Lens actuating device

Abstract

The invention discloses a lens actuating device. The lens actuating device comprises a base, a lens barrel unit and a driving unit, the base is provided with a first guide column and a second guide column. The lens barrel unit is provided with a first extending part and a second extending part which are respectively provided with a first guide hole, a second guide hole, a guide pipe and a limiting element. The guide pipe corresponds to the first guide hole and is located on one side of the first extending part, and the first guide column is arranged in the guide pipe in a penetrating mode. The limiting element is arranged on the other side of the first extending part. The driving unit is provided with a motor body, an output shaft and a lifting nut. One part of the output shaft is connected to the motor body, and the other part of the output shaft is screwed with the lifting nut. Part of the first extension portion of the lens barrel unit is located between the motor body and the lifting nut. The lens barrel unit can be stably moved through the guide column.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuating device, and more particularly to an optical lens actuating device. Background Art

[0002] Small or miniature camera modules are standard equipment in many current mobile devices, commonly found in laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. Furthermore, with the recent surge in outdoor sports, the use of action cameras and drones has also become increasingly widespread. In these applications, especially action cameras and drones, autofocus functionality is an essential requirement.

[0003] Autofocus requires moving the lens module to achieve optimal focus. During this process, effectively controlling the dynamic tilt of the lens during movement affects the overall focusing quality. Therefore, developing a lens actuator to suppress lens tilt during movement is a key issue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a lens actuating device, which can effectively control the inclination angle of the lens during movement to avoid tilting.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a lens actuating device, comprising a base, a lens barrel unit, and a driving unit. The base has a base opening, a first guide post, and a second guide post, wherein the first guide post and the second guide post are respectively disposed on a surface on both sides of the base opening. The lens barrel unit has a lens barrel opening, a first extension, a second extension, a first guide hole, a second guide hole, a guide tube, and a limiting element. The lens barrel opening is disposed corresponding to the base opening, the first extension and the second extension extend outward from the lens barrel opening, the first guide hole is formed in the first extension, the second guide hole is formed in the second extension, the guide tube is disposed on one side of the first extension corresponding to the first guide hole, the first guide post is disposed in the guide tube, and the limiting element is disposed on the other side of the first extension. The drive unit comprises a motor body, an output shaft, and a lifting nut. A portion of the output shaft is connected to the motor body, while another portion of the output shaft is threadedly engaged with the lifting nut. The first extension portion of the lens barrel unit is located between the motor body and the lifting nut. The lifting nut is restricted from rotating relative to the limiting element by the limiting element.

[0006] In one embodiment, the lens actuator device further includes a circuit unit comprising a circuit board, a drive control element, and a sensor element. The circuit unit is disposed on one side of the base and the lens barrel unit, with a surface of the circuit board facing the base and the lens barrel unit. The sensor element is disposed on the surface of the circuit board and is positioned opposite a positioning element of the lens barrel unit.

[0007] In one embodiment, the sensing element is a light sensing element or a magnetic field sensing element.

[0008] In one embodiment, the lens actuating device further includes a housing having a housing opening corresponding to the base opening and the lens barrel opening. The housing is connected to the base to cover the lens barrel unit, the driving unit, and the circuit unit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the limiting element of the lens barrel unit further comprises a first limiting post and a second limiting post, and the lifting nut comprises a protrusion, which is located between the first limiting post and the second limiting post to restrict movement.

[0010] In one embodiment, the drive unit further comprises a bracket having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion abuts against the outwardly extending side of the output shaft of the motor body. The second portion is connected to the first portion. The third portion is connected to the second portion and disposed opposite the first portion. One end of the output shaft is connected to the third portion, and the lifting nut is located between the first and third portions.

