Drive mechanism

Abstract

A driving mechanism is used for driving an optical assembly to move and mainly comprises a fixed part, a movable part and a driving assembly. The movable part is movably connected with the fixed part, the optical assembly is arranged on the movable part, and the driving assembly is used for driving the movable part to move relative to the fixed part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a driving mechanism. More specifically, this invention relates to a driving mechanism for driving the movement of an optical component. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, many electronic devices today (such as smartphones or digital cameras) have the function of taking pictures or recording videos. The use of these electronic devices is becoming more and more common, and they are developing towards convenient and thinner designs to provide users with more choices.

[0003] Some electronic devices with photographic or video recording functions are equipped with a lens drive module to drive an optical component to move, thereby achieving the functions of autofocusing (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS), in which light can pass through the aforementioned optical component to form an image on a photosensitive component.

[0004] However, further miniaturization of the lens drive module and improvement of its stability and reliability have become important challenges for researchers in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a driving mechanism to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] In view of the aforementioned known problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a driving mechanism for driving an optical component to move, wherein the optical component has an optical axis, and the driving mechanism includes a fixed part, a movable part, and a driving assembly. The movable part is movably connected to the fixed part, wherein the optical component is disposed on the movable part. The driving assembly is used to drive the movable part to move relative to the fixed part.

[0007] In one embodiment, the aforementioned driving mechanism further includes a stop member, a buffer assembly, and an elongated positioning assembly. The aforementioned movable part includes a carrier member and a frame connected to each other. The aforementioned stop member is disposed on the aforementioned frame, and the aforementioned positioning assembly and the aforementioned optical assembly are disposed on the aforementioned carrier member. The aforementioned buffer assembly connects the aforementioned stop member and the aforementioned positioning assembly to absorb the vibration generated by the aforementioned driving mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 An exploded view of a drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 express Figure 1 Another exploded view of the drive mechanism in the diagram.

[0010] Figure 3 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 The drive mechanism is shown in the 3D diagram after assembly.

[0011] Figure 4 express Figure 3 The image shown is a partially enlarged perspective view of the drive mechanism after the housing and stop have been removed.

[0012] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates a buffer assembly disposed within a groove and connected to a positioning assembly, a stop, and a magnetic assembly.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the base, magnetic components, magnetic disk, frame, and coil after assembly.

[0014] Figure 7 express Figure 1 Another perspective 3D view of the base and guide rod.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a magnified 3D view showing multiple magnetic components mounted on a base.

[0016] Figure 9 Indicates disk overwrite Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the outer side of the magnetic component.

[0017] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing that the central axis of the base is offset from the optical axis of the optical component.

[0018] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0019] 100: Drive mechanism

[0020] A1: First tilt angle

[0021] A2: Second tilt angle

[0022] B: Base

[0023] B1: Rectangular structure

[0024] B2: Retaining wall section

[0025] B21: Opening

[0026] BA1: First sidewall

[0027] BA2: Second sidewall

[0028] BC: Centerline

[0029] BG: Depressed structure

[0030] BR1: First concave hole

[0031] BR2: Second concave hole

[0032] BZ: Central axis

[0033] C1: Coil

[0034] C2: Coil

[0035] F: Frame

[0036] G: Buffer Components

[0037] H: Shell

[0038] K: Stopping component

[0039] L: Optical components

[0040] LH: Load-bearing component

[0041] LH1: Groove

[0042] M1: Magnetic component

[0043] M2: Magnetic component

[0044] N: Positioning component

[0045] O: Optical axis

[0046] P: Circuit components

[0047] Q: Export disk

[0048] R: Guide rod

[0049] S: Reed

[0050] W1: First width

[0051] W2: Second width Detailed Implementation

[0052] The following describes the drive mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention. However, it will be readily apparent that the embodiments of the present invention provide many suitable inventive concepts and can be implemented in a wide range of specific contexts. The specific embodiments disclosed are merely illustrative of the use of the invention in a particular manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It is understood that these terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant art and the background or context of this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner, unless specifically defined herein.

[0054] The foregoing and other technical contents, features, and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as up, down, left, right, front, or back, are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the present invention.

[0055] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 ,in Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a drive mechanism 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 express Figure 1 Another exploded view of the drive mechanism 100 in the middle, Figure 3 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 The drive mechanism 100 is shown in a three-dimensional view after assembly.

