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, at least one rotor and at least one housing. The rotor is movably arranged on the stator, and the housing is arranged on the stator. At least one driving assembly is used to drive the rotor to move around the stator. A plurality of adjusting members are arranged to define at least one light passing hole. The adjusting members are adjustably arranged on the stator and the rotor. With the relative movement of the rotor relative to the stator, the relative position of the adjusting members is changed to define the size of the light passing hole. The rotor is arranged outside the inner circumferential wall of the stator and between the stator and the housing in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Each adjusting member is rotatably connected to the rotor and slidably connected to the stator.

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] Miniaturization of camera modules is a major trend, and the size of camera modules is required to become smaller and smaller in order to reduce the space occupied by electronic devices. As an important component of camera modules, the size of variable aperture devices has a significant impact on the overall size of camera modules.

[0004] A typical variable aperture device mainly consists of a housing, a mover, and a stator. The mover and stator are assembled together, with the housing covering their outer surfaces. The shape, wall thickness, assembly, and positional relationship of the mover and stator all affect the size of the variable aperture device. The mover is usually clamped between the inner and outer peripheral walls of the stator, and then the housing is mounted on the outside of the stator. The inner side of the stator's inner peripheral wall defines the mounting space for the optical lens. The optical lens needs to rest against and adhere to the inner surface of the inner peripheral wall; therefore, the inner peripheral wall of the stator is unavoidable and needs to have a certain strength, i.e., a certain thickness, occupying a certain design space within the variable aperture device. The outer peripheral wall also has a certain thickness, further occupying the internal design space of the variable aperture device, resulting in a small internal design space and difficulty in reducing its size.

[0005] In addition to the issues mentioned above, current variable aperture devices also have some other problems. The aperture size of a variable aperture device is adjusted by a mover driving blades to change the size of the light-passing aperture defined by the blades. The blades are movably mounted on the mover and stator, moving with the movement of the mover relative to the stator. The blades are connected to the mover and stator through two holes respectively, allowing them to rotate around or slide relative to the mover and stator. Therefore, the blades themselves also have a certain degree of mobility, which can easily cause wobbling, leading to problems such as abnormal noise and unstable blade opening and closing in the variable aperture device.

[0006] The connection strength of the variable aperture device affects its reliability and stability. The assembly and connection methods between the housing and the stator affect the connection strength of the variable aperture device. If only conventional adhesive bonding is used, the connection strength is affected by factors such as the adhesive area and the properties of the adhesive.

[0007] Furthermore, to match the arc shape of the variable aperture device, the driving magnet and other magnets assembled within the device are also typically arc-shaped magnets. However, when mass-produced, arc-shaped magnets are prone to batch variations, exhibiting poor manufacturing tolerances and measurability, which can easily lead to excessive batch variability in variable aperture devices. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, which reduces the size of the variable aperture device by improving the design, making the variable aperture device more miniaturized.

[0009] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, wherein the stator design of the variable aperture device is optimized, eliminating the outer peripheral wall structure to reduce the size of the stator.

[0010] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, wherein the wall thickness of the housing of the variable aperture device is reduced to further reduce the size of the variable aperture device and expand the design space inside the variable aperture device.

[0011] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, wherein the mover of the variable aperture device is located between the stator and the housing in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the design of the stator is optimized, and the outer peripheral wall of the stator is replaced by a thinner housing, thereby reducing the size of the variable aperture device.

[0012] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, in which the mover is provided with clearance space to accommodate the mounting wall of the stator, so as to realize the inward fitting of the drive magnet and the coil, thereby avoiding increasing the size of the variable aperture device.

[0013] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, the variable aperture device including a magnetic attraction element for generating a self-locking force to lock the mover to the stator, thereby improving the stability of the variable aperture device.

[0014] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module that generate a self-locking force along the direction of movement of the mover, and generates the self-locking force when the mover's stroke is at its maximum, so as to maintain the stability of the mover relative to the stator.

[0015] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, wherein a second magnetic part and a magnet are arranged adjacent to each other along the direction of movement parallel to the optical axis, so as to interact to generate a self-locking force.

[0016] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, wherein the housing and stator are provided with a mutually cooperating concave-convex design to increase the adhesive area and enhance the connection strength.

[0017] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, wherein the end of the magnetic element protrudes from the outside of the stator and is suitable for welding with the housing to enhance the connection strength.

[0018] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and camera module that uses two square magnets set at an angle instead of a single arc magnet, in order to improve manufacturing accuracy, reduce batch differences, and reduce tolerances.

[0019] One advantage of this application is that it provides a variable aperture device and a camera module, which improves the design of the ball groove that houses the balls to fill the gaps between the balls and improve the relative stability of the mover and the stator.

[0020] According to one aspect of this application, a variable aperture device is provided, comprising:

[0021] The stator comprises at least one stator, at least one mover, and at least one housing, wherein the mover is movably mounted to the stator and the housing is mounted to the stator.

[0022] At least one drive component is used to drive the mover to move about an axis relative to the stator; and

[0023] 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.

[0024] The mover is mounted on the outer side of the inner peripheral wall of the stator and is located between the stator and the outer shell in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis;

[0025] Each of the aforementioned adjusting elements is rotatably connected to the mover and slidably connected to the stator.

[0026] According to an example of this application, the stator is provided with a first positioning post, and the mover is provided with a second positioning post. The first positioning post is closer to the optical axis of the variable aperture device than the second positioning post. The adjusting member rotates around the second positioning post and slides relative to the first positioning post.

[0027] According to an example of this application, the stator is provided with a first drive mounting portion located on the side of the stator opposite to the inner peripheral wall, and the mover is provided with a second drive mounting portion having a clearance groove. After the mover is assembled to the stator, the first drive mounting portion is located in the clearance groove.

[0028] According to one example of this application, the driving assembly includes a driving magnet and a driving coil. The driving magnet is mounted on the second driving mounting portion, and the driving coil is mounted on the first driving mounting portion. The driving magnet and the driving coil are adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and interact with each other to drive the mover to move about the axis relative to the stator.

[0029] According to one example of this application, the second drive mounting part is provided with a mounting groove, which is closer to the optical axis than the clearance groove, and the drive magnet is installed in the mounting groove.

[0030] According to an example of this application, the first drive mounting portion includes a first mounting wall and a second mounting wall, the first mounting wall and the second mounting wall being spaced apart and extending from the outer periphery of the bottom wall of the stator in a direction parallel to the optical axis, the first mounting wall and the second mounting wall defining a mounting space for mounting the drive coil, wherein the mounting space extends through the bottom wall, and the drive coil is located inside the outer periphery of the bottom wall of the stator after being mounted in the mounting space.

[0031] According to one example of this application, the drive assembly includes a circuit board comprising an annular portion and an axial portion. The annular portion is located between the bottom wall of the stator and the bottom of the mover. The axial portion is bent relative to the annular portion and extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis. The axial portion is mounted in the space and connected to the drive coil circuit.

[0032] According to one example of this application, the outer periphery of the bottom wall is provided with spaced bosses, and the end of the outer periphery is provided with staggered recesses and protrusions, the bosses being located axially below the recesses and the protrusions being located outside the outer periphery.

