MOTOR FOR DRIVING A LENS

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present document relates to a motor for driving lenses and a digital apparatus comprising such a motor.[Background Art]

[0002] Each of KR 100 490 253 B1 and WO 2006 / 085714 A1 relates to a motor for driving lenses, in particular an automatic focus-adjusting device for an optical lens, in which the arrangement of a permanent magnet and the outer size of the device is reduced. An upper and a lower spring are provided. The lower spring comprises two terminals. The two terminals are arranged on diametrically opposite sides of an optical axis. JP 2003 207708 A discloses a further motor for driving lenses. Two terminals are arranged on diametrically opposite sides of an optical axis. JP 2006 058662 A discloses a lens driving device capable of moderating an impact made when a lens support base collides with a housing. An upper and a lower spring is provided in the lens driving device. JP 2003 207708 A refers to small-sized lens driving unit.

[0003] As digital appliances have been diversified, digital devices equipped with cameras or MP3 players are developed and extensively used. In addition, a motor for driving lenses of the camera installed in the digital device is also developed and extensively used. The motor for driving the lenses adjusts the position of the lenses by using a carrier that moves as current is supplied to / removed from a coil. The coil receives external power through a spring electrically connected to both the coil and a main printed circuit board (PCB).

[0004] Recently, many users request for small-sized digital appliances. In this regard, studies are being pursued to provide digital appliances having small size and capable of stably supplying current to the coil.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a motor for driving lenses, capable of minimizing the size thereof while stably supplying current to a coil.[Technical Solution]

[0006] The invention is as defined in claim 1.[Advantageous Effects]

[0007] The motor for driving the lenses according to embodiments of the present invention can minimize the size thereof while stably supplying current to the coil.[Description of Drawings]

[0008] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a motor for driving lenses. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing main components of a motor for driving lenses. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a bottom of a spacer shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a bottom of a spacer coupled with a carrier shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing main components of a motor for driving lenses which are not according to the invention and are presented for illustration purposes only. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a spring shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a spring shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a spring shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a base according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a connection structure between a coil and a spring which is not according to the invention and is presented for illustration purposes only. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a connection structure between a coil and a spring which is not according to the invention and is presented for illustration purposes only. [Mode for Invention]

[0009] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a motor for driving lenses.

[0010] The motor for driving the lenses includes a case 110 having a predetermined space therein. The case 110 has a base 111 and an upper cover 115, which are coupled to each other. The upper cover 115 is formed at an upper surface thereof with an inlet hole 117, which is a path for a carrier 150.

[0011] A yoke 120 is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the case 110, and a magnet 130 is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the yoke 120. The yoke 120 and the magnet 130 have ring shapes. The carrier 150 is installed in the magnet 130 while being supported by a spring 140 such that the carrier 150 can move up and down. Lenses 200 is installed in the carrier 150 in such a manner that the lenses 200 can move up and down according to the movement of the carrier 150. In order to facilitate assembly work, the carrier 150 consists of an upper carrier 151 and a lower carrier 155 which are coupled to each other.

[0012] A coil 160 is fixedly wound around an outer peripheral surface of the carrier 150. The coil 160 is spaced apart from the magnet 130 in opposition to the magnet 130. As current is applied to the coil 160, electromagnetic force is generated between the coil 160 and the magnet 130, so that the coil 160 is urged upward or downward. Thus, the carrier 150 is moved up or down, thereby moving the lenses 200.

[0013] A spacer 170 having elasticity is installed between a bottom surface of the yoke 120 and the base 111, and between a top surface of the yoke 120 and the upper cover 115, respectively. The spacer 170 has a ring shape. The spacer 170 can be compressed and expanded so as to compensate for the tolerance of parts assembled in the case 110 and the tolerance occurring when assembling the parts.

