 4102 houses at least one ball bearing 41. The axial cross-sectional shape defining the first movable space 4101 is double L-shaped, and the force point generated by the contact between the ball bearing 41 and the stator 20 and the mover 30 is located in the axial and / or radial directions. The axial cross-sectional shape defining the second movable space 4102 has at least one inclined side, and the oblique contact between the ball bearing 41 and the stator 20 and the mover 30 generates at least one oblique force point G.

[0127] Among them, the second inclined surface 3422 of the second ball groove 3420 faces the outside of the mover 30, and the oblique force point G generated by the ball 41 between the second movable space 4102, 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 on the ball 41 within the second movable space 4102 is decomposed into a first component force RAX and a second component force RAY, which are respectively an axial component force RAX and a perpendicular axial pushing force RAY. When the ball 41 is subjected to a downward axial force F from the actuator 30 toward the stator 20, the axial component force RAX generated by the oblique force decomposition supports the actuator 30. When there is a gap between the inner wall surface of the first movable space 4101 and the ball 41, the perpendicular axial pushing force RAY causes the actuator 30 to move from the second movable space 4102 toward the first movable space 4101, so that the ball 41 within the first movable space 4101 is clamped by the stator 20 and the actuator 30. As a stable clamping feature, the actuator 30 and the stator 20 remain relatively stable, avoiding random movement of the actuator 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-sectional shape of the first movable space 4101 is double L-shaped. The ball 41 located within it has contact points with the stator 20 and the mover 30 only in the axial and perpendicular axial directions. The ball 41 is not subjected to oblique force, meaning that the oblique force on the ball 41 will not generate new component forces that affect the stability of the ball 41 when it is clamped. Figure 6A As shown, the ball 41 located in the first movable space 4101 contacts the first 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 radial surface 3412 of the mover 30 in the radial direction.

[0131] When the moving part 30 is pushed by the pushing force RAY', 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 moving part 30, and will not rotate about the radial direction. This makes the degree of freedom of the ball 41 in the first movable space 4101 controllable, maintains the relative stability of the stator 20 and the moving part 30, and avoids random movement of the moving part 30.

[0132] The foregoing embodiments disclose an implementation in which 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 closer 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, facing 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, facing the optical axis L direction.

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

[0135] Unlike the previous embodiment, the mover 30A of the variable aperture device is disposed outside the stator 20A, eliminating the need for an outer peripheral wall design for the stator 20A. The housing 10A covers the tops of the stator 20A and the mover 30A. The housing 10A includes an axially extending outer peripheral wall 11A and a cover wall 12A extending perpendicular to the axial direction. The outer peripheral wall 11A is adapted to be located radially around the optical axis L on the outer periphery of the stator 20A and the mover 30A, and the cover wall 12A is adapted to cover the stator 20A and the mover 30A.

[0136] Specifically, refer to Figure 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, and the bottom wall 22A is formed extending radially from the axial end of the inner peripheral wall 21A away from the optical axis L. A first ball groove 240A is at least partially provided in the inner peripheral wall 21A.

[0137] The stator 20A includes at least two first circumferential sidewalls 241A, which are formed by extending radially away from the outer surface of the inner circumferential wall 21A in a direction away from the optical axis L. The at least two first circumferential sidewalls 241A define a first ball groove 240A and define the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the first ball groove 240A.

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

[0139] The first circumferential sidewall 241A, inner circumferential wall 21A, bottom wall 22A, and first radial sidewall 242A form a first ball groove 240A. They collectively define the first ball groove 240A, and the radial and circumferential spaces of the first ball groove 240A are both defined, allowing the ball 41 to be directly assembled onto the stator 20A.

[0140] The bottom wall 22A, facing the portion of the first ball groove 240A, forms a first axial surface 2401A, and the inner peripheral wall 21A, facing the portion of the first ball groove 240A, forms a first radial surface 2402A. The first axial surface 2401A and the first radial surface 2402A define the axial cross-sectional shape of the first ball groove 240A as L-shaped. The portion of the first circumferential sidewall 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 onto 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 both the stator 20A and the mover 30A. A housing 10A is assembled onto 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. A cover wall 12A covers the axial ends of the stator 20A and the mover 30A.

