Variable aperture module and image capturing device

Abstract

The invention provides a variable aperture module. The variable aperture module comprises a base, a carrier, an elastic sheet, a plurality of blades and a driving assembly, the base has an opening. The carrier is rotatably arranged on the base. The elastic piece is arranged between the base and the carrier and located around the opening, the elastic piece is provided with a first end and a second end which are opposite, the first end abuts against the base, and the second end abuts against the carrier. The plurality of blades are displaceably disposed on the carrier. The driving assembly is connected with the carrier to drive the carrier to rotate relative to the base. The invention provides a variable aperture module and an image capturing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to optical devices, and in particular to a variable aperture module and an image capturing device. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread use of electronic devices, users' demands for their functions are becoming increasingly diverse. Taking image capture devices, which are typically found in electronic devices, as an example, users not only require basic image quality but also the ability to adjust various optical parameters (such as focus or aperture). This has become a key factor in their purchasing decisions. However, to enable optical parameter adjustment, image capture devices require more and more components, resulting in a larger space requirement. Therefore, maintaining optical quality and stable product reliability within limited space becomes a crucial challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a variable aperture module, comprising a base, a carrier, a spring, multiple blades, and a drive assembly. The base has an opening. The carrier is rotatably mounted on the base. The spring is disposed between the base and the carrier and around the opening, the spring having opposing first and second ends, the first end abutting against the base and the second end abutting against the carrier. The multiple blades are displaceably mounted on the carrier. The drive assembly is connected to the carrier to drive the carrier to rotate relative to the base.

[0004] In some embodiments, the aforementioned carrier is disposed on one side of the base along a first direction, and the first end and the second end of the spring are located at different positions along the first direction.

[0005] In some embodiments, there are multiple spring clips, and the multiple spring clips are symmetrically arranged around the opening.

[0006] In some embodiments, there are two spring clips, and the two spring clips are arranged symmetrically around the opening with equal central angles between their centers.

[0007] In some embodiments, the number of the aforementioned spring pieces is four, and the four spring pieces are symmetrically arranged around the opening.

[0008] In some embodiments, the number of the aforementioned spring pieces is multiple and odd, and the odd number of spring pieces are arranged around the opening at equal central angle intervals relative to the center of the opening.

[0009] In some embodiments, the number of the aforementioned spring pieces is multiple and odd, and the odd number of spring pieces are asymmetrically arranged around the opening.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second end of the aforementioned spring has a positioning hole, the carrier has a protrusion, and the spring passes through the positioning hole and is fitted onto the protrusion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first end of the aforementioned spring is non-planar.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first end and the second end of the aforementioned spring are connected in the length direction, and there is an angle between the height direction and the length direction. The first end and the second end of the spring are located in different length directions and also in different height directions.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first end and the second end of the aforementioned spring sheet further include a bend section that extends along the height direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aforementioned spring has a first side and a second side facing each other, with the first end of the spring abutting against the base with the first side and the second end of the spring abutting against the carrier with the second side.

[0015] In some embodiments, the aforementioned spring further includes a plurality of protrusions located on the first surface of the first end of the spring, with the plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first end of the aforementioned spring includes at least one arcuate portion, and the first end abuts against the base with at least one arcuate portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second end of the aforementioned spring includes a plurality of arcuate portions, wherein the arc centers of adjacent arcuate portions are located on the opposite side of the first surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the aforementioned variable aperture module further includes a housing and at least three rolling elements. The housing is fitted onto the side of the carrier away from the base, and the three rolling elements are rotatably or rollably disposed between the housing and the carrier; or the three rolling elements are rotatably or rollably disposed between the carrier and the base.

[0019] In some embodiments, the aforementioned carrier has a perforation, the center of which coincides with the center of the opening, and at least three rolling elements are arranged around the perforation at equal central angle intervals relative to the center of the perforation.

[0020] In some embodiments, the aforementioned carrier has an opening, and the number of rolling elements is even, with the even number of rolling elements symmetrically arranged around the opening.

[0021] In some embodiments, the aforementioned carrier has an opening, and the number of rolling elements is at least three and is odd, with the odd number of rolling elements asymmetrically arranged around the opening.

