Variable aperture, camera module, and mobile device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a variable aperture, a camera module and a mobile device. The variable aperture comprises a base including a bottom plate and a stand plate; a moving element; a plurality of aperture blades respectively mounted between the moving element and the base, the plurality of aperture blades surrounding an aperture hole; a driving unit configured to drive the moving element to rotate along an optical axis to change an aperture size of the aperture hole; a plurality of side supporting elements arranged in a circumferential direction and respectively supported between the moving element and the stand plate; and an elastic element arranged on one of the stand plate and the moving element and having an elastic force configured to elastically abut the corresponding side supporting element against the other one of the stand plate and the moving element. Since the elastic element can elastically abut the corresponding side supporting element against the other one of the stand plate and the moving element, the moving element can be supported by the elastic force in a radial direction. The elastic force can push the moving element in the radial direction so that the moving element can be abutted against the stand plate by the other side supporting elements. Thus, a radial movement gap between the moving element and the stand plate can be avoided, and the moving element can not shake relative to the stand plate in the radial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of variable aperture technology, and more specifically, to a variable aperture, a camera module, and a mobile device. Background Technology

[0002] The variable aperture of a camera is a core component for dynamically adjusting imaging parameters. By changing the size of the light-transmitting aperture, it can flexibly adapt to shooting needs under different lighting conditions, which is crucial for improving image clarity, dynamic range, and scene adaptability. However, in related technologies, radial wobble often occurs between the moving parts of the variable aperture and the fixed base due to fitting gaps or driving errors. This can easily lead to adjustment noises and aperture size deviations, seriously affecting image quality and equipment lifespan. Especially in complex scenarios such as outdoor surveillance and vehicle imaging, the variable aperture must withstand interference from vibration and temperature fluctuations, placing extremely high demands on structural stability, adjustment accuracy, and long-term reliability. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a variable aperture, a camera module, and a mobile device to at least partially solve the problems existing in the related art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a variable aperture, comprising: The base includes a base plate and an upright plate erected on the base plate; A movable component is rotatably mounted on the base plate and located inside the upright plate, capable of rotating around an optical axis; Multiple aperture blades are respectively mounted on the moving part and the base, and the multiple aperture blades are distributed circumferentially and surround the aperture hole; A drive unit is used to drive the moving member to rotate along the optical axis, so as to drive the multiple aperture blades to move and change the aperture diameter of the aperture hole; Multiple side supports are arranged at circumferential intervals and respectively supported between the moving member and the upright plate; and An elastic member is disposed on one of the upright plate and the moving member, and has an elastic force that elastically presses the corresponding side support against the other of the upright plate and the moving member.

[0005] Optionally, the elastic element includes a spring sheet disposed on the upright plate, the spring sheet having an elastic force that presses the corresponding side support against the moving element.

[0006] Optionally, the upper surface of the upright plate is provided with two first protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction and two second protrusions located on both sides of the two first protrusions in the circumferential direction, wherein the two second protrusions are located radially outside the two first protrusions. The side support is disposed between the two first protrusions and protrudes outward from the first protrusions in the radial direction. The elastic piece is constrained between the two first protrusions and the two second protrusions and elastically abuts the side support against the moving member from the outside.

[0007] Optionally, the side support includes a first ball bearing or roller.

[0008] Optionally, the number of side supports is three, and they are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference.

[0009] Optionally, the driving unit includes multiple sets of driving components arranged along the circumferential direction, the driving components including: A first magnet is disposed on one of the moving member and the base plate; and A coil is disposed in the other of the moving member and the base plate. When the coil is energized, it can generate a force with the first magnet to drive the moving part to rotate around the optical axis.

[0010] Optionally, it may also include a plurality of second balls that are rollably supported between the moving member and the base plate.

[0011] Optionally, one of the moving part and the base plate in which the coil is disposed may also be provided with a second magnet that can be magnetically attracted to the first magnet.

[0012] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a camera module is provided, including the aforementioned variable aperture.

