Optical systems

Abstract

To provide an optical system.SOLUTION: There is provided an optical system having a first optical element drive mechanism, a second optical element drive mechanism, and a first fixed element. The first optical element drive mechanism has a first fixed part, a first movable part, a plurality of elastic elements, and a first drive module. The elastic elements are each elastically connected to the first fixed part and first movable part. The second optical element drive mechanism has a second fixed part, a second movable part, and a second drive module. The second movable part is movably connected to the second fixed part. The second drive module rotates the second movable part relative to the second fixed part. The fixed element fixes the first optical element drive mechanism to the second optical element drive mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12-2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical system, and more particularly to an optical system having a fixed element. [Background technology]

[0002] Technological advancements have led to modern electronic devices (such as tablet computers and smartphones) typically incorporating lens modules capable of taking photos and videos. These devices have become commonplace and are becoming more convenient, thinner, and offering a wider range of choices. However, incorporating long focal length lenses into electronic devices increases their thickness, making it difficult to further reduce their overall thickness. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0003] This invention provides an optical system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] To improve upon the shortcomings of conventional products, one embodiment of the present invention provides an optical system having a first optical element driving mechanism, a second optical element driving mechanism, and a first fixed element. The first optical element driving mechanism has a first fixed part, a first movable part, a plurality of elastic elements, and a first drive module. The first movable part is movablely connected to the first fixed part and has a first optical element holder that supports the first optical element. Each elastic element is elastically connected to the first fixed part and the first movable part. The first drive module moves the first movable part relative to the first fixed part along the optical axis of the first optical element, and the first drive module is electrically connected to the elastic elements. The second optical element driving mechanism has a second fixed part, a second movable part, and a second drive module. The second movable part is movablely connected to the second fixed part and has a second optical element holder that supports the second optical element. The second drive module rotates the second movable part relative to the second fixed part around a rotation axis. The first fixed element fixes the first optical element driving mechanism and the second optical element driving mechanism. The second optical element changes the direction of external light propagation from the first direction to the second direction, and the second direction is parallel to the optical axis of the first optical element, while the axis of rotation is perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first fixed part has a frame and a base. The frame has a top wall and a plurality of side walls, the side walls connected to the top wall and extending in a first direction. The base is connected to the frame and forms a housing space, and the first movable part is installed in the housing space, with at least a portion of the side walls located between the first optical element and the second optical element.

[0006] In some embodiments, the optical system further includes a dustproof plate installed on one side of the first optical element drive mechanism and the second optical element drive mechanism, and the second optical element is installed between the dustproof plate and the second movable part.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first fixed portion has a first outer surface, and the second fixed portion has a second outer surface facing the first outer surface, and the first and second outer surfaces are parallel. In some embodiments, the second fixed portion has at least three extensions, each extension having a contact surface facing the first optical element driving mechanism. The contact surfaces of the extensions are coplanar.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first fixed part and the second fixed part each have a first circuit component and a second circuit component. The first circuit component is electrically connected to a first drive module, and the second circuit component is electrically connected to a second drive module. The first circuit component and the second circuit component are electrically independent. The first fixed part has a side wall, and the first circuit component and the second circuit component each have a first connection part and a second connection part, respectively, the normal direction of the side wall is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the first connection part and the second connection part protrude from the side wall.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first optical element driving mechanism and the second optical element driving mechanism each have widths 12-W1 and 12-W2 along the second direction, and lengths 12-L1 and 12-L2 along the axis of rotation, respectively, such that (12-L1) / (12-W1)>(12-L2) / (12-W2).

[0010] In some embodiments, the optical system further includes a third optical element driving mechanism for driving a third optical element, and the second fixed part has a metal cover installed between the second optical element driving mechanism and the third optical element driving mechanism. The metal cover is made of a nonconductive material, and the focal length of the third optical element is three times or more the focal length of the first optical element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the optical system further includes a second fixing element that fixes a second optical element driving mechanism and a third optical element driving mechanism. The second optical element driving mechanism and the third optical element driving mechanism each have a first side and a second side, respectively, with the first side adjacent to the second side. The second optical element driving mechanism has a magnetic element adjacent to the first side, and no magnetic element is installed in a location adjacent to the second side of the third optical element driving mechanism. In some embodiments, the third optical element driving mechanism has a magnetic element adjacent to the second side, and no magnetic element is installed in a location adjacent to the first side of the second optical element driving mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments, the third optical element driving mechanism further includes a dimming assembly that adjusts the range over which external light enters the third optical element. The optical axis of the third optical element is positioned between the dimming assembly and the second optical element driving mechanism.

[0013] In some embodiments, the optical system further includes a first image sensor and a second image sensor, each corresponding to a first optical element driving mechanism and a third optical element driving mechanism, respectively, wherein the third optical element driving mechanism has a third fixed part and a third movable part movably connected to the third fixed part. In some embodiments, the optical system further includes another first optical element driving mechanism for driving another first optical element, wherein the optical axis of the first optical element is parallel to the optical axis of the other first optical element. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] To further understand embodiments of the present invention, refer to the drawings and subsequent details. [Figure 1-1A] This figure shows an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-1B] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the first optical module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-2A] This figure shows an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-2B]A diagram showing a first optical module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-2C] A diagram showing a reflection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-2D] An exploded perspective view of a reflection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-2E] A cross-sectional view taken along line 1-A-1-A’ of FIG. 1-2C. [Figure 1-2F] A side view of an optical element holder according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-3A] A diagram showing a reflection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-3B] A bottom view of a reflection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-4A] An exploded perspective view of a reflection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-4B] A diagram showing a reflection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-5A] A diagram showing a reflection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-5B] A front view of a reflection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-6A] A diagram showing a reflection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-6B] A cross-sectional view of a reflection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-7A] A diagram showing an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-7B] A diagram showing an optical element at a first angle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-7C] A diagram showing an optical element at a second angle according to another embodiment of the present invention. <​​​​​​​​ [Figure 1-8B] This figure shows an optical element with a second angle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-9A] This figure shows an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-9B] This figure shows a first optical module, a third optical module, and a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1-10] This figure shows a lens unit according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2-1] This figure shows an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2-2] This figure shows an optical system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2-3] This figure shows a reflective unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2-4] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of a reflective unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2-5] This figure shows an optical element holder according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2-6] This figure shows an optical element mounted on an optical element holder according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2-7] This figure shows a frameless reflective unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2-8] This is a side view of a reflective unit with a cover omitted, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2-9] This is a side view of a reflective unit with the cover and frame omitted, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2-10] This figure shows a reflective unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the frame and elastic element are omitted. [Figure 3-1] This figure shows a camera system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3-2] Figure 3-1 shows the lens module and the photosensitive element of the photosensitive module of the present invention. [Figure 3-3] This figure shows a camera system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3-4] This figure shows a camera system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3-5] This figure shows a camera system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4-1] This is a three-dimensional diagram of an optical element driving mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4-2] Figure 4-1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the optical element driving mechanism. [Figure 4-3] Figure 4-1 is a three-dimensional diagram of the inside of the optical element driving mechanism. [Figure 4-4] This diagram shows the optical element driving mechanism as seen in the direction of light emission. [Figure 4-5] This diagram shows the carriers observed in the direction of light incidence. [Figure 4-6] This is a cross-sectional view along line 4-B shown in Figure 4-5. [Figure 4-7] Figure 4-6 is a cross-sectional view showing the carriers that support the optical elements. [Figure 4-8A] This is a three-dimensional view showing a carrier and base separated according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4-8B] Figure 4-8A shows a plan view of the carrier and base. [Figure 4-9] This is a cross-sectional view along line 4-A shown in Figure 4-1. [Figure 4-10A] Figure 4-1 shows the optical element driving mechanism as viewed from the direction of light incidence. [Figure 4-10B] Figure 4-1 shows the optical element driving mechanism as viewed from the direction of light emission. [Figure 5-1] This is a three-dimensional view of a lens unit according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5-2A] Figure 5-1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the lens unit. [Figure 5-2B] This diagram shows the arrangement of the magnets and coils in the second drive assembly. [Figure 5-2C] This diagram shows the arrangement of the magnets and coils in the second drive assembly. [Figure 5-3A] This is a top view of the first drive assembly. [Figure 5-3B] This is a top view of the first drive assembly. [Figure 5-3C] This is a top view of the first drive assembly. [Figure 5-4] This is a cross-sectional view along line 5-A-5-A' in Figure 5-1. [Figure 5-5] This is a plan view of a lens unit in which some elements according to several embodiments of the present invention have been omitted. [Figure 5-6] This is a three-dimensional view of a lens unit in which some elements according to several embodiments of the present invention have been omitted. [Figure 5-7] This figure shows a lens unit and a drive unit according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5-8A] These are three-dimensional diagrams of a lens unit, a reflection unit, and a lens holding unit according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5-8B] These are three-dimensional diagrams of a lens unit, a reflection unit, and a lens holding unit according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5-9] This is a three-dimensional view of a reflective unit according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5-10] This is a cross-sectional view along line 5-B-5-B' in Figure 5-9. [Figure 5-11] This is a three-dimensional view of a lens unit according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5-12] This is a cross-sectional view along the line 5-C-5-C' in Figure 5-11. [Figure 6-1] This is a three-dimensional view of an image acquisition device according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6-2A] Figure 6-1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the image acquisition device. [Figure 6-2B] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of an image acquisition device according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6-3] This is a cross-sectional view along line 6-A-A' in Figure 6-1. [Figure 6-4]This figure shows the positional relationships between some of the elements of the image acquisition device shown in Figure 6-1. [Figure 6-5] This figure shows the positional relationships between several elements of an image acquisition device according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6-6] This figure shows the positional relationships between several elements of an image acquisition device according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6-7] This figure shows the positional relationships between several elements of an image acquisition device according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6-8] This figure shows the positional relationships between several elements of an image acquisition device according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7-1] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-2A] This figure shows the first shutter of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-2B] This figure shows the second shutter of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-3] This figure shows the shutter drive component of the optical element drive mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-4A] This figure shows the magnetic pole directions of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element of the shutter drive component of the optical element drive mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-4B] This figure shows the magnetic pole directions of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element of the shutter drive component of the optical element drive mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-5A] This figure shows the relationship between the relative positions of the first shutter and the second shutter of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-5B] This figure shows the relationship between the relative positions of the first shutter and the second shutter of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-5C] This figure shows the relationship between the relative positions of the first shutter and the second shutter of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-6A]This figure shows the relationship between the relative positions of the first shutter, the second shutter, and the support plate of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-6B] This figure shows the relationship between the relative positions of the first shutter, the second shutter, and the support plate of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-7A] This is a top view of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-7B] This is a side view of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-7C] This is a side view of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-8] This figure shows the first stopping mechanism and the second stopping mechanism of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-9] This figure shows the first stopping mechanism and the second stopping mechanism of the optical element driving mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7-10A] This is a top view of the holder, frame, and optical element stopping member according to the present invention. [Figure 7-10B] This is a bottom view of the holder, frame, and optical element stopping member according to the present invention. [Figure 7-11] This figure shows an optical element driving mechanism having four shutters according to the present invention. [Figure 8-1] This is a three-dimensional view of an optical system according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8-2] Figure 8-1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the optical system. [Figure 8-3] This is a cross-sectional view along line 8-A-8-A' in Figure 8-1. [Figure 8-4A] This is a diagram showing the upper cover of Figure 8-2. [Figure 8-4B] This is a diagram showing the bottom of Figure 8-2. [Figure 8-4C] This is a diagram showing the opening in Figure 8-2. [Figure 8-4D] This figure shows the aperture element of Figure 8-2. [Figure 8-4E] This is a diagram showing the guiding element in Figure 8-2. [Figure 8-4F] Figure 8-2 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the third drive assembly. [Figure 8-4G] Figure 8-2 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the opening unit. [Figure 8-5A] This figure shows the bottom of Figure 8-2 and the third drive assembly in one state. [Figure 8-5B] This figure shows the aperture and guide element in one state as shown in Figure 8-2. [Figure 8-5C] This figure shows the aperture in Figure 8-5B. [Figure 8-6A] This figure shows the bottom of Figure 8-2 and another state of the third drive assembly. [Figure 8-6B] This figure shows the aperture and guide element in different states as shown in Figure 8-2. [Figure 8-6C] This is a diagram showing the aperture in Figure 8-6B. [Figure 8-7A] This figure shows the bottom of Figure 8-2 and another state of the third drive assembly. [Figure 8-7B] This figure shows the aperture and guide element in different states as shown in Figure 8-2. [Figure 8-7C] This figure shows the aperture in Figure 8-7B. [Figure 8-8A] This figure shows the bottom of Figure 8-2 and another state of the third drive assembly. [Figure 8-8B] This figure shows the aperture and guide element in different states as shown in Figure 8-2. [Figure 8-8C] This figure shows the aperture in Figure 8-8B. [Figure 9-1] This is a three-dimensional view of an opening unit according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9-2] Figure 9-1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the opening unit. [Figure 9-3] This is a cross-sectional view along line 9-A-9-A' in Figure 9-1. [Figure 9-4A] This is a top view of the upper plate shown in Figure 9-2. [Figure 9-4B] This is a top view of the bottom of Figure 9-2. [Figure 9-4C]This is a bottom view of the bottom of Figure 9-2. [Figure 9-4D] Figure 9-2 is a top view of the base plate. [Figure 9-4E] Figure 9-2 shows a top view of some of the elements. [Figure 9-4F] Figure 9-2 is a top view of the guiding element. [Figure 9-4G] This is a diagram showing the drive assembly in Figure 9-2. [Figure 9-5A] This figure shows a state of several elements according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9-5B] This figure shows a state of several elements according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9-6A] This figure shows several elements in different states according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9-6B] This figure shows several elements in different states according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9-7A] This figure shows several elements in different states according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9-7B] This figure shows several elements in different states according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9-8A] This figure shows several elements in different states according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9-8B] This figure shows several elements in different states according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10-1] This is a three-dimensional view of an opening unit according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10-2] Figure 10-1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the opening unit. [Figure 10-3] This is a cross-sectional view along line 10-A-10-A' in Figure 10-1. [Figure 10-4A] This is a diagram of the upper plate in Figure 10-1. [Figure 10-4B] This is a diagram showing the bottom of Figure 10-1. [Figure 10-4C] This figure shows the base plate of Figure 10-1. [Figure 10-4D] This is a diagram of the first blade shown in Figure 10-1. [Figure 10-4E] This is a diagram of the second blade shown in Figure 10-1. [Figure 10-4F] This is a diagram showing the guide element in Figure 10-1. [Figure 10-4G] This is a diagram showing the guide element in Figure 10-1. [Figure 10-4H] This is a diagram showing some of the elements in Figure 10-1. [Figure 10-5A] This figure shows several elements of Figure 10-1 in one state. [Figure 10-5B] This figure shows several elements of Figure 10-1 in one state. [Figure 10-6A] This figure shows some of the elements in Figure 10-1 in different states. [Figure 10-6B] This figure shows some of the elements in Figure 10-1 in different states. [Figure 10-7A] This figure shows some of the elements in Figure 10-1 in different states. [Figure 10-7B] This figure shows some of the elements in Figure 10-1 in different states. [Figure 11-1A] This figure shows an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-1B] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the first optical module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-2A] This figure shows an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-2B] This figure shows a first optical module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-2C] This figure shows a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-2D] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the reflective unit. [Figure 11-2E] This is a cross-sectional view along line 11-A-11-A' in Figure 11-2C. [Figure 11-2F] This is a side view of an optical element holder according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-3A] This figure shows a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-3B] This is a bottom view of a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-4A] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-4B] This figure shows a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-5A] This figure shows a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-5B] This is a front view of a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-6A] This figure shows a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-6B] This is a cross-sectional view of a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-7A] This figure shows an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-7B] This figure shows an optical element at a first angle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-7C] This figure shows an optical element with a second angle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-7D] This figure shows a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-7E] This is a front view of a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-8A] This figure shows an optical element at a first angle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-8B] This figure shows an optical element with a second angle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-9A] This figure shows an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-9B] This figure shows a first optical module, a third optical module, and a reflective unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11-10] This figure shows a lens unit according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 12-1] This figure shows an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12-2] This figure shows an optical system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12-3] This figure shows the first optical module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12-4] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of a lens unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12-5] This figure shows a reflective unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12-6] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of a reflective unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12-7] This is a top view of the lens unit and reflective unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12-8] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the second optical module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12-9] This is a cross-sectional view along line 12-A-12-A' in Figure 12-2. [Figure 12-10] This figure shows an optical system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12-11] This figure shows a first optical module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12-12] This figure shows a first optical module in which the dustproof plate and the first fixing element are omitted, according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-1] This is a top view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-2] This figure shows an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-3] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the optical module shown in Figure 13-1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-4] This is a three-dimensional view of the first magnet, second magnet, first elastic element, and outer frame from a different perspective, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-4A] This is a cross-sectional view of a top wall and a partial structure of a buffering member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-5] This is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of an optical module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-6]This is a top view along the Z-axis direction according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 14-3. [Figure 13-7] This is a cross-sectional view along line 13-A-13-A' in Figure 13-6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-8] This is a cross-sectional view along line 13-B-13-B' in Figure 13-6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-9] This is a top view of the outer frame and circuit components according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-10] This figure shows a lens boulder and base according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-11] This is a partial structural diagram of a lens boulder and outer frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13-12] This is a cross-sectional view along line 13-C-13-C' in Figure 13-1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14-1] This figure shows a plurality of optical systems 14-1, 14-2, and 14-3 installed in a mobile phone according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14-2] This figure shows a plurality of optical systems 14-1, 14-2, and 14-3 installed in a mobile phone according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14-3] This figure shows optical systems 14-1, 14-3, and a reflective unit 14-21 in optical system 14-2, arranged linearly along a single axis. [Figure 14-4] This figure shows optical systems 14-1, 14-3, and a reflective unit 14-21 in optical system 14-2, arranged linearly along a single axis. [Figure 14-5] This is a stereoscopic view of an optical system 14-2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14-6] This figure shows an optical system 14-2 in which the base 14-222 and the fixing member 14-212 are integrally formed. [Figure 14-7] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of lens unit 14-22 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14-8] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of lens unit 14-22 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14-9] This is a three-dimensional view of at least one sensor 14-G installed on base 14-222. [Figure 14-10] This is a schematic diagram showing that the first and second fixing parts 14-S11 and 14-S21 do not overlap when viewed along the Z-axis. [Figure 14-11] This figure shows the lens unit 14-22 after the housing 12-221, frame 14-F, and optical element 14-L have been removed. [Figure 14-12] This figure shows the lens unit 14-22 after the housing 12-221, frame 14-F, and optical element 14-L have been removed. [Figure 14-13] This diagram shows that the light ray 14-L2 is reflected by the reflecting element 14-211 and then propagates from the optical element 14-L of the lens unit 14-22 to the image sensor 14-I. [Figure 14-14] Figures 14-7 and 14-8 show the assembled three-dimensional view of lens unit 14-22. [Figure 14-15] This is a cross-sectional view along line 14-X1-14-X2 in Figure 14-14. [Figure 15-1] This figure shows a plurality of optical systems 15-1, 15-2, and 15-3 installed in a mobile phone according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15-2] This figure shows a plurality of optical systems 15-1, 15-2, and 15-3 installed in a mobile phone according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15-3] This figure shows optical systems 15-1, 15-3, and the reflective unit 15-21 of optical system 15-2, arranged linearly along a single axis. [Figure 15-4] This figure shows optical systems 15-1, 15-3, and the reflective unit 15-21 of optical system 15-2, arranged linearly along a single axis. [Figure 15-5] This is a stereoscopic view of an optical system 15-2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15-6]This figure shows an optical system 15-2 in which the base 15-222 and the fixing part 15-212 are integrally formed. [Figure 15-7] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of lens unit 15-22 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15-8] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of lens unit 15-22 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15-9] This is a three-dimensional view of at least one sensor 15-G installed in base 15-222. [Figure 15-10] This schematic diagram shows that the first and second fixing parts 15-S11 and Figure 15-S21 do not overlap when viewed along the Z-axis. [Figure 15-11] This figure shows the lens unit 15-22 after the housing 12-221, frame 15-F, and optical element 15-L have been removed. [Figure 15-12] This figure shows the lens unit 15-22 after the housing 12-221, frame 15-F, and optical element 15-L have been removed. [Figure 15-13] This diagram shows that the light ray 15-L2 is reflected by the reflecting element 15-211 and then propagates from the optical element 15-L of the lens unit 15-22 to the image sensor 15-I. [Figure 15-14] This is a top view of base 15-222 in Figure 15-9. [Figure 15-15] This diagram shows the relative positions of coil 15-C and magnet 15-M after assembly. [Figure 15-16] This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the winding portions 15-C1 and 15-C2 of coil 15-C and the magnetic units 15-M1, 15-M2, and 15-M3 of magnet 15-M after assembly in Figure 15-15. [Figure 15-17] Figure 15-16 shows the assembled side views of the winding sections 15-C1 and 15-C2, and the magnetic units 15-M1, 15-M2, and 15-M3. [Figure 15-18]This figure shows the first, second, and third magnetic units 15-M1, 15-M2, and 15-M3 as they move in the Z direction relative to the first and second winding portions 15-C1 and 15-C2. [Figure 15-19] This figure shows the first, second, and third magnetic units 15-M1, 15-M2, and 15-M3 as they move in the -Z direction relative to the first and second winding portions 15-C1 and 15-C2. [Figure 15-20] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the reflector element 15-211 and carrier 15-213 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15-21] This is a cross-sectional view of the assembled reflective element 15-211 and carrier 15-213 in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16-1] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of a liquid optical module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16-2] This figure shows the liquid optics module after assembly, as shown in Figure 16-1. [Figure 16-3] This figure shows the liquid lens assembly and the liquid lens drive mechanism separated. [Figure 16-4A] This is a diagram showing a liquid lens assembly. [Figure 16-4B] This figure shows the liquid lens assembly after assembly (perspective view from the bottom) as shown in Figure 16-4A. [Figure 16-5A] This is a diagram showing the liquid lens driving mechanism. [Figure 16-5B] This is a cross-sectional view along line 16-A-16-A' in Figure 16-5A. [Figure 16-6A] This figure shows the liquid lens element in its initial position, not being pushed by the deformed part. [Figure 16-6B] This figure shows a liquid lens element being pressed by a deformable part. [Figure 16-6C] Figure 16-6B shows a liquid lens element being pushed by a deformable component with a different force. [Figure 16-7A] This diagram shows the fixed frame and movable parts. [Figure 16-7B] This is a top view of the fixed frame and the movable part. [Figure 16-8A] This figure shows the first and second adhesive members that connect the liquid lens assembly and the liquid lens drive mechanism (frame and movable part). [Figure 16-8B] This is an enlarged view of region 16-T in Figure 16-8A. [Figure 17-1] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of an optical system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17-2] This figure shows the optical system as assembled, as shown in Figure 17-1. [Figure 17-3A] This figure shows the liquid lens assembly and liquid lens drive mechanism (outer case 17-H is omitted). [Figure 17-3B] This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly of the liquid lens assembly and the frame and movable parts of the liquid lens drive mechanism. [Figure 17-4] This diagram shows the first optical module and the image sensor module. [Figure 17-5A] This is a cross-sectional view of the outer case 17-H separated along the lines 17-A-17-A' in Figure 17-2. [Figure 17-5B] This is a cross-sectional view along the line 17-A-17-A' in Figure 17-2. [Figure 17-6A] This is a flowchart of the assembly of an optical system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17-6B] This is a flowchart of the assembly of an optical system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17-6C] This is a flowchart of the assembly of an optical system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17-6D] This is a flowchart of the assembly of an optical system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17-7] This figure shows an optical system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17-8] Figure 17-7 shows cross-sectional views of the second optical module, optical path adjustment module, liquid optical module, and first optical module. [Figure 18-1]This figure shows a plurality of optical systems 18-1, 18-2, and 18-3 installed in a mobile phone according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18-2] This figure shows a plurality of optical systems 18-1, 18-2, and 18-3 installed in a mobile phone according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18-3] This figure shows optical systems 18-1, 18-3, and the reflective unit 18-21 of optical system 18-2, arranged linearly along a single axis. [Figure 18-4] This figure shows optical systems 18-1, 18-3, and the reflective unit 18-21 of optical system 18-2, arranged linearly along a single axis. [Figure 18-5] This is a stereoscopic view of optical system 18-2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18-6] This figure shows an optical system 18-2 in which the base 18-222 and the fixed element 18-212 are integrally formed. [Figure 18-7] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of lens unit 18-22 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18-8] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of lens unit 18-22 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18-9] This figure shows at least one sensor 18-G mounted on base 18-222. [Figure 18-10] This is a schematic diagram showing that the first and second fixing parts 18-S11 and 18-S21 do not overlap when viewed along the Z-axis. [Figure 18-11] This figure shows the lens unit 18-22 after the housing 12-221, frame 18-F, and optical element 18-L have been removed. [Figure 18-12] This figure shows the lens unit 18-22 after the housing 12-221, frame 18-F, and optical element 18-L have been removed. [Figure 18-13] This is a schematic diagram showing the light ray 18-L2 that is reflected by the reflective element 18-211 and propagated from the optical element 18-L of the lens unit 18-22 to the image sensor 18-I. [Figure 18-14] This figure shows the lens unit 18-22 after removing the housing 12-22, frame 18-F, and optical element 18-L according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18-15] This figure shows the conductive member 18-P extending into the base 18-222. [Figure 18-16] This figure shows the base 18-222 and the first and second elastic members 18-S1 and 18-S2 after assembly in Figure 18-14. [Figure 18-17] This figure shows the lens unit 18-22 after the housing 12-221, frame 18-F, and optical element 18-L have been removed. [Figure 18-18] This figure shows a coil 18-C that is electrically connected to the second elastic member 18-S2 by a wire 18-W wound on the projection 18-B. [Figure 18-19] This figure shows the first and second elastic members 18-S1 and 18-S2 as viewed along the Z-axis. [Figure 19-1] This figure shows an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19-2] This figure shows a first optical module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19-3] This is a block diagram of the first optical module according to the embodiment shown in Figure 19-1 of the present invention. [Figure 19-4A] This figure illustrates the focal planes of light rays at different positions relative to an image sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19-4B] This figure illustrates the focal planes of light rays at different positions relative to an image sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19-4C] This figure illustrates the focal planes of light rays at different positions relative to an image sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19-5A] This figure shows the image generated by the image sensor corresponding to Figure 19-4A. [Figure 19-5B] This figure shows the image generated by the image sensor corresponding to Figure 19-4B. [Figure 19-5C] This figure shows the image generated by the image sensor corresponding to Figure 19-4C. [Figure 19-6A] This is a comparison value curve diagram corresponding to the first zone in Figure 19-5A. [Figure 19-6B] This is a comparison value curve diagram corresponding to the second zone in Figure 19-5B. [Figure 19-6C] This is a comparison value curve diagram corresponding to the third zone in Figure 19-5C. [Figure 19-7A] This figure shows the angle of the focal plane relative to the image sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19-7B] This figure shows the fourth image generated by the image sensor in Figure 19-7A. [Figure 19-7C] This is a comparison curve diagram for the fourth zone. [Figure 19-7D] This is a comparison curve diagram for the fifth zone. [Figure 19-8A] This figure shows that a light ray is deviated from the center of the image sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19-8B] This figure shows the fifth image generated by the image sensor in Figure 19-8A. [Figure 19-8C] This is a contrast value curve diagram corresponding to the sixth zone in the fifth image. [Figure 19-9] This is a flowchart of a control method for an optical system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20-1] This figure shows a 3D object information acquisition system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20-2] This figure shows a method for capturing 3D object information according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20-3] This figure shows a 2D image captured by camera module 20-1 when ambient light illumination is insufficient. [Figure 20-4] This figure shows the 2D distance matrix information captured by camera module 20-1 when ambient light illumination is insufficient. [Figure 20-5]This figure shows a 3D object information acquisition system 20-10 that detects objects 20-20 from different positions and angles according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20-6] This figure shows a 3D object information acquisition system 20-10 that detects objects 20-20 from different positions and angles according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20-7] This figure shows a 3D object information acquisition system 20-10 that detects objects 20-20 from different positions and angles according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20-8] This figure shows a 2D image captured by the 3D object information capture system 20-10 from the position and angle shown in Figure 20-5. [Figure 20-9] Figure 20-6 shows 2D images captured by the 3D object information acquisition system 20-10 from different positions and angles. [Figure 20-10] Figure 20-7 shows 2D images captured by the 3D object information acquisition system 20-10 from different positions and angles. [Figure 20-11] This figure shows a plurality of 3D object information acquisition systems 20-10 that simultaneously detect objects 20-20 on the ground 20-P from different positions and angles, according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20-12] This figure shows a plurality of 3D object information acquisition systems 20-10 that simultaneously detect the surrounding environment in different directions according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20-13] This figure shows a 3D object information acquisition system 20-10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21-1] This figure shows an optical system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21-2] This figure shows an optical system installed in a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention, having a lens unit 21-4 and a photodetector 21-5. [Figure 21-3] This figure shows a light ray guide element 21-R according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21-4] This figure shows a light ray guide element 21-R according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21-5] This figure shows a light ray guide element 21-R according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21-6] This figure shows that the light rays 21-LR, after being reflected by the light ray guide element 21-R, scan a predetermined area. [Figure 21-7] This figure shows a ray guiding module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21-8] This diagram shows the ray 21-LR with a square or rectangular cross-section. [Figure 21-9] This figure shows the cross-shaped cross-section of the ray 21-LR. [Figure 22-1] This is a three-dimensional diagram of an optical element driving mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22-2] Figure 22-1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the optical element driving mechanism. [Figure 22-3] This is a cross-sectional view along line 22-A in Figure 22-1. [Figure 22-4] This is a top view of a bias drive assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22-5] This figure shows a carrier, a drive coil, and a second elastic element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22-6] Figure 22-5 is a side view of the carrier and drive coil. [Figure 22-7] This is a cross-sectional view along line 22-B shown in Figure 22-5. [Figure 22-8] This is a partial plan view of a second elastic element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22-9] Figure 22-1 is a three-dimensional diagram of the internal structure of the optical element driving mechanism. [Figure 22-10] Figure 22-9 shows that the structure has a frame. [Figure 22-11A] This is a side view of a carrier, drive coil, position sensor, and electronic component according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22-11B]Figure 22-11A shows a cross-sectional view of the carrier, drive coil, and position sensor. [Figure 22-12A] This is a three-dimensional view of a carrier, drive coil, and circuit board according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22-12B] This is a partial top view of a carrier, circuit board, and position sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23-1] This is a three-dimensional exploded view of an optical drive mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23-2] This figure shows the assembled optical drive mechanism shown in Figure 23-1 (housing 23-H is omitted). [Figure 23-3] This is a cross-sectional view along the line 23-A-23-A' in Figure 23-2. [Figure 23-4] This figure shows the base plate and bias assembly. [Figure 23-5] Figure 23-4 shows the base plate and bias assembly after assembly. [Figure 23-6A] This figure shows a partial bottom plate and bias assembly in Figure 23-5. [Figure 23-6B] This diagram shows the first electrical connection section and the bias element. [Figure 23-6C] This is a cross-sectional view of the base plate, which further has a first resin element, and the surface of the bias element, which further has a protective layer, and the first electrical connection portion of the bias element. [Figure 23-6D] The bottom plate further has a second resin element, and the surface of the bias element further has a protective layer. This is a cross-sectional view of the bottom plate and the second electrical connection portion of the bias element. [Figure 23-7] This diagram shows the difference in elevation between the first and second electrical connection points. [Figure 23-8] This figure shows a base plate with a slider. [Figure 23-9A] This figure shows a base plate with a vibration damping assembly. [Figure 23-9B] This figure shows another vibration damping assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23-9C] This figure shows another vibration damping assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The execution and use of embodiments of the optical system will be discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the embodiments provide many applicable inventive concepts that are incorporated into a wide range of specific contexts. The specific embodiments disclosed are described in a particular manner and do not limit the scope of the invention to the execution and use of the embodiments.