[0142] The second ball groove 340A is formed in the inner periphery 31A of the mover 30A. The second ball groove 340A includes at least one first side ball groove 3410A and at least one second side ball 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 peripheral portion 31A of the automatic part 30A extending radially and axially 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] A first axial surface 3411A extends radially from the inner surface 311A ​​of the inner periphery 31A in a direction away from the optical axis L. The first axial surface 3411A and the bottom surface of the bottom portion 32A have an axial height difference to define the axial distance, i.e., the height, of the first ball groove 3410A. A first radial surface 3412A extends axially from the bottom surface 321A of the bottom portion 32A. The first 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 ball groove 3410A. At least two first circumferential surfaces 3413A extend from both ends of the first axial surface 3411A and the first radial surface 3412A to the bottom surface 321A and the inner surface 311A. The at least two first circumferential surfaces 3413A define the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the first ball groove 3410A.

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

[0146] The second side ball groove 3420A is formed by the inner peripheral portion 31A of the automatic part 30A extending radially and axially 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 axial surface 3421A extends radially away from the optical axis L from the inner surface 311A ​​of the automatic element 30A. The second axial surface 3421A and the bottom surface 321A have a height difference to define the axial distance, i.e., the height, of the second ball groove 3420A. The second inclined surface 3422A extends from the second axial surface 3421A towards the bottom surface 321 at an angle relative to the optical axis L, and faces the optical axis L. The second radial surface 3423A extends from the second inclined surface... The inclined surface 3422A extends axially to the bottom surface 321. There is a radial distance difference between the second side radial surface 3423A and the inner surface 311A, which defines 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. The circumferential distance, i.e. the length, of the second side ball groove 3420 is defined between the at least two second side circumferential surfaces 3424A.

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

[0149] Unlike the aforementioned 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.

[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 inner wall surfaces of the first ball groove 240A and the first side ball groove 3410A define the first movable space 4101A. Since the axial cross-sectional shape of the first ball groove 240A and the first side ball groove 3410A is L-shaped, the axial cross-sectional shape of the first movable space 4101A is straight-sided. The contact force points of the ball 41, the stator 20 and the mover 30 located in the first movable space 4101A are located in the axial direction and perpendicular to the axial direction. The ball 41 is not subjected to oblique force, and will not generate a new component force in the same direction due to oblique force.

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

[0152] The ball 41 located in the second movable space 4102A contacts the stator 20A and the mover 30A, generating at least one oblique force point G'. The second 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 generate 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 pushing force RAY' perpendicular to the axial direction. The axial component force RAX' is directed from the stator 20A toward the mover 30A, which is suitable for supporting the mover 30A. The pushing 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. The ball bearings 41 located therein are clamped by the mover 30A and the stator 20A. Since the axial cross-sectional shape of the first movable space 4101A is square, the ball bearings 41 are not obliquely subjected to force. After being clamped, they 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 foregoing embodiments disclose that the first ball groove 240 is a three-dimensional protrusion 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 protrusion 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] In addition, 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] Furthermore, 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 opposite sides of the optical axis L. The first movable space 4101 on the same side of the optical axis L has the same design, and the second movable space 4102 distributed on the opposite side has the same design.

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

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

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

[0160] In some other examples, there are two of each of the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 340, forming a first movable space 4101 and a second movable space 4102 that are symmetrically distributed about the optical axis L.

[0161] It is worth mentioning that the aforementioned ball groove improvement design can be implemented on existing variable aperture devices. The portion of the existing ball grooves distributed on the same side of the optical axis L can be modified to have a sloping surface, while the remaining ball grooves on the other side can retain their original design, such as a double-L design. This achieves ball clearance compensation and improves the stability of the variable aperture device. For example, when improving part of the ball grooves, the original radial surface can be reduced and then a sloping surface added. Therefore, by improving the ball groove design, the stability of the variable aperture device can be improved.