[0022] In some embodiments, the aforementioned drive assembly includes a first drive element and a second drive element, which are telescopically displaceable and disposed around the opening of the base and respectively connected to the carrier.

[0023] In some embodiments, the aforementioned drive assembly further includes a plurality of guide members disposed on one side of the carrier and located around the opening. The number of guide members is even, and the even number of guide members are symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the opening. A first driving element abuts against a portion of the guide members on one side of the opening, and a second driving element abuts against the remaining guide members on the other side of the opening.

[0024] In some embodiments, the aforementioned guide member is a cylinder extending in height along a first direction, and the first driving element and the second driving element are partially intersecting each other.

[0025] In some embodiments, the aforementioned carrier further includes a first fixing member and two second fixing members. The first fixing member is disposed on the carrier, and the two second fixing members are disposed on the base. One end of the first driving element and one end of the second driving element are both fixed to the first fixing member. The other end of the first driving element is fixed to one of the second fixing members, and the other end of the second driving element is fixed to the other second fixing member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the aforementioned first fixing member has a first fixing part and a second fixing part, one end of the first driving element is fixed to the first fixing part, one end of the second driving element is fixed to the second fixing part, and the first fixing part and the second fixing part are not coplanar.

[0027] In some embodiments, the aforementioned variable aperture module further includes a bottom shell disposed on one side of the base, and the bottom shell and the outer shell are joined together.

[0028] The present invention also provides an image capturing device, comprising an optical actuation module, a lens module, and the aforementioned variable aperture module. The lens module is connected to the optical actuation module. The variable aperture module is disposed on the lens module. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the image capturing device of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 A partial structural exploded view of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0032] Figure 4 A partial structural exploded view of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0033] Figure 5This is a partial structural exploded view from another perspective of the first embodiment of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a partial structural assembly diagram of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0035] Figure 7 This is a partial structural exploded view of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention in a second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a partial structural exploded view of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention in a third embodiment.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the spring of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the spring of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the spring of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 12A This is a combined cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 12B for Figure 12A A magnified view of a portion of 12B selected in the center circle.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a partial structural assembly diagram of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention in a fourth embodiment.

[0043] Figure 14 This is a partial structural assembly diagram of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention in a fifth embodiment.

[0044] Figure 15 This is a partial structural assembly diagram of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0045] Figure 16 This is a partial structural assembly diagram of the variable aperture module of the image capturing device of the present invention in a sixth embodiment.

[0046] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0047] 10: Optical Actuation Module

[0048] 20: Lens Module

[0049] 30: Variable Aperture Module

[0050] 31: Base

[0051] 311: Sleeve Section

[0052] 3111: Pivot

[0053] 312: Inner edge

[0054] 3121: Opening

[0055] 313: Outer edge

[0056] 3131: Incision

[0057] 3132: Groove

[0058] 314: Support section

[0059] 32: Carrier

[0060] 321: Wearing a set of clothes

[0061] 3211: Driven column

[0062] 322: Extension

[0063] 3221: First Extension

[0064] 3222: Second Extension

[0065] 323: Flange

[0066] 3231:convex part

[0067] 324: piercing

[0068] 33: Leaf

[0069] 331: Pivot

[0070] 332: Guide groove

[0071] 34: Driver Components

[0072] 341: Guide component

[0073] 342: First driving element

[0074] 343: Second driving element

[0075] 344: First fastener

[0076] 3441A: First fixing part

[0077] 3441B: Second fixing part

[0078] 345: Second fastener

[0079] 35: Bottom shell

[0080] 36: Outer shell

[0081] D1: First Direction

[0082] D2: Second Direction

[0083] E: Shrapnel

[0084] E1: First end

[0085] E2: Second end

[0086] E21: Positioning hole

[0087] E3: Turning Point

[0088] P: Length direction

[0089] H: Height direction

[0090] F1: First Page

[0091] F11: Protrusion

[0092] F2: Second side

[0093] C: Arc portion

[0094] B: Rolling component Detailed Implementation

[0095] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0096] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the image capturing device of the present invention. The image capturing device is used to be installed in an electronic device to capture images, including but not limited to smartphones, tablet computers, laptops, displays, stand-alone cameras, or drones.