[0013] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a mobile device is provided, including the camera module described above.

[0014] Through the above technical solution, when the aperture diameter of the variable aperture needs to be adjusted, the driving part can be controlled to rotate relative to the base along the optical axis, thereby driving multiple aperture blades to move and achieve the change of aperture diameter. Since the elastic element is installed on one of the upright plate and the moving part, and can elastically abut against the other of the upright plate and the moving part, it can form an elastic abutment support for the moving part in the radial direction. This elastic force can push the moving part in the radial direction so that it can also abut against the upright plate through other side supports, thereby avoiding the radial movement gap between the moving part and the upright plate, that is, avoiding the moving part from swaying in the radial direction relative to the upright plate, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the moving part during rotation.

[0015] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a variable aperture exemplarily shown according to this disclosure; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the internal structure of the variable aperture. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the assembly of the moving part and the base of the variable aperture. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the middle; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An exploded view of the moving part and the base from another angle, shown in the image; Figure 6 This is a top view of the internal structure of a variable aperture as exemplarily shown in this disclosure; Figure 7 This is a top view of the internal structure of another variable aperture as exemplarily shown in this disclosure.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1-Base; 11-Base plate; 12-Upright plate; 2-Moving component; 3-Aperture blade; 31-Aperture hole; 4-Side support component; 5-Elastic component; 61-First protrusion; 62-Second protrusion; 71-First magnet; 72-Coil; 81-Second ball bearing; 82-Second magnet; 91-Magnetic yoke; 92-Top cover. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0019] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "inner" and "outer" may be based on the structure of the relevant components themselves, or they may be based on the orientation of the relevant components during use. For example: the moving part is rotatably disposed on the base plate and located "inner" of the upright plate, where "inner" refers to the side of the upright plate facing the optical axis of the variable aperture in the radial direction; the two second protrusions are located "outer" of the two first protrusions in the radial direction, where "outer" refers to the side of the first protrusions that is radially away from the optical axis of the variable aperture; the side support is disposed between the two first protrusions and protrudes "outer" of the first protrusions in the radial direction, where "outer" refers to the side facing away from the optical axis of the variable aperture.

[0020] In this disclosure, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish one element from another and do not indicate any order or importance. When the following description relates to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0021] Reference Figures 1-7 This disclosure exemplarily illustrates a variable aperture, including a base 1, a moving member 2, multiple aperture blades 3, a drive unit, multiple side supports 4, and an elastic member 5. The base 1 includes a base plate 11 and a vertical plate 12 erected on the base plate 11. The vertical plate 12 can be located near the edge of the base plate 11 or near the center of the base plate 11. The vertical plate 12 can include multiple segments arranged circumferentially, or it can be constructed as a single circular structure. The vertical plate 12 and the base plate 11 can be integrally formed or assembled together. The moving member 2 is rotatably disposed on the base plate 11 and located inside the vertical plate 12 about an optical axis. The "optical axis" refers to a virtual axis passing through the center of the variable aperture (lens) and perpendicular to the lens, which is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The multiple aperture blades 3 are respectively mounted on the moving member 2 and the base 1, i.e., they simultaneously have a cooperating relationship with both the moving member 2 and the base 1. The multiple aperture blades 3 are distributed circumferentially and surround an aperture opening 31, thereby allowing light to pass through for imaging. The drive unit drives the moving member 2 to rotate along the optical axis, thereby moving multiple aperture blades 3 and changing the aperture diameter of the aperture hole 31. Multiple side supports 4 are arranged circumferentially and spaced apart, respectively supporting the moving member 2 and the upright plate 12, to reduce motion friction between the moving member 2 and the upright plate 12. These can be ball bearings, rollers, etc., as mentioned below. An elastic member 5 is disposed on one of the upright plate 12 and the moving member 2, and has an elastic force that elastically presses the corresponding side support 4 against the other of the upright plate 12 and the moving member 2. Here, the elastic member 5 can be a spring sheet, as mentioned below, or a rubber column with elasticity, as long as it has an elastic force that radially presses against the side support 4, thereby elastically pressing the corresponding side support 4 against the other of the upright plate 12 and the moving member 2 to achieve radial pressing and limiting of the moving member 2. The specific structure and installation method of the elastic member 5 will be described below.

