Optical system

Abstract

An optical system includes a first module and a second module. The first module is used for bearing a first optical unit, the second module is connected with the first module and is provided with a body and a circuit board, the body is used for bearing a second optical unit, and the circuit board is connected with the body and the first module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an optical system. More specifically, it relates to an optical system having a flexible circuit board. 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 element to move, thereby achieving the functions of autofocusing (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS), in which light can pass through the aforementioned optical element to form an image on a photosensitive element.

[0004] However, further miniaturization of optical systems and improvement of their stability and reliability have become important challenges for researchers in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an optical system 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 an optical system including a first module and a second module. The first module is used to carry a first optical unit, wherein the first optical unit has an optical axis. The second module is connected to the first module and has a body and a circuit board, wherein the body is used to carry a second optical unit, and the circuit board is connected to the body and the first module.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first module has a housing and a carrier, the first optical unit is disposed on the carrier, and the carrier and the first optical unit are movably disposed in an accommodating space inside the housing.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board is connected to an outer surface of the housing, and the circuit board does not extend into the receiving space.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board surrounds the body and has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are fixed to the outer surface.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface is located in a horizontal direction between the receiving space and the first end and the second end, and the horizontal direction is perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board further has a first extension and a second extension, the first extension and the second extension extending along a top surface of the housing and respectively connecting the first end and the second end, wherein the top surface is located in the optical axis direction between the receiving space and the first extension and the second extension.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board further has a first deformable portion and a second deformable portion adjacent to the body, the first extension portion connecting the first end portion and the first deformable portion, and the second extension portion connecting the second end portion and the second deformable portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first deformed portion and the second deformed portion have a meandering structure in the shape of an arc.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first deformed portion and the second deformed portion at least partially overlap in the direction of the optical axis.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the optical system further includes a gel connecting the body, the first deformable portion, and the second deformable portion.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board further includes a first flat plate portion and a second flat plate portion, the first deformable portion being connected to the first extension portion and the first flat plate portion, and the second deformable portion being connected to the second extension portion and the second flat plate portion.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board further has an arc-shaped connecting portion that connects the first flat plate portion and a second flat plate portion, and the connecting portion is located on the opposite side of the body to the first deformable portion and the second deformable portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the body is annular and has two narrow portions, and the two narrow portions are respectively formed on a plane, wherein the first plate portion and the second plate portion are respectively fixed on the two planes.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two narrow portions are located on opposite sides of the body.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two narrow portions have the minimum thickness in the radial direction of the body.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the optical system further includes a metal substrate disposed on one of the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second module further includes a movable member, a magnet, and a coil. The movable member is movably connected to the main body, the magnet is disposed on the movable member, and the coil is disposed on one of the first plate portion and the second plate portion to drive the movable member to move relative to the main body.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second module further includes a ball bearing sandwiched between the main body and the movable component.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first optical unit includes an optical lens, and the second optical unit includes at least one aperture blade, wherein the aperture blade is pivotally connected to the body and the movable member.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first optical unit extends into the body and is connected to the body.

[0026] The beneficial effect of this utility model is that, through the aforementioned circuit board structure design, the internal coil of the second module can be electrically connected to an external circuit via the outside of the first module, thereby saving the internal space of the first module and simplifying the circuit design, while also helping to achieve the miniaturization of the first module. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an optical system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 express Figure 1 Another exploded view of the optical system in the image.

[0029] Figure 3 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 The optical system in the image is shown in a stereoscopic view after assembly.

[0030] Figure 4 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 The optical system in the image is shown in a stereoscopic view from another perspective after assembly.

[0031] Figure 5 This represents an exploded view of the second module.

[0032] Figure 6 A three-dimensional view showing the coil, metal substrate, and circuit board after they are assembled.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view showing the coil, metal substrate, and circuit board after they are assembled.

[0034] Figure 8 express Figure 6 and Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the circuit board.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a top view showing the circuit board after it has been combined with the body of the second module.

[0036] Figure 10 express Figure 3 and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the optical system in the image.

[0037] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0038] 100: Optical System