[0011] In one embodiment, the base further comprises a mounting slot, a first support column, and a second support column. The mounting slot is located on one side of the first guide column. The first support column is disposed on one side of the mounting slot. The second support column is disposed on the other side of the mounting slot. The bracket is disposed in the mounting slot and is connected to the first support column and the second support column, respectively.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lens barrel unit further comprises a return spring and a longitudinal groove. The return spring is sleeved on the outside of the guide tube. The longitudinal groove is located on one side of the first extension portion, and the output shaft of the drive unit is passed through the longitudinal groove.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lens actuator device further includes an upper cover, which is stacked on the lens barrel unit and has a first fixing hole and a second fixing hole, the first fixing hole is arranged corresponding to the first guide post, the second fixing hole is arranged corresponding to the second guide post, and the guide tube and the return spring are located between the upper cover and the first extension portion of the lens barrel unit.

[0014] In summary, the lens actuating device of the present invention utilizes the interaction of the guide post, the guide hole, and the guide tube to move the enclosed guide tube and the first guide hole along the first guide post, and to move the second guide hole along the second guide post. In conjunction with the output shaft and the lifting nut of the driving unit, this prevents the lens barrel unit from tilting and rotating during movement, thereby achieving precise focus position control. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram showing a lens actuating device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the combination of the display drive unit and the lens barrel unit; Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the assembly of a base, a lens barrel unit, a driving unit, and a circuit unit of a lens actuating device.

[0016] Description of Reference Numerals 10: Lens actuator 11: Base O11: Base opening 111: First guide post 112: Second guide post 113: Setting slot 114: First support column 115: Second support column 12: Lens barrel unit O12: Lens barrel opening O121: Upper half O122: Lower half 121: first extension 122: Second extension 123: First guide hole 124: Second guide hole 125: Catheter 126:Return spring 127: Longitudinal groove 128: Limiting element 1281: First limit column 1282: Second limit column 129: Positioning element 13: Drive unit 131: Motor body 132: Output shaft 1321:End 133: Lifting nut 1331:convex part 134: Bracket 1341: Part 1 1342: Part 2 1343: Part 3 14: Circuit unit 141: Circuit Board 1411: Surface 142: Drive control element 143: Sensing element 1431: Optical transmitter 1432: Optical Receiver 15: Upper cover 151: first fixing hole 152: Second fixing hole 16: Shell O16: Shell opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In order to enable those skilled in the art to understand the contents of the present invention and implement the contents of the present invention accordingly, preferred embodiments and drawings are described as follows.

[0018] See also Figure 1 As shown, a lens actuating device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a base 11 , a lens holder unit 12 , a driving unit 13 , a circuit unit 14 , a top cover 15 and a housing 16 .

[0019] The base 11 has a base opening O11, a first guiding pin 111, a second guiding pin 112, a setting slot 113, a first support post 114, and a second support post 115. The first guiding pin 111 and the second guiding pin 112 are respectively disposed on either side of the base opening O11. Specifically, the first guide pin 111 and the second guide pin 112 extend from a surface of the base 11 along the axial direction of the base opening O11, standing on either side of the base opening O11. The so-called "two sides" is merely a rough guideline and does not necessarily require that the line connecting the two passes through the center of the base opening O11. The setting slot 113, the first support post 114, and the second support post 115 are located on either side of the first guide pin 111, and the first support post 114 and the second support post 115 are respectively disposed on either side of the setting slot 113.

[0020] Please also see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lens barrel unit 12 has a lens barrel opening O12 , a first extension portion 121 , a second extension portion 122 , a first guide hole 123 , a second guide hole 124 , a guiding tube 125 , a return spring 126 , a longitudinal groove 127 and a limiting element 128 .