[0022] This disclosure does not limit the driving unit, which may include the coil and the first magnet mentioned below, or it may be an SMA driver, or a motor driver, etc., as long as it can drive the moving part 2 to rotate forward and backward around the optical axis.

[0023] This disclosure does not limit the number or structure of the aperture blades 3; for example, there can be six or eight. In some embodiments, each aperture blade 3 has a groove and a shaft hole. The moving member 2 has multiple first pillars, and the base 1 has multiple second pillars. The multiple first pillars of the moving member 2 are shaped to fit into corresponding shaft holes, and the multiple second pillars of the base 1 are shaped to fit into corresponding grooves. When the moving member 2 rotates relative to the base 1, the multiple first pillars can drive the aperture blades 3 to move through the shaft holes. Since the second pillars of the base 1 remain stationary, when the aperture blades 3 follow the first pillars, their grooves can interact with the corresponding second pillars. The second pillars can press against the inner wall of the groove, thereby guiding the aperture blades 3 to move radially and changing the aperture diameter 31.

[0024] By using the above technical solution, when the aperture diameter of the aperture hole 31 needs to be adjusted in a variable aperture, the drive unit can be controlled to drive the moving member 2 to rotate relative to the base 1 along the optical axis, thereby driving multiple aperture blades 3 to move and achieve the change in aperture diameter of the aperture hole 31. Since the elastic member 5 is installed on one of the upright plate 12 and the moving member 2, and can elastically abut against the other of the upright plate 12 and the moving member 2, it can form an elastic abutment support for the moving member 2 in the radial direction. This elastic force can push the moving member 2 in the radial direction so that it can also abut against the upright plate 12 through other side supports 4, thereby avoiding the radial movement gap between the moving member 2 and the upright plate 12, that is, avoiding the moving member 2 from wobbling in the radial direction relative to the upright plate 12, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the moving member 2 during rotation.

[0025] Reference Figures 2-4 In some embodiments of this disclosure, the elastic element 5 may include a spring sheet disposed on the upright plate 12, the spring sheet having an elastic force that presses the corresponding side support 4 against the moving element 2. The side support 4 is elastically pressed against the moving element 2 by the spring sheet's own elastic force, thus having advantages such as simple structure and low cost. Furthermore, the spring sheet can be replaced and maintained individually, reducing maintenance costs. The elastic force of the spring sheet can be achieved by aligning it with a preset shape; for example, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the spring sheet can be bent to give it a restoring elastic force. Of course, in other embodiments, the spring sheet may also be disposed on the moving element 2. In this case, the spring sheet has an elastic force that presses the corresponding side support 4 outward against the base 1. Similarly, since the forces are interactive, the side support 4 may have a thrust acting in the opposite direction on the spring sheet, which can press the moving element 2 radially against the base 1 through other side support 4s. In addition to the spring sheet, in some other embodiments, the elastic element 5 can also be a spring, a rubber column, etc., which can be constructed with a contact portion for cooperating with the side support 4, as long as it can generate the aforementioned elastic force in the radial direction and achieve the aforementioned technical effect. Specifically, it can be designed according to the structural adaptability of the base 1, the moving part 2 and the side support 4.