[0039] 10: First Module

[0040] 11: Plastic casing

[0041] 110: Capacity

[0042] 111: Outer surface

[0043] 112: Top surface

[0044] 13: Elastic element

[0045] 14: Conductive terminals

[0046] 20: Second Module

[0047] 21:Ontology

[0048] 211: Lower Frame

[0049] 212: Upper Frame

[0050] 2121: Narrow section

[0051] 2122: Plane

[0052] 22: Activities Department

[0053] B: Ball bearing

[0054] C: Coil

[0055] C1: Coil

[0056] d: thickness

[0057] F: Circuit board

[0058] FC1: First Flat Section

[0059] FC2: Second Flat Plate Section

[0060] FC3: Connecting Part

[0061] FP1: First end

[0062] FP2: Second end

[0063] FQ1: First Extension

[0064] FQ2: Second Extension

[0065] FS1: First Deformation Section

[0066] FS2: Second Deformation Section

[0067] L: First optical unit

[0068] M: Magnet

[0069] M1: Magnet

[0070] N: Second optical unit

[0071] O: Optical axis

[0072] P: Metal substrate

[0073] S: Light-blocking sheet Detailed Implementation

[0074] The optical system of this utility model is described below according to an embodiment. However, it will be readily apparent that this utility model provides many suitable inventive concepts that can be implemented in a wide range of specific contexts. The specific embodiments disclosed are merely illustrative of the use of this utility model in particular ways and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The foregoing and other technical contents, features, and effects of this utility model 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 utility model.

[0077] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 5,in Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an optical system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 express Figure 1 Another exploded view of the optical system 100 in the image. Figure 3 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the assembled optical system 100. Figure 4 express Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another perspective stereoscopic view of the assembled optical system 100. Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the second module 20.

[0078] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the optical system 100 of this embodiment can be installed inside a mobile phone or other portable electronic device. It mainly includes a first module 10 and a second module 20. The first module 10 includes a voice coil motor (VCM) and a first optical unit L disposed inside the voice coil motor. The voice coil motor can be used to drive the first optical unit L to move, thereby achieving functions such as autofocus (AF) or optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0079] Furthermore, the aforementioned second module 20 is integrated with the top side of the first module 10, and a second optical unit N is provided on the top side of the second module 20. In this embodiment, the aforementioned first optical unit L includes at least one optical lens, and the aforementioned second optical unit N includes a plurality of aperture blades to control the amount of external light incident on the first optical unit L.

[0080] from Figures 1-4 As can be seen from the above, the first module 10 has a plastic housing 11, a carrier 12 and an elastic element 13, wherein the first optical unit L is disposed in the carrier 12, and the elastic element 13 is, for example, a metal spring, used to movably connect the housing 11 and the carrier 12.

[0081] On the other hand, from Figure 2 and Figure 5It can be seen that the aforementioned second module 20 mainly includes a body 21, a movable part 22, a light-shielding plate S, and a circuit board F. The aforementioned light-shielding plate S is disposed on the movable part 22. The aforementioned body 21 is composed of a lower frame 211 and an upper frame 212. During assembly, the lower frame 211 of the body 21 can be glued and fixed to the first optical unit L inside the first module 10. In addition, at least one ball B is sandwiched between the body 21 and the movable part 22. The aforementioned ball B can be used to guide the movable part 22 to rotate relative to the body 21 around the optical axis O.

[0082] It should be noted that the aforementioned circuit board F is, for example, a flexible circuit board, wherein at least one coil C is provided on the inner side of the aforementioned circuit board F, at least one metal substrate P is provided on the outer side of the circuit board F, and at least one magnet M is provided on the outer side of the movable part 22, corresponding to the aforementioned coil C, wherein the aforementioned coil C and magnet M can constitute a driving component to drive the movable part 22 to rotate relative to the body 21 around the optical axis O.

[0083] Since the aforementioned second optical unit N (aperture blade) is pivotally connected to the main body 21 and the movable part 22, when a current signal is applied to the aforementioned coil C, the magnetic force generated between the coil C and the magnet M can drive the movable part 22 to rotate relative to the main body 21 around the optical axis O. At the same time, it can further drive the second optical unit N (aperture blade) to rotate to control its opening size, thereby achieving the function of adjusting the amount of light entering the optical system 100.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view showing the coil C, metal substrate P, and circuit board F after they are assembled. Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view showing the coil C, metal substrate P, and circuit board F after they are assembled. Figure 8 express Figure 6 and Figure 7 A schematic diagram of circuit board F in the diagram.

[0085] from Figures 1 to 8 As can be seen from the diagram, the circuit board F in this embodiment is arranged around the body 21 of the second module 20, and it mainly includes a first end FP1, a second end FP2, a first extension FQ1, a second extension FQ2, a first deformable part FS1, a second deformable part FS2, a first flat part FC1, a second flat part FC2, and a connecting part FC3.

[0086] Specifically, the first and second ends FP1 and FP2 of the aforementioned circuit board F extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and when the first module 10 and the second module 20 are combined, the aforementioned first and second ends FP1 and FP2 can be adhesively attached to the outer surface 111 of the housing 11 of the first module 10 (e.g., Figures 1-3As shown), it is used to electrically connect the aforementioned coil C to an external circuit.