[0016] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those ordinarily understood by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that each term as defined in a commonly used dictionary should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the relevant technical context, background, or context of this invention, and should not be interpreted in an overly idealized or formal manner unless otherwise defined.

[0017] Embodiment of the First Group

[0018] Referring to Figure 1-1A, in one embodiment of the present invention, the optical system 1-A10 is installed in an electronic device 1-A20 and used for taking photographs and videos. The electronic device 1-A20 is, for example, a smartphone or a digital camera. The optical system 1-A10 has a first optical module 1-A1000, a second optical module 1-A2000, and a third optical module 1-A3000. When taking photographs or videos, these optical modules receive light rays and generate an image, which is transmitted to a processor (not shown) in the electronic device 1-A20, where image post-processing is performed.

[0019] In particular, the first optical module 1-A1000, the second optical module 1-A2000, and the third optical module 1-A3000 have different focal lengths, and each of them has a first light-receiving hole 1-A1001, a second light-receiving hole 1-A2001, and a third light-receiving hole 1-A3001, respectively. External light reaches the image sensor in the optical module through the light-receiving holes.

[0020] Referring to Figure 1-1B, the first optical module 1-A1000 comprises a housing 1-A1100, a lens drive mechanism 1-A1200, a lens 1-A3100, a base 1-A4100, and an image sensor 1-A1500. The housing 1-A1100 and the base 1-A4100 form a hollow box, with the housing 1-A1100 surrounding the lens drive mechanism 1-A1200. Thus, the lens drive mechanism 1-A1200 and the lens 1-A3100 are housed in the aforementioned box. The image sensor 1-A1500 is mounted on one side of the box, the first light-receiving hole 1-A1001 is formed on the housing 1-A1100, and the base 1-A4100 has an opening 1-A1410 corresponding to the first light-receiving hole 1-A1001. Therefore, the light rays pass through the first light-receiving aperture 1-A1001, the lens 1-A3100, and the aperture 1-A1410 in that order, reaching the image sensor 1-A150, and generating an image on the image sensor 1-A1500.

[0021] The lens drive mechanism 1-A1200 comprises a lens boulder 1-A1210, a frame 1-A1220, at least one first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1230, at least one second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1240, a first elastic element 1-A1250, a second elastic element 1-A1260, a coil board 1-A1270, a plurality of suspension wires 1-A1280, and a plurality of position detectors 1-A1290.

[0022] The lens boulder 1-A1210 has a housing space 1-A1211 and a recessed structure 1-A1212. The housing space 1-A1211 is formed in the center of the lens boulder 1-A1210, and the recessed structure 1-A1212 is formed on the outer wall of the lens boulder 1-A1210 and surrounds the housing space 1-A1211. The lens 1-A3100 is fixed to the lens boulder 1-A1210 and housed in the housing space 1-A1211. The first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1230 is installed in the recessed structure 1-A1212.

[0023] Frame 1-A1220 has a housing section 1-A1221 and a plurality of recessed grooves 1-A1222. Lens boulder 1-A1210 is housed in housing section 1-A1221, and second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1240 is fixed in recessed groove 1-A1222 and adjacent to first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1230.

[0024] The lens boulder 1-A1210 and the lens 1-A3100 mounted on it are driven by the electromagnetic effect between the first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1230 and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1240, moving along the Z-axis relative to the frame 1-A1220. For example, in this embodiment, the first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1230 is a drive coil surrounding the housing space 1-A1211 of the lens boulder 1-A1210, and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1240 has at least one magnet. When current flows through the drive coil (first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1230), an electromagnetic effect is generated between the drive coil and the magnet. Thus, the lens boulder 1-A1210 and the lens 1-A3100 mounted on it are driven to move along the Z-axis relative to the frame 1-A1220 and the image sensor 1-A1500, achieving the objective of autofocus.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1230 is a magnet, and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1240 is a drive coil.

[0026] The first elastic element 1-A1250 and the second elastic element 1-A1260 are installed on opposite sides of the lens boulder 1-A1210 and frame 1-A1220, respectively, with the lens boulder 1-A1210 and frame 1-A1220 installed between them. The inner portion 1-A1251 of the first elastic element 1-A1250 is connected to the lens boulder 1-A1210, and the outer portion 1-A1252 of the first elastic element 1-A1250 is connected to frame 1-A1220. Similarly, the inner portion 1-A1261 of the second elastic element 1-A1260 is connected to the lens boulder 1-A1210, and the outer portion 1-A1262 of the second elastic element 1-A1260 is connected to frame 1-A1220. Therefore, the lens boulder 1-A1210 is suspended in the housing section 1-A1221 of the frame 1-A1220 by the first elastic element 1-A1250 and the second elastic element 1-A1260, and the range of motion of the lens boulder 1-A1210 along the Z axis is also limited by the first and second elastic elements 1-A1250 and 1-A1260.

[0027] Referring to Figure 1-1B, the coil board 1-A1270 is mounted on the base 1-A4100. Similarly, when current flows through the coil board 1-A1270, an electromagnetic effect is generated between the coil board 1-A1270 and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1240 (or the first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1230). Thus, the lens boulder 1-A1210 and the frame 1-A1220 move along the X and / or Y axes relative to the coil board 1-A1270, and the lens 1-A3100 moves along the X and / or Y axes relative to the image sensor 1-A1500, thereby achieving the objective of image stabilization.

[0028] In this embodiment, the lens drive mechanism 1-A1200 has four suspension wires 1-A1280. Each of the four suspension wires 1-A1280 is positioned at one of the four corners of the coil board 1-A1270 and connected to the coil board 1-A1270, the base 1-A4100, and the first elastic element 1-A1250. When the lens boulder 1-A1210 and the lens 1-A3100 move along the X and / or Y axes, the suspension wires 1-A1280 can limit the range of their movement. In addition, since the suspension wires 1-A1280 contain metal (for example, copper or an alloy thereof), they can be used as conductors. For example, current flows from the base 1-A4100 and the suspension wires 1-A1280 to the first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1230.