[0014] The carrier 150, which has been moved up by the electromagnetic force, returns to its initial position by means of the spring 140. In addition, a lead wire of the coil 160 is connected to the spring 140 so that external power can be applied to the coil 160 through the spring 140. Two springs 140 are provided at upper and lower end portions of the outer peripheral surface of the carrier 150. That is, two springs 140 are fixed to the upper end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the upper carrier 151 and the lower end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lower carrier 155, respectively. Thus, the up / down movement of the carrier 150 can be performed without being twisted. The lead wire of the coil 160 is soldered to one of the two springs 140.

[0015] The spring 140 not only returns the carrier 150 to the initial position, but also applies the current to the coil 160. In order to allow the external power to be applied to the coil 160 through the spring 140, the spring 140 is connected to the main PCB of the product.

[0016] In the motor for driving the lenses, the spring 140 is connected to the main PCB by means of a terminal in order to minimize the size of the motor. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing main components of the motor for driving the lenses, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a bottom of the spacer shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the spacer coupled with the carrier shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] As shown in the drawings, the spring 140 includes first and second springs 141 and 145 having arc shapes and being separated from each other. The first and second springs 141 and 145 form a ring shape as a whole.

[0018] The first and second springs 141 and 145 include inner sections 142 and 146, outer sections 143 and 147, and connection sections 144 and 148. The inner sections 142 and 146 have arc shapes, and inner peripheral surfaces thereof can be integrally formed with an outer surface of the lower carrier 155 through a molding process. The outer sections 143 and 147 have arc shapes and outer peripheral surfaces thereof are fixed between the spacer 170 and the base 111. The connection sections 144 and 148 connect the inner sections 142 and 146 to the outer sections 143 and 147.

[0019] As external power is supplied to the coil 160 through the spring 140, the coil 160 moves up due to the electromagnetic force, so that the carrier 150 and the lenses 200 also move up. Thus, the inner sections 142 and 146 of the spring 140 move up according to the movement of the carrier 150. Then, if the current being supplied to the coil 160 is shut off, the carrier 150 moves down to its initial position by means of elasticity of the spring 140.

[0020] One end portion and the other end portion of the inner sections 142 and 146 of the spring 140 are exposed out of the carrier 150 so as to connected with the lead wire of the coil 160 and conductive terminals 180, respectively.

[0021] A pair of conductive terminals 180 are provided, and the conductive terminals 180 are prepared by using metallic materials. Each conductive terminal 180 includes a body 181 and a connection pin 185. The body 181 is provided on a predetermined region of the spacer 170, which is opposed to the other end portions of the inner sections 142 and 146. The connection pin 185 extends from the body 181 and protrudes downward by passing through the base 111 of the case 110 so as to be connected with the main PCB. Since the connection pins 185 are connected with the main PCB by passing through the bottom of the case 110 without protruding out of the case 110, the motor for driving the lenses.

[0022] Support holes 142a and 146a are formed at the other end portions of the inner sections 142 and 146 and the connection pins 185 pass through the support holes 142a and 146a. In addition, the base 111 is formed with support holes 112 into which the connection pins 185 are inserted.

[0023] The connection pins 185 of the terminals 180 fixed to the spacer 170 are connected to the main PCB by passing through the support holes 142a and 146a of the inner sections 142 and 146. Accordingly, the spring 140 is connected to the connection pins 185 while being supported by the connection pins 185, so that the spring 140 is prevented from horizontally moving.

[0024] In addition, since the connection pins 185 are inserted into the support holes 112 of the base 111, the connection pins 185 are supported by the base 111, so that the connection pins 185 can be prevented from moving.

[0025] In order to securely fix the terminal 180 to the spring 140, the body 181 can be welded to other end portions of the inner sections 142 and 146 of the spring 140.

[0026] The connection pin of the terminal extends downward by passing through the base of the case so as to be connected to the main PCB of the product. That is, in the motor for driving the lenses according to the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal is not exposed out of the case, so that the size of the motor can be minimized.