[0097] The image capturing device includes an optical actuation module 10, a lens module 20, and a variable aperture module 30. The lens module 20 is connected to the optical actuation module 10. The variable aperture module 30 is disposed on the lens module 20. In some embodiments, the optical actuation module 10 can provide driving forces in three mutually perpendicular directions to simultaneously provide focusing and image stabilization functions for the image capturing device. The lens module 20 is an optical component that allows light reflected from an object to enter the image capturing device from the outside and improves light quality. The size of the light entrance aperture of the variable aperture module 30 can be changed to adjust the amount of light entering the image capturing device through the light entrance aperture and the variable aperture module 30, that is, to change the aperture value of the image capturing device, thereby providing different depth-of-field imaging effects.

[0098] See Figures 2 to 4 The variable aperture module 30 includes a base 31, a carrier 32, a spring E, multiple blades 33, and a drive assembly 34. The base 31 has an opening 3121. The carrier 32 is rotatably mounted on the base 31. The spring E is disposed on the base 31 and the carrier 32 and located around the opening 3121. The spring E has a first end E1 and a second end E2, with the first end E1 abutting against the base 31 and the second end E2 abutting against the carrier 32. The multiple blades 33 are displaceably mounted on the carrier 32. The drive assembly 34 is connected to the carrier 32 to drive the carrier 32 to rotate relative to the base 31.

[0099] Therefore, when the drive component 34 of the variable aperture module 30 drives the carrier 32 to rotate relative to the base 31 and change the aperture size, the spring E can provide friction between the base 31 and the carrier 32 when the carrier 32 rotates, and can provide self-locking capability after the carrier 32 has completed its displacement, thereby improving structural stability.

[0100] The base 31 is adapted to house the lens module 20 and support the carrier 32, blades 33, and drive assembly 34. In some embodiments, the base 31 includes a sleeve section 311, an inner edge 312, and an outer edge 313.

[0101] The sleeve section 311 is open at both ends and formed into a conical shape around the first direction D1. The sleeve section 311 is suitable for being fitted onto the lens module 20.

[0102] The inner edge 312 is connected to the inner periphery of one end of the sleeve section 311 and extends into the inner side of the base 31 along the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 to form a ring. The inner periphery of the inner edge 312 forms the opening 3121 of the base 31. When the base 31 is fitted onto the lens module 20, the inner edge 312 of the base 31 abuts against the lens module 20 to prevent the lens module 20 from coming out of the opening 3121 of the base 31 along the first direction D1.

[0103] The outer edge 313 connects to the outer periphery of the other end of the sleeve section 311 and extends outward along the second direction D2 toward the outer side of the base 31.

[0104] The spring piece E provides friction between the base 31 and the carrier 32. In some embodiments, the spring piece E is an arc-shaped sheet structure made of a flexible material, which may, but is not limited to, be made of metal. The first end E1 of the spring piece E abuts against the outer edge 313 of the base 31, and the curvature of the spring piece E corresponds to the curvature of the outer contour of the sleeve section 311. In some embodiments, the spring piece E may simply be disposed between the base 31 and the carrier 32 and confined therebetween. In these embodiments, the first end E1 of the spring piece E abuts against the base 31, and the second end E2 abuts against the carrier 32. In other embodiments, the spring piece E may also be selectively fixed to either the base 31 or the carrier 32. In some embodiments where the spring piece E is fixed to the base 31, the spring piece E is fixed to the base 31 with the first end E1, and the second end E2 abuts against the carrier 32. In some embodiments where the spring piece E is fixed to the carrier 32, the spring piece E is fixed to the carrier 32 with its second end E2 and its first end E1 abutting against the base 31.