[0029] The position detector 1-A1290 is mounted on the base 1-A4100 and detects the movement of the second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-A1240 to obtain the positions of the X and Y axis lens boulders 1-A1210 and lens 1-A3100. For example, each position detector 1-A1290 is a Hall sensor, magnetoresistive effect sensor (MR sensor), giant magnetoresistive effect sensor (GMR sensor), tunnel magnetoresistive effect sensor (TMR sensor), or fluxgate sensor.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1-1A and 1-1B, in this embodiment, the structure of the second optical module 1-A2000 and the structure of the third optical module 1-A3000 are substantially the same as the structure of the first optical module 1-A1000. The only difference between the first, second, and third optical modules 1-A1000, 1-A2000, and 1-A3000 is that their lenses have different focal lengths. For example, the focal length of the first optical module 1-A1000 is greater than that of the third optical module 1-A3000, and the focal length of the third optical module 1-A3000 is greater than that of the second optical module 1-A2000. That is, in the Z-axis, the thickness of the first optical module 1-A1000 is greater than that of the third optical module 1-A3000, and the thickness of the third optical module 1-A3000 is greater than that of the second optical module 1-A2000. In this embodiment, the second optical module 1-A2000 is installed between the first optical module 1-A1000 and the third optical module 1-A3000.

[0031] Referring to Figure 1-2A, in another embodiment of the present invention, the optical system 1-B10 is installed in an electronic device 1-B20 and has a first optical module 1-B1000, a second optical module 1-B2000, and a third optical module 1-B3000. The second optical module 1-B2000 is installed between the first optical module 1-B1000 and the third optical module 1-B3000, and the focal lengths of the first optical module 1-B1000, the second optical module 1-B2000, and the third optical module 1-B3000 are different. The first light-receiving hole 1-B1001 of the first optical module 1-B1000, the second light-receiving hole 1-B2001 of the second optical module 1-B2000, and the third light-receiving hole 1-B3001 of the third optical module 1-B3001 are adjacent to each other.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1-2B, the first optical module 1-B1000 includes a lens unit 1-B1100, a reflection unit 1-B1200, and an image sensor 1-B1300. External light (for example, ray 1-L) enters the first optical module 1-B1000 through the first light-receiving hole 1-B1001 and is reflected by the reflection unit 1-B1200. The external light then passes through the lens unit 1-B1100 and is received by the image sensor 1-B1300.

[0033] The specific structures of the lens unit 1-B1100 and the reflection unit 1-B1200 in this embodiment are discussed below. As shown in Figure 1-2B, the lens unit 1-B1100 first has a lens drive mechanism 1-B1110 and a lens 1-B1120, the lens drive mechanism 1-B1110 is used to move the lens 1-B1120 relative to the image sensor 1-B1300. For example, the lens drive mechanism 1-B1110 has a lens boulder 1-B1111, a frame 1-B1112, two spring sheets 1-B1113, at least one coil 1-B1114, and at least one magnetic element 1-B1115.

[0034] Lens 1-B1120 is fixed to lens boulder 1-B1111. Two spring sheets 1-B1113 are connected to lens boulder 1-B1111 and frame 1-B1112, and are mounted on the opposite side of lens boulder 1-B1111, respectively. Thus, lens boulder 1-B1111 is movably suspended from frame 1-B1112. Coil 1-B1114 and magnetic element 1-B1115 are mounted on lens boulder 1-B1111 and frame 1-B1112, respectively, and correspond to each other. When current flows through coil 1-B1114, an electromagnetic effect is formed between coil 1-B1114 and magnetic element 1-B1115, causing lens boulder 1-B1111 and lens 1-B1120 mounted on it to move relative to image sensor 1-B1300.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1-2B to 1-2D, the reflective unit 1-B1200 first comprises an optical element 1-B1210, an optical element holder 1-B1220, a frame 1-B1230, at least one support member 1-B1240, at least one first hinge 1-B1250, a first drive module 1-B1260, and a position detector 1-B1201.

[0036] The first support member 1-B1240 is mounted on the frame 1-B1230, and the first hinge 1-B1250 passes through the central hole of the first support member 1-B1240, while the optical element holder 1-B1220 is fixed to the first hinge 1-B1250. Thus, the optical element holder 1-B1220 is pivotally connected to the frame 1-B1230 by the first hinge 1-B1250. Since the optical element 1-B1210 is mounted on the optical element holder 1-B1220, when the optical element holder 1-B1220 rotates relative to the frame 1-B1230, the optical element 1-B1210 mounted on it also rotates relative to the frame 1-B1230. The optical element 1-B1210 is a prism or a mirror.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1-2E, in this embodiment, the dustproof assembly 1-B1231 is mounted on the frame 1-B1230. The dustproof assembly 1-B1231 is adjacent to the first hinge 1-B1250 and is mounted between the optical element 1-B1210 and the first support member 1-B1240. The dustproof assembly 1-B1231 does not contact the first hinge 1-B1250 or the first support member 1-B1240; that is, a gap is formed between the dustproof assembly 1-B1231 and the first hinge 1-B1250, and another gap is formed between the dustproof assembly 1-B1231 and the first support member 1-B1240.

[0038] Thanks to the first support member 1-B1240, dust generated by friction between the first hinge 1-B1250 and the frame 1-B1230 is prevented when the optical element holder 1-B1220 rotates relative to the frame 1-B1230. Furthermore, thanks to the dustproof assembly 1-B1231, even the slightest dust from the first support member 1-B1240 is blocked and does not adhere to the optical element 1-B1210, thus maintaining the optical properties of the optical element 1-B1210.

[0039] In this embodiment, the dustproof assembly 1-B1231 is a plate formed integrally with the frame 1-B1230. In some embodiments, the dustproof assembly 1-B1231 is a brush mounted on the frame 1-B1230.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1-2F, the fixing structure 1-B1221 is formed on the optical element holder 1-B1220 and connected to the first hinge 1-B1250. In this embodiment, the fixing structure 1-B1221 is a recess, and the constricted portion 1-B1222 is formed within the recess. Therefore, it is convenient to connect the optical element holder 1-B1220 to the first hinge 1-B1250, and the constricted portion 1-B1222 can prevent the optical element holder 1-B1220 from falling from the first hinge 1-B1250.

[0041] In some embodiments, the positions of the first support member 1-B1240 and the fixing structure 1-B1221 are interchangeable. That is, the first support member 1-B1240 may be mounted on the optical element holder 1-B1220, and the fixing structure 1-B1221 may be formed on the frame 1-B1230. In some embodiments, the reflective unit 1-B1200 further includes a sealing member (e.g., an adhesive or a hook). After the first hinge 1-B1250 enters the recess of the fixing structure 1-B1221, the sealing member seals the opening of the recess.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1-2B to 1-2D, the first drive module 1-B1260 comprises a first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1261 and a second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1262, which are mounted on the frame 1-B1230 and the optical element holder 1-B1220, respectively, and correspond to each other.

[0043] For example, the first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1261 has a drive coil, and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1262 has a magnet. When current flows through the drive coil (first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1261), an electromagnetic effect is generated between the drive coil and the magnet. Thus, the optical element holder 1-B1220 and the optical element 1-B1210 rotate on the first axis 1-R1 relative to the frame 1-B1230 (extending along the Y axis) to adjust the position of the external light 1-L on the image sensor 1-B1300.

[0044] Position detector 1-B1201 is mounted on frame 1-B1230 and corresponds to the second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1262, detecting the position of the second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1262 to obtain the rotation angle of optical element 1-B1210. Position detector 1700 is, for example, a hall sensor, magnetoresistive effect sensor (MR sensor), giant magnetoresistive effect sensor (GMR sensor), tunnel magnetoresistive effect sensor (TMR sensor), or fluxgate sensor.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1261 has a magnet, and the second electromagnetic drive assembly has a drive coil. In these embodiments, the position detector 1-B1201 is mounted on the optical element holder 1-B1220 and corresponds to the first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1261.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1-2A, in this embodiment, the structure of the first optical module 1-B1000 is the same as that of the third optical module 1-B3000, but the focal length of the lens 1-B1120 in the first optical module 1-B1000 is different from the focal length of the third optical module 1-B3000.

[0047] Furthermore, it should be noted that the reflective unit 1-B1200 in the first optical module 1-B1000 and the reflective unit in the third optical module 1-B3000 guide the external light entering the optical system 1-B10 through the first and third light-receiving holes 1-B1001 and 1-B3001, respectively, to the image sensors of the first and third optical modules 1-B1000 and 1-B3000. In particular, the external light entering the optical system 1-B10 from the first light-receiving hole 1-B1001 is reflected by the reflective unit 1-B1200 in the first optical module 1-B1000 and moves along the -X axis (first direction), while other external light entering the optical system 1-B10 from the third light-receiving hole 1-B3001 is reflected by the reflective unit in the third optical module 1-B3000 and moves along the X axis (second direction).

[0048] The structure of the second optical module 1-B2000 in optical system 1-B10 is the same as the structure of the first optical module 1-A1000 in optical system 1-A10. Therefore, for brevity, the explanation is omitted. It should be noted that external light entering the second optical module 1-B2000 passes through the second light-receiving hole 1-B2001 and reaches the image sensor in the second optical module 1-B2000 along the Z-axis, and the sensing surface of the image sensor in the second optical module 1-B2000 is perpendicular to the Z-axis. On the other hand, the sensing surfaces of the image sensors in the first optical module 1-B1000 and the third optical module 1-B3000 are parallel to the Z-axis.

[0049] Thanks to the aforementioned structure, the thickness of the first optical module 1-B1000 along the Z-axis and the thickness of the third optical module 1-B3000 along the Z-axis are reduced, and the first and third optical modules 1-B1000 and 1-B3000 can be installed in the thin electronic device 1-B20. The focal length of the first optical module 1-B1000 and the focal length of the third optical module 1-B3000 are greater than the focal length of the second optical module 1-B2000.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1-3A and FIGS. 1-3B, in another embodiment of the present invention, the reflection unit 1-B1200 further includes a first stabilizing member 1-B1270, a second driving module 1-B1280, and a second stabilizing member 1-B1290. The first stabilizing member 1-B1270 is at least one spring sheet, which is connected to the frame 1-B1230 and the optical element holder 1-B1220 to provide a stabilizing force and hold the optical element holder 1-B1220 in its original position relative to the frame 1-B1230. Therefore, even when the first driving module 1-B1260 is not operating (for example, when no current flows through the first electromagnetic driving assembly 1-B1261), the rotation of the optical element holder 1-B1220 relative to the frame 1-B1230 caused by the vibration of the electronic device 1-B20 is prevented, and damage to the optical element 1-B1210 due to collision is avoided.

[0051] The second drive module 1-B1280 has at least one third electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1281 and at least one fourth electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1282, which are respectively installed on the frame 1-B1230 of the optical system 1-B10 and on the housing 1-B11. For example, the third electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1281 has a magnet, and the fourth electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1282 has a drive coil. When a current flows through the drive coil (the fourth electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1282), an electromagnetic effect is generated between the drive coil and the magnet. Therefore, the frame 1-B1230, the optical element holder 1-B1220, and the optical element 1-B1210 can be simultaneously rotated with respect to the housing 1-B11 about the second rotation axis 1-R2 (extending along the Z-axis), and the position of the external light on the image sensor 1-B1300 can be adjusted. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second rotation axis 1-R2 passes through the center of the reflection surface of the optical element 1-B1210.

[0052] In some embodiments, the third electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1281 has a drive coil, and the fourth electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1282 has a magnet.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1-3B, similar to the first stabilizing member 1-B1270, the second stabilizing member 1-B1290 is connected to the housing 1-B11 and the frame 1-B1230, and provides a stabilizing force to maintain the frame 1-B1230 at a predetermined position with respect to the housing 1-B11.

[0054] In this embodiment, the second stabilizing member 1-B1290 is a spring sheet having a first fixed section 1-B1291, a second fixed section 1-B1292, and a plurality of string portions 1-B1293. The first fixed section 1-B1291 and the second fixed section 1-B1292 are fixed to the housing 1-B11 and the frame 1-B1230, respectively, and the string portions 1-B1293 are connected to the first fixed section 1-B1291 and the second fixed section 1-B1292. In particular, the string portions 1-B1293 are installed in parallel. Each string portion 1-B1293 has a bent structure, and the widths of the string portions 1-B1293 differ. In particular, the width of the string portion 1-B1293 from the second rotation axis 1-R2 is greater than the width of the string portion 1-B1293 adjacent to the second rotation axis 1-R2, and can withstand a larger amount of deformation.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first guide assembly 1-B1232 is mounted on the frame 1-B1230, and the second guide assembly 1-B12 is mounted on the housing 1-B11. The first guide assembly 1-B1232 is an arc-shaped slot, and the second guide assembly 1-B12 is a slider housed in the slot, with the center of curvature of the arc-shaped slot located on the second rotation axis 1-R2. When the second drive module 1-B1280 rotates the optical element holder 1-B1220 relative to the housing 1-B11, the slider slides along the slot. In this embodiment, multiple balls 1-B1233 are installed in the slot, allowing the slider to slide even more smoothly.

[0056] Referring to Figures 1-4A and 1-4B, in another embodiment of the present invention, the second stabilizing member 1-B1290 is a magnetic guide member, mounted on the housing 1-B11 and corresponding to the third electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1281 of the second drive module 1-B1280. The third electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1281 is a magnet. Thus, the frame 1-B1230 is held in place relative to the housing 1-B11 by the magnetic force between the second stabilizing member 1-B1290 and the third electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1281. Furthermore, the magnetic guide member increases the electromagnetic effect between the third electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1281 and the fourth electromagnetic drive assembly 1-B1282, thereby increasing the driving force of the second drive module 1-B1280.

[0057] The first guide assembly 1-B1232, mounted on frame 1-B1230, has at least one ball, and the second guide assembly 1-B12 is an arc-shaped slot formed on housing 1-B11. Ball 1-B1233 is housed in the arc-shaped slot, and the center of curvature of the arc-shaped slot is adjacent to the second rotation axis 1-R2. Thus, when the second drive module 1-B1280 rotates the optical element holder 1-B1220 relative to housing 1-B11, ball 1-B1233 slides along the slot.

[0058] Referring to Figures 1-5A and 1-5B, in another embodiment of the present invention, the second stabilizing member 1-B1290 is a flat coil spring connected to the frame 1-B1230 and the housing 1-B11. Furthermore, the first guide assembly 1-B1232 and the second guide assembly 1-B12 can be replaced by a second support member 1-B1234 and a second hinge 1-B1235. The second support member 1-B1234 is mounted on the housing 1-B11, the second hinge 1-B1235 passes through a hole in the center of the second support member 1-B1234, and the optical element holder 1-B1220 is fixed to the second hinge 1-B1235.

[0059] The second support member 1-B1234 is mounted on the second rotation axis 1-R2 and extends along the second rotation axis 1-R2. This ensures that when the second drive module 1-B1280 rotates the optical element holder 1-B1220 relative to the housing 1-B11, the optical element holder 1-B1220 can be reliably rotated on the second rotation axis 1-R2. In some embodiments, the second support member 1-B1234 is mounted on the optical element holder 1-B1220, and one end of the second hinge 1-B1235 is fixed to the housing 1-B11.

[0060] Referring to Figures 16A and 16B, in another embodiment of the present invention, the second stabilizing member 1-B1290 is a torsion spring connected to the frame 1-B1230 and the housing 1-B11, and the first stabilizing member 1-B1270 is a helical spring connected to the frame 1-B1230 and the optical element holder 1-B1220.

[0061] Referring to Figures 1-7A to 1-7C, in another embodiment of the present invention, the optical system 1-C10 is installed in the electronic device 1-C20 and has a first optical module 1-C1000, a second optical module 1-C2000, and a third optical module 1-C3000. The structure of the second optical module 1-C2000 is similar to the structure of the first optical module 1-A1000 in the optical system 1-A10, and the first optical module 1-C1000 and the third optical module 1-C3000 have lens units 1-C1100 and 1-C3100, and image sensors 1-C1300 and 1-C3300, respectively, where the lens units 1-C1100 and 1-C3100 are the same as the lens unit 1-B1100, and the image sensors 1-C1300 and 1-C3300 are the same as the image sensor 1-B1300. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the explanation will be omitted.

[0062] The first light-receiving hole 1-C1001 of the first optical module 1-C1000 and the third light-receiving hole 1-C3001 of the third optical module 1-C3000 are integrally formed and adjacent to the second light-receiving hole 1-C2001 of the second optical module 1-C2000. The first optical module 1-C1000 and the third optical module 1-C3000 utilize a reflection unit 1-C1200, and external light is reflected by the reflection unit 1-C1200 to the lens unit 1-C1100 of the first optical module 1-C1000 or the lens unit 1-C3100 of the third optical module 1-C3000.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1-7D and 1-7E, the reflective unit 1-C1200 includes an optical element 1-C1210, an optical element holder 1-C1220, a frame 1-C1230, at least one first support member 1-C1240, at least one first hinge 1-C1250, and a first drive module 1-C1260.

[0064] The first support member 1-C1240 is mounted on the frame 1-C1230, the first hinge 1-C1250 passes through a hole in the center of the first support member 1-C1240, and the optical element holder 1-C1220 is fixed to the first hinge 1-C1250. Therefore, the optical element holder 1-C1220 is pivotally connected to the frame 1-C1230 by the first hinge 1-C1250. Also, since the optical element 1-C1210 is mounted on the optical element holder 1-C1220, when the optical element holder 1-C1220 rotates relative to the frame 1-C1230, the optical element 1-C1210 mounted on it also rotates relative to the frame 1-C1230. The optical element 1-C1210 is a prism or a mirror.

[0065] The first drive module 1-C1260 comprises at least one first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-C1261 and at least one second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-C1262, which are mounted on the frame 1-C1230 and the optical element holder 1-C1220, respectively.

[0066] For example, the first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-C1261 has a drive coil, and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 1-C1262 has a magnet. When current flows through the drive coil (first electromagnetic drive assembly 1-C1261), an electromagnetic effect is generated between the drive coil and the magnet. Thus, the optical element holder 1-C1220 and the optical element 1-C1210 rotate on the first axis 1-R1 relative to the frame 1-C1230 (extending along the Y axis).

[0067] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first drive module 1-C1260 can rotate the optical element holder 1-C1220 and the optical element 1-C1210 by more than 90 degrees relative to the frame 1-C1230. Therefore, external light entering the optical system 1-C10 through the first and third light-receiving holes 1-C1001 and 1-C3001 is reflected by the lens unit 1-C1100 of the first optical module 1-C1000 or the lens unit 1-C3100 of the third optical module 1-C3000, according to the angle of the optical element 1-C1210.