[0021] The lens barrel opening O12 is used to accommodate a lens (not shown in the figure). The first extension portion 121 and the second extension portion 122 are extended outward from both sides of the lens barrel opening O12. The first guide hole 123 is formed on the first extension portion 121, and the second guide hole 124 is formed on the second extension portion 122. The conduit 125 is connected to the first guide hole 123 and stands on the first extension portion 121 along the axial extension of the lens barrel opening O12. The reset spring 126 is sleeved on the outside of the conduit 125. In different embodiments, the first guide hole 123 and the second guide hole 124 can be designed to be closed or semi-closed, which is not limited here. For example, in the present embodiment, the first guide hole 123 is closed, and the second guide hole 124 is semi-closed. The longitudinal groove 127 is located on one side of the first extension portion 121. As shown Figure 2 As shown, the limiting element 128 includes two limiting posts, namely a first limiting post 1281 and a second limiting post 1282, which are disposed on the other side of the first extension portion 121 relative to the guide tube 125. Furthermore, the lens barrel opening O12 is formed by a lens barrel having an upper half O121 and a lower half O122 based on the first extension portion 121, both of which are circular.

[0022] For further explanation, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The lens barrel unit 12 is stacked on top of the base 11, with the lens barrel opening O12 corresponding to the position of the base opening O11, the first guide hole 123 corresponding to the position of the first guide post 111, and the second guide hole 124 corresponding to the position of the second guide post 112. The guide tube 125 extends away from the base 11, so that after the lens barrel unit 12 and the base 11 are assembled, the first guide post 111 is inserted into the first guide hole 123 and the guide tube 125, and the second guide post 112 is inserted into the second guide hole 124.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The drive unit 13 can be a stepping motor having a motor body 131, an output shaft 132, a lifting nut 133, and a bracket 134. The output shaft 132 is a lead screw, one portion of which is connected to the motor body 131 and the other portion of which is threadedly engaged with the lifting nut 133. The output shaft 132 is driven to rotate by the motor body 131. The bracket 134 has a first portion 1341, a second portion 1342, and a third portion 1343. The first portion 1341 and the third portion 1343 are sheet-shaped and arranged opposite each other. The second portion 1342 is connected between the first portion 1341 and the third portion 1343. The first portion 1341 rests against one side of the motor body 131, which is also the side from which the output shaft 132 extends outward. One end 1321 of the output shaft 132 is connected to the third portion 1343, and the lifting nut 133 is located between the first portion 1341 and the third portion 1343. Furthermore, the first portion 1341 of the bracket 134 is fixedly connected to the first support column 114 and the second support column 115 to secure the drive unit 13.

[0024] To further illustrate, the third portion 1343 of the bracket 134 is disposed within the mounting groove 113 of the base 11. The output shaft 132 located within the bracket 134 is inserted into the longitudinal groove 127 of the lens barrel unit 12. The limiting element 128 of the lens barrel unit 12 is used to secure the lifting nut 133, thereby restricting its rotation relative to the limiting element 128. In this embodiment, the limiting element 128 comprises a first limiting post 1281 and a second limiting post 1282, while the lifting nut 133 comprises a protrusion 1331 positioned between the first limiting post 1281 and the second limiting post 1282 to restrict its movement. The term "fixed" here refers to the fact that the lifting nut 133 cannot rotate with the rotation of the output shaft 132. Therefore, when the output shaft 132 rotates, the lifting nut 133 moves up and down along with the forward or reverse rotation of the output shaft 132, thereby driving the lens barrel unit 12 to move.

[0025] The connection between the bracket 134, the first support column 114, the second support column 115, and the drive unit 13 indicates that the first support column 114 and the second support column 115 can also be used to support a stepper motor. Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned arrangement of the limiting column and the protrusion 1331 is merely an example, and different configurations can be employed based on the intended purpose. For example, the protrusion 1331 can be configured to fit over the limiting column.

[0026] Continue reading Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the circuit unit 14 comprises a circuit board 141 , a driving control element 142 and a sensing element 143 . The circuit unit 14 is disposed on one side of the base 11 and the lens barrel unit 12 , with a surface 1411 of the circuit board 141 facing the base 11 and the lens barrel unit 12 .

[0027] The circuit board 141 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). It can be single-layer, double-sided, or multi-layer, without limitation. The sensing element 143 is disposed on a surface 1411 of the circuit board 141, while the drive control element 142 can be disposed on the same surface 1411 as the sensing element or on an opposite surface.