[0162] Next, the implementation method of the force source that causes the ball 41 to generate a pushing force in the second movable space 4102 will be 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 in the direction of the actuator 30 toward the stator 20, and the axial force F is preferably implemented as a magnetic attraction force.

[0164] In one embodiment of the magnetic attraction, an interacting magnet and a magnetic attraction element 60 are arranged along the axial direction, generating an axial attraction between the magnetic attraction element 60 and the magnet, thereby generating an axial force F. In order to generate an axial force from the actuator 30 toward 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 diagram, the drive assembly 40 includes a drive magnet 42 and a drive coil 43, which are mounted on the stator 20 and the mover 30. When the drive coil 43 is energized, it generates a magnetic field, causing the drive magnet 42 and the drive coil 43 to interact and drive the mover 30 to move relative to the stator 20.

[0166] Optionally, a magnetic attraction element 60 is provided in the axial downward extension direction of the driving magnet 42, so as to utilize the existing magnet and adapt 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. It works with a position sensor to perform sensing. A magnetic attraction element 60 is provided in the direction of the axial downward extension of the driving magnet 42, which can realize the sharing of the driving magnet, the position sensing magnet and the magnetic attraction magnet, effectively reducing the use of parts.

[0168] In some embodiments of the variable aperture device, refer to Figure 11 As illustrated, the drive assembly 40 includes an additional sensing magnet 45, and the magnetic attraction element 60 is disposed in the axial extension direction of the sensing magnet 45.

[0169] The magnetic attraction element 60 and the magnet are adapted to be disposed on the stator 20 and the mover 30 to generate an interactive magnetic attraction force between the stator 20 and the mover 30, thereby preventing the mover 30 from detaching from the stator 20.

[0170] The magnetic element 60 is positioned in the axial downward direction of the magnet. When the magnetic element 60 remains relatively stationary, it generates an axial downward attraction force on the magnet, which can serve as the source of the axial force F.

[0171] The magnetic element 60 is positioned along the axial extension direction of the magnet, and there are various specific placement methods. Optionally, the magnetic element 60 is implemented as an independent component and assembled along the axial extension direction of the magnet; alternatively, the magnetic element 60 is implemented as a built-in component of the stator 20, such as by insert molding during the manufacturing of the stator 20; alternatively, referring to the schematic diagram in Figure 8, the magnetic element 60 is disposed on the circuit board 44, which is located in the axially downward position of the mover 30. By attaching the magnetic element 60 to the circuit board 44, the assembly of the magnetic element 60 can be achieved simultaneously with the assembly of the circuit board 44.

[0172] Alternatively, the magnetic element 60 is attached to the stator 20; alternatively, the magnetic element 60 is built into the mover 30; alternatively, the magnetic element 60 is attached to the mover 30.

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

[0174] Furthermore, the implementation of the drive component 40 is illustrated schematically.

[0175] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment shown, a driving magnet 42 is mounted on a mover 30, and a driving coil 43 is mounted on a stator 20. When the driving coil 43 is energized, it interacts with the driving magnet 42 to cause the driving magnet 42 to move relative to the driving coil 43. In another embodiment, a driving magnet 42 is mounted on a stator 20, and a driving coil 43 is mounted on a mover 30. When the driving coil 43 is energized, it interacts with the driving magnet 42 to cause the driving coil 43 to move relative to the driving magnet 42.

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

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

[0178] In one specific embodiment of the driver component 40, refer to the appendix. Figure 2 The stator includes an outer peripheral wall 23, which extends from the bottom wall 22 along the optical axis L. The outer peripheral wall 23 and the inner peripheral wall 21 are arranged opposite each other. The outer peripheral wall 23 has a mounting space 230, which is an axial opening on the outer peripheral wall 23. The drive coil 43 is arranged within the mounting space 230. The mover 30 includes an outer peripheral portion 33, which is formed on the outer periphery of the inner peripheral portion 31. The outer peripheral portion 33 has a mounting groove 330. The drive magnet 42 is mounted within the mounting groove 330.