[0068] As shown in Figures 1-7B and 1-7C, in this embodiment, the reflective unit 1-C1200 further includes a first stabilizing member 1-C1270 having two first magnetic elements 1-C1271 and a second magnetic element 1-C1272. The two first magnetic elements 1-C1271 are each mounted on different surfaces of the optical element holder 1-C1220, and the second magnetic element 1-C1272 is mounted on the housing 1-C11 or the frame 1-C1230 of the optical system 1-C10.

[0069] When optical element 1-C1210 is at the first angle (Figure 1-7B), one of the first magnetic elements 1-C1271 is adjacent to the second magnetic element 1-C1272, and the optical element holder 1-C1220 and optical element 1-C1210 are fixed to the frame 1-C1230. External light is reflected by optical element 1-C1210 and reaches the image sensor 1-C1300. When the optical element 1-C1210 is driven by the first drive module 1-C1260 and rotates from the first angle to the second angle (Figure 1-7C), another first magnetic element 1-C1271 becomes adjacent to the second magnetic element 1-C1272, and the optical element holder 1-C1220 and the optical element 1-C1210 are fixed to the frame 1-C1230. At this time, external light is reflected by the optical element 1-C1210 and reaches the image sensor 1-C3300.

[0070] Referring to Figures 1-8A and 1-8B, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first light-receiving hole 1-C1001 and the third light-receiving hole 1-C3001 are formed on opposite surfaces of the optical system 1-C10, respectively. The first stabilizing member 1-C1270 has a first magnetic element 1-C1271 and two second magnetic elements 1-C1272. The first magnetic element 1-C1271 is mounted on the optical element holder 1-C1220, and the second magnetic elements 1-C1272 are mounted on the housing 1-C11 or the frame 1-C1230 of the optical system 1-C10. The optical element holder 1-C1220 and the optical element 1-C1210 are mounted between the two second magnetic elements 1-C1272.

[0071] When optical element 1-C1210 is at the first angle (Figure 1-8A), the first magnetic element 1-C1271 is adjacent to one of the second magnetic elements 1-C1272, and the optical element holder 1-C1220 and optical element 1-C1210 are fixed to the frame 1-C1230, and external light is reflected by optical element 1-C1210 and reaches the image sensor 1-C1300. When the optical element 1-C1210 is driven by the first drive module 1-C1260 and rotates from a first angle to a second angle (Figure 1-8B), the first magnetic element 1-C1271 is adjacent to another second magnetic element 1-C1272, the optical element holder 1-C1220 and the optical element 1-C1210 are fixed to the frame 1-C1230, and external light is reflected by the optical element 1-C1210 and reaches the image sensor 1-C3300.

[0072] Referring to Figures 1-9A and 1-9B, in another embodiment of the present invention, the optical system 1-D10 is installed in an electronic device 1-D20 and has a first optical module 1-D1000, a second optical module 1-D2000, and a third optical module 1-D3000. The structure of the second optical module 1-D2000 is similar to that of the first optical module 1-A1000 in the optical system 1-A10. The first optical module 1-D1000 and the third optical module 1-D3000 each have lens units 1-D1100 and 1-D3100, and image sensors 1-D3100 and 1-D3300, respectively. Lens units 1-D1100 and 1-D3100 are the same as lens unit 1-B1100, and image sensors 1-D3100 and 1-D3300 are the same as image sensor 1-B1300. Therefore, for brevity, further explanation is omitted.

[0073] The reflection unit 1-D1200 is used by the first optical module 1-D1000 and the third optical module 1-D3000. The reflection unit 1-D1200 has two optical elements 1-D1210, 1-D1220, and an optical element holder 1-D1230. The optical elements 1-D1210, 1-D1220 are installed on the optical element holder 1-D1230 and respectively correspond to the first light incident aperture 1-D1001 of the first optical module 1-D1000 and the third light incident aperture 1-D3001 of the third optical module 1-D3000. Therefore, the external light entering the optical system 1-D10 from the first light incident aperture 1-D1001 is reflected by the optical element 1-D1210 and moves along the -X axis (the first direction), and the other external light entering the optical system 1-D10 from the third light incident aperture 1-D3001 is reflected by the optical element 1-D1220 and moves along the X axis (the second direction).

[0074] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-9A and FIGS. 1-9B, in this embodiment, the reflection unit 1-D1200 further has a correction drive module 1-D1240, and the optical system 1-D10 further has an inertia detection module 1-D4000. The correction drive module 1-D1240 has electromagnetic drive assemblies 1-D1241 and 1-D1242 installed on the optical element holder 1-D1230 and the case of the reflection unit 1-D1200 respectively. The correction drive module 1-D1240 is used to rotate the optical element holder 1-D1230. For example, the electromagnetic drive assembly 1-D1241 is a magnet, and the electromagnetic drive assembly 1-D1242 is a drive coil. When current flows through the drive coil (the electromagnetic drive assembly 1-D1242), an electromagnetic effect is generated between the drive coil and the magnet. Therefore, the optical element holder 1-D1230, and the optical elements 1-D1241 and 1-D1242 installed thereon can be rotated simultaneously.

[0075] The inertial detection module 1-D4000 is a gyroscope or accelerometer and is electrically connected to the correction drive module 1-D1240. The inertial detection module 1-D4000 measures the gravitational state or acceleration state of the optical system 1-D10 and then transmits the measurement results to the correction drive module 1-D1240. The correction drive module 1-D1240 then provides appropriate power to the drive assembly 1-D1242 according to the measurement results to rotate the optical elements 1-D1210 and 1-D1220.

[0076] The refractive indices of optical elements 1-D1210 and 1-D1220 are greater than the refractive index of air. In this embodiment, optical elements 1-D1210 and 1-D1220 are prisms. In some embodiments, optical elements 1-D1210 and / or optical elements 1-D1220 are mirrors.

[0077] In some embodiments, the lens unit in the above-described embodiment is a zoom lens, and the optical module is a zoom module. For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 10, the lens unit has an objective lens 1-0, an eyepiece lens 1-E, and at least one optical lens 1-S, the optical lens 1-S is positioned between the objective lens 1-0 and the eyepiece lens 1-E and moves relative to the objective lens 1-0.

[0078] In summary, the present invention provides a reflective unit having an optical element holder, an optical element, a frame, a first support member, a first hinge, and a first drive module. The optical element is mounted on the optical element holder. The first support member is mounted on the frame or on the optical element holder. The first hinge is pivotally connected to the optical element holder and the frame. The first drive module rotates the optical element holder relative to the frame. When the optical element holder rotates relative to the frame, the first hinge rotates relative to the optical element holder or the frame by the first support member.

[0079] Embodiment of the second group

[0080] Referring to Figure 2-1, in one embodiment of the present invention, the optical system 2-10 is installed in an electronic device 2-20 and used for taking photographs or videos. The electronic device 2-20 is, for example, a smartphone or a digital camera. When taking photographs or videos, the optical system 2-10 receives light rays and forms an image, which is then transmitted to a processor (not shown) in the electronic device 2-20 for image post-processing.

[0081] Referring to Figure 2-2, the optical system 2-10 comprises a lens unit 2-1000, a reflection unit 2-2000, and an image sensor 2-3000. The lens unit 2-1000 is positioned between the reflection unit 2-2000 and the image sensor 2-3000, and the reflection unit 2-2000 is positioned next to an opening 2-22 on the case 2-21 of the electronic device 2-20.

[0082] External light 2-L enters the optical system 2-10 via aperture 2-22 along the first direction (Z-axis) and is reflected by the reflection unit 2-2000. The reflected external light 2-L moves along the second direction (-X-axis), passes through lens unit 2-1000, and reaches the image sensor 2-3000. In other words, the reflection unit 2-2000 changes the direction of movement of the external light 2-L from the first direction to the second direction.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2-2, the lens unit 2-1000 mainly comprises a lens drive mechanism 2-1100 and a lens 2-1200, the lens drive mechanism 2-1100 being used to move the lens 2-1200 relative to the image sensor 2-3000. For example, the lens drive mechanism 2-1100 comprises a lens boulder 2-1110, a frame 2-1120, two spring sheets 2-1130, at least one coil 2-1140, and at least one magnetic element 2-1150.

[0084] Lens 2-1200 is fixed to lens boulder 2-1110. Two spring sheets 2-1130 are connected to lens boulder 2-1110 and frame 2-1120, and are installed on opposite sides of lens boulder 2-1110, respectively. Thus, lens boulder 2-1110 is movably suspended from frame 2-1120. Coil 2-1140 and magnetic element 2-1150 are installed on lens boulder 2-1110 and frame 2-1120, respectively, and correspond to each other.

[0085] When current flows through coil 2-1140, an electromagnetic effect is generated between coil 2-1140 and magnetic element 2-1150, causing lens boulder 2-1110 and lens 2-1200 mounted on it to move relative to image sensor 2-3000, thereby achieving the purpose of autofocus.

[0086] Figure 2-3 is a three-dimensional view of the reflective unit 2-2000 according to this embodiment, and Figure 2-4 is an exploded view thereof. Referring to Figures 2-2 to 2-4, the reflective unit 2-2000 mainly comprises an optical element 2-2100 and an optical element driving mechanism 2-2200, the optical element driving mechanism 2-2200 having a movable part 2-2210, a fixed part 2-2220, a driving module 2-2230, a plurality of elastic elements 2-2240, and a plurality of damping members 2-2250.

[0087] Referring to Figures 2-5 and 2-6, the movable part 2-2210 has an optical element holder 2-2211 and a plurality of spacing members 2-2212. The spacing members 2-2212 are mounted on the surface 2-2213 of the optical element holder 2-2211, and the optical element 2-2100 is mounted on the spacing members 2-2212.

[0088] When the optical element 2-2100 is placed on the spacing member 2-2212, the surface 2-2213 of the optical element holder 2-2211 faces the optical element 2-2100, and the spacing member 2-2212 forms a gap 2-G between the optical element 2-2100 and the surface 2-2213.

[0089] Air is filled into gap 2-G, or the user fills gap 2-G with a resin having a refractive index lower than that of optical element 2-1000. This ensures that the materials on both sides of the reflective interface of optical element 2-1000 are maintained identically, effectively increasing the reflectivity of optical element 2-2100 (when optical element 2-2100 is in direct contact with optical element holder 2-2211, the occurrence of total internal reflection is often affected due to the surface not being perfectly flat).

[0090] In this embodiment, the spacing member 2-2212 is symmetrically placed on the edge of the surface 2-2213 of the optical element holder 2-2211, and the optical element holder 2-2211 and the spacing member 2-2211 are integrally formed.

[0091] The optical element holder 2-2211 further has at least one mounting wall 2-2214 connected to surface 2-2213, the normal direction of the mounting wall 2-2214 being different from the normal direction of surface 2-113. At least one groove 2-2215 is formed on the surface of the mounting wall 2-2214 facing the optical element 2-2100, and the groove 2-2215 extends to the side surface 2-2216 of the mounting wall 2-2214. After the optical element 2-2100 is placed on the spacing member 2-2212, the user fills the groove 2-2215 with an adhesive member 2-2260 (e.g., adhesive). The adhesive member 2-2260 diffuses between the mounting wall 2-2214 and the optical element 2-2100 and comes into contact with the optical element 2-2100. This fixes the optical element 2-2100 to the optical element holder 2-2211.

[0092] In this embodiment, the adhesive slot 2-2217 and the recessed portion 2-2218 are further formed on the surface 2-2213 of the optical element holder 2-2211. The adhesive slot 2-2217 is adjacent to the mounting wall 2-2214, so that the excess adhesive member 2-2260 is accommodated in the adhesive slot 2-2217 and does not enter the space between the optical element 2-2100 and the surface 2-2213. The position of the recessed portion 2-2218 corresponds to the optical element 2-2100, so the weight of the optical element holder 2-2211 is reduced and does not affect the reflectivity.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2-2 and 2-5, the optical element holder 2-2211 also has a bonding surface 2-2219 connected to surface 2-2213 and facing the cut surface 2-2110 of the optical element 2-2100. The bonding surface 2-2219 and the cut surface 2-2110 are used to position the optical element 2-2100. It should be noted that the bonding surface 2-2219 is approximately parallel to the cut surface 2-2110 and not parallel to surface 2-2213 and the spacing member 2-2212.

[0094] Referring to Figures 2-2 to 2-4, the fixing part 2-2220 has a frame 2-2221, a base 2-2222, a cover 2-2223, a circuit board 2-2224, and at least one reinforcing element 2-2225. The frame 2-2221 and the base 2-2222 are connected together, and projections 2-P1 and 2-P2 are formed on the frame 2-2221 and the base 2-2222, respectively. The cover 2-2223 has a plurality of holes 2-O corresponding to projections 2-P1 and 2-P2. Thus, the frame 2-2221 and the base 2-2222 are fixed to each other by the holes 2-O pressing against the projections 2-P1 and 2-P2.

[0095] In this embodiment, the fixed portion 2-2220 further has a plurality (at least three) extensions 2-2226 projecting from the outer surface 2-2227 of the frame 2-2221. Each extension 2-2226 has a contact surface 2-2226a. The contact surfaces 2-2226a of the extensions 2-2226 are coplanar.

[0096] When the reflective unit 2-2000 is assembled in the optical system 2-10, the outer surface 2-2227 of the fixing part 2-2220 faces the lens unit 2-1000, and the contact surface 2-2226a contacts the lens unit 2-1000 (Figure 2-2). Since the contact surface 2-2226a is coplanar, it prevents the reflective unit 2-2000 from tilting relative to the lens unit 2-1000 during assembly, and prevents deviation in the direction of movement of the external light 2-L.

[0097] Circuit board 2-2224 is mounted on base 2-2222 and electrically connected to drive module 2-2230. Reinforcement element 2-2225 is mounted on circuit board 2-2224 to protect it from collision with other components. In other words, circuit board 2-2224 is mounted between reinforcement element 2-2225 and drive module 2-2230 and is covered by reinforcement element 2-2225.

[0098] In some embodiments, the reinforcing element 2-2225 is omitted, and the cover 2-2223 of the fixing portion 2-2220 extends to a position below the circuit board 2-2224. The circuit board 2-2224 is installed between the base 2-2222 and the cover 2-2223.

[0099] As shown in Figures 2-2 to 2-4, the drive module 2-2230 has at least one first electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2231 and at least one second electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2232, which are mounted on the optical element holder 2-2211 and the circuit board 2-2224, respectively. The second electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2232 passes through hole 2-2228 of base 2-2222 and corresponds to the first electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2231.

[0100] The optical element holder 2-2211 and the optical element 2-2100 are driven by the electromagnetic effect between the first electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2231 and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2232 to rotate relative to the fixed part 2-2220. For example, in this embodiment, the first electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2231 is a drive coil, and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2232 has at least one magnet.

[0101] When current flows through the drive coil (first electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2231), an electromagnetic effect is generated between the drive coil and the magnet. Therefore, the optical element holder 2-2211 and the optical element 2-2100 rotate around the rotation axis 2-R (extending along the Y axis) relative to the fixed part 2-2220, thereby finely adjusting the position of the light ray 2-L on the image sensor 2-3000.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2231 is a magnet, and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2232 is a drive coil.

[0103] Referring to Figures 2-4 and 2-7, the elastic element 2-2240 is connected to the movable part 2-2210 and the fixed part 2-2220, with the movable part 2-2210 mounted on the fixed part 2-2220. In particular, each elastic element 2-2240 has a first fixed section 2-2241, a second fixed section 2-2242, and one or more string portions 2-2243. The first fixed section 2-2241 is fixed to the fixed part 2-2220, the second fixed section 2-2242 is fixed to the movable part 2-2210, and the string portion 2-2243 is connected to the first fixed section 2-2241 and the second fixed section 2-2242.

[0104] At least one positioning column 2-T1 is formed on the optical element holder 2-2211, and at least one positioning recess 2-T2 corresponding to the positioning column 2-T1 is formed on the second fixed section 2-2242. When the elastic element 2-2240 is connected to the movable part 2-2210 and the fixed part 2-2220, the positioning column 2-T1 enters the positioning recess 2-T2. The user uses adhesive to bond the positioning column 2-T1 and the second fixed section 2-2242, and fixes the second fixed part 2-2242 to the movable part 2-2210.

[0105] Referring to Figures 2-8 and 2-9, when the frame 2-2221 and base 2-2222 of the fixing section 2-2220 are joined, at least a portion of the first fixing section 2-2241 is fixed between the frame 2-2221 and the base 2-2222. Thus, the first fixing section 2-2241 is fixed to the fixing section 2-2220.

[0106] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the second fixed section 2-2242 of the elastic element 2-2240, which is mounted on the movable part 2-2210, is coplanar and applies uniform elastic force to the optical element holder 2-2211. Furthermore, as viewed from the rotation axis 2-R, at least a portion of the optical element 2-2100 and each elastic element 2-2230 overlap (as shown in Figure 2-9).

[0107] As shown in Figure 2-7, in this embodiment, several damping members 2-2250 are connected to the optical element holder 2-2211 and the fixed portion 2-2220, and several damping members 2-2250 are connected to the first fixed section 2-2241 and the string portion 2-2243. When the drive module 2-2230 rotates the optical element holder 2-2211 relative to the fixed portion 2-2220, these damping members 2-2250 reduce vibrations.

[0108] It should be noted that the damping member 2-2250 is positioned away from the rotation axis 2-R, and the center of the optical element holder 2-2211 is located between the damping members 2-2250 that connect the same element. For example, the damping member 2-2250 is adjacent to the corner of the surface 2-2213 of the optical element holder 2-2211, and the center of the optical element holder 2-2211 is located between the two damping members 2-2250 that connect the optical element holder 2-2211 to the fixed section 2-2220 (and / or between the two damping members 2-2250 that connect the first fixed section 2-2241 to the string section 2-2243). Thus, deviation of the optical element holder 2-2211 is avoided when the drive module 2-2230 rotates the optical element holder 2-2211.

[0109] In some embodiments, the reflective unit 2-2000 further includes a second fixed section 2-2242 and a damping member 2-2250 connected to the string portion 2-2243.

[0110] Referring to Figures 2-2, 2-5, and 2-10, in this embodiment, the optical element holder 2-2211 further includes at least one rotation limiting structure 2-B1 and at least one shift limiting structure 1-B2, which, respectively, limit the rotation angle and movement range of the optical element holder 2-2211.

[0111] In particular, the rotation limiting structure 2-B1 protrudes from the first electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2231, and the shift limiting structure 2-B2 is installed on both sides of the optical element 2-2100 along the rotation axis 2-R. When the optical element holder 2-2211 rotates by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed part 2-2220, the rotation limiting structure 2-B1 comes into contact with the fixed part 2-2220, and gaps are formed between the first electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2231 and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 2-2232, and between the shift limiting structure 2-B2 and the fixed part 2-2220.

[0112] When the optical element holder 2-2211 moves to a predetermined position relative to the fixed part 2-2220, the shift limiting structure 2-B2 comes into contact with the fixed part 2-2220, and a gap is formed between the rotation limiting structure 2-B1 and the fixed part 2-2220.

[0113] The aforementioned structure limits the range of motion of the optical element holder 2-2211. This prevents damage to the optical element 2-2100 and the drive module 2-2230 due to collisions, and also reduces dust generated by friction between parts.