[0033] According to an example of this application, the variable aperture device further includes at least one magnet and at least one magnetic attraction element that interact with each other. The magnetic attraction element includes at least one first magnetic part and at least one second magnetic part integrally formed. The first magnetic part is disposed on at least one side of the magnet parallel to the optical axis direction, and the second magnetic part is disposed on at least one side of the magnet along at least one direction of movement. When the mover moves along the direction of movement to the point where the second magnetic part generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnet, the mover is locked relative to the stator.

[0034] According to one example of this application, the first magnetic portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the second magnetic portion extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the second magnetic portion is integrally bent relative to the first magnetic portion.

[0035] According to one example of this application, when the mover moves along at least one of the motion directions until the light-transmitting hole reaches at least one limit state, the second magnetic part generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnet.

[0036] According to one example of this application, the magnetic element is built into the stator, the first magnetic portion is built into the bottom wall and located below the axial direction of the mover, the stator includes a magnetic protrusion that extends protrudingly from the outer surface of the inner peripheral wall of the stator, and the second magnetic portion is built into the magnetic protrusion to be located in the direction of movement of the mover.

[0037] According to one example of this application, the variable aperture device further includes a ball bearing, a movable space for the ball bearing to move is defined between the stator and the mover, and at least one ball bearing located in at least one of the movable spaces is abutted against at least one inclined surface. According to another aspect of this application, this application provides a camera module comprising:

[0038] Optical lenses; and

[0039] The variable aperture device is mounted on the optical lens to adjust the amount of light entering the camera module.

[0040] According to one example of this application, the variable aperture device further includes at least one magnetically conductive element, the magnetically conductive element and the magnetically attracting element are arranged in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the magnetically conductive element is disposed axially below the magnetically attracting element, near the bottom of the variable aperture device.

[0041] The magnetic conductive element and the magnet of the optical lens interact with each other, and the magnetic attraction element and the magnet of the variable aperture device interact with each other. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the internal structure of a variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 3B This is a perspective view of a portion of the structure of a variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of the present application with its housing in the open state.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the magnet assembly and magnetic assembly of a variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the magnetic component of a variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram of a variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of the present application in its minimum aperture state.

[0050] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of a variable aperture device in the aperture limit state according to a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of the present application, perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0052] Figure 10A This is another cross-sectional view of a variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of the present application, perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0053] Figure 10B This is a schematic cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view along the axial direction of a variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 11A This is a schematic diagram of the mover of a variable aperture device according to a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0055] Figure 11B yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line AA' in the middle.

[0056] Figure 12 These are perspective views and partial enlarged views taken from a bottom perspective according to a preferred embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 component 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.

[0059] It is understood that the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one preferred embodiment, the number of a piece can be one, while in another preferred embodiment, the number of the piece can be multiple, and the term "a" should not be understood as a limitation on the number.

[0060] This application provides a variable aperture device, as shown in the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device includes a housing 10, a stator 20, a mover 30, a drive assembly 40, and an adjustment assembly 50. The mover 30 is movably mounted on the stator 20, the housing 10 is mounted on the stator 20, and the drive assembly 40 is mounted on both the stator 20 and the mover 30, driving the mover 30 to move about an axis relative to the stator 20. The adjustment assembly 50 is mounted on both the stator 20 and the mover 30, defining at least one light-transmitting hole 500 with an optical axis L. The mover 30 is driven by the drive assembly 40 to move about the optical axis L relative to the stator 20, thereby causing the adjustment assembly 50 to adjust the size of the light-transmitting hole 500.

[0061] For ease of description, the direction parallel to the optical axis L is defined as the axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L is divided into radial direction, and the direction of motion of the mover around the axis is defined as circumferential direction, perpendicular to the axial and radial directions.

[0062] 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 51 is driven by the movement of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20, thereby adjusting the size of the light-transmitting hole 500.

[0063] The stator 20 includes an inner peripheral wall 21 and a bottom wall 22. The inner peripheral wall 21 extends around the optical axis L in a direction parallel to the optical axis L. The bottom wall 22 extends from the end of the inner peripheral wall 21 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L and in a direction away from the optical axis L.

[0064] The mover 30 is mounted on the outer side of the inner peripheral wall 21. The mover 30 includes an inner peripheral portion 31, a top portion 32, an outer peripheral portion 33, and a bottom portion 34. The inner peripheral portion 31 is formed inside the mover 30 about the optical axis L and is located outside the inner peripheral wall 21. The adjustment assembly 50 is adapted to be mounted on the top portion 32. The outer peripheral portion 33 faces away from the optical axis L and is formed outside the mover 30 about the optical axis L. The bottom portion 34 faces the bottom wall 22.

[0065] The housing 10 includes a cover wall 11 and an outer peripheral wall 12. The cover wall 11 is adapted to cover the top of the stator 20 and the mover 30, and has an opening 100. The outer peripheral wall 12 extends from the outer peripheral end of the cover wall 11 along a direction parallel to the optical axis L. The housing 10 is fitted to the stator 20 and the mover 30, and a light-transmitting hole 500 defined by the adjustment assembly 50 protrudes from the opening 100. The outer peripheral wall 12 surrounds the circumference of the stator 20 and the mover 30, and the mover 20 is located between the outer peripheral wall 12 and the inner peripheral wall 21 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0066] The outer casing 10 is designed with a smaller thickness, which makes the thickness of the cover wall 11 and the outer peripheral wall 12 smaller, effectively reducing the size of the variable aperture device in the directions perpendicular to the optical axis L and parallel to the optical axis L.

[0067] Compared to conventional stator designs, the outer peripheral wall of the stator 20 provided in this application is eliminated, effectively reducing the size of the stator. Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall 12 with a smaller thickness covers the outer periphery of the stator 20 and the mover 20, further reducing the size of the variable aperture device in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0068] The inner peripheral wall 21 and bottom wall 22 of the stator 20 are integrally formed, and the outer shell 10 and the mover 30 are integrally formed, reducing assembly steps and lowering assembly difficulty.

[0069] Furthermore, the drive assembly 40 includes ball bearings 41, which are mounted between the stator 20 and the mover 30 to assist the mover 30 in rotating around the axis relative to the stator 20. By incorporating ball bearings 41, the friction between the mover 30 and the stator 20 can be reduced, thus reducing power consumption and improving the efficiency of aperture size adjustment.

[0070] In one embodiment, the variable aperture device is driven by a voice coil motor. Specifically, the drive assembly 40 includes a drive magnet 42 and a drive coil 43 that interact to drive the mover 30 to move relative to the stator 20.

[0071] In some examples, the drive magnet 42 and the drive coil 43 are arranged axially; in other examples, the drive magnet 42 and the drive coil 43 are assembled on the stator 20 and the mover 30. The stator 20 is provided with a first drive mounting portion 23, and the mover 30 is provided with a second drive mounting portion, which are adapted to mutually mount the drive magnet 42 and the drive coil 43.

[0072] Optionally, the drive magnet 42 is mounted on the stator 20, and the drive coil 43 is mounted on the mover 30.

[0073] Optionally, the drive magnet 42 is mounted on the mover 30, and the drive coil 43 is mounted on the stator 20. Further, the drive coil 43 is mounted on the first drive mounting part 23; the drive magnet 42 is mounted on the second drive mounting part.