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

[0180] Reference Figure 12As illustrated, circuit board 44 can be mounted on the bottom surface 221 of the bottom wall 22 of stator 20. (Matching...) Figure 7 As illustrated, the drive assembly 40 may also include a sensing magnet 45, and the circuit board 44 is provided with a sensing control element 46, which works in conjunction with the sensing magnet 45 for position sensing and control.

[0181] The circuit board 44 can 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 foregoing description is merely an illustrative illustration of one specific embodiment of the drive component 40 of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific assembly form and operating mode of the drive component 40 in the stator 20 and mover 30 do not affect the scope of protection of this application. Depending on specific design requirements, assembly requirements, and other needs, those skilled in the art can drive the component 40 themselves to achieve the movement of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20. The drive component 40 can be designed as a voice coil motor, or it can be implemented as a piezoelectric ceramic drive, a shape memory alloy drive, etc. The ball groove design improvement disclosed in this application can be correspondingly applied to various drive methods to achieve variable aperture devices for aperture adjustment.

[0183] A variable aperture device can be mounted on other components of the camera module to adjust the amount of light entering the camera module. (See reference...) Figure 12 As illustrated, the inner peripheral wall 21 of the stator 20 of the variable aperture device defines a mounting space 200 around the optical axis L. The mounting space 200 begins at the assembly of other camera modules, such as the lens barrel of an optical lens. The end of the lens barrel can be accommodated within the mounting space 200, resting against the inner peripheral wall 21, thus completing the mounting 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 Figure 13 The diagram illustrates an implementation method for adjusting the aperture size of a variable aperture device. The adjustment assembly 50 includes a plurality of adjustment members 51 arranged about the optical axis L on the stator 20 and the mover 30. The adjustment members 51 are configured to rotate to form an adjustable light-transmitting aperture 500.

[0185] Each adjusting component 51 includes a mounting end 511 and an adjusting end 512. The mounting end 511 is mounted on the stator 20 and the mover 30, and each adjusting end 512 forms a light-transmitting 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-transmitting 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 post 25, and the mover 30 includes an adjusting post 35. When each adjusting member 51 is installed on the stator 20 and the mover 30, the positioning hole 501 is adapted to allow the positioning post 25 to pass through, and the adjusting hole 502 is adapted to allow the adjusting post 35 to pass through.

[0187] Each adjusting element 51 is rotatably connected to the stator 20. When the adjusting element 51 rotates, it is about the positioning pin 25 as its axis. The adjusting hole 502 and the adjusting pin 35 are in sliding engagement; as the mover 30 moves, the adjusting pin 35 slides relative to the adjusting hole 502. The adjusting hole 502 has a travel space for the adjusting pin 35 to slide. When the mover 30 moves, the adjusting pin 35 moves within the adjusting hole 502 and drives the adjusting element 51 to rotate. The travel space of the adjusting hole 502, and its shape design, can limit the rotation angle of the adjusting element 51 to ensure that the adjusting element 51 rotates within a preset angle range.

[0188] The positioning post 25 extends axially from the outer peripheral wall 23 of the stator 20, and the adjusting post 35 extends axially from the top of the mover 30 relative to the bottom 22. After the mover 30 is installed on the stator 20, the adjusting post 35 is closer to the optical axis L relative to 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 relative to the adjusting post 35.

[0189] In other examples of this application, the mover 30 is provided with a positioning post, and the stator 20 is provided with an adjustment post. When the mover 30 moves, the adjustment member 51 is driven, causing the adjustment hole 502 to slide relative to the adjustment post. The adjustment member 51 rotates around the positioning post 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 further away from the optical axis L than the adjusting post of the stator.

[0191] The placement of the positioning post and the adjusting post needs to be designed in coordination with each other. In addition, it will also affect the shape of the adjusting component and the adjustment of the light hole. Those skilled in the art will understand that in practical applications, different shapes and quantities of adjusting components, the placement of the positioning post, the placement of the adjusting post, and the relative positional relationship between the positioning post and the adjusting post can be selected according to actual needs.