[0114] In some embodiments, the rotation limiting structure 2-B1 is formed on the shift limiting structure 2-B2. The rotation limiting structure 2-B1 and the shift limiting structure 2-B2 are formed integrally. That is, in some embodiments, the rotation limiting structure 2-B1 is used to limit the range of movement of the optical element holder 2-2211.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light-receiving surface 2-2120 of the optical element 2-2100 is positioned between the outer surface 2-2229 of the fixing part 2-2220 and the optical element holder 2-2211, and while the optical element holder 2-221 moves relative to the fixing part 2-2229, the light-receiving surface 2-2120 does not protrude from the outer surface 2-2229. Therefore, foreign objects that fall onto the reflection unit 2-2000 are blocked by the fixing part 2-2220 and do not come into direct contact with the optical element 2-2100.

[0116] In embodiments of the present invention, the aforementioned reflective unit 2-2000 is also applicable to reflective units 1-B1200, 1-C1200, 1-D1200, or 12-1200.

[0117] In summary, an optical element driving mechanism is provided, comprising a fixed part, a movable part, and a drive module. The movable part is movably connected to the fixed part and includes an optical element holder and a spacing member. The optical element holder supports the optical element and has one surface facing the optical element. The optical element changes the direction of propagation of external light. The spacing member is placed between the surface and the optical element, forming a gap between the surface and the optical element. The drive module moves the movable part relative to the fixed part.

[0118] Embodiment of the Third Group

[0119] Figure 3-1 shows a camera system 3-100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The camera system 3-100 of the present invention is mounted on various electronic devices, or on electronic devices such as smartphones or tablet computers, and the user performs an image acquisition function. In this embodiment, the camera system 3-100 is installed on various transport vehicles, such as cars. The camera system 3-100 is a camera system having a fixed focal length, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the camera system may be a voice coil motor (VCM) having an autofocus (AF) function.

[0120] As shown in Figure 3-1, the camera system 3-100 includes a lens module 3-108, a fixed frame 3-112, and a photosensitive module 3-115. The lens module 3-108 is mounted on the photosensitive module 3-115 and connected to the fixed frame 3-112 by a connecting member 3-116. As shown in Figure 3-1, the lens module 3-108 includes a lens barrel 3-108H and one or more optical elements. The lens barrel 3-108H has a thermal expansion coefficient of 50 (10⁻¹ 6 / K @ 20 °C) is smaller than, meaning the thermal expansion coefficient of the 3-10⁸H telescope tube at 20 °C is 50 (10⁻¹⁸H). 6It is formed from a material with a lower temperature (K) than 60°C. For example, the lens barrel 3-108H is made of a metal material with good thermal conductivity and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, such as Kovar. So that when the temperature of the external environment is high (e.g., 60°C), the camera system 3-100 and the external environment quickly enter a state of thermal equilibrium, thereby solving the problem of image quality being affected by temperature changes.

[0121] Furthermore, the lens barrel 3-108H houses optical elements (for example, the first lens 3-LS1, the second lens 3-LS2, the third lens 3-LS3, the fourth lens 3-LS4, and the fifth lens 3-LS5), and the lens module 3-108 defines the optical axis 3-0. In particular, the first lenses 3-LS1 to the fifth lenses 3-LS5 are positioned along the optical axis 3-0. For example, the second lens 3-LS2 is positioned between the first lens 3-LS1 and the photosensitive module 3-115.

[0122] In this embodiment, the aforementioned lens is formed of a glass material and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, for example, 7.1 (10⁻⁶). 6 It has a thermal expansion coefficient of 50 (10-). In addition, lens module 3-108 has at least one spacer 3-SP installed between the first lens 3-LS1 and the second lens 3-LS2, and the thermal expansion coefficient of spacer 3-SP is 50 (10-). 6 It is less than / K @ 20 °C). For example, spacer 3-SP is made of a metal material, such as Kovar. Since spacer 3-SP has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, when the camera system 3-100 is subjected to heat, the effect of the thermal expansion of spacer 3-SP on the spacer between two adjacent lenses is reduced.

[0123] In addition, the camera system 3-100 further includes a first sealing adhesive element 3-117 installed on the lens barrel 3-108H, which surrounds the first lens 3-LS1. Thus, the first sealing adhesive element 3-117 effectively prevents air from the external environment from entering the gap between the first lens 3-LS1 and the lens barrel 3-108H, thereby increasing the airtightness of the lens barrel 3-108H.

[0124] In this embodiment, the camera system 3-100 further includes a filter-3-FL installed between the lens module 3-108 and the photosensitive module 3-115, where the filter-3-FL is installed to filter the light rays entering the lens module 3-108. In this embodiment, the filter-3-FL is an infrared filter, but is not limited to this. In addition, the filter-3-FL is made of glass material.

[0125] As shown in Figure 3-1, the photosensitive module 3-115 has a base 3-1151 and a photosensitive element 3-1153. The photosensitive element 3-1153 is mounted on the base 3-1151 and corresponds to the lens module 3-108. External light travels along direction 3-A1 from the light incident side (left side of the first lens 3-LS1) to the lens module 3-108, and after passing through multiple lenses, the external light is received by the photosensitive module 3-115 to generate a digital image signal. In this embodiment, the base 3-1151 is formed of, for example, a ceramic material, and the photosensitive element 3-1153 is formed of, for example, silicon.

[0126] As shown in Figure 3-1, the lens module 3-108 and the photosensitive module 3-115 are mounted on a fixed frame 3-112. In particular, the fixed frame 3-112 has a bottom 3-1121 and side walls 3-1123. The fixed frame 3-112 forms a housing space 3-AS to accommodate the photosensitive module 3-115. Furthermore, the fixed frame 3-112 has a first surface 3-1125 located on the side walls 3-1123. The first surface 3-1125 faces the light incident side, and the lens module 3-108 is mounted on the first surface 3-1125 by a connecting member 3-116. In particular, the lens barrel 3-108H has a third surface 3-1081, and the connecting member 3-116 connects the third surface 3-1081 to the first surface 3-1125. The connecting member 3-116 is solder or adhesive, but is not limited to these. It should be noted that the connecting member 3-116 surrounds the opening 3-1120 formed by the side wall 3-1123.

[0127] In this embodiment, the camera system 3-100 further includes a second sealing adhesive element 3-119 positioned between the first surface 3-1125 and the third surface 3-1081 of the lens module 3-108. The second sealing adhesive element 3-119 is, but is not limited to, glass frit. The second sealing adhesive element 3-119 further surrounds an opening 3-1120 formed by the side wall 3-1123.

[0128] By providing the connecting member 3-116 and the second sealing adhesive element 3-119, the sealed space 3-ES is formed between the fixed frame 3-112, the photosensitive module 3-115, and the lens module 3-108, and the sealed space 3-ES has a containment space 3-AS. The sealed space 3-ES is isolated from the external environment outside the camera system 3-100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter (e.g., dust in the air) from entering the camera system 3-100 and affecting image quality. In addition, the influence of thermal convection from the external environment on the camera system 3-100 is also reduced based on the arrangement of the sealed space 3-ES.

[0129] Furthermore, by providing the connecting member 3-116 and the second sealing adhesive element 3-119, the overall mechanical strength of the camera system 3-100 is increased, and the overall sealing effect is also increased. In this embodiment, the connecting member 3-116 is closer to the optical axis 3-0 of the lens module 3-108 than the second sealing adhesive element 3-119. Based on this arrangement, the manufacturing process of the camera system 3-100 becomes even more convenient.

[0130] In addition, the fixed frame 3-112 further has a second surface 3-1126, and the second surface 3-1126 and the first surface 3-1125 are located on different surfaces. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the photosensitive module 3-115 is fixed to the second surface 3-1126 of the bottom 3-1121 by adhesive 3-GU.

[0131] It should be noted that the side wall 3-1123 has a thermal expansion coefficient of 50 (10- 6It is formed from a material with a thermal conductivity (K @ 20 °C) lower than . For example, the side wall 3-1123 is made of metal. Because the side wall 3-1123 is made of metal, it has good thermal conductivity and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, so that the camera system 3-100 and the external environment quickly enter a state of thermal equilibrium, thereby preventing image quality problems that are affected by temperature changes.

[0132] Refer to Figures 3-1 and 3-2. Figure 3-2 shows the lens module 3-108 and the photosensitive element 3-1153 of the photosensitive module 3-115 in Figure 3-1 of the present invention. When the camera system 3-100 is not subjected to heat (for example, 25 °C), the focal plane of the lens module 3-108 is located on position 3-P1 in Figure 3-2, that is, on the photosensitive element 3-1153 of the photosensitive module 3-115. However, when the temperature of the lens module 3-108 rises, the focal plane of the lens module 3-108 moves from behind the photosensitive element 3-1153 to another position 3-P2. At this time, the image produced by the photosensitive module 3-115 becomes blurred.

[0133] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the connecting member 3-116 and the side wall 3-1123 of the present invention are designed to have different coefficients of thermal expansion. For example, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the connecting member 3-116 is greater than that of the side wall 3-1123. When the temperature of the camera system 3-100 rises, the expansion length of the connecting member 3-116 along the optical axis 3-0 is greater than the expansion length of the side wall 3-1123 along the optical axis 3-0. In other words, the change in distance between the first surface 3-1125 and the third surface 3-1081 is greater than the change in distance between the first surface 3-1125 and the second surface 3-1126. Therefore, the focal plane on position 3-P2 moves along one direction 3-A2 to the lens module 3-108 and back to the photosensitive element 3-1153 of the photosensitive module 3-115, so that the photosensitive module 3-115 can produce a clear image. It should be noted that the thermal expansion coefficients of the connecting member 3-116 and the side wall 3-1123 can be adjusted according to actual demand.

[0134] Figure 3-3 shows a camera system 3-200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The camera system 3-200 is similar to the aforementioned camera system 3-100, the difference being that the connecting member 3-116 in this embodiment is considerably further away from the optical axis 3-0 of the lens module 3-108 than the second sealing adhesive element 3-119. This arrangement can prevent contamination of the photosensitive module 3-115 when the connecting member 3-116 is provided.

[0135] Next, Figure 3-4 shows a camera system 3-300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Camera system 3-300 is similar to the aforementioned camera system 3-100, the difference being that the first lens 3-LS1 and the second lens 3-LS2 in this embodiment are made of different materials. For example, the first lens 3-LS1 is made of glass, and the second lens 3-LS2 is made of plastic. The thermal expansion coefficient of the first lens 3-LS1 is lower than that of the second lens 3-LS2.

[0136] Since the thermal expansion coefficient of the first lens 3-LS1 is low, the problem of gaps caused by thermal expansion between the first lens 3-LS1 and the lens barrel 3-108H is solved, thereby improving the airtightness of the lens module 3-108. In addition, in this embodiment, the hardness of the first lens 3-LS1 is greater than that of the second lens 3-LS2, so the outer first lens 3-LS1 protects the inner second lens 3-LS2.

[0137] Next, referring to Figure 3-5, which shows a camera system 3-400 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The camera system 3-400 is similar to the camera system 3-100 described above, the difference being that the lens module 3-108A in this embodiment further includes a drive assembly 3-DA, a holder 3-109, and a transparent protective cover 3-120. The lens barrel 3-108H is movable and mounted in the holder 3-109. For example, the lens barrel 3-108H is suspended in the holder 3-109 by two elastic elements (not shown).

[0138] The drive assembly 3-DA has two magnets 3-MG and two coils 3-CL, with coils 3-CL mounted on the opposite side of the lens barrel 3-108H, and the magnets 3-MG corresponding to coils 3-CL mounted on holder 3-109. When coils 3-CL are energized, they act as magnets 3-MG, generating an electromagnetic force that moves the lens barrel 3-108H and the lens along the optical axis 3-0 relative to the photosensitive module 3-115, thereby achieving the autofocus function of the camera system 3-400.

[0139] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3-5, in this embodiment, the camera system 3-400 also has a third sealing adhesive element 3-121 installed between the transparent protective cover 3-120 and the holder 3-109 (and the drive assembly 3-DA), the third sealing adhesive element 3-121 surrounding the lens barrel 3-108H. Based on the arrangement of the third sealing adhesive element 3-121 and the second sealing adhesive element 3-119, a sealed space 3-ES is formed between the transparent protective cover 3-120, the holder 3-109, the drive assembly 3-DA, the fixed frame 3-112, and the photosensitive module 3-115, and the sealed space 3-ES is isolated from the external environment outside the camera system 3-400.

[0140] Based on the placement of the sealed space 3-ES, the influence of thermal convection from the external environment on the camera system 3-400 is also reduced. In addition, the transparent protective cover 3-120 further protects the first lens 3-LS1, thereby preventing the first lens 3-LS1 from being scratched.

[0141] It should be noted that any of the aforementioned camera systems can also be applied to the optical modules 1-A1000, 1-A2000, 1-A3000, 1-B2000, 1-C2000, 1-D2000, and 12-200 of the present invention.

[0142] The present invention provides a camera system that can be installed on various transport vehicles. Some elements in the camera system have a thermal expansion coefficient of 50 (10-6 It is formed from a material with a thermal expansion coefficient less than / K (at 20 °C). For example, the lens is made of glass, the spacer, lens barrel, and fixed frame are made of Kovar, and the base is made of, for example, ceramic material. Compared to conventional camera systems, the elements of the camera system of the present invention have the same thermal expansion coefficient, so when the camera system is in a high-temperature external environment, the change in thermal expansion of each element is small, thereby improving the temperature stability of the camera system.

[0143] Embodiment of the Fourth Group

[0144] Referring to Figure 4-1, Figure 4-1 is a three-dimensional view of an optical element driving mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 is installed in an electronic device (not shown) having a camera function that drives the optical element 4-40, and can perform autofocus (AF) and / or optical image stabilization (OIS) functions.

[0145] Referring to Figure 4-2, which is a stereoscopic exploded view of the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 shown in Figure 4-1. In this embodiment, the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 has a substantially rectangular structure. The optical element driving mechanism 4-1 mainly comprises a fixed part 4-F, a movable part 4-M, a plurality of first elastic elements 4-71, a plurality of second elastic elements 4-72, a first drive assembly 4-61, and a second drive assembly 4-62. The fixed part 4-F comprises a housing 4-10, a base 4-20, a frame 4-50, and a circuit element 4-80. The housing 4-10 has a hollow structure with a top surface 4-11 and four side walls 4-12, and the housing 4-10 and the base 4-20 are assembled as a hollow case to house the internal components of the optical element driving mechanism 4-1. The frame 4-50 is installed in the housing 4-10 and fixed to the housing 4-10. Circuit element 4-80 is mounted on base 4-20 and transmits electrical signals to perform autofocus and / or optical image stabilization functions. For example, optical element drive mechanism 4-1 controls the position of optical element 4-40 to perform camera functions.

[0146] The movable part 4-M is movable and connected to the fixed part 4-F. The movable part 4-M mainly has a carrier 4-30, which carries the optical element 4-40. As shown in Figure 4-2, the carrier 4-30 is movable and connected to the housing 4-10 and the base 4-20. The first elastic element 4-71 is stretched in the first direction (Z-axis) and elastically connected to the base 4-20 and the carrier 4-30, with the first direction being perpendicular to the optical axis 4-0. In addition, the second elastic element 4-72 is mounted on the carrier 4-30 and connected to the first elastic element 4-71 and the carrier 4-30. In other words, the carrier 4-30 is connected to the base 4-20 by the first elastic element 4-71 and the second elastic element 4-72, and the first elastic element 4-71 and the second elastic element 4-72 are made of metallic material.

[0147] The first drive assembly 4-61 comprises a first magnetic element 4-61A and a corresponding first drive coil 4-61B. The first magnetic element 4-61A is mounted on the frame 4-50, and the first drive coil 4-61B is mounted on the carrier 4-30. When current is applied to the first drive coil 4-61B, the first drive coil 4-61B and the first magnetic element 4-61A (i.e., the first drive assembly 4-61) generate an electromagnetic drive force, causing the carrier 4-30 and the optical element 4-40 to move relative to the base 4-20 along the first direction (Z-axis). Thus, autofocus or optical image stabilization is performed.

[0148] In addition, the second drive assembly 4-62 includes a second magnetic element 4-62A and a corresponding second drive coil 4-62B. The second magnetic element 4-62A is mounted on the carrier 4-30, and the second drive coil 4-62B is mounted on the base 4-20. When current is applied to the second drive coil 4-62B, the second drive assembly 4-62 generates an electromagnetic drive force, causing the carrier 4-30 and the optical element 4-40 to rotate relative to the base 4-20 along the optical axis (X-axis). Thus, the autofocus function is performed. The carrier 4-30 is movably suspended between the frame 4-50 and the base 4-20 by the electromagnetic drive force of the first drive assembly 4-61 and the second drive assembly 4-62, and the elasticity of the first elastic element 4-71 and the second elastic element 4-72.

[0149] Referring to Figure 4-3, Figure 4-3 is a three-dimensional view of the inside of the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 of Figure 4-1. It should be noted that the housing 4-10 and frame 4-50 are not shown in order to clearly illustrate the internal structure of the optical element driving mechanism 4-1. In this embodiment, the first drive coil 4-61B of the first drive assembly 4-61 is connected to the first elastic element 4-71 by the second elastic element 4-72. Thus, electrical signals are transmitted from the circuit element 4-80 to the first drive coil 4-61B by the first elastic element 4-71, and the first drive assembly 4-61 controls the position of the carrier 4-30. In this embodiment, the first drive coil 4-61B is electrically connected to the circuit element 4-80 by the first drive coil 4-61B, and no additional circuit is installed to electrically connect the first drive coil 4-61B and the circuit element 4-80. Thus, the circuit structure in the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 is simplified.

[0150] Figure 4-4 shows the light emission direction 4-D. o This figure shows the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 as viewed from [location]. As shown in Figure 4-4, the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 further has a plurality of vibration damping materials 4-90, which are placed between the circuit element 4-80 and the carrier 4-30, and are located on an imaginary plane parallel to the optical axis 4-0 (i.e., a plane parallel to the XY plane). For example, the vibration damping material 4-90 is a gel or any other vibration damping material having a buffer effect. By placing the vibration damping material 4-90, the vibration effect of the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 is reduced. Therefore, after reaching a predetermined position, the carrier 4-30 stabilizes immediately.

[0151] In this embodiment, the carrier 4-30 further has a plurality of vibration damping material limiting portions 4-31 that protrude from the circuit element 4-80 and extend in the first direction (Z-axis). In addition, the vibration damping material 4-90 is installed between the vibration damping material limiting portions 4-31 and the circuit element 4-80. By arranging the vibration damping material limiting portions 4-31, the contact area between the vibration damping material 4-90 and the carrier 4-30 is increased, increasing the buffering effect of the vibration damping material 4-90. Therefore, the carrier 4-30 stabilizes immediately after movement.