[0074] The first drive mounting portion 23 and the second drive mounting portion are designed to be compatible, such that the first drive mounting portion 23 and the second drive mounting portion are adjacent in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L. The first drive mounting portion 23 is disposed on the inner wall 21 of the stator 20, and correspondingly, the second drive mounting portion is disposed on the inner peripheral portion 31 of the mover 30; the first drive mounting portion 23 is disposed on the outer side opposite to the inner wall 21 of the stator 20, and correspondingly, the second drive mounting portion is disposed on the outer peripheral portion 33 of the mover 30.

[0075] Reference Figure 3A As illustrated, the first drive mounting portion 23 is disposed on the outer periphery of the side opposite to the inner wall 21 of the stator 20. The first drive mounting portion 23 includes a first mounting wall 231 and a second mounting wall 232, which are spaced apart from each other and extend from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 22 along a direction parallel to the optical axis L. The first mounting wall 231 and the second mounting wall 232 define a mounting space 230, which is suitable for mounting the drive coil 43.

[0076] Furthermore, combined Figure 3A As illustrated in Figure 10, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first mounting wall 231 and the second mounting wall 232 are flush with the outer peripheral edge 222 in the axial direction, or are implemented not to exceed the boundary defined by the outer peripheral edge 222 in the axial direction, so as to avoid increasing the size of the stator 20 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0077] The mounting space 230 is implemented by extending through the bottom wall 22, that is, by radially slotting from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 22 along the optical axis L, such that the portion of the bottom wall 22 located between the first mounting wall 231 and the second mounting wall 231 is recessed inward to form the mounting space 230, thereby forming the first drive mounting portion 23 without increasing the size of the stator 20 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0078] Reference Figure 3BAs illustrated, a second drive mounting portion is disposed on the outer periphery 33 of the mover 30. The outer periphery 33 is provided with at least one drive mounting groove 3302, into which the drive magnet 42 is fitted. Further, the opening of the drive mounting groove 3302 faces the first drive mounting portion 23, so that the drive magnet 42 faces the coil 43.

[0079] To reduce the size of the variable aperture device, a clearance groove 3301 is provided on the outer periphery 33. This clearance groove 3301 is formed in the second drive mounting portion, such that the outer surface of the second drive mounting portion facing the opposite direction to the optical axis L is closer to the optical axis L than the outer surfaces of other locations on the mover 30, resulting in a smaller radial thickness at the second drive mounting portion. After the mover 30 is assembled onto the stator 20, the first drive mounting portion 23 is located in the clearance groove 3301, preventing an increase in the size of the variable aperture device in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L. In other words, a clearance space is provided at the second drive mounting portion to accommodate the first drive mounting portion 23, so that after the mover 30 and stator 20 are assembled together, the second drive mounting portion and the first drive mounting portion 23 cooperate with each other, preventing an increase in the overall size of the variable aperture device.

[0080] After the housing 10 is installed on the stator 20, the outer peripheral wall 12 is located outside the outer peripheral portion 33 of the first drive mounting portion 23 and the mover 30. The outer peripheral wall 12 has a small thickness, which, together with the cover wall 11 which has a small thickness, helps to reduce the size of the variable aperture device in the directions parallel to the optical axis and perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0081] The mounting slot 3302 is formed within the clearance slot 3301 to further reduce the radial dimension of the mover 30, i.e., the inner wall surface of the self-defining clearance slot 3301 is further grooved towards the optical axis L. Alternatively, the mounting slot 3302 is formed by carving a groove on the inner wall surface of the self-defining clearance slot 3301 near the optical axis L to avoid increasing the radial dimension of the mover 30. The driving magnet 42 is mounted in the mounting slot 3302, and the first driving mounting part 23 is located outside the mounting slot 3302, such that the driving magnet 42 and the driving coil 43 are opposite each other, facilitating interaction to drive the mover 30 to move. In other examples of this application, the mover 30 is mounted with the coil 43, which is adapted to be mounted in the mounting slot 3302; the stator 20 is mounted with the driving magnet 42, which is mounted in the mounting space 230. The actuator 30 forms a first drive mounting part by slotting, and the stator 20 forms a second drive mounting part by setting a mounting wall, so that the second drive mounting part can be accommodated in the first drive mounting part, avoiding increasing the size of the variable aperture device in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0082] The drive assembly 40 includes a circuit board 44 adapted to connect to external circuitry for powering and communicating with the variable aperture device. Preferably, the circuit board 44 is mounted between the stator 20 and the mover 30, and more preferably, between the bottom wall 22 and the bottom 34. This allows the circuit board 44 to be integrated into the variable aperture device. Specifically, the circuit board 44 is mounted to the stator 20 in a manner that it conforms to the top surface 221 of the bottom wall 22, with the bottom 34 of the mover 30 facing the circuit board 44.

[0083] The bottom wall 22 of the stator 20 serves as the bottom of the variable aperture device, which helps to keep the bottom of the variable aperture device flat. In addition, the stator 20 can be manufactured by integral molding of plastic, which can improve the flatness of the stator 20.

[0084] Furthermore, the circuit board 44 includes an annular portion 441 and an axial portion 442. The annular portion 441 is located between the stator 20 and the mover 30, and the inner peripheral wall 21 surrounding the stator 20 is disposed on the top surface 221 of the bottom wall 22 of the stator 20. The annular portion 441 extends in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L, and the axial portion 442 is integrally bent relative to the annular portion 441 and extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis L. The axial portion 442 is adapted to be mounted in the mounting space 230 to be located radially outside the coil 43, adapted to be electrically connected to the coil 43, and to strengthen the structural strength of the coil 43.

[0085] The circuit board 44 also includes an electrical connection portion 443, which extends outward from the annular portion 441 and is adapted to be electrically connected to an external power source to power the variable aperture device.

[0086] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The adjustment assembly 50 is adjustablely mounted on the stator 20 and the mover 30. The adjustment assembly 50 includes a plurality of adjustment members 51, each adjustment member 51 including an integrally formed first part 511 and a second part 512. The first part 511 is adapted to be mounted on the stator 20 and the mover 30, and an adjustable light-transmitting hole 500 is formed between the second parts 512 of each adjustment member 51. Adjacent adjustment members 51 are stacked and staggered.

[0087] The first part 511 is provided with a first hole 501 and a second hole 502. The top of the stator 20 is provided with a plurality of first positioning posts 25, which extend in a direction parallel to the optical axis L and are located at the top of the inner peripheral wall 21. The top 32 of the mover 30 is provided with a second positioning post 35, which extends from the top 32 in a direction parallel to the optical axis L. The second positioning post 35 moves with the movement of the mover 30 around the axis.

[0088] The mover 30 is disposed on the outer side of the inner peripheral wall 21, and correspondingly, the second positioning post 35 is located on the outer side of the first positioning post 25. The adjusting member 51 is movably mounted on the stator 20 and the mover 30 in such a way that the second positioning post 35 passes through the second hole 502 and the first positioning post 25 passes through the first hole 501. The housing 10 is mounted on the stator 20, the mover 30 and the adjusting assembly 50, with a first portion 511 located at the top of the stator 20 and the mover 30, and a second portion 512 movably exposed in the opening 100, adjusting the size of the light-transmitting hole 500 defined by the second portion 512 as the mover 30 moves.