[0105] The carrier 32 is adapted to pass through the base 31 and can drive the blade 33 to move. In some embodiments, the carrier 32 is generally annular and is rotatably fitted over the sleeve section 311 of the base 31 and located on one side of the base 31. Here, the carrier 32 includes a sleeve section 321 and a flange 323. The sleeve section 321 is annular and has a plurality of driving posts 3211 at one end. The flange 323 extends outward along the outer periphery of the other end of the sleeve section 321 and is generally conical. In these embodiments, after the carrier 32 passes through the sleeve section 311 of the base 31, the flange 323 of the carrier 32 abuts against the second end E2 of the spring piece E.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first end E1 of the spring E abuts against the base 31, and the second end E2 of the spring E is fixed to the flange 323 of the carrier 32. When the carrier 32 rotates relative to the base 31, the second end E2 of the spring E drives the spring E to move with the carrier 32. In this way, the first end E1 of the spring E remains against the base 31 during the displacement of the spring E with the carrier 32. Thus, the spring E can provide friction during the displacement of the carrier 32 relative to the base 31, and thus quickly exert its self-locking ability when the driving force applied to the carrier 32 is no longer present.

[0107] In some embodiments, the flange 323 of the carrier 32 has a protrusion 3231 on the side facing the base 31, and the second end E2 of the spring piece E has a positioning hole E21, which can be positioned at the protrusion 3231 of the carrier 32. In these embodiments, the outer edge 313 of the base 31 further has a groove 3132, which extends along the outer periphery of the sleeve section 311 and becomes arc-shaped. Here, the number of grooves 3132 corresponds to the number of spring pieces E, and the arc length of the groove 3132 is greater than the arc length between the two ends of the spring piece E. In this way, the groove 3132 can limit the spring piece E, ensuring that the spring piece E is displaced on the expected path and avoiding unexpected offset of the spring piece E. Further, the width of the groove 3132 can be equivalent to the width of the spring piece E. In this way, by matching the shape of the groove 3132 with that of the spring piece E, the displacement guidance effect of the spring piece E can be provided, improving the smoothness of the displacement of the spring piece E.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first end E1 of the spring E is fixed to the base 31, and the second end E2 of the spring E abuts against the carrier 32. In these embodiments, the way in which the first end E1 of the spring E is fixed to the base 31 can be the same as the way in which the second end E2 of the spring E is fixed to the carrier 32, for example, a through hole is made in the first end E1 of the spring E, and a protrusion is provided at the corresponding position of the base 31 that can pass through the through hole of the first end E1 of the spring E, thereby fixing the first end E1 of the spring E to the base 31.

[0109] In other embodiments, the carrier 32 and the spring piece E may have other shaped concave-convex mating structures that can be positioned relative to each other, but this case is not limited to this.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the spring plate E are located at different positions in the first direction D1. Thus, when the carrier 32 is sleeved on the sleeve section 311 of the base 31 and abuts against the spring plate E on one side of the base 31 in the first direction D1, the spring plate E can provide an elastic support force between the carrier 32 and the base 31 in the first direction D1, thereby enabling the carrier 32 to be supported and restricted in position by the spring plate E when not subjected to driving force, so as to achieve a self-locking function.

[0111] The blade 33 is displaced by the carrier 32 to change the size of the light entrance aperture. In some embodiments, one end of the blade 33 is rotatably pivotally connected to the base 31, and the other end defines the light entrance aperture. In response to the rotation of the blade 33, the size of the light entrance aperture is changed accordingly. Here, one end of the blade 33 has a pivot hole 331, and an arc-shaped guide groove 332 is provided between the two ends. The sleeve section 311 of the base 31 has multiple pivots 3111. The blade 33 is rotatably fitted through the pivot hole 331 to the pivot 3111, and through the guide groove 332 to the driving post 3211 of the carrier 32. When the carrier 32 rotates, the driving post 3211 of the carrier 32 pushes the blade 33 to rotate and displace around the pivot 3111. The displacement of the blade 33 is limited by the pivot position of the base 31 and the guide groove 332, so that the blade 33 can reliably change the size of the light entrance aperture.