[0152] In addition, in the light emission direction 4-D o when viewed from, the carrier 4-30 further has a plurality of first bonding recesses 4-32A, is installed in the carrier 4-30, and is adjacent to the optical element 4-40. In the present embodiment, the first bonding recesses 4-32A are symmetrically installed in the direction of the optical element 4-40, and the optical axis 4-0 is the symmetric axis. The first bonding recesses 4-32A are installed in the second direction (Y-axis), and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction (Z-axis) and the optical axis (X-axis). An adhesive (not shown) is installed in the first bonding recesses 4-32A to firmly bond the optical element 4-40 to the carrier 4-30.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 4-5, FIG. 4-5 is a view showing the carrier 4-30 when viewed in the light incident 4-D i direction. As shown in FIG. 4-5, when viewed in the light incident direction 4-D i the carrier 4-30 further has a plurality of second bonding recesses 4-32B, is installed in the carrier 4-30, and is adjacent to the optical element 4-40. That is, the first bonding recesses 4-32A and the second bonding recesses 4-32B are installed on opposite sides of the carrier 4-30. In the present embodiment, the second bonding recesses 4-32B are symmetrically installed in the direction of the optical element 4-40, and the optical axis 4-0 is the symmetric axis. The second bonding recesses 4-32B are also arranged in the second direction (Y-axis). Similarly, an adhesive (not shown) is installed in the second bonding recesses 4-32B to bond the optical element 4-40 to the carrier 4-30.

[0154] In addition, the carrier 4-30 further has two first side walls 4-33A and two side walls 4-33B, each located on different opposite sides of the optical element 4-40. In this embodiment, the first side walls 4-33A are located on both the left and right sides of the optical element 4-40, and the second side walls 4-33B are located on both the top and bottom sides of the optical element 4-40. The first side walls 4-33A are arranged along the second direction (Y-axis), and the second side walls 4-33B are arranged along the first direction (Z-axis). The first width 4-W1 of the first side wall 4-33A is greater than the second width 4-W2. The above design increases the mechanical strength of the carrier 4-30 along the second direction (Y-axis), protecting the optical element 4-40 from damage due to collisions.

[0155] Figure 4-6 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-B in Figure 4-5. As shown in Figure 4-6, when viewed along the optical axis 4-0, the first bonding recess 4-32A and the second bonding recess 4-32B overlap at least partially, thereby further stably fixing the optical element 4-40 to the carrier 4-30. In addition, Figure 4-7 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier 4-30 in Figure 4-6 with the optical element 4-40. In this embodiment, the carrier 4-30 has a surface 4-34 facing the optical element 4-40 and perpendicular to the optical axis 4-0. The optical element 4-40 has a lens barrel 4-41, and the length L of the optical element 4-40 along the optical axis 4-0 is at least greater than 5 mm. Thus, the lens barrel 4-41 has at least 5 lenses 4-42 to achieve a good optical effect.

[0156] Referring to Figure 4-8A, which is a stereoscopic view of a separated carrier 4-30 and base 4-20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4-8A, the carrier 4-30 further has a first direction stop position 4-35A, a second direction stop position 4-35B, and a third direction stop position 4-35C, which are mounted on the first side wall and limit the range of movement of the movable part 4-M (including the carrier 4-30). For example, the first direction stop position 4-35A is mounted on a surface perpendicular to the first direction (Z axis) of the carrier 4-30 (i.e., protruding from the XY plane of the carrier 4-30) and limits the range of movement of the movable part 4-M in the first direction. The second direction stop position 4-35B is mounted on a surface perpendicular to the second direction (Y axis) of the carrier 4-30 (i.e., protruding from the ZX plane of the carrier 4-30) and limits the range of movement of the movable part 4-M in the second direction. The third directional stopping position 4-35C is positioned on a surface perpendicular to the optical axis 4-0 of the carrier 4-30 (i.e., protruding from the YZ plane of the carrier 4-30), thereby limiting the range of movement of the movable part 4-M on the optical axis 4-0.

[0157] When viewed along the second direction (Y-axis), the third direction stopping position 4-35C and the first elastic element 4-71 partially overlap. In addition, the first elastic element 4-71 is located between the optical element 4-40 and the second direction stopping position 4-35B, or between the optical element 4-40 and the third direction stopping position 4-35C. The aforementioned design effectively reduces the horizontal (XY plane) size of the optical element driving mechanism 4-1, thereby preventing the carrier 4-30 from colliding with the circuit element 4-80 mounted on the base 4-20 when the carrier 4-30 moves.

[0158] Figure 4-8B is a plan view of the carrier 4-30 and base 4-20 shown in Figure 4-8A. The first drive coil 4-61B of the first drive assembly 4-61 is mounted on the first direction stop position 4-35A located on the carrier 4-30. The second drive coil 4-62B of the second drive assembly 4-62 is mounted on the first direction stop position 4-35A located on the base 4-20. It should be noted that the height of the first direction stop position 4-35A along the first direction (Z-axis) is higher than the height of the first drive coil 4-61B and / or the second drive coil 4-62B along the first direction. Thus, the first drive coil 4-61B and / or the second drive coil 4-62B are protected from damage caused by collision with the movable part 4-M.

[0159] Figure 4-9 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-A shown in Figure 4-1. As shown in Figure 4-9, the circuit element 4-80 is mounted on the base 4-20, and when viewed along the first direction (Z-axis) and the second direction (Y-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis 4-0, the circuit element 4-80 and the carrier 4-30 partially overlap. Therefore, the size of the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 along the Z-axis is reduced, making it easier to install the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 in a thin electronic device.

[0160] Referring to Figures 4-10A and 4-10B, Figure 4-10A shows the light incidence direction 4-D i Figure 4-1 shows the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 as viewed from the perspective of 4-D. Figure 4-10B shows the light emission direction 4-D o This figure shows the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 as seen from Figure 4-10A and Figure 4-10B. The housing 10 has four side walls 4-12, a first aperture 4-T1, and a second aperture 4-T2. The first aperture 4-T1 and the second aperture 4-T2 are each mounted on different side walls 4-12 of the housing 4-10. The first aperture 4-T1 is positioned in the direction of light incidence 4-D of the optical element 4-40, more so than the second aperture 4-T2. iThe second aperture 4-T2 is close to an image sensing component (not shown) located outside the optical element drive mechanism 4-1. The optical axis 4-0 passes through the first aperture 4-T1 and the second aperture 4-T2. The second aperture 4-T2 is formed by the frame 4-50, housing 4-10, and base 4-20. Therefore, the first aperture 4-T1 is larger than the second aperture 4-T2. By making the second aperture 4-T2 smaller, the light incident on the optical element drive mechanism 4-1 is concentrated on the image sensing component, improving image quality.

[0161] As described above, the present invention provides an optical element driving mechanism having an elastic element electrically connected to a drive assembly. By installing the elastic element as part of the circuit, the circuit structure of the optical element driving mechanism is simplified. In addition, the optical element driving mechanism 4-1 is also applicable to the lens units of the optical modules 1-B1000, 1-B3000, 1-C1000, 1-C3000, 1-D1000, 1-D3000, and 12-1000 of the present invention.

[0162] Embodiment of Group 5

[0163] Figure 5-1 is a stereoscopic view of a lens unit 5-1 according to several embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5-2A is an exploded stereoscopic view of the lens unit 5-1 of Figure 5-1. The lens unit 5-1 has a central axis 5-M. The lens unit 5-1 has a fixed part 5-P1, a movable part 5-P2, and a first drive assembly 5-90, the movable part 5-P2 being movably mounted on the fixed part 5-P1 and holding the lens 5-2 on the optical axis 5-0. The central axis 5-M of the lens unit 5-1 is parallel to the optical axis 5-0 of the lens 5-2. The first drive assembly 5-90 connects the fixed part 5-P1 and the movable part 5-P2 and moves the movable part 5-P2 relative to the fixed part 5-P1.

[0164] As shown in Figure 5-2A, in this embodiment, the fixed part 5-P1 has an outer frame 5-10 and a bottom part 5-100. The movable part 5-P2 has a housing 5-20, a framework 5-30, a second drive assembly 5-40, four leaf springs 5-55, a holder 5-50, four elastic elements 5-60, two position sensing elements 5-70, and a base 5-80. The first drive assembly 5-90 has a body 5-92 and four bias elements 5-91 formed of shape memory alloy (SMA). It should be noted that the elements of the lens unit 5-1 can be added or removed according to the user's needs.

[0165] The outer frame 5-10 is located on and connected to the bottom 5-100. The method of connecting the outer frame 5-10 and the bottom 5-100 is by riveting, joining, or welding. The movable part 5-P2 and the first drive assembly 5-90 are housed in the space formed by the combination of the outer frame 5-10 and the bottom 5-100. In addition, the outer frame 5-10 and the bottom 5-100 are positioned along the central axis 5-M of the lens unit 5-1.

[0166] The outer frame 5-10 has a first side wall 5-11 and a second side wall 5-13 parallel to the central axis 5-M. A first perforation 5-12 is formed on the first side wall 5-11, and a second perforation 5-14 is formed on the second side wall 5-13. The positions of the first perforation 5-12 and the second perforation 5-14 correspond to the lens 5-2. As shown in Figure 5-1, the movable part 5-P2 is located between the first side wall 5-11 and the second side wall 5-13.

[0167] The housing 5-20 is located below the outer frame 5-10, is made of metal, and is fixedly connected to the base 5-80. The upper surface 5-25 of the housing 5-20 is perpendicular to the central axis 5-M, and two openings 5-21 are formed on the housing 5-20. In addition, the positions of the openings 5-21 correspond to the lens 5-2.

[0168] The framework 5-30 is located below the housing 5-20, and the two openings 5-31 are formed on the framework 5-30.

[0169] The second drive assembly 5-40 moves the holder 5-50 relative to the base 5-80. The second drive assembly 5-40 has two X-axis magnets 5-41, two X-axis coils 5-42, four Z-axis magnets 5-43, and four Z-axis coils 5-44. The two X-axis magnets 5-41 are housed in openings 5-31 in the frame 5-30.

[0170] The two X-axis magnets 5-41 are permanent magnets with a rectangular structure and correspond to the two X-axis coils 5-42. The X-axis coils 5-42 have a nearly elliptical structure, and the winding axis of the X-axis coils 5-42 is nearly perpendicular to the optical axis 5-0. The X-axis magnets 5-41 and the X-axis coils 5-42 are positioned adjacent to and mounted on the holder 5-50.

[0171] Refer to Figure 5-2B. Figure 5-2B shows the X-axis magnet 5-41 and the corresponding X-axis coil 5-42 of the second drive assembly. As shown in Figure 5-2B, the X-axis magnet 5-41 is a multipole electromagnet with two pairs of magnetic poles, and the orientation of the magnetic poles of the X-axis magnet 5-41 is approximately perpendicular to the optical axis 5-0. In addition, opposite magnetic poles are adjacent to each other, and the X-axis coil 5-42 faces the magnetic poles of the X-axis magnet 5-41 directly. When current flows through the X-axis coil 5-42, an attractive or repulsive force is generated between the X-axis magnet 5-41 and the X-axis coil 5-42, causing the holder 5-50 and the lens 5-2 within the holder 5-50 to move along the directions indicated by arrows 5-E and 5-F, i.e., perpendicular to the optical axis 5-0 (X-axis), thereby achieving optical image stabilization.

[0172] Similarly, the four Z-axis magnets 5-43 are permanent magnets having a rectangular structure and correspond to the four Z-axis coils 5-44. The Z-axis coils 5-44 have a nearly elliptical structure, and the winding axis of the Z-axis coils 5-44 is nearly perpendicular to the optical axis 5-0. The Z-axis magnets 5-43 and the Z-axis coils 5-44 are positioned adjacent to the holder 5-50 and installed below the holder 5-50.

[0173] The arrangement of the Z-axis magnet 5-43 and Z-axis coil 5-44 is similar to that of the X-axis magnet 5-41 and X-axis coil 5-42. Therefore, the arrangement of the X-axis magnet 5-41 and X-axis coil 5-42 in Figure 5-2B can also be referenced. The Z-axis magnet 5-43 has two pairs of magnetic poles, and the direction of the arrangement of the magnetic poles of the Z-axis magnet 5-43 is approximately parallel to the optical axis 5-0. In addition, opposite magnetic poles are adjacent to each other, and the Z-axis coil 5-44 directly faces the magnetic poles of the Z-axis magnet 5-43. When current flows through the Z-axis coil 5-44, an attractive or repulsive force is generated between the Z-axis magnet 5-43 and the Z-axis coil 5-44, causing the holder 5-50 and the lens 5-2 within the holder 5-50 to move along a direction parallel to the optical axis 5-0 (Z-axis), thereby achieving an autofocus function.

[0174] It should be noted that the orientation of the magnetic poles of the X-axis magnet 5-41 and the Z-axis magnet 5-43 is not limited to these. Figure 5-2C shows the X-axis magnet 5-41 and the corresponding X-axis coil 5-42 of a second drive assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, the X-axis magnet 5-41 and the Z-axis magnet 5-43 have only one pair of magnetic poles. In addition, the X-axis coil 5-42 and the Z-axis coil 5-44 face directly the X-axis magnet 5-41 and the Z-axis magnet 5-43, respectively. Since the orientation of the magnetic poles of the X-axis magnet 5-41 and the Z-axis magnet 5-43 is parallel to the central axis 5-M, the magnetic force generated between the X-axis magnet 5-41 and the corresponding X-axis coil 5-42, and / or the Z-axis magnet 5-43 and the corresponding Z-axis coil 5-44, moves the holder 5-50 and the lens 5-2 within the holder 5-50 along the directions indicated by arrows 5-G and 5-H, i.e., in a direction parallel to the central axis 5-M (Y-axis), thereby achieving optical image stabilization.

[0175] In addition, the second drive assembly 5-40 further rotates the holder 5-50, for example, on the first axis 5-R1. In this embodiment, the first axis 5-R1 is the central axis 5-M, but is not limited to this. The first axis 5-R1 is parallel to the central axis 5-M.

[0176] In summary, when current flows through the X-axis coil 5-42 and / or the Z-axis coil 5-44 of the second drive assembly 5-40, attractive or repulsive forces are generated between the X-axis coil 5-42 and the corresponding X-axis magnet 5-41, and / or between the Z-axis coil 5-44 and the corresponding Z-axis magnet 5-43, causing the holder 5-50 and the base 5-80 to move or rotate. For example, the second drive assembly 5-40 moves the holder 5-50 along a direction parallel or perpendicular to the optical axis 5-0. Alternatively, the second drive assembly 5-40 moves the holder 5-50 along a direction parallel or perpendicular to the central axis 5-M. The second drive assembly 5-40 also rotates the holder 5-50.

[0177] Refer again to Figure 5-2A. The holder 5-50 is installed between the framework 5-30 and the base 5-80. The holder 5-50 has a through-hole 5-51 that holds the lens 5-2. In some embodiments, the through-hole 5-51 forms a thread structure corresponding to another thread structure around the lens 5-2 so that the lens 5-2 is screwed into the through-hole 5-51. In this embodiment, the central axis 5-M of the lens unit 5-1 is perpendicular to the optical axis 5-0 of the lens 5-2, but is not limited to this.

[0178] The four elastic elements 5-60 are each installed at the four corners of the base 5-80 and connected to the four leaf springs 5-55 and the base 5-80. The leaf springs 5-55 are located on the holder 5-50 and are electrically connected to the X-axis coil 5-42, so that current flows through the X-axis coil 5-42 and a magnetic force is generated between the X-axis coil 5-42 and the X-axis magnet 5-41.

[0179] Two position sensing elements 5-70 are installed adjacent to the holder 5-50 to sense the position of the holder 5-50. The position sensing elements 5-70 are hole sensors, magnetoresistive effect sensors (MR sensors), giant magnetoresistive effect sensors (GMR sensors), tunnel magnetoresistive effect sensors (TMR sensors), optical encoders, or infrared sensors.

[0180] Base 5-80 is installed between holder 5-50 and bottom 5-100, and is also movably connected to holder 5-50.

[0181] The first drive assembly 5-90 is positioned between the fixed part 5-P1 and the movable part 5-P2, and is connected to the movable part 5-P2 to move the movable part 5-P2 relative to the fixed part 5-P1. The first drive assembly 5-90 has four bias elements 5-91 and a main body 5-92, which are made of shape memory alloy.

[0182] A bias element 5-91 is mounted on the main body 5-92. The bias element 5-91 has an iron base alloy, a copper base alloy (for example, a copper-zinc-aluminum alloy, a copper-aluminum nickel alloy), a titanium-nickel alloy, a titanium-palladium alloy, a titanium-nickel-copper alloy, a titanium-nickel-palladium alloy, a gold-cadmium alloy, a thallium-indium alloy, or any combination of the shape memory alloys mentioned above.

[0183] In this embodiment, when viewed along the central axis 5-M, the four bias elements 5-91 do not intersect or overlap with each other. In addition, the four bias elements 5-91 are installed symmetrically. However, if deviations are generated during assembly, the bias elements 5-91 will not be installed symmetrically.

[0184] The main body 5-92 is further defined as a first substrate 5-93 and a second substrate 5-94. The first substrate 5-93 is located above the second substrate 5-94. The first substrate 5-93 has two protrusions 5-931, and the second substrate 5-94 has two protrusions 5-941. The four bias elements 5-91 are connected to the protrusions 5-931 and 5-941, respectively, further stabilizing the structure of the first drive assembly 5-90.

[0185] After the lens unit 5-1 is assembled, the base 5-80 of the movable part 5-P2 is positioned on the first substrate 5-93, and the second substrate 5-94 is positioned on the bottom 5-100 on the fixed part 5-P1. In this embodiment, the size of the first substrate 5-93 is slightly larger than the size of the base 5-80, so the periphery of the main body 5-92 surrounds the base 5-80, which means that the first drive assembly 5-90 surrounds the movable part 5-P2. Also, a part of the first drive assembly 5-90 is installed between the movable part 5-P2 and the first side wall 5-11 of the outer frame 5-10, and one of the bias elements 5-92 is similarly installed between the movable part 5-P2 and the first side wall 5-11 of the outer frame 5-10.

[0186] When the temperature changes, the shape memory alloy deforms. Therefore, the power supply provides at least one drive signal (e.g., current, voltage) to the four bias elements 5-91. The drive signal controls the temperature of the four bias elements 5-91, which are the same or different, and changes the length of each of the four bias elements 5-91, which are either exactly the same or different. In addition, the drive signal is calculated based on compensation information. The relationship between the compensation information and the drive signal is described below with reference to Figure 5-7.

[0187] For example, when a drive signal is applied to the bias element 5-91, the temperature of the bias element 5-91 changes, and therefore the length of the bias element 5-91 increases or decreases, causing the first substrate 5-93 to move. Since the base 5-80 is connected to the first substrate 5-93, the position of the base 5-80 on the first substrate 5-93 changes, causing the movable part 5-P2 to move relative to the fixed part 5-P1. When the supply of the drive signal is stopped, due to the properties of the shape memory alloy, the bias element 5-91 returns to its original length.

