Electromagnetic assembly for generating three-dimensional movement of an optical module

Abstract

An electromagnetic assembly (1) for generating three-dimensional movement of at least one optical module (2) includes: at least one magnet (6); at least one first electromagnetic coil (3) forming a first actuator (11) together with the magnet (6); and at least one second electromagnetic coil (5) forming a second actuator (12) together with the magnet (6). One of the first electromagnetic coil (3) and the second electromagnetic coil (5) surrounds the magnet (6), and the other of the first electromagnetic coil (3) and the second electromagnetic coil (5) extends adjacent to the magnet (6). Control of the current in the first actuator (11) causes the optical module (2) to move in a principal plane (P), and control of the current in the second actuator (12) causes the optical module (2) to move in a direction along the normal (N) of the principal plane (P).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electromagnetic component for generating three-dimensional movement of at least one optical module, the electromagnetic component comprising at least one magnet, at least one first electromagnetic coil, and at least one second electromagnetic coil. The invention also relates to an optical system comprising at least one optical module and at least one electromagnetic component, and an electronic device comprising the optical system. Background Technology

[0002] For the past 15 years, miniature voice coil motors (VCMs) have been used in cameras for autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS), typically using a specific electromagnetic actuation principle to generate linear displacement, known as the scanning coil (or scanning magnet) method.

[0003] The static coil array of the OIS section in a VCM is typically located below the lens system. The magnet is situated in the movable upper portion of the optical unit containing the lens. This system is called a "lens-shift OIS". Lens-shift OIS systems involve relatively small coils that are responsible for moving the heavier upper portion, which contains the magnet, lens, and AF system.

[0004] A key problem with traditional scanning coil assemblies is that, despite their ease of manufacture, assembly, and integration, their efficiency remains relatively low. This low efficiency results in high power consumption when attempting to generate sufficient force to move the top of the camera. While increasing the size of different system components such as coils or magnets can increase the force generated, this requires more volumetric space and adds weight to the top of the camera.

[0005] The problem is exacerbated by the use of larger image sensors, larger and heavier lenses, and variable aperture units for adjusting incident light.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved electromagnetic component suitable for optical systems in electronic devices such as smartphones. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide an improved electromagnetic component for an electronic device. The above and other objects are achieved through the features of the independent claims. Other embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0008] According to a first aspect, an electromagnetic assembly is provided for generating three-dimensional movement of at least one optical module, the electromagnetic assembly comprising: at least one magnet; at least one first electromagnetic coil forming a first actuator together with the magnet; at least one second electromagnetic coil forming a second actuator together with the magnet; one of the first and second electromagnetic coils surrounding the magnet, the other of the first and second electromagnetic coils extending adjacent to the magnet, control of a current in the first actuator causing movement of the optical module in a principal plane, and control of a current in the second actuator causing movement of the optical module in a direction along the normal to the principal plane.

[0009] This approach facilitates the implementation of an electromagnetic assembly using a scanning coil / magnet arrangement, where the coils and magnets are arranged in parallel and combined with a through-coil system, i.e., an arrangement where the coils surround the magnets. This enables the use of VCM technology, which offers optimal technology maturity, supplier availability, mass production capabilities, price, and technical expertise, while significantly improving the efficiency of the VCM solution.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, in the first actuator, the first electromagnetic coil extends adjacent to the magnet in a first plane, and in the second actuator, the second electromagnetic coil surrounds the magnet in a second plane parallel to the first plane; or in the second actuator, the second electromagnetic coil extends adjacent to the magnet in the main plane, and in the first actuator, the first electromagnetic coil surrounds the magnet in a third plane perpendicular to the main plane. This arrangement facilitates the creation and operation of scan coil and through coil arrangements by sharing some components. This reduces cost and the required size of the electromagnetic components.

[0011] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the electromagnetic assembly includes four magnets, four first electromagnetic coils, and one second electromagnetic coil. This reduces the weight of the electromagnetic assembly.

[0012] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the electromagnetic assembly includes four magnets, four first electromagnetic coils, and four second electromagnetic coils. This reduces the required size of the electromagnetic assembly.

[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first electromagnetic coil is used to be fixed to the fixed base of the optical module, the second electromagnetic coil is used to be fixed to the movable lens unit of the optical module, and the magnet is used to be fixed to the movable lens unit carrier of the optical module, thereby facilitating the desired actuation and interconnection without the need for separate components.