[0028] The drive control element 142 is electrically connected to the drive unit 13 and includes, but is not limited to, active electronic components such as a control chip, a driver chip, and / or a processing chip, as well as other passive electronic components. The sensing element 143 is a light sensor comprising a light emitter 1431 and a light receiver 1432 disposed opposite each other. Note that the sensing element 143 faces the lens barrel unit 12. A side surface of the lens barrel unit 12 also includes a positioning element 129, which may be a protrusion and is located between the light emitter 1431 and the light receiver 1432. As the lens barrel unit 12 moves up and down, the positioning element 129 moves accordingly. Consequently, light emitted by the light emitter 1431 is blocked to varying degrees at different positions, affecting the light received by the light receiver 1432 and causing variations in the output voltage. Therefore, by analyzing voltage variations, the movement of the lens barrel unit 12 can be effectively detected. This not only provides position information but also allows the position of the lens barrel unit 12 to be controlled for autofocus.

[0029] While the above embodiment uses optical sensing for position determination, in other embodiments, the sensing element 143 can also utilize magnetic field sensing for position determination. For example, the sensing element 143 can be a magnetic Hall sensor, while the positioning element 129 of the lens barrel unit 12 can be replaced with a magnet, such as a permanent magnet. This allows the position of the lens barrel unit 12 to be sensed by changes in the magnetic field. It should be noted that the aforementioned sensor and positioning element positions are interchangeable without restriction, provided that the sensing results are not affected.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1The upper cover 15 is stacked on the lens barrel unit 12. Specifically, the upper cover 15 roughly corresponds to the first extension portion 121 and the second extension portion 122 of the lens barrel unit 12. The upper cover 15 has a first fixing hole 151 and a second fixing hole 152. The first fixing hole 151 is provided corresponding to the first guide post 111. That is, the first guide post 111 passes through the first guide hole 123 and the guide tube 125 before being connected to the first fixing hole 151. In addition, the guide tube 125 and the return spring 126 are constrained between the upper cover 15 and the first extension portion 121 of the lens barrel unit 12, and movement of the lens barrel unit 12 causes the return spring 126 to be compressed or expanded. The second fixing hole 152 is provided corresponding to the second guide post 112. That is, the second guide post 112 passes through the second guide hole 124 and is installed in the second fixing hole 152.

[0031] The housing 16 has a housing opening O16 corresponding to the base opening O11 and the lens barrel opening O12, thereby allowing light to be focused and imaged by the lens disposed in the lens barrel unit 12. The housing 16 is connected to the base 11 to enclose and house the lens barrel unit 12, the drive unit 13, the circuit unit 14, and the upper cover 15, thereby forming the lens actuating device 10.

[0032] To make the content of the present invention clearer, the use of the lens actuating device 10 of the present invention is further described below.

[0033] The lens actuator 10 uses a drive unit 13 to vertically move the lens barrel unit 12 via a rotating output shaft 132 and a lifting nut 133. For example, a drive control unit 142 provides current to the drive unit 13 (a stepper motor) to control its forward rotation, thereby raising the lens barrel unit 12, or reverse rotation, thereby lowering the lens barrel unit 12 via a return spring 126. As the output shaft 132 rotates, the lifting nut 133 is restricted by the stopper 128 of the lens barrel unit 12. Therefore, the lifting nut 133 cannot rotate in place and instead moves up and down along the output shaft 132. Because the lifting nut 133 is located between the first extension 121 and the third portion 1343 of the bracket 134, the movement of the lifting nut 133 causes the lens barrel unit 12 to move accordingly.

[0034] When the lens barrel unit 12, equipped with an optical lens, moves up and down, the first guide post 111 moves along the enclosed guide tube 125, thereby preventing the lens barrel unit 12 from tilting during movement. Furthermore, the second guide post 112, connected to the semi-enclosed second guide hole 124, restricts rotation of the lens barrel unit 12. This structure, through the first and second guide posts 111, 112, and corresponding structures, limits the movement direction of the lens barrel unit 12, preventing tilting or rotation. Combined with the sensing element 143 and the positioning element 129, the position of the lens barrel unit 12 can be accurately determined and precisely controlled. When the lens barrel unit 12 is equipped with an optical lens, precise autofocus is achieved.