[0087] Furthermore, the first and second extensions FQ1 and FQ2 of the aforementioned circuit board F extend substantially along the top surface 112 of the housing 11 of the first module 10 (e.g., Figures 1-3 As shown), the first and second extensions FQ1 and FQ2 are not fixed to the aforementioned top surface 112, and are used to connect the aforementioned first and second ends FP1 and FP2 and the first and second deformable parts FS1 and FS2. The top surface 112 of the aforementioned housing 112 is approximately perpendicular to the outer surface 111, and the first and second extensions FQ1 and FQ2 are not parallel to the first and second ends FP1 and FP2.

[0088] The first and second flat plate portions FC1 and FC2 of the aforementioned circuit board F are bonded to the opposite side of the main body 21, and the two coils C are respectively disposed on the inner surface of the first and second flat plate portions FC1 and FC2 (or only one coil C may be disposed on one of the first and second flat plate portions FC1 and FC2); on the other hand, when viewed along the direction parallel to the optical axis O, the aforementioned connecting portion FC3 has an arc-shaped structure extending along the outer peripheral surface of the main body 21 for electrically connecting the aforementioned first and second flat plate portions FC1 and FC2.

[0089] It should be noted that the first and second deformed portions FS1 and FS2 of the aforementioned circuit board F are located on the same side of the body 21, and when viewed along the direction parallel to the optical axis O, the first and second deformed portions FS1 and FS2 have an arc-shaped meandering structure to connect the aforementioned first and second flat plate portions FC1 and FC2 and the first and second extension portions FQ1 and FQ2; in addition, the aforementioned first and second deformed portions FS1 and FS2 at least partially overlap in the direction of the optical axis O.

[0090] Since the first and second deformable parts FS1 and FS2 are not fixed to the body 21 of the second module 20, when the voice coil motor (VCM) inside the first module 10 drives the first optical unit L and the body 21 of the second module 20 to move together relative to the housing 11 along the Z-axis, the first and second deformable parts FS1 and FS2 can undergo moderate deformation to avoid the circuit board F being pulled and causing structural damage.

[0091] In one embodiment, a gel may also be applied between the first and second deformable portions FS1, FS2 and the body 21 to help improve the stability of the optical system 100 during operation.

[0092] Figure 9 This is a top view showing the circuit board F after it has been combined with the body 21 of the second module 20. From... Figure 5 and Figure 9As can be seen, the body 21 of the second module 20 is composed of a lower frame 211 and an upper frame 212. A narrow portion 2121 is formed on each side of the upper frame 212. The first and second flat portions FC1 and FC2 of the aforementioned circuit board F are fixed on the plane 2122 on the outside of the narrow portion 2121. The two metal substrates P are attached to the outer surfaces of the first and second flat portions FC1 and FC2 (or only one metal substrate P can be set on one of the first and second flat portions FC1 and FC2), thereby providing good support for the first and second flat portions FC1 and FC2.

[0093] It should be understood that both the aforementioned lower frame 211 and upper frame 212 are annular, wherein the narrow portion 2121 of the upper frame 212 has a thickness d in the radial direction of the body 21, and the thickness d is the minimum thickness of the upper frame 212 in the radial direction.

[0094] In one embodiment, the aforementioned lower frame 211 and upper frame 212 can also be manufactured by integral molding, and the thickness d of the aforementioned narrow portion 2121 is the minimum thickness of the body 21 in its radial direction.

[0095] Figure 10 express Figure 3 and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the optical system 100. (See image.) Figure 10 As shown, the carrier 12 and the first optical unit L (optical lens) are both disposed in the receiving space 110 inside the housing 11 of the first module 10. It should be noted that a magnet M1 is provided inside the housing 11, and a coil C1 is provided outside the carrier 12. The aforementioned coil C1 can be connected to an external circuit through a conductive terminal 14 located below the receiving space 110, thereby driving the first optical unit L to move along the optical axis O to achieve the function of autofocus (AF).

[0096] In this embodiment, the aforementioned conductive terminal 14 is closer to the optical axis O than the first and second ends FP1 and FP2 of the aforementioned circuit board F.

[0097] On the other hand, the first optical unit L inside the first module 10 is bonded and fixed to the bottom side of the aforementioned body 21 after assembly, and the first optical unit L extends into the body 21 of the second module 20 along the Z-axis and is adjacent to the aforementioned second optical unit N (aperture blade).

[0098] It should be noted that, since the first and second deformable parts FS1 and FS2 of the circuit board F are flexible, when the first optical unit L moves relative to the housing 11 along the optical axis O, it can effectively prevent the circuit board F from being stretched and causing structural damage.

[0099] In addition, from Figure 10 As can be seen, the outer surface 111 of the housing 11 is located between the first optical unit L and the first and second ends FP1 and FP2 of the circuit board F in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). In addition, the top surface 112 of the housing 11 is located between the housing 11's accommodating space 110 and the first and second extensions FQ1 and FQ2 of the circuit board F in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0100] Since the circuit board F in this embodiment has first and second extensions FQ1 and FQ2 extending along the top surface 112 of the housing 11 and first and second ends FP1 and FP2 attached to the outer surface 111 of the housing 11, and the aforementioned first and second ends FP1 and FP2 are located on the same side of the quadrilateral housing 11, the circuit board F can be directly connected to the external circuit via the outside of the housing 11 without needing to enter the housing 110 of the first module 10. This simplifies the circuit design and helps to achieve the miniaturization of the first module 10.