[0014] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the control of the current in the first actuator and the control of the current in the second actuator are at least partially performed simultaneously, thereby enabling autofocus and optical image stabilization to be activated simultaneously.

[0015] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the movement of the optical module in the main plane is generated by the movement of the second electromagnetic coil and the magnet relative to the first electromagnetic coil in the second plane. This allows the electromagnetic components to operate with the smallest possible volume.

[0016] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the movement of the optical module in the main plane is generated by the movement of the second electromagnetic coil assembly and the magnet relative to the first electromagnetic coil in the main plane. This reduces the complexity and weight of the electromagnetic components.

[0017] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the movement of the optical module along the normal is generated by the movement of the second electromagnetic coil relative to the magnet. This contributes to a simple and compact autofocus structure.

[0018] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the electromagnetic actuator further includes: a first resilient connecting element for connecting the movable lens unit to the movable lens unit carrier, and / or a second resilient connecting element for connecting the movable lens unit carrier to the fixed base, wherein the first and second resilient connecting elements are used to generate a return force on the optical module when there is no current in the first or second actuator. The resilient connecting elements also provide guidance and support for the movable lens unit and the movable lens unit carrier.

[0019] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first elastic connecting element and / or the second elastic connecting element are metal flexures or wire springs. This provides stability and flexibility.

[0020] According to a second aspect, an optical system is provided, comprising at least one optical module and at least one electromagnetic component as described above, the electromagnetic component being used to generate linear movement of the at least one optical module along a displacement axis, the displacement axis extending coaxially with or transversely to the optical axis of the at least one optical module. This makes the optical system reliable and relatively inexpensive, yet still efficient and high-performance. The performance of the optical system can be particularly improved for large-format cameras using large and heavy optics (eight or more elements, glass lenses, variable aperture) in AF operation (by providing a fast and sharp autofocus system without focus pumping under external vibrations) and OIS operation (by providing large-angle corrected OIS and high-frequency performance, e.g., during running, in a car, on a bicycle / motorcycle, roller coaster, etc.).

[0021] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, an electromagnetic component is arranged on each side of the optical module to ensure that the optical module is always held and moved uniformly (i.e. without tilt).

[0022] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the optical module includes at least one lens or sensor, such that the electromagnetic component can be used at any suitable location within the optical system.

[0023] According to a third aspect, an electronic device is provided, including the aforementioned optical system. This electronic device is equipped with a reliable and relatively inexpensive, yet still efficient and high-performance optical system.

[0024] These and other aspects are apparent in the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0025] In the following detailed description of the invention, aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the electronic device including electromagnetic components;

[0027] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the electromagnetic components;

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic component provided in another example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A perspective view of the electromagnetic components;

[0030] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic top view of the electromagnetic components;

[0031] Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 and Figure 4 A schematic top view of the electromagnetic components. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This invention relates to an electromagnetic component 1 for generating three-dimensional movement of at least one optical module 2. The electromagnetic component 1 includes: at least one magnet 6; at least one first electromagnetic coil 3, the first electromagnetic coil 3 forming a first actuator 11 together with the magnet 6; at least one second electromagnetic coil 5, the second electromagnetic coil 5 forming a second actuator 12 together with the magnet 6; one of the first electromagnetic coil 3 and the second electromagnetic coil 5 surrounds the magnet 6, and the other of the first electromagnetic coil 3 and the second electromagnetic coil 5 extends adjacent to the magnet 6. Control of the current in the first actuator 11 causes the optical module 2 to move in a principal plane P, and control of the current in the second actuator 12 causes the optical module 2 to move in a direction along the normal N of the principal plane P.

[0033] Implementation of electromagnetic component 1, for example Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. The electromagnetic component 1 is used to generate three-dimensional movement of at least one optical module 2. The optical module 2 may include one or more lenses, or an image sensor.

[0034] The electromagnetic component 1 includes at least one magnet 6, at least one first electromagnetic coil 3, and at least one second electromagnetic coil 5. The first electromagnetic coil 3, together with the magnet 6, forms a first actuator 11, and the second electromagnetic coil 5, together with the magnet 6, forms a second actuator 12. In other words, the same magnet 6 is part of both the first actuator 11 and the second actuator 12.