[0026] To securely install the aforementioned spring clip, refer to... Figure 4 In some embodiments of this disclosure, the upper surface of the upright plate 12 may be provided with two first protrusions 61 spaced apart circumferentially and two second protrusions 62 located on both sides of the two first protrusions 61 circumferentially, i.e., the second protrusions 62, first protrusions 61, first protrusions 61, and second protrusions 62 are arranged sequentially and spaced apart circumferentially. The two second protrusions 62 are located radially outside the two first protrusions 61, i.e., on the side away from the optical axis. The side support 4 is disposed between the two first protrusions 61 and protrudes radially outward from the first protrusions 61, i.e., the two first protrusions 61 form a space for mounting the side support 4. "Protrudes radially outward from the first protrusions 61" means that the side support 4 protrudes radially from the outermost surface of the first protrusions 61. It should be explained that the upper surface of the upright plate 12 refers to its surface away from the base plate 11. The spring piece can be confined between the two first protrusions 61 and the two second protrusions 62 and can elastically abut the side support 4 against the moving member 2 from the outside. By setting two types of protrusions, the spring sheet can be installed and shaped, fixing its position and maintaining its elasticity. Installation and replacement are simple; it can be pulled out and inserted from the top, making the operation convenient and quick. The aforementioned protrusions can be integrally formed with the upright plate 12, or they can be assembled together. Of course, in some other embodiments, the number of the first protrusion 61 and the second protrusion 62 can also be three, four, etc.

[0027] This disclosure does not limit the side support member 4. For example, in some embodiments of this disclosure, in order to reduce the kinematic friction between the moving member 2 and the base 1, the side support member 4 can be rotatably supported between the moving member 2 and the base 1. The side support member 4 may include a first ball bearing or a roller. That is, multiple side support members 4 may all be first balls bearings, or all be rollers, or a combination of first balls bearings and rollers. Rolling support can be achieved by the first balls bearings or rollers, thereby reducing the kinematic friction between the moving member 2 and the base 1, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the moving member 2 and increasing the service life of the variable aperture.

[0028] This disclosure does not limit the number of side support members 4. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the number of side support members 4 can be three, and they are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference, that is, one side support member 4 is arranged every 120°. Three-point support ensures the stability of the moving member 2. In use, the elastic member 5 can elastically abut against one of the corresponding side support members 4 in the radial direction, thereby providing a radial elastic thrust to the moving member 2. This allows the moving member 2 to elastically abut against the base 1 through the other two side support members 4, thus ensuring that the moving member 2 is fixed in the radial position. Compared to arranging more side support members 4, this embodiment has a simpler structure, lower cost, and lighter weight. In some embodiments of this disclosure, refer to... Figure 7The three side supports 4 may include two rollers and a first ball bearing, with the elastic element 5 acting on the first ball bearing. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, refer to... Figure 6 The three side support members 4 may also include three first balls, and the elastic member 5 acts on one of the first balls.

[0029] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments of this disclosure, the driving unit may include multiple sets of driving components arranged circumferentially. Each driving component may include a first magnet 71 disposed on one of the moving member 2 and the base plate 11, and a coil 72 disposed on the other of the moving member 2 and the base plate 11. When the coil 72 is energized, it can generate a force with the first magnet 71 to drive the moving member 2 to rotate around the optical axis. Specifically... Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the moving member 2 is rotated at a certain angle. The coil 72 has two radially extending sides, and the first magnet 71 has two parts with opposite magnetic poles, wherein the two sides correspond to the two parts with opposite magnetic poles, respectively. When the coil 72 is energized, the two sides can generate circumferential magnetic forces with the first magnet 71, thereby driving the moving member 2 to rotate.

[0030] In some embodiments of this disclosure, in order to increase the driving force of the drive unit, refer to Figure 1 The drive assembly also includes a magnetic yoke 91, which can be C-shaped. The upper inner wall of the magnetic yoke 91 is fixed to one side of the first magnet 71 and moves with the moving member 2. The coil 72 can be disposed between the lower inner wall of the magnetic yoke 91 and the first magnet 71. By setting the magnetic yoke 91, the magnetic field can be focused, thereby strengthening the driving force.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of this disclosure, the variable aperture may also include an upper cover 92 that is fastened to the base 1, thereby forming a space with the base 1 to accommodate related components. The upper cover 92 can protect the related components.