[0056] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the drive mechanism 100 in this embodiment is, for example, a voice coil motor (VCM), which can be installed inside a mobile phone or other portable electronic device to drive an optical component (e.g., an optical lens) to move, thereby achieving functions such as autofocus (AF) or optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0057] The aforementioned drive mechanism 100 mainly includes a hollow housing H, a base B, a circuit assembly P, a carrier LH, a frame F, a stop K, multiple springs S, multiple guide rods R, multiple magnetic components M1, M2 (e.g., magnets), and multiple coils C1, C2. The aforementioned stop K may contain metal material, while the aforementioned base B, carrier LH, and frame F may contain plastic or fiberglass material.

[0058] In this embodiment, the aforementioned housing H has a hollow structure and is combined with the base B. The circuit assembly P is disposed between the frame F and the base B to electrically connect the aforementioned coils C1 and C2 to an external circuit.

[0059] It should be understood that the aforementioned housing H and base B together form a fixed part of the drive mechanism 100, and the aforementioned base B has a rectangular structure B1 and a retaining wall part B2 protruding from the rectangular structure B1 in the Z-axis direction. The aforementioned magnetic component M1 is fixed in an opening B21 of the aforementioned retaining wall part B2, and a conductive disk Q is provided on the outer surface of the magnetic component M1 to enhance the electromagnetic driving force of the drive mechanism 100.

[0060] The aforementioned carrier LH is movably disposed within the housing H, and an optical component (not shown) can be fixed within the carrier LH. The aforementioned carrier LH and the aforementioned frame F constitute a movable part that can move relative to the fixed part (housing H and base B), and the aforementioned optical component has an optical axis O parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0061] Specifically, the aforementioned support member LH is connected to the frame F via a spring S, allowing the support member LH to move relative to the frame F along the X-axis and / or Y-axis. The aforementioned guide rod R is clamped between the frame F and the retaining wall portion B2 of the base B, allowing the frame F to move relative to the base B along the Z-axis. Furthermore, the aforementioned stop member K is fixed to the top side of the frame F to prevent the support member LH from falling off the top of the frame F.

[0062] It should be noted that the aforementioned coils C1 and C2 are both mounted on the frame F, while the aforementioned magnetic component M2 is mounted on the support LH. The position of coil C1 corresponds to the magnetic component M1 on the base B, and the position of coil C2 corresponds to the magnetic component M2 on the frame F. The aforementioned coils C1 and C2, along with the magnetic components M1 and M2, constitute a driving assembly to drive the frame F and the support LH relative to the fixed parts (housing H and base B) to achieve functions such as autofocus (AF) or optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0063] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 ,in Figure 4 express Figure 3 The enlarged perspective view of the drive mechanism 100 after removing the housing H and the stop K.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a groove LH1 is formed on one side of the carrier LH, and at least one elongated positioning component N is provided inside the groove LH1, wherein the positioning component N extends in the -Y axis direction (first axial direction).

[0065] Specifically, the aforementioned positioning component N can be a thin metal rod embedded inside the carrier LH using an insert molding method, and the aforementioned magnetic component M2 is located between the aforementioned positioning component N and the coil C2 in the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the aforementioned positioning component N may contain a magnetically conductive material; however, the material and shape of the aforementioned positioning component N are not limited to those disclosed in the embodiments of this invention.

[0066] Please see again Figure 5 ,in Figure 5This diagram shows a buffer component G disposed in a groove LH1 and connected to a positioning component N, a stop component K, and a magnetic component M2.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, during the assembly process of the drive mechanism 100 in this embodiment, a buffer component G (e.g., gel) can be applied into the groove LH1 of the carrier LH, and make it contact the positioning component N, the stop component K and the magnetic component M2.

[0068] Specifically, by applying a buffer component G between the aforementioned stop K and the magnetic component M2, the impact force when the carrier LH contacts the stop K during its movement relative to the frame F along the Z-axis can be reduced. In addition, it can also be used to absorb the vibration generated by the drive mechanism 100 during operation.

[0069] On the other hand, by positioning and confining a portion of the buffer component G between two parallel positioning components N, it is more effective to prevent the buffer component G from falling out of the groove LH1 of the carrier LH, thereby greatly improving the stability and reliability of the drive mechanism 100.

[0070] In one embodiment, the aforementioned buffer component G may not need to contact the magnetic component M2, but may instead directly contact the stop component K and the frame F to absorb the vibration generated by the drive mechanism 100 during operation. Therefore, it is not limited to the embodiments disclosed in this invention.