[0089] As the mover 30 moves about its axis relative to the stator 20, the adjusting member 51 rotates about the second positioning post 35, and the first positioning post 25 located in the first hole 501 slides relative to the adjusting member 51. The first hole 501 is designed to have a certain length for the first positioning post 25 to slide relative to the adjusting member 51, and has a certain stroke.

[0090] Correspondingly, such as Figure 4 As shown, the cover wall 11 is provided with a plurality of first positioning holes 1101 and a plurality of second positioning holes 1102, distributed around the optical axis L. The first positioning holes 1101 allow the first positioning post 25 to pass through, and the second positioning holes 1102 allow the second positioning post 35 to pass through. The first positioning holes 1101 are closer to the opening 100 and the optical axis L than the second positioning holes 1102. The second positioning holes 1102 are circumferentially oriented and have a certain length, adapted to the movement direction and stroke of the mover 30. The second positioning post 35 slides within the second positioning hole 1102. The first positioning holes 1101 position the first positioning post 25 of the stator 20.

[0091] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B The ball 41 is mounted on the stator 20 and the mover 30. The stator 20 is provided with a first ball moving part 24, and the mover 30 is provided with a second ball moving part 36. The first ball moving part 24 and the second ball moving part 36 cooperate with each other to define a movable space 410 suitable for the movement of the ball 41.

[0092] The first ball bearing movable part 24 is provided on the outer surface of the inner peripheral wall 21 facing the outside of the stator 20, located at the connection between the inner peripheral wall 21 and the bottom wall 22. The second ball bearing movable part 36 is provided on the inner peripheral part 31 of the mover 30.

[0093] In one embodiment, the circumferential distance (length) of the first ball moving part 24 is set to be suitable for the rolling of the ball 41, and the circumferential distance (length) of the second moving part 36 is set to be suitable for the relative sliding of the ball 41. The length of the second ball moving part 36 is greater than that of the first ball moving part 24. After the mover 30 is assembled onto the stator 20, the two circumferential ends of the first ball moving part 24 are located between the circumferential ends of the second ball moving part 36. As the mover 30 moves about its axis, the ball 41 rolls within the first ball moving part 24, assisting the second ball moving part 36 in sliding relative to the ball 41. The movement direction of the mover 30 is circumferential, including counterclockwise circumferential rotation and clockwise circumferential rotation.

[0094] In another embodiment, the length of the first ball movement 25 is greater than the length of the second ball movement 36. The ball 41 rolls within the second ball movement 36, the auxiliary mover 30 rotates, and the ball slides relative to the first ball movement 25.

[0095] The mover 30 can move in one direction to the circumferential end of the first ball moving part 24 and abut against the circumferential end of the second ball moving part 36. The mover 30 can move in another direction to the other circumferential end of the first ball moving part 24 and abut against the other circumferential end of the second ball moving part 36.

[0096] According to another aspect of this application, Reference Figure 2 and Figures 6 to 10B As illustrated, the variable aperture device also includes a magnetic component 60, which is adapted to interact with at least one magnet to generate a magnetic attraction force.

[0097] The magnetic component 60 includes a magnetic attraction element 61, which is adapted to generate a magnetic attraction force on a magnet. The magnetic attraction element 61 includes a first magnetic part 611 and a second magnetic part 612, the first magnetic part 611 extending in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L, and the second magnetic part 612 extending in a direction parallel to the optical axis L.

[0098] A first magnetic part 611 is disposed on at least one side of at least one magnet in a direction parallel to the optical axis L, and a second magnetic part 611 is disposed on at least one side of the magnet in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L. The magnetic attraction between the first magnetic part 611 and the magnet is parallel to the optical axis L, and the magnetic attraction between the second magnetic part 612 and the magnet is perpendicular to the optical axis L. Further, the second magnetic part 612 is disposed on at least one side of the at least one magnet along the direction of movement.

[0099] In one embodiment, a first magnetic part 611 is disposed below the magnet along its axial direction, generating a downward magnetic attraction force. A second magnetic part 612 is disposed in at least one direction of movement of the mover 30, such that the second magnetic part 612 is located on at least one side of the magnet in the circumferential direction.

[0100] In the axial direction, the stator 20 is located below the mover 30. Under the action of downward magnetic attraction, the mover 30 is attracted to the stator 20. The ball bearing 41 is disposed between the mover 30 and the stator 20. Under the influence of magnetic attraction, it is suitable for being clamped by the mover 30 and the stator 20, preventing the ball bearing 41 from detaching from the stator 20 and the mover 30, and improving the reliability of the movement.

[0101] The mover 30 moves around its axis to adjust the size of the aperture, changing the size of the light-transmitting hole 500. The magnet moves with the mover 30, causing the distance between the magnet and the second magnetic part 612 to change with the adjustment of the aperture size. The second magnetic part 612 is positioned circumferentially on the magnet, and a force is only generated when the distance between the second magnetic part 612 and the magnet is sufficiently small.

[0102] When the aperture size is adjusted to at least one extreme state, the distance between the magnet and the second magnetic part 612 reaches a threshold, and the second magnetic part 612 generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnet, forming a self-locking force. Through the action of the self-locking force, the magnet and the second magnetic part 612 lock together, keeping the distance between the magnet and the second magnetic part 612 constant, so that the corresponding mover 30 and stator 20 are locked to maintain stability and prevent the mover 30 from moving randomly, thus preventing the adjustment member 51 from moving randomly, such as opening and closing, shaking, etc.

[0103] When the distance between the second magnetic part 612 and the magnet exceeds the threshold, the magnetic attraction force will not be generated or will be very small. This means that during the aperture size adjustment process, the second magnetic part 612 will not generate a certain magnetic attraction force on the magnet, thus interfering with the aperture size adjustment and affecting the movement speed of the mover 30 and the power consumption of the drive component 40.

[0104] That is, during the movement stroke of the mover 30 to adjust the aperture size, the second magnetic part 612 and the magnet do not interact with each other, but interfere with the movement of the mover 30 until the mover 30 reaches at least one limit state of the movement stroke, at which point the distance between the second magnetic part 612 and the magnet is sufficient for them to interact.

[0105] In some examples, at least one second magnetic part 612 is disposed on at least one side of at least one magnet along a direction of motion, so that when the travel distance in at least one direction of motion reaches a limit state, the second magnetic part 612 generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnet.

[0106] In some examples, at least two second magnetic parts 612 are disposed on both sides of at least one magnet along two directions of motion. When the travel distance in one direction of motion reaches its limit, at least one second magnetic part 612 on one side generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnet. When the travel distance in the other direction of motion reaches its limit, at least one second magnetic part 612 on the other side generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnet.

[0107] The second magnetic part 612 is provided in the direction of movement for narrowing the aperture. When the aperture size is adjusted to the minimum, the second magnetic part 612 generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnet to lock the magnet. This ensures that when the variable aperture device is in the minimum aperture state, the mover 30 is locked to the stator 20, maintaining relative stability. The second magnetic part 612 is also provided in the direction of movement for widening the aperture. When the aperture size is adjusted to the maximum, the second magnetic part 612 generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnet to lock the magnet. This ensures that when the variable aperture device is in the maximum aperture state, the mover 30 is locked to the stator 20, maintaining relative stability.