[0027] Hereinafter, a motor for driving lenses which is not according to the invention and which is presented for illustration purposes only, will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing main components of the motor for driving the lenses, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a spring shown in FIG. 8.

[0028] As shown in the drawings, the spring 340 includes first and second springs 341 and 345 having arc shapes and being separated from each other. The first and second springs 341 and 345 form a ring shape as a whole.

[0029] The first and second springs 341 and 345 include inner sections 342 and 346, outer sections 343 and 347, and connection sections 344 and 348. The inner sections 342 and 346 have arc shapes, and inner peripheral surfaces thereof can be integrally formed with an outer surface of the lower carrier 355 through a molding process. The outer sections 343 and 347 have arc shapes and outer peripheral surfaces thereof are fixed between a spacer and a base 311. The connection sections 344 and 348 connect the inner sections 342 and 346 to the outer sections 343 and 347. First end portions 342a and 346a of the inner sections 342 and 346 are exposed out of the lower carrier 355 such that the lead wire of the coil can be soldered to the first end portions 342a and 346a.

[0030] As external power is supplied to the coil through the spring 340, the coil moves up due to the electromagnetic force, so that the carrier and the lenses also move up. Thus, the inner sections 342 and 346 of the spring 340 move up according to the movement of the carrier. Then, if the current being supplied to the coil is shut off, the carrier moves down to its initial position by means of elasticity of the spring 340.

[0031] In addition, first end portions 343a and 347a of the outer sections 343 and 347 are exposed out of the lower carrier 355. Lower bending sections 343aa and 347aa are inserted into support holes 312 formed in the base 311 and are soldered to the main PCB of the product. That is, the bending sections 343aa and 347aa of the spring 340 connected to the main PCB of the product are not exposed to the exterior of the case, but exposed by passing through the bottom of the base 311, so that the size of the motor for driving the lenses can be minimized.

[0032] In addition, since the bending sections 343aa and 347aa of the spring 340 are fixedly supported by the support holes 312 formed in the base 311, the spring 340 is prevented from moving.

[0033] Terminals 380 are integrally formed in the support holes 312 and protrude downward to make connection with the main PCB of the product by means of soldering. At this time, the bending sections 343aa and 347aa of the spring 340 are inserted into the support holes 312 to make contact with the terminals 380.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of a spring shown in FIG. 8. Hereinafter, the spring shown in FIG. 10 will be described while focusing on the difference relative to the spring described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The base, the support holes, the lower carrier and the terminals have reference numerals the same as those of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0035] The first and second springs 441 and 445 include inner sections 442 and 446, outer sections 443 and 447, and connection sections 444 and 448. The inner sections 442 and 446 have arc shapes, and inner peripheral surfaces thereof can be integrally formed with an outer surface of the lower carrier 355 through a molding process. The outer sections 443 and 447 have arc shapes and outer peripheral surfaces thereof are fixed between the spacer and the base 311. The connection sections 444 and 448 connect the inner sections 442 and 446 to the outer sections 443 and 447.

[0036] First end portions 443a and 447a of the outer sections 443 and 447 of the first and second springs 441 and 445 are exposed out of the lower carrier 355. Bending sections 443aa and 447aa, which are bent downward, are connected to the main PCB. Second end portions 442a and 446a of the inner sections 442 and 446, which correspond to the other end portions of the bending sections 443aa and 447aa, are exposed to the exterior of the lower carrier 355 so as to be connected with the lead wire of the coil.

[0037] In addition, the bending sections 443aa and 447aa can be inserted into the support holes 312 so as to be connected to the terminals 380 making contact with the main PCB of the product.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of a spring shown in FIG. 8. Hereinafter, the spring shown in FIG. 11 will be described while focusing on the difference relative to the spring described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The base, the support holes, the lower carrier and the terminals may have reference numerals the same as those of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 11, the first and second springs 541 and 545 include inner sections 542 and 546, outer sections 543 and 547, and connection sections 544 and 548. The inner sections 542 and 546 have arc shapes, and inner peripheral surfaces thereof can be integrally formed with an outer surface of the lower carrier 355 through a molding process. The outer sections 543 and 547 have arc shapes and outer peripheral surfaces thereof are fixed between the spacer and the base 311. The connection sections 544 and 548 connect the inner sections 542 and 546 to the outer sections 543 and 547.