[0071] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 ,in Figure 6 This is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the base B, magnetic component M1, conductive disk Q, frame F, and coil C1 after assembly.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, during the assembly of the drive mechanism 100, the magnetic component M1 and the guide disk Q can be installed from the outside of the retaining wall portion B2 of the base B along the X-axis direction into the opening B21, and at this time the magnetic component M1 is adjacent to the coil C1 on the frame F.

[0073] It should be noted that the aforementioned opening B21 has a tapered structure extending in the X-axis direction (second axial direction), and the aforementioned tapered structure forms a first sidewall BA1 and a second sidewall BA2 that are interconnected. The aforementioned first sidewall BA1 has a first tilt angle A1 relative to the X-axis direction, and the second sidewall BA2 has a second tilt angle A2 relative to the X-axis direction. The aforementioned first tilt angle A1 is greater than the aforementioned second tilt angle A2, which can help improve the positioning accuracy and convenience of the magnetic component M1 during assembly.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first tilt angle A1 is approximately between 15 and 75 degrees, and the second tilt angle A2 is less than 3 degrees. However, the ranges of the first tilt angle A1 and the second tilt angle A2 can still be flexibly adjusted according to design requirements and are not limited to those disclosed in the embodiments of this invention.

[0075] Please refer to the following as well. Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 ,in Figure 7 express Figure 1 Another perspective 3D view of the base B and guide rod R in the image. Figure 8 This is a partial, enlarged 3D view showing multiple magnetic components M1 mounted on base B. Figure 9 Indicates that disk Q is overwritten Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the outer side of the magnetic component M1.

[0076] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, two recessed structures BG are formed on the retaining wall portion B2 of the base B. The aforementioned recessed structure BG is adjacent to the first side wall BA1 of the rectangular opening B21. During assembly, glue can be applied to the recessed structure BG to bond and fix the magnetic component M1 and the conductive disk Q to the retaining wall portion B2 of the base B.

[0077] from Figure 9 As can be seen, the aforementioned guide disk Q does not obscure the recessed structure BG. When viewed along the X-axis, the guide disk Q and the recessed structure BG do not overlap at least partially. When viewed along the direction perpendicular to the X-axis, the guide disk Q and the recessed structure BG do not overlap, and the aforementioned recessed structure BG is adjacent to an edge on the guide disk Q.

[0078] Furthermore, a first recessed hole BR1 and a second recessed hole BR2 are formed on the side surface of the rectangular structure B1 of the base B. The aforementioned first and second recessed holes BR1 and BR2 are located below the opening B21 and arranged along the Y-axis direction, and the long axis direction of the first recessed hole BR1 and the second recessed hole BR2 are both parallel to the Y-axis.

[0079] from Figure 8 It can be seen that the first width W1 of the aforementioned first recessed hole BR1 in the Y-axis direction is greater than the second width W2 of the aforementioned second recessed hole BR2 in the Y-axis direction, wherein the aforementioned first recessed hole BR1 is closer to the center line BC of the base B than the second recessed hole BR2. Figure 7 Furthermore, the aforementioned centerline BC is parallel to the X-axis direction (second axis).

[0080] In this embodiment, by forming elongated first recessed holes BR1 and second recessed holes BR2 on the base B, the dimensional differences caused by cooling and shrinkage of the base B after injection molding can be avoided, thereby improving the dimensional accuracy of the base B after molding. In addition, the weight of the base B can be effectively reduced, which helps to achieve the lightweighting of the drive mechanism 100.

[0081] It should be understood that one or more magnetic components M1 arranged along the Z-axis can be provided in the opening B21 of the retaining wall portion B2 of the aforementioned base B, but the number and arrangement of the aforementioned magnetic components M1 are not limited to those disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] Please refer to the following: Figure 10 ,in Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing that the central axis BZ of the base B is offset from the optical axis O of the optical component L.

[0083] like Figure 10 As shown, the aforementioned base B has a central axis BZ perpendicular to the XY plane, wherein the aforementioned central axis BZ is offset from the optical axis O of the optical component L disposed on the support member LH. When viewed along the aforementioned central axis BZ or optical axis O, it can be seen that the rectangular structure B1 of the base B surrounds the aforementioned optical component L.

[0084] On the other hand, from Figure 10 It can be seen that the guide rod R is supported on the inner side of the retaining wall part B2 of the base B. The magnetic component M1, which is set in the opening B21 of the retaining wall part B2, is close to the coil C1 on the frame F. The aforementioned central axis BZ is closer to the guide rod R, the magnetic component M1, the coil C1 and the retaining wall part B2 of the base B than the optical axis O of the optical component L.