[0032] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments of this disclosure, the variable aperture may further include a plurality of second balls 81 that are rollably supported between the moving member 2 and the base plate 11, specifically three, four, etc. By providing the second balls 81, the motion friction between the moving member 2 and the base plate 11 can be reduced, the smoothness of the movement of the moving member 2 can be improved, and the service life of the variable aperture can be increased.

[0033] Reference Figure 5 In this embodiment, the surface of the moving member 2 facing the base plate 11 can be provided with multiple grooves, and the second ball bearing 81 can be installed into the corresponding groove to limit the movement of the second ball bearing 81 and prevent it from moving around randomly. The groove can be directly recessed into the surface of the moving member 2, or a protrusion can be formed on the surface of the moving member 2, and the groove is formed on the protrusion.

[0034] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments of this disclosure, either the moving member 2 or the base plate 11, which is provided with a coil 72, may also be provided with a second magnet 82 that can magnetically attract the first magnet 71. By providing the second magnet 82, which magnetically attracts the first magnet 71, the moving member 2 and the base plate 11 can be driven to move closer to each other, thereby clamping the second ball 81 located between them, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the rotation of the moving member 2 relative to the base plate 11.

[0035] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the variable aperture may also include a Hall sensor located at the middle position of the coil 72. When the first magnet 71 moves with the moving member 2, the magnetic field of the first magnet 71 will change with the position. The Hall sensor can detect the change in magnetic field and output a corresponding voltage signal, thereby obtaining the rotation information of the moving member 2 in real time and using it for closed-loop control to improve the motion accuracy of the moving member 2.

[0036] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a camera module is provided, including the aforementioned variable aperture. Since the camera module has all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned variable aperture, it will not be described in detail here.

[0037] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a mobile device is provided, including the aforementioned camera module. Since this mobile device possesses all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned camera module, further details are omitted here. In this disclosure, the mobile device can include tablets, mobile phones, vehicles, VR devices, and all other devices equipped with a camera module.

[0038] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0039] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0040] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A variable aperture, characterized in that, include: The base includes a base plate and an upright plate erected on the base plate; A movable component is rotatably mounted on the base plate and located inside the upright plate, capable of rotating around an optical axis; Multiple aperture blades are respectively installed on the moving part and the base, and the multiple aperture blades are distributed circumferentially and surround the aperture hole; A drive unit is used to drive the moving member to rotate along the optical axis, so as to drive the multiple aperture blades to move and change the aperture diameter of the aperture hole; Multiple side supports are arranged at intervals along the circumference and are respectively supported between the moving member and the upright plate; as well as An elastic member is disposed on one of the upright plate and the moving member, and has an elastic force that elastically presses the corresponding side support against the other of the upright plate and the moving member.

2. The variable aperture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a spring sheet disposed on the upright plate, the spring sheet having an elastic force that presses the corresponding side support against the moving element.

3. The variable aperture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper surface of the upright plate is provided with two first protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction and two second protrusions located on both sides of the two first protrusions in the circumferential direction. The two second protrusions are located radially outside the two first protrusions. The side support is disposed between the two first protrusions and protrudes outward from the first protrusions in the radial direction. The elastic piece is constrained between the two first protrusions and the two second protrusions and elastically abuts the side support against the moving member from the outside.

4. The variable aperture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side support includes a first ball bearing or roller.

5. The variable aperture according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The number of side supports is three, and they are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference.

6. The variable aperture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit includes multiple sets of drive components arranged along the circumferential direction, and the drive components include: A first magnet is disposed on one of the moving member and the base plate; and A coil is disposed in the other of the moving member and the base plate. When the coil is energized, it can generate a force with the first magnet to drive the moving part to rotate around the optical axis.

7. The variable aperture according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a plurality of second balls that are rotatably supported between the moving member and the base plate.

8. The variable aperture according to claim 7, characterized in that, The moving part and the base plate, which are provided with the coil, are also provided with a second magnet that can be magnetically attracted to the first magnet.

9. A camera module, characterized in that, Includes the variable aperture as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A mobile device, characterized in that, Includes the camera module as described in claim 9.

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