[0188] Next, to better understand how the first drive assembly 5-90 operates, refer to Figures 5-3A to 5-3C. Figures 5-3A, 5-3B, and 5-3C are top views of the first drive assembly 5-90. Note that the second substrate 5-94 is located on the base 5-100 of the fixed part 5-P1, so the second substrate 5-94 remains unchanged. In other words, in Figures 5-3A to 5-3C, the positions of the two protrusions 5-941 on the second substrate 5-94 do not change. The first substrate 5-93, which is connected to the base 5-80 of the movable part 5-P2, moves relative to the second substrate 5-94. In addition, for the sake of clarity, the first substrate 5-93 and the second substrate 5-94 are greatly simplified in Figures 5-3A to 5-3C, and only the two protrusions 5-941 on the second substrate 5-94 are shown. The four bias elements 5-91 are further defined as the first bias element 5-91A, the second bias element 5-91B, the third bias element 5-91C, and the fourth bias element 5-91D.

[0189] As shown in Figure 5-3A, no drive signal is supplied at this time, and the four bias elements 5-91 maintain their original length and are arranged symmetrically.

[0190] As shown in Figure 5-3B, when the supplied drive signal lengthens the first bias element 5-91A and shortens the third bias element 5-91C, the first substrate 5-93 moves relative to the second substrate 5-94 along the direction indicated by arrow 5-P (negative Z-axis), meaning that position correction and displacement compensation are performed in the negative Z-axis direction. Conversely, when the length of the first bias element 5-91A shortens and the length of the third bias element 5-91C lengthens, the first substrate 5-93 moves relative to the second substrate 5-94 along the positive Z-axis, performing position correction and displacement compensation.

[0191] As shown in Figure 5-3C, when the supplied drive signal shortens the length of the second bias element 5-91B and lengthens the length of the fourth bias element 5-91D, the first substrate 5-93 moves relative to the second substrate 5-94 along the direction indicated by arrow 5-Q (positive X-axis), meaning that position correction and displacement compensation are performed in the positive X-axis direction. Conversely, when the length of the second bias element 5-91B lengthens and the length of the fourth bias element 5-91D lengthens, the first substrate 5-93 moves relative to the second substrate 5-94 along the negative X-axis to perform position correction and displacement compensation.

[0192] Furthermore, the bias element 5-91 causes the first drive assembly 5-90 to rotate the movable part 5-P2. For example, the movable part 5-P2 rotates on the first axis 5-R1 as described above in Figure 5-2A.

[0193] In summary, the length of the bias element 5-91 is controlled by the supply of an appropriate drive signal, and the first drive assembly 5-90 moves or rotates the movable part 5-P2 relative to the fixed part 5-P1. For example, the first drive assembly 5-90 moves the movable part 5-P2 along a direction parallel or perpendicular to the optical axis 5-0. Alternatively, the first drive assembly 5-90 moves the movable part 5-P2 along a direction perpendicular to the central axis 5-M. The first drive assembly 5-90 also rotates the movable part 5-P2.

[0194] The first drive assembly 5-90 controls the length of the bias element 5-91 to move or rotate the movable part 5-P2, thereby achieving autofocus or optical image stabilization, and improving the image quality generated by the lens unit 5-1. Compared to lens units that achieve displacement correction using elements that need to generate a magnetic field, such as magnetic elements or drive coils, the bias element 5-91 has a significantly smaller volume than magnetic elements or drive coils, thus reducing the size of the lens unit 5-1. In addition, when the first drive assembly 5-90 moves or rotates the movable part 5-P2, no magnetic field or electromagnetic waves are generated, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference inside the lens unit 5-1. Furthermore, the driving force generated by the shape memory alloy is stronger than the driving force generated by magnetic elements or drive coils. This results in a good correction effect. On the other hand, the image and video quality of the electronic device on which the lens unit 5-1 is installed is improved.

[0195] Next, to better understand the positional relationship between lens 5-2 and elastic element 5-60, refer to Figures 5-4 to 5-6. Figure 5-4 is a cross-sectional view along the line 5-A-5-A' in Figure 5-1. Figure 5-5 is a plan view of lens unit 5-1 with the outer frame 5-10, housing 5-20, and framework 5-30 omitted according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5-6 is a stereoscopic view of lens unit 5-1 with the outer frame 5-10, housing 5-20, and framework 5-30 omitted according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0196] As shown in Figure 5-4, in this embodiment, lens 5-2 has a first lens 5-201, a second lens 5-202, and multiple lenses between the first lens 5-201 and the second lens 5-202. The number of lenses between the first lens 5-201 and the second lens 5-202 can be added or reduced according to the user's needs. The position of the first lens 5-201 faces the first perforation 5-12 of the outer frame 5-10, and the position of the second lens 5-202 faces the second perforation 5-14 of the outer frame 5-10, with the first lens 5-201 being closer to the incident light 5-IN than the second lens 5-202. As shown in Figure 5-4, the distance 5-d1 between the first lens 5-201 and the first perforation 5-12 is smaller than the distance 5-d2 between the second lens 5-202 and the second perforation 5-14. Since distance 5-d1 is different from distance 5-d2, lens 5-2 is not located in the center of lens unit 5-1. Therefore, the element with the larger volume is placed between the second lens 5-202 and the second side wall 5-13, achieving the effect of miniaturizing the device.

[0197] As shown in Figures 5-5 and 5-6, the four elastic elements 5-60 are further defined as the first elastic element 5-60A, the second elastic element 5-60B, the third elastic element 5-60C, and the fourth elastic element 5-60D. The first elastic element 5-60A and the second elastic element 5-60B are close to the first lens 5-201 and the incident light 5-IN, while the third elastic element 5-60C and the fourth elastic element 5-60D are close to the second lens 5-202.

[0198] As described above, the first elastic element 5-60A and the second elastic element 5-60B are close to the first lens 5-201, and the third elastic element 5-60C and the fourth elastic element 5-60D are close to the second lens 5-202. When viewed along one direction parallel to the central axis 5-M, the virtual line 5-I1 connecting the first elastic element 5-60A and the second elastic element 5-60B partially overlaps with the first lens 5-201. On the other hand, the virtual line 5-I2 connecting the third elastic element 5-60C and the fourth elastic element 5-60D does not overlap with the second lens 5-202.

[0199] Next, refer to Figure 5-7. Figure 5-7 shows a lens unit 5-1 and a drive unit 5-6 according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5-7, the first drive assembly 5-90 is electrically connected to the external drive unit 5-6. Thus, the second drive assembly 5-40 is electrically connected to the external drive unit 5-6 by the first drive assembly 5-90. The drive unit 5-6 includes a drive IC, a control IC, etc. In response to compensation information, the drive unit 5-6 moves or rotates the movable part 5-P2 and / or the second drive assembly 5-40 relative to the holder 5-50 using the first drive assembly 5-90.

[0200] The first drive assembly 5-90 and the second drive assembly 5-40 simultaneously perform position correction and displacement compensation, allowing the lens unit 5-1 to have a wide correction range and to correct the position of the holder 5-50 even more quickly. This results in good operating results.

[0201] Here, the maximum distance that the first drive assembly 5-90 moves the movable part 5-P2 relative to the fixed part 5-P1 is defined as the first limited movement range. In other words, the movable part 5-P2 moves within the first limited movement range. In addition, the maximum distance that the second drive assembly 5-40 moves the holder 5-50 relative to the base 5-80 is defined as the second limited movement range. In other words, the holder 5-50 moves within the second limited movement range.

[0202] It should be noted that the sum of the first and second limited movement ranges of the lens unit 5-1 of this invention is designed to be smaller than the distance between the movable part 5-P2 and the fixed part 5-P1. As a result, even when the first drive assembly 5-90 moves to its maximum distance (first limited movement range) and / or the second drive assembly 5-40 moves to its maximum distance (second limited movement range), the movable part 5-P2 will not yet collide with the fixed part 5-P1, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the lens unit 5-1 and extending its lifespan.

[0203] The compensation information includes impacts or vibrations on the lens unit 5-1, as well as the distance and movement of objects. The compensation value is calculated based on the compensation information and is the total distance or angle required to correct the position of the lens unit 5-1. According to the compensation value, the first drive assembly 5-90 and the second drive assembly 5-40 operate individually or together to actually move a distance equal to the compensation value, thereby achieving position correction more quickly.

[0204] For example, when the compensation value is smaller than the first limited movement range, the first drive assembly 5-90 performs position correction independently. The first drive assembly 5-90 moves the movable part 5-P2 by a distance equal to the compensation value.

[0205] For example, when the compensation value is greater than the first limited movement range, the first drive assembly 5-90 and the second drive assembly 5-40 jointly perform position correction. The first drive assembly 5-90 moves the movable part 5-P2 by a distance equal to the first limited movement range, and the second drive assembly 5-40 moves the holder 5-50 by a distance equal to the compensation value minus the first limited movement range.

[0206] For example, when the compensation value is smaller than the second limited movement range, position correction is performed solely by the second drive assembly 5-40. The second drive assembly 5-40 moves the holder 5-50 by a distance equal to the compensation value.

[0207] For example, when the compensation value is greater than the second limited movement range, position correction is precisely performed by the first drive assembly 5-90 and the second drive assembly 5-40. The second drive assembly 5-40 moves the holder 5-50 by a distance equal to the second limited movement range of the movement, and the first drive assembly 5-90 moves the movable part 5-P2 by a distance equal to the compensation value minus the second limited movement range.

[0208] In summary, Table 1 shows the distances that the movable part 5-P and the holder 5-50 move under different conditions. The compensation value is the sum of the distance that the first drive assembly 5-90 moves the movable part 5-P2 and the distance that the second drive assembly 5-40 moves the holder 5-50. Table 1. Distance traveled by the movable part 5-P2 and holder 5-50 under different conditions. [Table 1]

[0209] Next, refer to Figures 5-8A and 5-8B simultaneously. Figures 5-8A and 5-8B are three-dimensional views of the lens unit 5-1, the reflection unit 5-3, and the lens holding unit 5-4. In Figures 5-8A and 5-8B, the arrangement of the lens unit 5-1, the reflection unit 5-3, and the lens holding unit 5-4 is different.

[0210] As shown in Figure 5-8A, the reflective unit 5-3 is positioned adjacent to the first side wall 5-11 of the outer frame 5-10 of the lens unit 5-1. It should be noted that the direction of the incident light 5-IN in Figure 5-8A is different from the direction of the incident light 5-IN in Figure 5-4. The direction of the incident light 5-IN in Figure 5-8A is parallel to the Y-axis, while the direction of the incident light 5-IN in Figure 5-4 is parallel to the Z-axis. This is because the reflective unit 5-3 changes the direction of the incident light 5-IN, adjusting the direction of propagation of the incident light 5-IN to be substantially parallel to the optical axis 5-0 of the lens 5-2, i.e., parallel to the Z-axis. This is why the direction of the incident light 5-IN is shown parallel to the optical axis 5-0 of the lens 5-2 in Figure 5-4.

[0211] To further understand the structure of the reflective unit 5-3, refer to Figures 5-9 and 5-10. Figure 5-9 is a stereoscopic view of the reflective unit 5-3 according to several embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5-10 is a cross-sectional view along the line 5-B-5-B' in Figure 5-9. The reflective unit 5-3 includes an optical path adjustment element 5-301 and an optical path adjustment element drive assembly 5-302.

[0212] The optical path adjustment element 5-301 is a mirror, a reflective prism, a beam splitter, etc. The incident light 5-IN is received by the optical path adjustment element 5-301. In addition, the direction of the incident light 5-IN is adjusted by the rotation of the optical path adjustment element 5-301. The optical path adjustment element drive assembly 5-302 has two optical path adjustment element drive magnetic elements 5-303 and two corresponding optical path adjustment element drive coils 5-304. When current is supplied to the optical path adjustment element drive coils 5-304, electromagnetic induction occurs between the optical path adjustment element drive coils 5-304 and the optical path adjustment element drive magnetic elements 5-303, thereby causing the optical path adjustment element drive assembly 5-302 to rotate the optical path adjustment element 5-301 on a second rotation axis 5-R2 perpendicular to the central axis 5-0 of the lens unit 5-1.

[0213] Refer again to Figures 5-8A and 5-8B. Lens holding unit 5-4 holds another lens 5-5. As shown in Figure 5-8A, lens holding unit 5-4 is installed adjacent to the second side wall 5-13 of the outer frame 5-10 of lens unit 5-1, so lens unit 5-1 is installed between lens holding unit 5-4 and reflective unit 5-3. As shown in Figure 5-8B, lens holding unit 5-4 is installed adjacent to reflective unit 5-3, so reflective unit 5-3 is installed between lens unit 5-1 and lens holding unit 5-4. Lens 5-2 in lens unit 5-1 and the other lens 5-5 in lens holding unit 5-4 take separate images. Thus, when installed on an electronic device, a double lens is formed, increasing applicability.

[0214] The reflective unit 5-3 receives incident light 5-IN and changes the direction of the incident light 5-IN, and the lens holding unit 5-4 is the corresponding receiving unit. Conversely, that is, the lens holding unit 5-4 is the light emitting unit and the reflective unit 5-3 is the corresponding receiving unit. By structured light, infrared light, or ultrasound, the present invention achieves depth sensing and spatial scanning effects. In addition, the present invention can be applied to spatial planning, compensates for environmental impacts, improves image and video blur in poor lighting and weather conditions, and increases the quality during shooting and recording.

[0215] Figures 5-11 and 5-12 show a lens unit 5-1A according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5-11 is a stereoscopic view of the lens unit 5-1A. Figure 5-12 is a cross-sectional view along line 5-C-5-C' in Figure 5-11. In the following description, the same elements are indicated by the same reference numerals, the same content is omitted, and similar elements are indicated by similar reference numerals.

[0216] Lens units 5-1A and 5-1 are substantially the same, the only difference being that the housing 5-20A of lens unit 5-1A replaces the housing 5-20 and framework 5-30 of lens unit 5-1, and the housing 5-20A of lens unit 5-1A is made of plastic. As shown in Figure 5-12, a housing space 5-22A is formed on the housing 5-20A to accommodate the X-axis magnet 5-41, i.e., a part of the second drive assembly 5-40. Thus, the overall structure of lens unit 5-1A is simple, reducing manufacturing costs and improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0217] Lens units 5-1 and 5-1A can also be applied to the lens units of optical modules 1-B1000, 1-B3000, 1-C1000, 1-C3000, 1-D1000, 1-D3000, and 12-1000 in embodiments of the present invention.

[0218] Based on this disclosure, a bias element formed from a shape memory alloy improves the speed and accuracy of displacement compensation of the lens unit of the present invention, thereby achieving autofocus or optical image stabilization. In addition, displacement compensation of the lens unit in this embodiment is performed simultaneously by a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly, thereby improving the compensation efficiency. Furthermore, the lens unit of the present invention is coupled with a reflection unit and a lens holding unit to achieve depth sensing and spatial scanning effects.

[0219] Embodiment of Group 6

[0220] First, Figures 6-1, 6-2A, and 6-3 are stereoscopic views, exploded views, and cross-sectional views along line 6-A-A' in Figure 6-1 of an image acquisition device 6-1 according to several embodiments of the present invention. The image acquisition device 6-1 mainly comprises a case 6-100, a base 6-200, and other elements installed between the case 6-100 and the base 6-200. For example, in Figure 6-2A, the first holder 6-300, the first drive element 6-310 (having a first magnetic element 6-312 and a second magnetic element 6-314), the first lens unit 6-320, the upper spring 6-330, the lower spring 6-332, the second holder 6-400, the second lens unit 6-420, the aperture unit 6-500 (having an aperture holder 6-510, an aperture 6-520, a spring 6-530, and a magnetic element 6-540), and the spacer 6-700 are installed between the case 6-100 and the bottom 6-200. Furthermore, the image acquisition device 6-1 further has an image sensor 6-600 installed on the other side of the bottom 6-200 relative to the aforementioned elements, and the image sensor 6-600 is installed on the substrate 6-S.

[0221] Case 6-100 and bottom 6-200 are joined together to form the outer case of the image capture device 6-1. It should be noted that the case opening 6-110 and the bottom opening 6-210 are formed on case 6-100 and bottom 6-200, respectively. The center of the case opening 6-110 corresponds to the optical axis 6-9 of the first lens unit 6-320 and the second lens unit 6-420, and the bottom opening 6-210 corresponds to the image sensor 6-600. Therefore, the first lens unit 6-320 and the second lens unit 6-420, which are installed in the image capture device 6-1 and the image sensor 6-600, perform image focusing in the direction of the optical axis 6-0 (i.e., the Z direction). In some embodiments, the case 6-100 and the bottom 6-200 are formed of a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic) to prevent short circuits or electrical interference between the first lens unit 6-320 or the second lens unit 6-420 and other electronic elements. In some embodiments, the case 6-100 and the bottom 6-200 are formed of metal to increase the mechanical strength of the case 6-100 and the bottom 6-200.

[0222] The first holder 6-300 has a through-hole 6-302, and the first lens unit 6-320 is fixed in the through-hole 6-302. For example, the first lens unit 6-320 is fixed to the through-hole 6-302 by locking, bonding, or coupling, but is not limited to these. The second magnetic element 6-314 is, for example, a coil and is installed around the outer surface of the first holder 6-300. The first magnetic element 6-312 is, for example, a magnetic element, such as a magnet or a multipolar electromagnet, and the first magnetic element 6-312 is fixed in the case 6-100. The first drive element 6-310 (including the first magnetic element 6-312 and the second magnetic element 6-314) is installed in the case 6-100 and corresponds to the first lens unit 6-320, and the first drive element 6-310 is used to move the first lens unit 6-320 relative to the case 6-100.

[0223] In particular, the interaction between the first magnetic element 6-312 and the second magnetic element 6-314 generates a magnetic force, which moves the first holder 6-300 relative to the case 6-100 along the Z direction, achieving rapid focusing. Furthermore, the second holder 6-400 has a through-hole 6-402, and the second lens unit 6-420 is fixed within the through-hole 6-402. For example, the second lens unit 6-420 is fixed within the through-hole 6-402 by locking, bonding, or coupling, but is not limited to this. By providing the first lens unit 6-320 and the second lens unit 6-420 corresponding to the same optical axis 6-0, the image capture space of the image capture device 6-1 is increased, improving the image capture quality.

[0224] In this embodiment, the first holder 6-300 and the first lens unit 6-320 installed in the first holder 6-300 are movable and installed in the case 6-100. More specifically, the first holder 6-300 is suspended in the case 6-100 by an upper spring 6-330 and a lower spring 6-332 (Figure 6-3) made of metal. The upper spring 6-330 and the lower spring 6-332 are installed on both sides of the first holder 6-300. When current flows through the second magnetic element 6-314, the second magnetic element 6-314 interacts with the magnetic field of the first magnetic element 6-312 to generate an electromagnetic force, which moves the first holder 6-300 and the first lens unit 6-320 along the optical axis 6-0 direction relative to the case 6-100, thereby achieving autofocus. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second holder 6-400 and the second lens unit 6-420 within the second holder 6-400 are fixed within the case 6-100. As a result, autofocus is achieved simply by adjusting the position of the first holder 6-300 and the first lens unit 6-320 within the first holder 6-300, reducing the number of required elements and achieving miniaturization.