[0108] The travel distance is the distance the mover 30 moves around its axis during aperture size adjustment, and the direction of motion is the direction of rotation of the mover 30 around its axis, including counterclockwise rotation and clockwise rotation.

[0109] The length of the first ball joint 24 provided on the stator 20 and the second ball joint 36 provided on the mover 30, as well as the length of the first hole 501 of the adjusting member 51, affect the limit state of the movement stroke of the mover 30.

[0110] One of the magnet and the second magnetic part 612 remains stationary relative to the stator 20, while the other moves relative to the stator 20, that is, it moves with the movement of the rotor 30 around its axis. This causes the relative positional relationship between the magnet and the second magnetic part 612 to change as the aperture size is adjusted, thus altering the distance between them. When the distance reaches a threshold, the magnet and the second magnetic part 612 interact to generate a magnetic attraction force, forming a self-locking mechanism. This keeps the magnet and the second magnetic part 612 relatively stable, thereby locking the rotor 30 and the stator 20. This prevents random movement of the rotor 30 and the adjusting member 51, such as opening, closing, or shaking, and also avoids abnormal noises caused by random movement.

[0111] The magnet and the second magnetic part 612 are respectively installed adjacent to each other in the direction of movement, so that when the mover 30 moves, the distance between them can be adjusted so that the magnet and the second magnetic part 612 generate magnetic attraction.

[0112] Optionally, a magnet is disposed on the stator 20 and remains stationary relative to the stator 20, and a second magnetic part 612 is mounted on the mover 30 and moves with the mover 30; or alternatively, a magnet is disposed on the mover 30 and moves with the mover 30, and a second magnetic part 612 is mounted on the stator 20 and remains stationary relative to the stator 20.

[0113] Alternatively, the second magnetic part 612 is assembled to the stator 20 and located on the outer surface of the stator 20; alternatively, the second magnetic part 612 is built into the stator 20 and located inside the stator 20.

[0114] The variable aperture device includes multiple magnets. The aforementioned embodiments have provided a driving magnet 42 driven by a voice coil motor. It may also include a balancing magnet 45, which is adapted to interact with other magnets in the camera module to balance the magnetic field. The camera module includes a variable aperture device and an optical lens. The variable aperture device is mounted on the optical lens to adjust the amount of light entering the lens. The optical lens has an autofocus function and / or an optical image stabilization function. The autofocus function and / or optical image stabilization function are configured with corresponding magnets, typically larger than the driving magnet 42 of the variable aperture device. The balancing magnet 45 is configured to balance the magnetic field of the magnets in the optical lens, preventing interference between the driving magnet 42 and the magnets in the optical lens.

[0115] The magnet of the variable aperture device may also include a position sensing magnet. Correspondingly, the driving component may include a sensor and / or a driving chip that implements position sensing function to sense changes in the position of the mover.

[0116] The second magnetic part 612 can be disposed along the direction of movement on at least one magnet or at least one side of the aforementioned plurality of magnets. The aforementioned plurality of magnets can be disposed separately to perform their respective functions, or they can be shared to perform multiple functions. For example, the driving magnet 42 can be shared with the position sensing magnet to perform driving and position sensing functions; the position sensing magnet and the balancing magnet 45 can be shared to perform position sensing and balancing functions.

[0117] Specifically, in combination Figures 7A to 8B The following example illustrates the situation where a magnet is mounted on the mover 30 and a second magnetic part 612 is disposed to the side of a balancing magnet 45. At least two sets of driving magnets 42 and at least two sets of balancing magnets 45 are symmetrically arranged around the optical axis L on the mover 30, and the second magnetic part 612 is disposed to the side of the balancing magnet 45. Correspondingly, at least two coils 43 are symmetrically mounted around the optical axis L on the outside of the driving magnet 42.

[0118] The magnetic element 61 is built into the stator 20 to reduce the number of parts and facilitate positioning and assembly. Correspondingly, a magnet is mounted on the mover 30.

[0119] Specifically, the first magnetic part 611 is located within the bottom wall 22, and the second magnetic part 612 is located within the inner peripheral wall 21. The inner peripheral wall 21 is provided with a magnetic protrusion 212, which extends radially outward from the outer surface 211 of the inner peripheral wall 21 to provide a mounting position for the second magnetic part 612. The second magnetic part 612 is embedded in the inner peripheral wall 21 and is at least partially located within the magnetic protrusion 212, so as to at least partially protrude relative to the rest of the inner peripheral wall 21.

[0120] The outer side of the inner peripheral wall 21 forms a motion space 210 for mounting the mover 30 and for the mover 30 to move. The magnet protrusion 212 is formed protrudingly within the motion space 210 and is located in the direction of movement of the mover 30.

[0121] The mover 30 is provided with a magnet mounting portion. After being assembled onto the stator 20, the mover 30 is positioned integrally along the direction of motion. A magnetic protrusion 212 is located on one side of the circumference of the magnet mounting portion, such that the magnet mounted in the magnet mounting portion and the second magnetic portion 612 built into the magnetic protrusion 212 are adjacent along the direction of motion. The mover 30 is provided with a magnet mounting groove 3303 for mounting a balancing magnet 45.

[0122] The balancing magnet 45 and the second magnetic part 612 are adjacent to each other along the direction of movement. The distance between them is such that when the mover 30 is adjusting the aperture size, the second magnetic part 612 does not generate a magnetic attraction force on the balancing magnet 45 or the magnetic attraction force generated is too small to affect the aperture adjustment movement, while when the mover 30 moves to the maximum aperture, the second magnetic part 612 generates a magnetic attraction force on the balancing magnet 45 and is sufficient to lock the mover 30 to the stator 20.

[0123] exist Figure 3A In the example shown, the magnetic protrusion 212 and the first ball movement 24 are adjacent and can be integrally formed as an extension protruding from the outer surface 211 away from the optical axis L.

[0124] The position of the magnetic protrusion 212 is specifically designed to match the position of the magnet, so as to meet the requirement that the second magnetic part 612 and the magnet are adjacent in the direction of movement.

[0125] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The diagram shows the variable aperture device in its minimum state, i.e., the light aperture 500 is adjusted to its minimum. At this time, the travel distance of the variable aperture device in the direction of aperture reduction is at its limit, and the rotation of the mover 30 in the direction of aperture reduction reaches its maximum.

[0126] The first positioning post 25 of the stator 20 is located closer to the outer side of the first hole 501, and the light-transmitting hole 500 defined by the multiple second parts 512 stacked on top of each other is in its minimum state. One circumferential end of the first ball moving part 24 is abutted against one circumferential end of the second ball moving part 36.

[0127] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The diagram shows the variable aperture device in its maximum state, i.e., the light aperture 500 is adjusted to its maximum. At this time, the travel distance of the variable aperture device in the direction of expanding the aperture is at its limit, and the rotation of the mover 30 in the direction of expanding the aperture reaches its maximum.

[0128] The first positioning post 25 of the stator 20 is located closer to the second part 512 than the first hole 501. The light-transmitting hole 500 defined by the multiple second parts 512 stacked on top of each other is in its maximum state. Another circumferential end of the first ball moving part 24 is abutted against another circumferential end of the second ball moving part 36.