[0040] First end portions 542a and 546a of the inner sections 542 and 546 of the first and second springs 541 and 545 are exposed out of the lower carrier 355. Lower bending sections 542aa and 546aa are connected to the main PCB. Second end portions 542b and 546b of the inner sections 542 and 546, which correspond to the other end portions of the bending sections 542aa and 546aa, are exposed to the exterior of the lower carrier 355 so as to be connected with the lead wire of the coil.

[0041] In addition, the bending sections 542aa and 546aa can be inserted into the support holes 312 so as to be connected to the terminals 380 making contact with the main PCB of the product.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a base according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the base shown in FIG. 12 will be described while focusing on the difference relative to the base shown in FIG. 8.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 12, support slots 612 are formed at one side of the base 611. Terminals 680 connected to the main PCB are press-fitted into the support slots 612. In addition, the bending sections 343aa and 347aa, 443aa and 447aa, or 542aa and 546aa, which are described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, are soldered to the outer surface of the terminals 680 exposed out of the base 611.

[0044] As described above, according to the motor for driving the lenses of the embodiments of the present invention, one side of the spring connected to the lead wire of the coil is bent and the bending portion of the spring is exposed by passing through the bottom of the base of the case, so that the bending portion of the spring can be connected to the main PCB of the product. In addition, according to the motor for driving the lenses of the embodiments of the present invention, the bending portion of the spring is connected to the terminal provided at the lower portion of the base of the case in such a manner that the spring is connected to the main PCB of the product. Thus, the portion connected to the main PCB of the product is not exposed out of the case, so that the size of the motor according to the present invention can be minimized. In addition, since metallic bending portion of the spring or the metallic terminal can be directly connected to the main PCB of the product through soldering or the like, deformation is prevented and workability is improved.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a connection structure between a coil and a spring which is not according to the invention and is presented for illustration purposes only.

[0046] The spring 740 includes first and second springs 741 and 745 having arc shapes and being separated from each other. The first and second springs 741 and 745 form a ring shape as a whole.

[0047] The first and second springs 741 and 745 include inner sections 742 and 746, outer sections 743 and 747, and connection sections 744 and 748. The inner sections 742 and 746 have arc shapes, and inner peripheral surfaces thereof can be integrally formed with an outer surface of the lower carrier 755 through a molding process. The outer sections 743 and 747 have arc shapes and outer peripheral surfaces thereof are fixed between a spacer and a base. The connection sections 744 and 748 connect the inner sections 742 and 746 to the outer sections 743 and 747. First end portions of the inner sections 742 and 746 are exposed to the exterior such that the lead wire of the coil can be soldered to the first end portions.

[0048] As external power is supplied to the coil 770 through the spring 740, the coil 770 moves up due to the electromagnetic force, so that the carrier and the lenses also move up.

[0049] Thus, the inner sections 742 and 746 of the spring 740 move up together with the carrier. Then, if the current being supplied to the coil 770 is shut off, the carrier moves down to its initial position by means of elasticity of the spring 740. In addition, the spring 740 is soldered to the lead wire of the coil so as to supply the external power to the coil 770.

[0050] The spring 740 of the motor for driving the lenses is provided with a connection member, which supports the lead wire of the coil 770 and which provides a connection spot for the lead wire of the coil 770.

[0051] The connection member includes insertion grooves 742a and 746a, which are formed at the first side of one end of the spring 740, and locking protrusions 742b and 746b, which are provided at the second side of one end of the spring 740. The lead wire of the coil 770 is inserted into the insertion grooves 742a and 746a. In addition, the lead wire of the coil 770 is coupled with the locking protrusions 742b and 746b.