[0035] In summary, the lens actuator device of the present invention integrates the return spring, the first guide post connecting the guide tube, and the drive unit into a single structural area. This design not only reduces the size of the lens actuator device but also ensures a more compact and stable overall movement. Furthermore, the lens actuator device of the present invention utilizes the coordinated interaction of the guide post, guide hole, and guide tube, as well as the connection with the drive unit's output shaft and lifting nut, to prevent tilting and rotation of the lens barrel unit during movement, thereby achieving precise focus position control.

[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Any equivalent modifications or variations made by those skilled in the art based on the spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A lens actuating device, characterized in that: include: A base having a base opening, a first guide post and a second guide post, wherein the first guide post and the second guide post are respectively disposed on a surface on both sides of the base opening; A lens barrel unit comprising a lens barrel opening, a first extension, a second extension, a first guide hole, a second guide hole, a guide tube, and a limiting element, wherein the lens barrel opening is arranged corresponding to the base opening, the first extension and the second extension extend outward from the lens barrel opening, the first guide hole is formed in the first extension, the second guide hole is formed in the second extension, the guide tube is arranged on one side of the first extension corresponding to the first guide hole, the first guide post is passed through the guide tube, and the limiting element is arranged on the other side of the first extension; and A driving unit has a motor body, an output shaft and a lifting nut, wherein a portion of the output shaft is connected to the motor body, and another portion of the output shaft is screwed into engagement with the lifting nut, the first extension portion of the lens barrel unit is located between the motor body and the lifting nut, and the lifting nut is restricted by the limiting element from rotating relative to the limiting element.

2. The lens actuator according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a circuit unit having a circuit board, a driving control element, and a sensing element, wherein the circuit unit is disposed on one side of the base and the lens barrel unit, and a surface of the circuit board faces the base and the lens barrel unit; The sensing element is arranged on the surface of the circuit board and is opposite to a positioning element of the lens barrel unit.

3. The lens actuator according to claim 2, wherein: The sensing element is a light sensing element or a magnetic field sensing element.

4. The lens actuator according to claim 2, wherein: The invention also comprises a shell having a shell opening corresponding to the base opening and the lens barrel opening. The shell is connected to the base to cover the lens barrel unit, the driving unit and the circuit unit.

5. The lens actuating device according to claim 1, wherein: The limiting element of the lens barrel unit further comprises a first limiting column and a second limiting column, and the lifting nut comprises a convex portion or limiting shape, and the convex portion or limiting shape is located between the first limiting column and the second limiting column.

6. The lens actuating device according to claim 1, wherein: The drive unit also has a bracket, and the bracket has: a first portion abutting against a side of the motor body where the output shaft extends outward; a second portion connected to the first portion; as well as A third part is connected to the second part and is arranged opposite to the first part. One end of the output shaft is connected to the third part, and the lifting nut is located between the first part and the third part.

7. The lens actuating device according to claim 6, wherein: The base also features: a setting groove located on one side of the first guide post; a first supporting column, disposed on one side of the arrangement slot; and a second supporting column, disposed on the other side of the arrangement slot; The bracket is arranged in the arrangement slot and is connected to the first support column and the second support column respectively.

8. The lens actuating device according to claim 1, wherein: The barrel unit also features: a return spring, sleeved on the outside of the conduit; and A longitudinal groove is located on one side of the first extension portion, and the output shaft of the driving unit passes through the longitudinal groove.

9. The lens actuating device according to claim 8, wherein: It also includes an upper cover, which is stacked on the lens barrel unit and has a first fixing hole and a second fixing hole. The first fixing hole is arranged corresponding to the first guide column, and the second fixing hole is arranged corresponding to the second guide column. The guide tube and the return spring are located between the upper cover and the first extension portion of the lens barrel unit.

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