[0129] When the distance between the second magnetic part 612, which is positioned in the direction of motion to expand the aperture, and the magnet reaches a threshold, the second magnetic part 612 generates a magnetic attraction force on the balance magnet 45 to attract the balance magnet 45 to the second magnetic part 612, locking the balance magnet 45, thereby maintaining the relative stability of the mover 30 and the stator 20, so that the light aperture 500 can be kept in the maximum state, and the adjustment member 51 will not move randomly and affect the state of the light aperture 500.

[0130] Next, combined Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figures 9 to 10B The other structures of the magnetic component 60 are described.

[0131] In some examples, a first magnetic portion 611 of the magnetic element 61 is integrally disposed in the axial direction of all magnets to generate an axial magnetic attraction force with the magnets; in some examples, refer to Figure 5 Multiple magnetic elements 61 have multiple first magnetic parts 611 arranged around the optical axis L in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and each first magnetic part 611 is located in the axial direction of its corresponding magnet or magnet group, so that each first magnetic part 611 and its corresponding magnet generate an axial magnetic attraction force. The magnet group can be formed by two or more magnets arranged adjacent to each other, with a small spacing between the magnets within the magnet group and a certain distance between each magnet group.

[0132] In such Figure 6In some of the examples shown, the magnetic assembly 60 includes at least two magnetic elements 61A and at least two magnetic elements 61B arranged separately, with the magnetic elements 61A and 61B arranged adjacent to each other around the optical axis L. Each magnetic element 61A is symmetrical about the optical axis L, and each magnetic element 61B is symmetrical about the optical axis L.

[0133] Both magnetic elements 61A and 61B include a first magnetic part 611. Multiple first magnetic parts 611 extend in the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis L and are located at axially downward positions on the balance magnet 45 and the driving magnet 42, respectively, generating a downward magnetic attraction force on the balance magnet 45 and the driving magnet 42.

[0134] The first magnetic part 611 and the second magnetic part 612 of the magnetic attraction element 61A are integrally formed, and the second magnetic part 612 is integrally bent relative to the first magnetic part 611.

[0135] In addition, the first magnetic part 611 is symmetrically arranged around the optical axis L in conjunction with the symmetrical arrangement of the driving magnet 42 around the optical axis L.

[0136] The magnets are symmetrically arranged around the optical axis L, and at least two second magnetic parts 612 are symmetrically arranged around the optical axis L, which makes the locking stability of the mover 30 stronger.

[0137] Furthermore, the magnetic element 61 includes a third magnetic part 613, which connects the first magnetic part 611 and the second magnetic part 612. The third magnetic part 613 extends in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L. The third magnetic part 613 is U-shaped in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0138] Furthermore, the magnetic element 61 also includes a fourth magnetic portion 613, which extends in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L. The fourth magnetic portion 613 extends from the first magnetic portion 611 to the outside of the stator 20, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the end of the fourth magnetic part 613 protrudes from the outside of the stator 20 and protrudes relative to the outer periphery 222.

[0139] When the outer casing 10 is installed on the stator 20, the exposed fourth magnetic part 614 is suitable for contacting the outer casing 10. The fourth magnetic part 614 is made of metal and can be fixed to the outer casing 10 by a welding process, so that the stator 20 and the outer casing 10 are fixed by welding, thereby strengthening the connection strength.

[0140] According to another aspect of this application, referring to Figures 9 to 10B The magnetic component 60 is configured as a two-layer structure, including a magnetic attraction element 61 and a magnetic guiding element 62, which are stacked in a direction parallel to the optical axis L. The magnetic guiding element 62 is positioned below the magnetic attraction element 61 in a direction parallel to the optical axis L.

[0141] The magnetically conductive element 62 extends in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L. The magnetically conductive element 62 is adapted to be positioned in the axial direction of the magnet to generate an axial magnetic attraction force with the magnet.

[0142] The magnetic element 61 is closer to the magnet of the variable aperture device than the magnetic element 62, so as to generate an interaction force with the magnet of the variable aperture device. The magnetic element 62 is closer to the bottom of the variable aperture device than the magnetic element 61. When the variable aperture device is mounted on the optical lens, the magnetic element 62 is closer to the magnet of the optical lens, so as to interact with the magnet of the optical lens.

[0143] The magnetic attraction element 61 is used to guide the magnetic lines of force generated by the magnet of the variable aperture device, and the magnetic guiding element 62 is used to guide the magnetic lines of force generated by the magnet of the aperture lens, so as to avoid mutual interference between the magnetic field of the variable aperture device and the magnetic field of the aperture lens.

[0144] It is understandable that the magnet in an optical lens can be a magnet for autofocus, a magnet for optical image stabilization, or a magnet that combines both.

[0145] Among them, there can be one or more magnetic conductive elements 62. One magnetic conductive element 62 is integrally formed and located below the axial direction of the first magnetic part 611. Multiple magnetic conductive elements 62 are integrally formed and symmetrically arranged around the optical axis L below the axial direction of the first magnetic part 611.

[0146] Reference Figure 9 , combined Figure 5 With the recessed mounting space 230 designed in conjunction with this, the drive magnet 42 is positioned closer to the optical axis L. Correspondingly, the first magnetic part 611 of the magnetic attraction element 61B located below the drive magnet 42 is also closer to the optical axis L.

[0147] Furthermore, referring to Figure 10A The magnetic element 62 includes an integrally formed first part 621 and a second part 622. In conjunction with the recessed mounting space 230, the first part 621 is positioned inside the mounting space 230, closer to the optical axis L. The first part 621 and the first magnetic part 611 are both located axially below the driving magnet 42. The second part 622 is closer to the outer periphery 222 of the stator 20 than the first part 621, and further away from the optical axis L. A bent connection is formed at the junction of the first part 621 and the second part 622.

[0148] like Figure 5As illustrated, multiple magnetic elements 61A and 61B are arranged around the optical axis. A magnetically conductive element 62 is positioned axially below the magnetic elements 61B. A first part 621 is attached to the first magnetic part 611, and a second part 622 is located axially below the gap between adjacent magnetic elements 61A and 61B. The magnetic elements 61A and 61B and the magnetically conductive element 62 are arranged around the optical axis L and are stacked in two layers axially.

[0149] Furthermore, the magnetic element 62 can be configured to be built into the stator 20, or it can be mounted on the stator 20 to form below the magnetic element 61 axially. In some examples, the circuit board 44 is implemented to be mounted on the bottom of the stator 20, in which case the magnetic element 62 can be implemented to be mounted on the circuit board 44.

[0150] In addition, the magnetic component 60 may also include a magnetizing element 63, which is disposed adjacent to the driving magnet 42 to enhance the magnetic field of the driving magnet 42. When the driving magnet 42 is mounted on the mover 30, the magnetizing element 63 can be built into the mover 30 to be close to the driving magnet 42, thus eliminating the need for assembly steps.

[0151] According to another aspect of this application, Combination Figure 2 , Figure 3B , Figure 5 , Figure 7A and Figure 7B The magnet in this application consists of two square magnets placed at an angle to replace the traditional arc-shaped magnet, which can improve the shape accuracy, reduce the manufacturing difficulty, improve the tolerance accuracy, and reduce the thrust difference and instability problems between different batches.