[0035] One of the first electromagnetic coil 3 and the second electromagnetic coil 5 surrounds the magnet 6, while the other of the first electromagnetic coil 3 and the second electromagnetic coil 5 extends adjacent to the magnet 6. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 An embodiment is shown in which the first electromagnetic coil 3 extends adjacent to the magnet 6 (i.e., parallel to the magnet and the second electromagnetic coil 5). The second electromagnetic coil 5 surrounds the magnet 6. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 An embodiment is shown in which the second electromagnetic coil 5 extends adjacent to the magnet 6 (i.e., perpendicular to the magnet and the second electromagnetic coil 5). The first electromagnetic coil 3 surrounds the magnet 6.

[0036] When coils are wound around a magnet, causing the magnet to move within the space enclosed by the coils, they form a through-coil system in which the electric field from the coils and the magnetic flux from the magnet interact better than in a scanning coil system where the magnet moves along one side of the coil. This is advantageous for reducing magnet size or increasing force generation.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, controlling the current in the first actuator 11 causes the optical module 2 to move in the principal plane P (i.e., in the plane typically defined by the x-axis and y-axis). Controlling the current in the second actuator 12 causes the optical module 2 to move in the direction along the normal N of the principal plane P, that is, in the direction typically called the z-axis. The movement within the plane P is typically used for optical image stabilization, while the movement along the normal N is used for autofocus.

[0038] The control of the current in the first actuator 11 and the control of the current in the second actuator 12 are performed at least partially simultaneously.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first electromagnetic coil 3 can extend adjacent to the magnet 6 in the first plane P1, such that the first electromagnetic coil 3 and the magnet 6 extend substantially parallel to each other. The magnet 6 and the first electromagnetic coil 3 together form

[0040] First actuator 11. Second electromagnetic coil 5 surrounds magnet 6 in second plane P2, which is parallel to first plane P1. Magnet 6 and second electromagnetic coil 5 together form second actuator 12. Movement of optical module 2 in main plane P is generated by the movement of second electromagnetic coil 5 and magnet 6 relative to first electromagnetic coil 3 in second plane P2. Figure 5 As shown, the electromagnetic component 1 may include four magnets 6, four first electromagnetic coils 3 and four second electromagnetic coils 5.

[0041] Alternatively, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a first electromagnetic coil 3 can surround a magnet 6 in a third plane P3, which is perpendicular to the principal plane P and parallel to the normal N. The magnet 6 and the first electromagnetic coil 3 together form a first actuator 11. A second electromagnetic coil 5 extends adjacent to the magnet 6 in the principal plane P, such that the second electromagnetic coil 5 extends substantially perpendicular to the magnet 6. The magnet 6 and the second electromagnetic coil 5 together form a second actuator 12. The movement of the optical module 2 in the principal plane P is generated by the movement of the second electromagnetic coil assembly 5 and the magnet 6 relative to the first electromagnetic coil 3 in the principal plane P. Figure 6 As shown, the electromagnetic component 1 may include four magnets 6, four first electromagnetic coils 3 and one second electromagnetic coil 5.

[0042] The movement of the optical module 2 along the normal N is generated by the movement of the second electromagnetic coil 5 relative to the magnet 6.

[0043] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first electromagnetic coil 3 can be used to fix it to the mounting base 13 of the optical module 2. The second electromagnetic coil 5 can be used to fix it to the movable lens unit 14 of the optical module 2. The magnet 6 can be used to fix it to the movable lens unit carrier 15 of the optical module 2.

[0044] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Optional first resilient connecting element 7 is also shown for connecting the movable lens unit 14 to the movable lens unit carrier 15; and optional second resilient connecting element 8 for connecting the movable lens unit carrier 15 to the fixed base 13. The first resilient connecting element 7 and the second resilient connecting element 8 are used to generate a return force on the optical module 2 when there is no current in the first actuator 11 or the second actuator 12. The first resilient connecting element 7 and the second resilient connecting element 8 also provide guidance and support for the movable lens unit 14 and the movable lens unit carrier 15, i.e., for autofocus and optical image stabilization.

[0045] The first elastic connecting element 7 and / or the second elastic connecting element 8 may be a metal flexure or a wire spring.

[0046] The present invention also relates to an optical system 9, comprising at least one optical module 2 as described above and at least one electromagnetic component 1. The electromagnetic component 1 is used to generate linear movement of at least one optical module 2 along displacement axes A1 and A2, said displacement axes A1 and A2 extending coaxially with or transversely to the optical axis A3 of the optical module 2.