[0112] See Figures 2 to 6 The drive assembly 34 can drive the carrier 32 to rotate, thereby causing the blade 33 to displace and change the size of the light entrance aperture. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 34 is connected to the carrier 32 to drive the carrier 32 to rotate, and the drive assembly 34 includes a plurality of guide members 341, a first driving element 342, and a second driving element 343. The plurality of guide members 341 are disposed on one side of the carrier 32 and located around the opening 3121. The first driving element 342 is telescopically displaceable and abuts against at least one of the guide members 341 and is located on one side of the opening 3121, with one end of the first driving element 342 connected to the carrier 32 and the other end connected to the base 31. The second driving element 343 is telescopically displaceable and abuts against at least one of the plurality of guide members 341 and is located on the other side of the opening 3121, with one end of the second driving element 343 connected to the carrier 32 and the other end connected to the base 31. In this way, the carrier 32 can be rotated by the extension and retraction displacement of the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343. When the carrier 32 rotates, it can drive the displacement of each blade 33 to change the size of the light entrance aperture defined by each blade 33, thereby providing a variable aperture effect. After the carrier 32 completes the rotation, the spring E abuts against the base 31 and the carrier 32, so that the carrier 32 can be self-locked in position when it is not driven, ensuring the stability of the structure.

[0113] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 34 is disposed on the side of the base 31 away from the carrier 32, that is, the base 31 is located between the carrier 32 and the drive assembly 34. In these embodiments, the outer edge 313 of the base 31 has a cutout 3131 through which a portion of the carrier 32 passes to connect to the drive assembly 34 on the other side of the base 31.

[0114] In some embodiments, the carrier 32 further includes an extension 322 connected to the other end of the sleeve section 321. The extension 322 includes a first extension 3221 and a second extension 3222 connected to each other. One end of the first extension 3221 is connected to the sleeve section 321 and extends from the sleeve section 321 along a second direction D2. One end of the second extension 3222 is connected to the other end of the first extension 3221 and extends along a first direction D1. When the carrier 32 is sleeved on the base 31, the extension 322 of the carrier 32 is connected to the drive assembly 34 through a cut 3131. In some embodiments, the range between the two ends of the cut 3131 is greater than the width of the extension 322. This allows the cut 3131 to restrict the movement of the carrier 32 within a defined range, improving the stability of the variable aperture module 30's operation.

[0115] The guide member 341 of the drive assembly 34 is abutted against by the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343, thereby limiting the displacement path and direction of the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343. In some embodiments, the guide member 341 is a cylindrical structure extending along a first direction D1, such as... Figures 1 to 6 In the embodiment shown, the guide 341 is a cylinder, thereby allowing the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 to move smoothly against the outer peripheral surface of the guide 341.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 of the drive assembly 34 are made of shape memory alloys (SMA). Shape memory alloys are alloy materials capable of remembering their original shape. They can deform under stress below their phase transformation temperature and recover their original shape before deformation when the stress is released above their phase transformation temperature. Specifically, shape memory alloys can exhibit contraction or expansion at temperatures above their phase transformation temperature. Here, shape memory alloys can be, but are not limited to, iron-based alloys, nickel-titanium alloys, and copper-based alloys (e.g., copper-zinc-aluminum, copper-aluminum-nickel).

[0117] In some embodiments, the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 are made of a shape memory alloy that shrinks upon heating. In these embodiments, the guide 341 is distributed around the opening 3121 of the base 31, and the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 abut against the guide 341 and are connected to the carrier 32. The carrier 32 is rotated by controlling the extension and retraction of the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343.

[0118] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 34 heats the first drive element 342 and the second drive element 343 by energizing them, but this invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the first drive element 342 and the second drive element 343 can also be heated and extended by other heating methods.

[0119] As can be seen from the foregoing, by driving the extension and retraction of the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 through the driving component 34, the carrier 32 can be rotated, thereby changing the size of the light entrance aperture and providing the function of a variable aperture.

[0120] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 34 further includes a first fixing member 344 and two second fixing members 345. The first fixing member 344 is disposed on the carrier 32, and each of the second fixing members 345 is disposed on the base 31. One end of the first driving element 342 and one end of the second driving element 343 are both fixed to the first fixing member 344. The other end of the first driving element 342 is fixed to one of the second fixing members 345, and the other end of the second driving element 343 is fixed to the other second fixing member 345. In these embodiments, the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 are partially interleaved, but this is not a limitation. In other embodiments, the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 can also be completely separated and not interleaved. By different configurations of the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343, the lengths of the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 can be changed, thereby changing the displacement range of the carrier 32 and providing different variable aperture sizes.