[0152] Specifically, taking the driving magnet 42 as an example, the driving magnet 42 includes a first driving magnet 421 and a second driving magnet 422. Both the first driving magnet 421 and the second driving magnet 422 are square magnets with straight edges in their cross-section. The first driving magnet 421 and the second driving magnet 422 are installed at an angle. An included angle is formed between the two inner surfaces of the first driving magnet 421 and the second driving magnet 421 facing the optical axis L. The two inner surfaces are set at an angle to mimic an arc-shaped surface. Another included angle is formed between the two outer surfaces of the first driving magnet 421 and the second driving magnet 422 facing the opposite direction of the optical axis L. The two outer surfaces are also set at an angle to mimic an arc-shaped surface. The outer and inner surfaces of each driving magnet are parallel to each other, and the sum of the two included angles is 360°.

[0153] Similarly, the balancing magnet 45 includes a first balancing magnet 451 and a second balancing magnet 452, both of which are square magnets installed at an angle, instead of a single arc-shaped magnet. Other magnets in the variable aperture device can also be modified to use two square magnets placed at an angle, such as position sensing magnets.

[0154] According to another aspect of this application, Reference Figure 11A and Figure 11B The illustration, combined with Figure 3A and Figure 3B By improving the design of the ball moving part, the gap in the movable space of the ball is filled, so as to improve or avoid the problem of random shaking of the adjusting part 51.

[0155] The stator 20 and the mover 30 are respectively provided with at least two sets of ball grooves, which are located on opposite sides of the optical axis L. The inner wall surface of at least one ball groove located on one side of the optical axis L extends in a direction inclined at a certain angle relative to the optical axis L and abuts against the ball 41. The inner wall surface of at least one ball groove located on the other side of the optical axis L extends in directions parallel to and perpendicular to the optical axis L.

[0156] The stator 20 is provided with at least two first ball moving parts 24 symmetrical about the optical axis L. The first ball moving part 24 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, the second radial surface 2402 and the first axial surface 2403 form an inner wall surface, defining a first ball groove 240 suitable for the movement of the ball 41.

[0157] The first ball movement portion 24 includes at least two circumferential sidewalls 241, which are formed extending radially away from the outer surface of the inner circumferential wall 21 in a direction away from the optical axis L. The at least two circumferential sidewalls 241 define a first ball groove 240 and limit the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the first ball groove 240.

[0158] The first ball movement portion 24 includes at least one radial sidewall 242, which is formed at the outer ends of at least two circumferential sidewalls 241 and extends axially from the bottom wall 22. The radial sidewall 242 and the inner circumferential wall 21 define a first ball groove 240 and define the radial distance, i.e. the width, of the first ball movement portion 240.

[0159] The circumferential sidewall 241, inner circumferential wall 21, bottom wall 22, and radial sidewall 242 form a first ball groove 240. They collectively define the first ball groove 240, and the radial and circumferential spaces of the first ball groove 240 are both defined, allowing the ball 41 to be directly assembled to the stator 20.

[0160] The bottom wall 22 has a first axial surface 2401 on the surface facing the first ball groove 240, and the inner peripheral wall 21 has a first radial surface 2402 on the surface facing the first ball groove 240. The first axial surface 2401 and the first radial surface 2402 define the axial cross-sectional shape of the first ball groove 240 as L-shaped.

[0161] The mover 30 is provided with at least a first side ball groove 3610 and at least a second side ball groove 3620 symmetrically distributed around the optical axis L.

[0162] The first side ball groove 3610 is formed by the inner peripheral portion 31 of the actuator 30 extending radially and axially away from the optical axis L. The first side ball groove 3610 has at least a first side axial surface 3611, at least one first side radial surface 3612 and at least two first side circumferential surfaces 3613.

[0163] A first axial surface 3611 extends radially from the surface of the inner peripheral portion 31 in a direction away from the optical axis L. The first axial surface 3611 and the bottom surface of the bottom portion 34 have an axial height difference to define the axial distance, i.e., the height, of the first ball groove 3610. A first radial surface 3612 extends axially from the surface of the bottom portion 34. The first radial surface 3612 and the surface of the inner peripheral portion 31 have a radial distance difference to define the radial distance, i.e., the width, of the first ball groove 3610. At least two first circumferential surfaces 3613 extend from both ends of the first axial surface 3611 and the first radial surface 3612 to the surface of the bottom portion 34 and the surface of the inner peripheral portion 31. The at least two first circumferential surfaces 3613 define the circumferential distance, i.e., the length, of the first ball groove 3610.

[0164] The axial cross-sectional shape of the first ball groove 3610 is defined by the first axial surface 3611 and the second radial surface 3612. The first axial surface 3611 and the second radial surface 3612 are perpendicular to each other, so that the axial cross-section of the first ball groove 3610 is L-shaped.

[0165] The second ball groove 3620 is formed by the inner peripheral portion 31 of the automatic part 30 extending radially and axially away from the optical axis L. The second ball groove 3620 has at least one second axial surface 3621, at least one second inclined surface 3622, at least one second radial surface 3623 and at least two second circumferential surfaces 3624.

[0166] The inner periphery 31 of the second axial surface 3621 extends radially away from the optical axis L. The second axial surface 3621 and the surface of the bottom 34 have a height difference to define the axial distance of the second ball groove 3620, i.e., the height. The second inclined surface 3622 extends from the second axial surface 3621 towards the surface of the bottom 34 at an angle relative to the optical axis L, and the second inclined surface 3622 faces the optical axis L. The second radial surface 3623 extends axially from the second inclined surface 3622 to the surface of the bottom 34. The second radial surface 3623 and the surface of the inner periphery 31 have a radial distance difference to define the radial distance of the second ball groove 3620, i.e., the width. At least two second circumferential surfaces 3624 are formed at both ends of the second axial surface 3621, the second inclined surface 3622 and the second radial surface 3623. The at least two second circumferential surfaces 3624 define the circumferential distance of the second ball groove 3620, i.e., the length.

[0167] That is, the second ball groove 3620 has an inclined surface, so that the axial cross-sectional shape of the second ball groove 3620 has at least one inclined side.

[0168] The first ball groove 240 and the first side ball groove 3610 on one side of the optical axis L cooperate with each other, and the inner wall surfaces of the first ball groove 240 and the first side ball groove 3610 define the first movable space 4101. Since the axial cross-sectional shape of the first ball groove 240 and the first side ball groove 3610 is L-shaped, the axial cross-sectional shape of the first movable space 4101 is straight-sided. The contact force points of the ball 41 and the stator 20 and the mover 30 assembly located in the first movable space 4101 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.

[0169] The first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 3620 on the other side of the optical axis L cooperate with each other, and the inner wall surfaces of the first ball groove 240 and the second ball groove 3620 define the second movable space 4102. Since the axial cross-sectional shape of the second ball groove 3620 has at least one inclined side, the axial cross-sectional shape of the second movable space 4102 also has at least one inclined side.

[0170] The ball 41 located in the second movable space 4102 contacts the assembly of the stator 20 and the mover 30, creating at least one oblique force point G. The second inclined surface 3622 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.