[0101] In summary, through the aforementioned structural design of the circuit board F, this utility model allows the internal coil C of the second module 20 to be electrically connected to an external circuit via the outside of the first module 10. This saves internal space in the first module 10 and simplifies circuit design, while also contributing to the miniaturization of the first module 10. Since the first and second deformable portions FS1 and FS2 of the circuit board F are flexible, the second module 20 can be matched with first modules 10 of different sizes and types without damaging the circuit board F. This significantly improves the flexibility and compatibility of the first and second modules 10 and 20 in assembly.

[0102] While the embodiments and advantages of this utility model 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 this utility model. Furthermore, the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited to the processes, machines, manufacturing methods, material compositions, apparatuses, methods, and steps described in the specific embodiments of the specification. Any processes, machines, manufacturing methods, material compositions, apparatuses, methods, and steps currently in development or to be developed in the future can be understood from the disclosure of this utility model, and can be used according to this utility model 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 this utility model 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 this utility model also includes combinations of the various claims and embodiments.

[0103] 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. An optical system characterized by comprising: The optical system comprises: a first module for carrying a first optical unit, wherein the first optical unit has an optical axis; and a second module connected to the first module and having a body and a circuit board, wherein the body is for carrying a second optical unit, and the circuit board is connected to the body and the first module.

2. The optical system of claim 1, wherein, The first module has a housing and a carrier, the first optical unit is disposed on the carrier, and the carrier and the first optical unit are movably disposed in a receiving space inside the housing.

3. The optical system of claim 2, wherein, The circuit board is connected to an outer surface of the housing, and the circuit board does not extend into the receiving space.

4. The optical system of claim 3, wherein, The circuit board surrounds the body and has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are fixed to the outer surface.

5. The optical system of claim 4, wherein, The outer surface is located between the receiving space and the first end portion and the second end portion in a horizontal direction, and the horizontal direction is perpendicular to the optical axis.

6. The optical system of claim 5, wherein, The circuit board further has a first extension portion and a second extension portion, the first extension portion and the second extension portion extend along a top surface of the housing and are connected to the first end portion and the second end portion respectively, wherein the top surface is located between the receiving space and the first extension portion and the second extension portion in the optical axis direction.

7. The optical system of claim 6, wherein, The circuit board further has a first deformation portion and a second deformation portion adjacent to the body, the first extension portion is connected to the first end portion and the first deformation portion, and the second extension portion is connected to the second end portion and the second deformation portion.

8. The optical system of claim 7, wherein, The first deformation portion and the second deformation portion have a circular arc-like meandering structure.

9. The optical system of claim 7, wherein, The first deformation portion and the second deformation portion at least partially overlap in the optical axis direction.

10. The optical system of claim 7, wherein, The optical system further comprises a gel connected to the body and the first deformation portion and the second deformation portion.

11. The optical system of claim 7, wherein, The circuit board further has a first flat portion and a second flat portion, the first deformation portion is connected to the first extension portion and the first flat portion, and the second deformation portion is connected to the second extension portion and the second flat portion.

12. The optical system of claim 11, wherein, The circuit board further has a circular arc-like connecting portion connecting the first flat portion and the second flat portion, and the connecting portion is located on the opposite side of the body from the first deformation portion and the second deformation portion.

13. The optical system of claim 11, wherein, The body is ring-shaped and has two narrow portions, and the two narrow portions each form a flat surface, wherein the first flat portion and the second flat portion are fixed to the two flat surfaces respectively.

14. The optical system of claim 13, wherein, The two narrow portions are located on opposite sides of the body.

15. The optical system of claim 13, wherein, The two narrow portions have the smallest thickness in the radial direction of the body.

16. The optical system of claim 13, wherein, The optical system further comprises a metal substrate disposed on one of the first flat portion and the second flat portion.

17. The optical system of claim 13, wherein, The second module further has a movable member movably connected to the body, a magnet disposed on the movable member, and a coil disposed on one of the first flat portion and the second flat portion for driving the movable member to move relative to the body.

18. The optical system of claim 17, wherein, The second module further has a ball clamped between the body and the movable member.

19. The optical system of claim 17, wherein, The first optical unit comprises an optical lens, and the second optical unit comprises at least one aperture blade, wherein the aperture blade is pivoted to the body and the movable member.

20. The optical system of claim 19, wherein, The first optical unit projects into the body and connects the body.

Images