[0047] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, an electromagnetic component 1 can be arranged on each side of the optical module 2. Specifically, the optical system 9 may include four electromagnetic components 1. Figure 6 As shown, the second electromagnetic coil 5 can be shared by all electromagnetic components 1.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electronic device 10, such as a smartphone or tablet computer, including the aforementioned optical system 9.

[0049] This document has described various aspects and implementations in conjunction with various embodiments. However, by studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed subject matter. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The enumeration of certain measures in dissimilar dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0050] The reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings (e.g., cross shading, component arrangements, scale, degrees, etc.) should be read in conjunction with the specification and should be considered an integral part of the entire written description of the invention. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down,” and their adjective and adverbial derivatives (e.g., “horizontally,” “to the right,” “up,” etc.) refer only to the orientation of the structure shown when the particular drawing is facing the reader. Similarly, the terms “inward” and “outward” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or axis of rotation, as applicable.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic assembly (1), characterized in that, For generating three-dimensional movement of at least one optical module (2), the electromagnetic component (1) includes: - At least one magnet (6). - At least one first electromagnetic coil (3), the first electromagnetic coil (3) together with the magnet (6) forms a first actuator (11); - At least one second electromagnetic coil (5), the second electromagnetic coil (5) together with the magnet (6) forms a second actuator (12); One of the first electromagnetic coil (3) and the second electromagnetic coil (5) surrounds the magnet (6), and the other of the first electromagnetic coil (3) and the second electromagnetic coil (5) extends adjacent to the magnet (6). Controlling the current in the first actuator (11) causes the optical module (2) to move in the main plane (P). Controlling the current in the second actuator (12) causes the optical module (2) to move in the direction of the normal (N) along the main plane (P).

2. The electromagnetic component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first actuator (11), the first electromagnetic coil (3) extends adjacent to the magnet (6) in a first plane (P1), and in the second actuator (12), the second electromagnetic coil (5) surrounds the magnet (6) in a second plane (P2) parallel to the first plane (P1). or In the second actuator (12), the second electromagnetic coil (5) extends adjacent to the magnet (6) in the main plane (P), and in the first actuator (11), the first electromagnetic coil (3) surrounds the magnet (6) in a third plane (P3) perpendicular to the main plane (P).

3. The electromagnetic assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first electromagnetic coil (3) is used to be fixed to the fixed base (13) of the optical module (2), the second electromagnetic coil (5) is used to be fixed to the movable lens unit (14) of the optical module (2), and the magnet (6) is used to be fixed to the movable lens unit carrier (15) of the optical module (2).

4. The electromagnetic actuator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control of the current in the first actuator (11) and the control of the current in the second actuator (12) are performed at least partially simultaneously.

5. The electromagnetic actuator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The movement of the optical module (2) in the main plane (P) is generated by the movement of the second electromagnetic coil (5) and the magnet (6) in the second plane (P2) relative to the first electromagnetic coil (3).

6. The electromagnetic actuator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The movement of the optical module (2) in the main plane (P) is generated by the movement of the second electromagnetic coil assembly (5) and the magnet (6) in the main plane (P) relative to the first electromagnetic coil (3).

7. The electromagnetic actuator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The movement of the optical module (2) along the normal (N) is generated by the movement of the second electromagnetic coil (5) relative to the magnet (6).

8. The electromagnetic actuator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Also includes: A first elastic connecting element (7) is used to connect the movable lens unit (14) to the movable lens unit carrier (15), and / or The second elastic connecting element (8) is used to connect the movable lens unit carrier (15) to the fixed base (13). The first elastic connecting element (7) and the second elastic connecting element (8) are used to generate a return force on the optical module (2) when there is no current in the first actuator (11) or the second actuator (12).

9. The electromagnetic actuator (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first elastic connecting element (7) and / or the second elastic connecting element (8) are metal flexures or wire springs.

10. An optical system (9), characterized in that, It includes at least one optical module (2) and at least one electromagnetic component (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the electromagnetic component (1) being used to generate linear movement of the at least one optical module (2) along displacement axes (A1, A2), the displacement axes (A1, A2) extending coaxially with or transversely to the optical axis (A3) of the at least one optical module (2).

11. The optical system (9) according to claim 10, characterized in that, An electromagnetic component (1) is arranged on each side of the optical module (2).

12. The optical system (9) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The optical module (2) includes at least one lens or sensor.

13. An electronic device (10), characterized in that, Includes the optical system (9) according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

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