[0171] When the stator 20 and mover 30 assembly generates an axial force F, such as a downward axial force F, the downward pressure F at the oblique force point G is decomposed into an axial component force RAX and a pushing force RAY perpendicular to the axial direction. The axial component force RAX is directed from the stator 20 toward the mover 30, which is suitable for supporting the mover 30. The pushing force RAY causes the mover 30 to move from the first movable space 4101 to the second movable space 4102. The gap in the first movable space 4101 is compensated by the movement of the mover 30. The ball bearings 41 located therein are clamped by the mover 30 and the stator 20. Since the axial cross-sectional shape of the first movable space 4101 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 30 and the stator 20 remain relatively stable, avoiding random movement of the mover 30 relative to the stator 20.

[0172] Reference Figure 12 , combined Figure 3A and Figure 9 As illustrated, the housing 10 and stator 20 are adapted to have a concave-convex structure to increase the adhesive area at the connection between the housing 10 and the stator 20 and enhance the connection strength between the housing 10 and the stator 20.

[0173] Specifically, the bottom wall 22 of the stator 20 includes a boss 223, which extends from the outer periphery 222 of the bottom wall 22 in a direction away from the optical axis L and in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and is formed protrudingly on the outer periphery 222 of the bottom wall 22.

[0174] The bottom end of the outer peripheral wall 12 of the housing 10 has a high-low design, which is configured as a recess 1201 and a protrusion 1202. The recess 1201 and the protrusion 1202 are arranged adjacent to each other. The housing 10 is mounted on the stator 20. The boss 220 is located below the recess 1201 in the axial direction. The protrusion 1202 is located on the outer periphery of the bottom wall 22 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis L, that is, on the radial outer side, facing the outer peripheral edge 222.

[0175] Adhesive bonding is applied between the surfaces of the boss 223 and the recess 1201, and between the surfaces of the protrusion 1202 and the outer peripheral edge 222, to increase the adhesive area and strengthen the connection between the outer shell 10 and the stator 20.

[0176] The fourth magnetic part 614 is exposed on the outer periphery 222 of the stator 20 and is located at the recess 1201. The fourth magnetic part 614 and the outer shell 10 are fused together for a fixed connection, so that the connection between the stator 20 and the outer shell 10 is not only glued but also fused, which further strengthens the connection strength and improves the pull-out force.

[0177] In addition, refer to Figure 12As illustrated, the inner surface 213 formed by the inner peripheral wall 21 around the optical axis L defines a receiving space 200 for the optical lens to rest against. The end of the optical lens is housed within the receiving space 200, allowing a variable aperture device to be mounted on the optical lens, forming a camera module. The variable aperture device is suitable for adjusting the amount of light entering the camera module. The bottom surface 224 of the bottom wall 22 forms the bottom surface of the variable aperture device, exhibiting high flatness.

[0178] 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: The stator comprises at least one stator, at least one mover, and at least one housing, wherein the mover is movably mounted to the stator and the housing is mounted to the stator. At least one drive component is used to drive the mover to move about an axis relative to the stator; 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 mover is mounted on the outer side of the inner peripheral wall of the stator and is located between the stator and the outer shell in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis; Each of the aforementioned adjusting elements is rotatably connected to the mover and slidably connected to the stator. The variable aperture device further includes at least one interacting magnet and at least one magnetic attraction element. The magnetic attraction element includes at least one integrally formed first magnetic part and at least one second magnetic part. The first magnetic part is disposed on at least one side of the magnet parallel to the optical axis, and the second magnetic part is disposed on at least one side of the magnet along at least one movement direction. When the mover moves along the movement direction to the point where the second magnetic part generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnet, the mover is locked relative to the stator.

2. The variable aperture device according to claim 1, wherein, The stator is provided with a first positioning post, and the mover is provided with a second positioning post. The first positioning post is closer to the optical axis of the variable aperture device than the second positioning post. The adjusting member rotates around the second positioning post and slides relative to the first positioning post.

3. The variable aperture device according to claim 1, wherein, The stator is provided with a first drive mounting part, which is located on the side of the stator opposite to the inner peripheral wall. The mover is provided with a second drive mounting part, which is provided with a clearance groove. After the mover is assembled into the stator, the first drive mounting part is located in the clearance groove.

4. The variable aperture device according to claim 3, wherein, The driving assembly includes a driving magnet and a driving coil. The driving magnet is mounted on the second driving mounting part, and the driving coil is mounted on the first driving mounting part. The driving magnet and the driving coil are adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and interact with each other to drive the mover to move around the axis relative to the stator.

5. The variable aperture device according to claim 4, wherein, The second drive mounting part is provided with a mounting groove, which is closer to the optical axis than the clearance groove, and the drive magnet is installed in the mounting groove.

6. The variable aperture device according to claim 4, wherein, The first drive mounting portion includes a first mounting wall and a second mounting wall, which are spaced apart and extend from the outer periphery of the bottom wall of the stator in a direction parallel to the optical axis. The first mounting wall and the second mounting wall define a mounting space for mounting the drive coil. The mounting space extends through the bottom wall, and the drive coil is located inside the outer periphery of the bottom wall of the stator after being mounted in the mounting space.

7. The variable aperture device according to claim 6, wherein, The drive assembly includes a circuit board, which includes an annular portion and an axial portion. The annular portion is located between the bottom wall of the stator and the bottom of the mover. The axial portion is bent relative to the annular portion and extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis. The axial portion is installed in the space and connected to the drive coil circuit.

8. The variable aperture device according to claim 6, wherein, The outer periphery of the bottom wall is provided with spaced protrusions. The outer shell includes an outer peripheral wall. The end of the outer peripheral wall is provided with staggered recesses and protrusions. The protrusions are located axially below the recesses, and the protrusions are located outside the outer periphery.

9. The variable aperture device according to claim 8, wherein the first magnetic part extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, the second magnetic part extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis, and the second magnetic part is integrally bent relative to the first magnetic part.

10. The variable aperture device according to claim 9, wherein, When the mover moves along at least one of the motion directions until the light-transmitting hole reaches at least one limit state, the second magnetic part generates a magnetic attraction force on the magnet.

11. The variable aperture device according to claim 8, wherein, The magnetic attraction element is built into the stator, the first magnetic part is built into the bottom wall and located below the moving part in the axial direction, the stator includes a magnetic protrusion that extends protrudingly from the outer surface of the inner peripheral wall of the stator, and the second magnetic part is built into the magnetic protrusion and located in the direction of movement of the moving part.

12. The variable aperture device according to claim 11, wherein, The variable aperture device further includes a ball bearing, and a movable space is defined between the stator and the mover for the ball bearing to move, wherein at least one ball bearing located in at least one of the movable spaces is abutted against at least one inclined surface.

13. A camera module, characterized in that, include: Optical lens; and According to any one of claims 1 to 12, the variable aperture device is mounted on the optical lens to adjust the amount of light entering the camera module.

14. The camera module according to claim 13, wherein, The variable aperture device further includes at least one magnetic guiding element. The magnetic guiding element and the magnetic attraction element are arranged in a direction parallel to the optical axis. The magnetic guiding element is located axially below the magnetic attraction element, near the bottom of the variable aperture device. The magnetic conductive element and the magnet of the optical lens interact with each other, and the magnetic attraction element and the magnet of the variable aperture device interact with each other.

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