[0052] In order to solder the lead wire of the coil 770 to the first end portions of the inner sections 742 and 746, the lead wire of the coil 770 must be wound around the first end portions of the inner sections 742 and 746. According to the motor for driving the lenses, the lead wire of the coil 770 is wound around the inner sections 742 and 746 while being inserted into the insertion grooves 742a and 746a and locked with the locking protrusions 742b and 746b. Therefore, the lead wire of the coil 770 can be securely supported and precisely wound around predetermined parts of the inner sections 742 and 746. Thus, the lead wire of the coil 770 can be securely soldered to the predetermined parts of the inner sections 742 and 746.

[0053] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a connection structure between a coil and a spring which is not according to the invention and is presented for illustration purposes only. Hereinafter, the connection structure shown in FIG. 14 will be described while focusing on the difference relative to the connection structure shown in FIG. 13. According to the motor for driving the lenses of the present embodiment, a spring 890 is provided with a connection member, which supports a lead wire of a coil 870 and which provides a connection spot for the lead wire of the coil 870.

[0054] The connection member is provided at first end portions of inner sections 892 and 896 of the spring 890 and includes support protrusions 892a and 896a for receiving and supporting the lead wire of the coil 870. The support protrusions 892a and 896a can be formed by cutting predetermined portions of the inner sections 892 and 896 and then bending the predetermined portions of the inner sections 892 and 896 by a predetermined angle. When the lead wire of the coil 870 is wound around the inner sections 892 and 896, the lead wire of the coil 870 is coupled with end portions of the support protrusions 892a and 896a integrally formed with the inner sections 892 and 896. Accordingly, the lead wire of the coil 870 can be prevented from being separated from the inner sections 892 and 896.

[0055] As described above, according to the motor for driving the lenses of the embodiments of the present invention, the lead wire of the coil is securely supported on the support protrusions provided at the predetermined portions of the spring to which the lead wire is soldered. Therefore, the soldering fault may not occur, and the lead wire can be precisely soldered to the predetermined portions of the spring, improving reliability of the product.[Industrial Applicability]

[0056] The motor for driving the lenses according to embodiments of the present invention can minimize the size thereof while stably supplying current to the coil.