[0121] In some embodiments where the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 partially intersect, the first fixing member 344 has a first fixing portion 3441A and a second fixing portion 3441B. One end of the first driving element 342 is fixed to the first fixing portion 3441A, and one end of the second driving element 343 is fixed to the second fixing portion 3441B. The first fixing portion 3441A and the second fixing portion 3441B are not coplanar. This ensures that the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 intersect in different first directions D1, guaranteeing that even when intersecting, the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 can move smoothly without interfering with each other.

[0122] In some embodiments, the number of spring pieces E is preferably multiple, and the multiple spring pieces E are symmetrically arranged around the opening 3121. This allows the multiple spring pieces E to provide a more balanced frictional and supporting force to the base 31 and the carrier 32. It is worth noting that the invention is not limited to this, and the multiple spring pieces E may also be asymmetrically arranged around the opening 3121.

[0123] In some embodiments where the number of spring pieces E is multiple, see [reference] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The number of spring pieces E is even. Specifically, the number of spring pieces E can be two, four, six, or even more. This invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the number of spring pieces E can be adjusted according to the size of the base 31. In these embodiments, an even number of spring pieces E are symmetrically arranged around the opening 3121, thereby ensuring force balance between the base 31 and the carrier 32. Furthermore, in some embodiments where the number of spring pieces E is even, the spring pieces E can be arranged at equal central angles around the opening 3121, thereby further ensuring that the carrier 32 has a balanced force throughout its displacement relative to the base 31.

[0124] In some embodiments where the number of spring pieces E is multiple, see [reference] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The number of spring pieces E is odd. Specifically, the number of spring pieces E can be three, five, seven, or even more; the invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the number of spring pieces E can be adjusted according to the size of the base 31. In these embodiments, the odd number of spring pieces E are asymmetrically arranged around the opening 3121. Further, in some embodiments, the odd number of spring pieces E are arranged at equal central angles relative to the center of the opening 3121 around the opening 3121. This ensures that the carrier 32 experiences balanced force throughout its displacement relative to the base 31.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first end E1 of the spring E is a non-planar structure. The non-planar structure of the first end E1 of the spring E increases the contact area between the first end E1 of the spring E and the base 31, ensuring that friction is maintained between the spring E and the base 31. In these embodiments, the non-planar structure of the first end E1 of the spring E may be, but is not limited to, a semi-etched surface or a non-planar structure formed by machining.

[0126] In some embodiments, see Figure 9 The first end E1 and the second end E2 of the connecting spring E are in the length direction P, and there is an angle between the height direction H and the length direction P. The first end E1 and the second end E2 of the spring E are located in different length directions P and different height directions H. Specifically, the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the spring E further include a turning segment E3, which extends along the height direction H. In this way, the turning segment E3 provides elastic support between the two ends of the spring E.

[0127] In some embodiments, the spring E has opposing first surfaces F1 and second surfaces F2. The first end E1 of the spring E abuts against the base 31 with its first surface F1, and the second end E2 of the spring E abuts against the carrier 32 with its second surface F2. In these embodiments, the spring E further includes a plurality of protrusions F11 located on the first surface F1 of the first end E1 of the spring E. In some embodiments, the protrusions F11 of the spring E can be regularly or irregularly arranged. In embodiments where the protrusions F11 are regularly arranged, the plurality of protrusions F11 of the spring E are parallel and spaced apart from each other. In embodiments where the protrusions F11 are irregularly arranged, the plurality of protrusions F11 of the spring E are staggered.

[0128] In some embodiments, see Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first end E1 of the spring piece E includes at least one arcuate portion C, and the first end E1 abuts against the base 31 with the arcuate portion C. Thus, the spring piece E provides elastic support through the arcuate portion C. In some embodiments where the spring piece E includes at least one arcuate portion C, see [reference needed]. Figure 7 There are multiple arc portions C. In these embodiments, the arc centers of the arc portions C that are adjacent to each other are located on the opposite side of the first surface F1. In this way, the multiple arc portions C are connected to each other to form a wave shape, thereby providing greater elastic support.