[0192] Furthermore, positioning posts 25 and adjusting posts 35 are arranged circumferentially on the stator 20 and the mover 30. Adjusting members 51 are arranged symmetrically around the circumference. The adjusting members 51 are arranged alternately up and down, or are arranged in two layers of adjusting members stacked together.

[0193] In addition, in some embodiments, 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 rotor 30 and the stator 20.

[0195] In some embodiments, the variable aperture device includes a mounting plate adapted to be 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 interaction between the mounting plate and the driving magnet 42 can hold the mover 30 on the stator 20, thereby improving the stability of the variable aperture device.

[0196] The mounting plate on the circuit board 44 is used directly as a magnetic element 60, which interacts with the magnets on the stator 20 and mover 30 assembly to generate the aforementioned magnetic attraction force.

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

[0198] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.

Claims

1. A variable aperture device, characterized in that, include: At least one stator and at least one mover, the mover being movably assembled to the stator; At least one drive component is used to drive the mover to perform an or linear motion relative to the stator about an axis; as well as Multiple adjusting members, each defining at least one light-transmitting hole, are adjustablely mounted on the stator and the mover. As the mover moves relative to the stator, the relative position of the adjusting members changes, thereby defining the size of the light-transmitting hole. The stator and the mover are respectively provided with at least two sets of ball grooves, and at least two balls are respectively assembled in the ball grooves. The inner wall surface of at least one ball groove extends along an angle inclined to the optical axis and abuts against at least one ball. The inner wall surfaces of the remaining at least one ball groove extend in directions perpendicular to and parallel to the optical axis. The at least two sets of ball grooves corresponding to the stator and the mover are distributed on opposite sides of the optical axis. The inclined surface is provided on the mover to form at least one ball groove with the inclined surface on one side of the optical axis, while at least one ball groove on the opposite side maintains a straight edge design. A magnet and a magnetic attraction element are provided between the mover and the stator. The magnet is disposed on the mover, and the magnetic attraction element is disposed in the axial downward direction of the magnet to generate an axial force. The axial force causes the ball to abut against the inclined surface, generating a pushing force perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby driving the mover to perform linear backlash compensation motion.

2. The variable aperture device according to claim 1, wherein, At least two sets of ball grooves corresponding to the stator and the mover are distributed on opposite sides of the optical axis. The inner wall surfaces of the ball grooves on both sides define at least one first movable space and at least one second movable space, respectively. The inner wall surface defining the first movable space extends in directions perpendicular to and parallel to the optical axis, and the inner wall surface defining the second movable space has at least one inclined surface, which 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 forceped to generate at least one pushing force. The pushing force causes the mover to perform 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 placed in the first movable space abuts against the inner wall surface defining the first movable space in directions perpendicular to and parallel to the optical axis.

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

7. The variable aperture device according to claim 6, wherein, The axial force is a magnetic attraction force. The magnet and the magnetic attraction element are distributed in a direction parallel to the optical axis. The magnetic attraction force is generated by the interaction between the magnet and the magnetic attraction element.

8. The variable aperture device according to claim 7, wherein, The magnetic attraction force is directed 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 directed axially from the stator to the mover to support the mover. The second component force is perpendicular to the optical axis to cause the mover to move linearly.

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

10. The variable aperture device according to claim 9, wherein, The mover is provided with at least two second ball grooves distributed on 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 on the mover and defines the space of the second ball groove in at least one axial direction. The second radial surface extends axially on the mover and defines the space of the second ball groove in at least one radial direction.

11. The variable aperture device according to claim 10, 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 adapted to abut against the inner wall surface of the first movable space in both the axial and radial directions.

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 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.

13. The variable aperture device according to claim 12, wherein, 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.

14. A camera module, characterized in that, include: The variable aperture device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the amount of light entering the camera module is adjusted by the variable aperture device.

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