[0085] While the embodiments and advantages of the present invention have been disclosed above, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make modifications, substitutions, and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the processes, machines, manufacturing methods, material compositions, apparatuses, methods, and steps described in the specific embodiments of the specification. Those skilled in the art can understand from the disclosure of the present invention that current or future developed processes, machines, manufacturing methods, material compositions, apparatuses, methods, and steps can be used according to the present invention as long as they can perform substantially the same function or obtain substantially the same results in the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention includes the aforementioned processes, machines, manufacturing methods, material compositions, apparatuses, methods, and steps. In addition, each claim constitutes an individual embodiment, and the scope of protection of the present invention also includes combinations of the various claims and embodiments.

[0086] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A driving mechanism for driving an optical component to move, wherein the optical component has an optical axis, and the driving mechanism comprises: One fixed part; A movable part is movably connected to the fixed part, wherein the optical component is disposed on the movable part; as well as A drive assembly is used to drive the moving part to move relative to the fixed part.

2. The driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism further includes a stop member, a buffer assembly, and an elongated positioning assembly, the movable part includes a carrier member and a frame connected to each other, the stop member is disposed on the frame, and the positioning assembly and the optical assembly are disposed on the carrier member, wherein the buffer assembly connects the stop member and the positioning assembly to absorb the vibration generated by the driving mechanism.

3. The driving mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the driving component includes a magnetic component and a coil, the magnetic component is disposed on the carrier, the coil is disposed on the frame, and the buffer component is connected to the magnetic component.

4. The drive mechanism of claim 3, wherein the magnetic component is located between the positioning component and the coil in the optical axis direction.

5. The drive mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the drive mechanism further comprises two positioning components, the two positioning components being embedded in the carrier in an embedded manner, and the buffer component contacting the two positioning components.

6. The drive mechanism of claim 5, wherein the two positioning components comprise two thin metal rods extending toward a first axial direction, and the first axial direction is perpendicular to the optical axis.

7. The drive mechanism of claim 2, wherein the carrier has a groove, and the positioning component and the buffer component are located within the groove.

8. The drive mechanism of claim 2, wherein the buffer assembly contains a gel.

9. The drive mechanism of claim 2, wherein the positioning component contains a magnetically conductive material.

10. The drive mechanism of claim 2, wherein the stop is made of metal and the support is made of plastic or fiberglass.

11. The driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixing part has a housing and a base fixed to each other, the base forming a first recess and a second recess, the first recess having a first width in a first axial direction, and the second recess having a second width in the first axial direction, wherein the first width is greater than the second width, and the first axial direction is perpendicular to the optical axis.

12. The drive mechanism of claim 11, wherein the first recess is closer to a center line of the base than the second recess, and the center line is perpendicular to the first axial direction and the optical axis.

13. The drive mechanism of claim 11, wherein the first recess and the second recess are arranged along the first axial direction.

14. The driving mechanism of claim 11, wherein the first recess and the second recess are elongated, and the long axis of the first recess and the second recess is parallel to the first axial direction.

15. The driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving component includes a magnetic component and a coil, and the fixing part has a housing and a base fixed to each other, wherein the base has a rectangular structure and a retaining wall portion protruding from the rectangular structure toward the optical axis, the magnetic component is disposed in an opening of the retaining wall portion, and the coil is disposed on the movable part.

16. The drive mechanism of claim 15, wherein the opening has a tapering structure that tapers inward toward the retaining wall portion, and the tapering structure forms a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are interconnected, wherein the first sidewall has a first tilt angle relative to a second axial direction, the second sidewall has a second tilt angle relative to the second axial direction, and the first tilt angle is greater than the second tilt angle.

17. The drive mechanism of claim 16, wherein the first tilt angle is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees, and the second tilt angle is less than 3 degrees.

18. The driving mechanism of claim 16, wherein the driving mechanism further includes an adhesive, and the retaining wall portion has a recessed structure, wherein the recessed structure is adjacent to the first side wall surface, and the adhesive is disposed within the recessed structure.

19. The drive mechanism of claim 16, wherein the drive assembly further comprises a plurality of magnetic components and a guide disk, the plurality of magnetic components being arranged along the optical axis direction, and the guide disk being disposed outside the plurality of magnetic components.

20. The driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixing part has a housing and a base fixed to each other, and the base has a central axis parallel to the optical axis direction, wherein the central axis is offset from the optical axis.

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