[0129] In some embodiments, the variable aperture module 30 further includes a bottom shell 35 and an outer shell 36. The bottom shell 35 is disposed on one side of the base 31, and the outer shell 36 is disposed on one side of the carrier 32, and the bottom shell 35 and the outer shell 36 are joined together. In this way, the bottom shell 35 and the outer shell 36 can cover the aforementioned components, which not only provides modular aesthetics, but also ensures the smooth displacement of the aforementioned components without interference from external components.

[0130] The base shell 35 supports the base 31. In some embodiments, the base shell 35 is generally an annular sheet. In these embodiments, the base 31 further includes a support portion 314, which is connected to the outer edge 313 and extends along a first direction D1 away from the sleeve section 311. The height of the support portion 314 in the first direction D1 is greater than the height of the outer edge 313 in the first direction D1. Here, the base 31 abuts against the base shell 35 with the support portion 314. When the base 31 abuts against the base shell 35 with the support portion 314, the support portion 314 supports the base 31, so that there is a gap between the outer edge 313 of the base 31 and the base shell 35. In this way, the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343 can be disposed in the space between the outer edge 313 of the base 31 and the base shell 35, ensuring the smooth displacement of the first driving element 342 and the second driving element 343.

[0131] See Figure 2 and cooperate Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figures 13 to 16 In some embodiments where the variable aperture module 30 includes a housing 36, the variable aperture module 30 further includes at least three rolling elements B. The housing 36 is fitted onto the side of the carrier 32 away from the base 31, and the three rolling elements B are rotatably or rollably disposed between the housing 36 and the carrier 32; or the three rolling elements B are rotatably or rollably disposed between the carrier 32 and the base 31. Thus, in some embodiments where the rolling elements B are rotatably or rollably disposed between the housing 36 and the carrier 32, the housing 36 and the carrier 32 are respectively in contact with the spherical rolling elements B. The rolling elements B reduce the direct or indirect contact area between the carrier 32 and the housing 36, reducing the resistance to the displacement of the carrier 32 and improving the smoothness of the carrier 32's displacement. Similarly, in some embodiments where the rolling element B is rotatably or rollably disposed between the carrier 32 and the base 31, the carrier 32 and the base 31 are respectively in contact with the spherical rolling element B. The rolling element B reduces the direct or indirect contact area between the carrier 32 and the base 31, thereby reducing the resistance to the displacement of the carrier 32 and improving the smoothness of the displacement of the carrier 32. In some embodiments, the rolling element B may be a spherical ball, a cylindrical roller, a conical rolling element, or a bearing.

[0132] In some embodiments where the variable aperture module 30 includes at least three rolling elements B, the carrier 32 has a through-hole 324 whose center coincides with the center of the opening 3121 of the base 31. At least three rolling elements B are arranged around the through-hole 324 at equal central angle intervals relative to its center. In the embodiment shown in FIG12, the number of rolling elements B is three, and the three rolling elements are asymmetrically but at equal central angle intervals around the through-hole 324. This allows the base 31, carrier 32, or housing 36 that contacts the rolling elements B to stably contact the rolling elements B, improving the stability of the carrier 32's displacement.

[0133] In some embodiments, the number of at least three rolling elements B is even, and the even number of rolling elements B are symmetrically arranged around the opening 324. For example... Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the illustrated embodiment, there are four rolling elements B, which are arranged symmetrically but not at equal central angles around the opening 324. This allows the base 31, carrier 32, or housing 36 that contacts the rolling elements B to maintain stable contact with the rolling elements B, improving the stability of the carrier 32's displacement.

[0134] In some embodiments, the number of at least three rolling elements B is odd, and the odd number of rolling elements B are asymmetrically arranged around the opening 324. For example... Figure 16In the illustrated embodiment, there are five rolling elements B, which are asymmetrically and non-equidistantly spaced around the opening 324. This allows the base 31, carrier 32, or housing 36 that contacts the rolling elements B to maintain stable contact with the rolling elements B, improving the stability of the carrier 32's displacement.

[0135] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A variable aperture module, characterized in that, Include: The base has an opening; The carrier is rotatably mounted on the base; A spring sheet is disposed between the base and the carrier and around the opening. The spring sheet has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end abuts against the base and the second end abuts against the carrier. Multiple blades are displaceably mounted on the carrier; as well as A drive assembly is connected to the carrier to drive the carrier to rotate relative to the base.

2. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier is disposed on one side of the base along a first direction, and the first end and the second end of the spring are located at different positions along the first direction.

3. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of spring pieces is multiple, and the multiple spring pieces are symmetrically arranged around the opening.

4. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the spring pieces is two, and the two spring pieces are symmetrically arranged around the opening at equal central angles relative to the center of the opening.

5. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of spring pieces is four, and the four spring pieces are symmetrically arranged around the opening.

6. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the spring pieces is multiple and odd, and the odd number of spring pieces are arranged around the opening at equal central angles relative to the center of the opening.

7. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the spring pieces is multiple and odd, and the odd number of spring pieces are asymmetrically arranged around the opening.

8. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the spring sheet has a positioning hole, the carrier has a protrusion, and the spring sheet passes through the positioning hole and is fitted onto the protrusion.

9. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the spring is non-planar.

10. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first end and the second end of the spring are connected along the length direction, and there is an angle between the height direction and the length direction. The first end and the second end of the spring are located in different length directions and also in different height directions.

11. The variable aperture module as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first end and the second end of the spring sheet further include a bend segment that extends along the height direction.

12. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The spring has a first surface and a second surface facing each other. The first end of the spring abuts against the base with the first surface, and the second end of the spring abuts against the carrier with the second surface.

13. The variable aperture module as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The spring sheet further includes a plurality of protrusions located on the first surface of the first end of the spring sheet, the plurality of protrusions being spaced apart from each other.

14. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the spring includes at least one arcuate portion, and the first end abuts against the base with the at least one arcuate portion.

15. The variable aperture module as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The first end of the spring sheet includes a plurality of arc portions, wherein the arc centers of adjacent arc portions are located on opposite sides of the first surface.

16. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a housing and at least three rolling elements. The housing is fitted onto the side of the carrier away from the base, and the three rolling elements are rotatably or rollingly disposed between the housing and the carrier; or the three rolling elements are rotatably or rollingly disposed between the carrier and the base.

17. The variable aperture module as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The carrier has a through-hole, the center of which coincides with the center of the opening, and the at least three rolling elements are arranged around the through-hole at equal central angle intervals relative to the center of the through-hole.

18. The variable aperture module as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The carrier has an opening, and the number of the at least three rolling elements is even, with the even number of rolling elements symmetrically arranged around the opening.

19. The variable aperture module as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The carrier has an opening, and the number of the at least three rolling elements is odd, with the odd number of rolling elements asymmetrically arranged around the opening.

20. The variable aperture module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a first drive element and a second drive element, which are telescopically displaceable and disposed around the opening of the base and respectively connected to the carrier.

21. The variable aperture module as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The drive assembly further includes a plurality of guide members, which are disposed on one side of the carrier and located around the opening. The number of the plurality of guide members is even, and the even-numbered guide members are symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the opening. The first drive element abuts against a portion of the guide members on one side of the opening, and the second drive element abuts against the remaining guide members on the other side of the opening.

22. The variable aperture module as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The guide is a cylinder extending in height along a first direction, and the first driving element and the second driving element partially intersect each other.

23. The variable aperture module as described in claim 22, characterized in that, The drive assembly further includes a first fixing member and two second fixing members. The first fixing member is disposed on the carrier, and the two second fixing members are disposed on the base. One end of the first driving element and one end of the second driving element are both fixed to the first fixing member. The other end of the first driving element is fixed to one of the second fixing members, and the other end of the second driving element is fixed to the other second fixing member.

24. The variable aperture module as described in claim 23, characterized in that, The first fixing member has a first fixing part and a second fixing part. One end of the first driving element is fixed to the first fixing part, and one end of the second driving element is fixed to the second fixing part. The first fixing part and the second fixing part are not coplanar.

25. The variable aperture module as described in claim 16, characterized in that, It further includes a bottom shell, which is disposed on one side of the base, and the bottom shell and the outer shell are joined together.

26. An image capturing device, characterized in that, Include: Optical actuation module; Lens module, connected to the optical actuator module; and The variable aperture module as described in any one of claims 1 to 25 is disposed in the lens module.

Images