Claims

1. A motor for driving a lens, the motor comprising: a base (111, 611); a yoke (120) disposed on the base (111, 611); a magnet (130) disposed in the yoke (120); a spacer (170) installed between a bottom surface of the yoke (120) and the base (111, 611); a carrier (150), - disposed in the yoke (120), - configured to move in a vertical direction, and - consisting of an upper carrier (151) and a lower carrier (155, 355), which are coupled to each other; a coil (160) disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the carrier (150) while facing the magnet (130), wherein said carrier (150) is configured - to be moved up by electromagnetic force; and - to return to its initial position by means of the spring (140, 340), wherein lead wires of the coil (160) are connected to said spring (140, 340) to enable external power to be applied to the coil (160) through the spring (140, 340), wherein said spring (140, 340) comprises an upper spring coupled to an upper portion of the carrier (150), and a lower spring coupled to a lower portion of the carrier (150) and to the base (111, 611), wherein each of the upper and lower springs (340) includes a first spring (341, 441) and a second spring (345, 445) having an arc shape and being separated from each other, wherein said first and second springs (341, 345; 441, 445) form a ring shape as a whole, wherein each of the first and second springs (341, 345; 441, 445) includes an inner section (342, 346; 442, 446), an outer section (343, 347; 443, 447) and a connection section (344, 348; 444, 448), wherein said inner sections (342, 346; 442, 446) have an arc shape, and inner peripheral surfaces thereof are integrally formed with an outer surface of the lower carrier (355), wherein said outer sections (343, 347; 443, 447) have an arc shape and outer peripheral surfaces thereof are fixed between the spacer (170) and the base (111, 611), wherein said connection sections (344, 348; 444, 448) connect the inner sections (342, 346; 442, 446) to the outer sections (343, 347; 443, 447), wherein first end portions (342a, 346a; 442a, 446a) of the inner sections (342, 346; 442, 446) are exposed out of the lower carrier (355) to enable the lead wire of the coil (150) to be soldered to said first end portions (342a, 346a; 442a, 446a), wherein first end portions (343a, 347a; 443a, 447a) of the outer sections (343, 347; 443, 447) of the first and second springs (341, 345; 441, 445) are exposed out of the lower carrier (355) and bending sections (343aa, 347aa; 443aa, 447aa), which are bent downward, are provided to be connected to a main printed circuit board (PCB) of the motor; wherein the base (111, 611) further comprises a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface opposite to the first side surface, a fourth side surface opposite to the second side surface, a first corner where the first and second side surfaces meet, a second corner where the second and third side surfaces meet, a third corner where the third and fourth side surfaces meet and opposite to the first corner, and a fourth corner where the fourth and first side surfaces meet and opposite to the second corner, wherein the base (111,611) further comprises two support slots (612) formed at the first side surface, said two support slots (612) including a first support slot and a second support slot, and said first support slot is recessed inward from the first side surface and said second support slot is recessed inward from the first side surface, wherein two terminals (680) are connected to the main printed circuit board (PCB) and are coupled to said support slots (612) recessed in the base (111, 611), wherein a first terminal of the two terminals (680) is coupled to the first support slot and a second terminal of the two terminals (680) is coupled to the second support slot of the base (111, 611), wherein said first terminal is electrically connected to one of said bending sections (343aa, 347aa; 443aa, 447aa) of the first spring (341, 441) and said second terminal is electrically connected to the other of the bending sections (343aa, 347aa: 443aa, 447aa) of the second spring (345,445), and wherein the first terminal is closer to the first corner of the base (111, 611) than to the fourth corner, and the second terminal is closer to the fourth corner of the base (111, 611) than to the first corner, wherein, in a horizontal direction, the distance between the first terminal and the second terminal is shorter than the distance between the first terminal and the first corner.

2. The motor according to claim 1, wherein the yoke (120) is disposed between the first corner and the third corner and between the second corner and the fourth corner.

3. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first side surface comprises a flat surface between the first support slot and the second support slot, and wherein the first support slot is recessed inward from the flat surface and the second support slot is recessed inward from the flat surface.

4. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first terminal faces the first support slot of the base (111, 611) in the horizontal direction, wherein the second terminal faces the second support slot of the base (111, 611) in the horizontal direction, and wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are disposed inward from the first side surface of the base (111, 611).

5. The motor according to claim 1, wherein the two terminals (680) comprise a part extending downwardly from an upper portion of the first side surface to a lower portion of the first side surface.

6. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first terminal comprises a first surface exposed out of the base (111, 611), and the second terminal comprises a second surface exposed out of the base (111, 611), and wherein the first surface of the first terminal and the second surface of the second terminal are disposed on a same plane.

7. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the first and second terminals protrudes downwards beneath a portion of the base (111, 611).

8. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inner section (342, 346; 442, 446) of the first spring is connected to one end portion of the coil (160), and wherein the inner section (342, 346; 442, 446) of the second spring is connected to the other end portion of the coil (160).

9. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outer section (343, 3447; 443, 447) of the first spring and the outer section (343, 3447; 443, 447) of the second spring are disposed on a same horizontal plane.

10. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the yoke (120) comprises an upper surface formed with an opening and a side surface, and wherein an upper surface of the magnet (130) is disposed under the upper surface of the yoke (120) and a side surface of the magnet (130) faces the side surface of the yoke (120).

11. A digital apparatus comprising the motor according to any one of claims 1 to 10.