[0225] Furthermore, the substrate 6-S is, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and is fixed to the bottom 6-200 by adhesive. In this embodiment, the substrate 6-S is electrically connected to other electronic elements installed in or outside the image acquisition device 6-1. For example, the substrate 6-S transmits electronic signals to the second magnetic element 6-314 via an upper spring 6-330 or a lower spring 6-332 to control the movement of the first holder 6-300 along the X, Y, or Z direction. It should be noted that the coil is formed on the substrate 6-S (for example, a flat printed coil, not shown). As a result, a magnetic force is formed between the substrate 6-S and the first magnetic element 6-312, moving the first holder 6-300 along a direction parallel to the optical axis 6-0 (Z direction) or a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 6-0 (parallel to the XY plane) to achieve autofocus (AF) or optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0226] In some embodiments, a position sensor (not shown) is installed in the image acquisition device 6-1 to detect the position of elements in the image acquisition device 6-1. The position sensor is a suitable position sensor, such as a Hall, MR (Magneto Resistance), GMR (Giant Magneto Resistance), or TMR (Tunneling Magneto Resistance) sensor.

[0227] In aperture unit 6-500, aperture 6-520 is mounted on aperture holder 6-510 and has an aperture 6-522 that controls the amount of light passing through aperture unit 6-500. Generally, when the diameter of aperture 6-522 of aperture 6-520 is increased, the luminous flux of incident light increases. As a result, when applied to low-luminance environments, the influence of background signals is reduced, and image noise is avoided. Furthermore, in high-luminance environments, reducing the diameter of aperture 6-522 of aperture 6-520 increases image sharpness and prevents overexposure of image sensor 6-600.

[0228] In some embodiments, a spring 6-530 and a magnetic element 6-540 are installed on the aperture holder 6-510 to move the aperture unit 6-500 relative to the case 6-100. For example, the magnetic element 6-540 is a coil, and it interacts with the magnetic field of the first magnetic element 6-312 to move the aperture unit 6-500 along the direction of the optical axis 6-0 (Z direction) to achieve autofocus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the spring 6-530 and the magnetic element 6-540 may not be installed, and the aperture unit 6-500 may be installed on the first lens unit 6-320 to move the aperture unit 6-500 and the first holder 6-300 together. As a result, the number of elements used is reduced, and miniaturization is achieved.

[0229] Furthermore, a spacer 6-700 is installed between the first holder 6-300 and the aperture unit 6-500 to prevent them from colliding with each other when the first holder 6-300 moves relative to the aperture unit 6-500. In addition, in some embodiments, the aperture unit 6-500 is fixed on the case 6-100, and optical image stabilization or autofocus is achieved simply by moving the first lens unit 6-320 or the second lens unit 6-420. As a result, the number of required elements is reduced, achieving miniaturization.

[0230] Although the aperture 6-520 of the aperture unit 6-500 is described as having a fixed diameter, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, a drive element 6-550 (e.g., a spring, magnet, coil, etc.) is provided in the case 6-100 to adjust the diameter of the aperture 6-520 of the aperture unit 6-500. In this embodiment, the aperture 6-520 is formed from a plurality of adjustable parts (e.g., a plurality of aperture elements having different diameters, or a movable element that is combined to form a device having different diameters). As a result, the amount of light rays passing through the aperture unit 6-500 is controlled to meet different requirements for image acquisition.

[0231] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6-2A, the second holder 6-400 and the second lens unit 6-420 within the second holder 6-400 are fixed in the case 6-100, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, Figure 6-2B is an exploded view of an image acquisition device 6-2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the image acquisition device 6-2 and the image acquisition device 6-1 is that the image acquisition device 6-2 further has a second drive element 6-410 (including a third magnetic element 6-412 and a fourth magnetic element 6-414), an upper spring and a lower spring (not shown) corresponding to the second lens unit 6-420 and installed on the second holder 6-400, to move the second lens unit 6-420 relative to the case 6-100. The third magnetic element 6-412 is, for example, a magnet, and the fourth magnetic element 6-414 is, for example, a coil.

[0232] As a result, when current is supplied to the fourth magnetic element 6-414, the fourth magnetic element 6-414 interacts with the magnetic field of the third magnetic element 6-412 to generate an electromagnetic force, which moves the second holder 6-400 and the second lens unit 6-420 relative to the case 6-100 along the optical axis 6-0 (Z direction), thereby achieving autofocus.

[0233] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the third magnetic element 6-412 is omitted, and the fourth magnetic element 6-414 interacts with the magnetic field of the first magnetic element 6-312 to move the second holder 6-400 and the second lens unit 6-420 relative to the case 6-100 along the optical axis 6-0. In this embodiment, a spacer (not shown) is placed between the second holder 6-400 and the aperture unit 6-500 to prevent collision between them during their movement. Furthermore, since the third magnetic element 6-412 is omitted, the size of the image acquisition device 6-2 is further reduced, achieving miniaturization.

[0234] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the opening unit 6-500 is fixed to the second holder 6-400, the third magnetic element 6-412 and the fourth magnetic element 6-414 are shared between the second holder 6-400 and the opening unit 6-500, the second holder 6-400 and the opening unit 6-500 are moved together, and it is not necessary to install the spring 6-530 and magnet 6-540 on the opening unit 6-500 as in the above embodiments. As a result, the number of elements used is reduced, achieving miniaturization.

[0235] Referring to Figure 6-4, the positional relationships between some elements of the image acquisition device 6-1 in Figure 6-1 are shown. In Figure 6-4, for simplicity, only the first lens unit 6-320, the second lens unit 6-420, the aperture unit 6-500, and the image sensor 6-600 are shown.

[0236] The first lens unit 6-320 includes a lens barrel 6-322, a first lens 6-324 installed within the lens barrel 6-322, and a second lens 6-326. The inner surface of the lens barrel 6-322 has a first bearing surface 6-322A and a second bearing surface 6-322B. In this embodiment, the lens barrel 6-322 contacts the first lens 6-324 via the first bearing surface 6-322A and contacts the second lens 6-326 via the second bearing surface 6-322B. The diameter 6-D1 of the first lens 6-324 is smaller than the diameter 6-D2 of the second lens 6-326, and the aperture unit 6-500, the first lens 6-324, and the second lens 6-326 are arranged in that order.

[0237] Furthermore, the second lens unit 6-420 includes a lens barrel 6-422, and a first lens 6-424 and a second lens 6-426 installed within the lens barrel 6-422. The inner surface of the lens barrel 6-422 has a first bearing surface 6-422A and a second bearing surface 6-422B. In this embodiment, the lens barrel 6-422 contacts the first lens 6-424 via the first bearing surface 6-422A and contacts the second lens 6-426 via the second bearing surface 6-422B. The diameter 6-D3 of the first lens 6-424 is smaller than the diameter 6-D4 of the second lens 6-426, and the aperture unit 6-500, the first lens 6-424, and the second lens 6-426 are arranged in that order.

[0238] The first lenses 6-324 and 6-424, and the second lenses 6-326 and 6-426 are, for example, convex lenses that collect light rays from the external environment of the image capture device 6-1 in a desired direction. As a result, when light rays 6-L1 from the external environment enter the image capture device 6-1 along the Z direction (shown in Figure 6-4), the light rays 6-L1 pass sequentially through the second lens unit 6-420, the aperture unit 6-500, and the first lens unit 6-320, and reach the image sensor 6-600. As a result, an image is formed on the sensing surface 6-602 on the image sensor 6-600.

[0239] As a result, as shown in the embodiments described above, the angle and width of the light rays passing through the aperture unit 6-500 are controlled by controlling the position of the aperture unit 6-500. As a result, the brightness of the received image is controlled to obtain an image with the desired quality. Furthermore, since the light rays passing through the aperture 6-502 of the aperture unit 6-500 are not parallel, the light rays are allowed to generate an image on the image sensor 6-600. By arranging the aperture unit 6-500, a smaller first lens 6-324 (or 6-424), and a larger second lens 6-324 (or 6-424) in sequence, the incident light 6-L1 is focused by the aperture unit 6-500 and passes through the smaller diameter aperture unit 6-500, meeting different design requirements.

[0240] By providing an aperture unit 6-500 between the first lens unit 6-320 and the second lens unit 6-420, the diameter of the aperture 6-502 of the aperture unit 6-500 is reduced, increasing the depth of the received image. Furthermore, the first lens unit 6-320 and the second lens unit 6-420 form a symmetrical structure on both sides of the aperture unit 6-500, further increasing the sharpness of the received image. In addition, the first lens unit 6-320, the second lens unit 6-420, and the aperture unit 6-500 are packaged together in a single image acquisition device (e.g., image acquisition device 6-1), reducing process complexity and increasing yield. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the aperture unit 6-500, the second lens unit 6-420, the first lens unit 6-320, and the image sensor 6-600 are arranged in sequence to meet specific design requirements.

[0241] In conventional portable electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones), it is desirable to reduce the thickness of the image acquisition device (in the Z direction) to achieve miniaturization. As a result, a reflective unit is installed in the aforementioned image acquisition device to change the direction of light propagation, and several elements are arranged in a direction different from the Z direction (e.g., the X direction or the Y direction) to reduce the size of the electronic device in the Z direction. For example, referring to Figure 6-5, the positional relationships of several elements in an image acquisition device 6-3 according to several embodiments of the present invention are shown. Similar to Figure 6-4, some elements of the image acquisition device 6-3 are omitted in Figure 6-5.

[0242] In Figure 6-5, the image acquisition device 6-3 mainly comprises a first lens unit 6-320, a second lens unit 6-420, an aperture unit 6-500, an image sensor 6-600, and a reflection unit 6-800. In this embodiment, the reflection unit 6-800 is installed on an inclined surface (not shown) of case 6-100. The second lens unit 6-420 and the reflection unit 6-800 are arranged in the Z direction. The aperture unit 6-500 and the first lens unit 6-320 are installed between the reflection unit 6-800 and the image sensor 6-600, and the reflection unit 6-800, aperture unit 6-500, first lens unit 6-320, and image sensor 6-600 are arranged in the X direction. That is, the reflection unit 6-800 is installed between the aperture unit 6-500 and the second lens unit 6-420.

[0243] The reflective unit 6-800 is an element that reflects light rays, such as a prism, and has a reflective surface 6-802, a side 6-804 (first side), and a side 6-806 (second side). By assigning lens units (e.g., first lens unit 6-320 and second lens unit 6-420), reflective unit 6-800, aperture unit 6-500, etc., to the same image acquisition device (i.e., modularization method), image quality improves as the size of the image acquisition device 6-3 decreases, and tolerances when different modules are assembled together are reduced. Thus, image acquisition quality is further improved.

[0244] In this embodiment, the second lens unit 6-420 is mounted on the side corresponding to side 6-804 (first side), the first lens unit 6-320 and the aperture unit 6-500 are mounted on the other side corresponding to side 6-806 (second side), and side 6-804 and side 6-806 are not parallel to each other. It should be noted that the first bearing surface 6-322A of the first lens unit 6-320 and the first bearing surface 6-422A of the second lens unit 6-420 are oriented in different directions in this embodiment. Furthermore, in some embodiments, there is no additional lens between the first lens unit 6-320 and the second lens unit 6-420. That is, when light rays 6-L2 from the external environment pass through the second lens unit 6-420, the light rays 6-L2 from the external environment do not pass through any lens before entering the first lens unit 6-320. As a result, the size of the image acquisition device 6-3 is reduced, and miniaturization is achieved.

[0245] Therefore, when light rays 6-L2 from the external environment enter the image capture device 6-3 in the Z direction, the light rays 6-L2 pass through the second lens unit 6-420 and are reflected by the reflective surface 6-80 of the reflection unit 6-800, the reflective surface 6-802 being approximately parallel to the Y direction and inclined with respect to the X and Z directions. Subsequently, the reflected light rays 6-L2 pass through the aperture aperture 6-502 of the aperture unit 6-500 and the first lens unit 6-320 along a direction approximately equal to the X direction, reaching the image sensor 6-600, where an image is formed on the sensing surface 6-602 of the image sensor 6-600. Since the reflection unit 6-800, aperture unit 6-500, first lens unit 6-320, and image sensor 6-600 are arranged along the X direction rather than the Z direction, the size of the image capture device 6-3 in the Z direction is reduced, and miniaturization is achieved.

[0246] A suitable driving element, such as a spring, magnet, or coil, is installed on the reflective unit 6-800 to rotate the reflective unit 6-800, thereby changing the direction of the light rays directed at the reflective unit 6-800. For example, the reflective unit 6-800 rotates relative to the case 6-100 (Figure 6-2) along axis 6-R in Figure 6-5. In this embodiment, axis 6-R is substantially parallel to the Y direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a suitable driving element is provided to rotate the reflective unit 6-800 around an axis parallel to the X or Z direction. As a result, the image capture surface 6-3 captures images from different directions, increasing the flexibility of the image capture device.

[0247] In some embodiments, the reflective unit 6-800 does not rotate, and the first lens unit 6-320 performs autofocus along the X-axis. Furthermore, in another embodiment, when the reflective unit 6-800 rotates on axis 6-R, the first lens unit 6-320 performs autofocus and simultaneously rotates along one direction parallel to the X-direction.

[0248] Furthermore, in some embodiments, an additional lens unit is provided between the reflective unit 6-800 and the aperture unit 6-500. For example, Figure 6-6 shows the positional relationships of some elements of an image acquisition device 6-4 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 6-6, in addition to the first lens unit 6-320 and the second lens unit 6-420, an additional third lens unit 6-920 is provided between the reflective unit 6-800 and the aperture unit 6-500. The third lens unit 6-920 has the same or similar structure as the first lens unit 6-320 or the second lens unit 6-420. For example, in some embodiments, the third lens unit 6-920 has a lens barrel 6-922 and a first lens 6-924 and a second lens 6-926 installed in the lens barrel 6-922.

[0249] The inner surface of the lens barrel 6-922 has a first bearing surface 6-922A and a second bearing surface 6-922B. In this embodiment, the lens barrel 6-922 contacts the first lens 6-924 via the first bearing surface 6-922A and contacts the second lens 6-926 via the second bearing surface 6-922B. The diameter 6-D5 of the first lens 6-924 is smaller than the diameter 6-D6 of the second lens 6-926, and the aperture unit 6-500, the first lens 6-924, and the second lens 6-926 are arranged in order. Furthermore, by installing a third lens unit 6-920 in the image acquisition device 6-4, the light ray 6-L3 passes through even more lenses, increasing the image acquisition space, thereby enabling the image acquisition device 6-4 to obtain a good image.

[0250] In some embodiments, the second lens unit 6-420 is omitted, further reducing the size in the Z direction. For example, Figure 6-7 shows the positional relationships of some elements of an image capture device 6-5 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The difference between the image capture device 6-5 in Figure 6-7 and the embodiments described above is that the image capture device 6-5 does not have a second lens unit 6-420 that is positioned with the reflective unit 6-800 in the Z direction. As a result, light rays 6-L4 from the external environment pass directly through and are reflected by the reflective unit 6-800, pass through the aperture unit 6-500, and enter the first lens unit 6-320, thereby forming an image on the sensing surface 6-602 of the image sensor 6-600. This arrangement further reduces the size of the image capture device 6-5 in the Z direction, further reducing the thickness in the Z direction of an electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone) using the image capture device 6-5.

[0251] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the aperture unit 6-500 and the first lens unit 6-320 are installed on different sides of the reflection unit 6-800. For example, Figure 6-8 shows the positional relationships of some elements of an image capture device 6-6 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 6-8, the aperture unit 6-500 is installed on one side of the reflection unit 6-800 corresponding to side 6-804, and the first lens unit 6-320 is installed on the other side of the reflection unit 6-800 corresponding to side 6-806. As a result, light rays 6-L5 from the external environment have their direction of travel changed by the aperture unit 6-500, are reflected by the reflection unit 6-800, then pass through the first lens unit 6-320, and form an image on the sensing surface 6-602 of the image sensor 6-600, thereby meeting different design requirements. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, image acquisition devices 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-5, and 6-6 are applied in optical modules 1-A1000, 1-A2000, 1-A3000, 1-B2000, 1-C2000, 1-D2000, and 12-2000 in this embodiment. Furthermore, ray intensity adjustment assemblies 7-50, optical systems 8-1, aperture units 9-1, and aperture units 10-1 according to some embodiments of the present invention are applied in image acquisition devices 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-5, and 6-6.

[0252] In summary, the present invention provides an image capture device. By changing the position of the aperture unit in the image capture device, the image quality received by the image capture device is improved, satisfying different image capture requirements. Furthermore, by providing a reflective unit in the image capture device, the thickness of the electronic device using this image capture device is reduced, achieving miniaturization. In addition, by installing lens units, reflective units, aperture units, etc., in the same image capture device (i.e., modular division method), image quality is improved, the size of the image capture device is reduced, tolerances when different modules are assembled together are reduced, and image capture quality is further improved.

[0253] Embodiment of Group 17

[0254] First, referring to Figure 7-1, which is a three-dimensional exploded view of an optical element driving mechanism 7-1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the optical element driving mechanism 7-1 comprises a base 7-10, an upper cover 7-20, a holder 7-30, a holder driving mechanism 7-35, a frame 7-40, a ray intensity adjustment assembly 7-50, and two optical element stopping members 7-60.

[0255] The base 7-10 is coupled with the upper cover 7-20 to form the housing 7-G of the optical element drive mechanism 7-1. The base 7-10 constitutes the bottom wall 7-10A of the housing 7-10G, and the upper cover 7-20 constitutes the top wall 7-20A and four side walls 7-20B of the housing 7-G. The base 7-10 has an aperture 7-10B facing an image sensor (not shown) located outside the optical element drive mechanism 7-1. The upper cover 7-20 has an aperture 7-20C. The center of the aperture 7-20C corresponds to the optical axis 7-0 of the optical element 7-100. The optical element 7-100 has an aperture 7-110, and the light ray 7-200 passes through the optical element 7-100 from the aperture 7-110, and the optical axis 7-0 is parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0256] The holder 7-30 is located between the base 7-10 and the upper cover 7-20. The holder 7-30 is movably mounted on the frame 7-40. The holder 7-30 is suspended from the inside of the center of the frame 7-40 by upper and lower springs (not shown) made of metal. The holder 7-30 has a through-hole 7-30A. A corresponding thread structure (not shown) is formed between the through-hole 7-30A and the optical element 7-100, so that the optical element 7-100 is locked in the through-hole 7-30A. The holder 7-30 and the optical element 7-100 move relative to the frame 7-40 in the direction of the optical axis 7-0.

[0257] The holder drive mechanism 7-35 has four drive magnetic elements 7-351 and a drive coil 7-352. The drive magnetic elements 7-351 are mounted on the frame 7-40. In some embodiments, the number of drive magnetic elements is two. The drive coil 7-352 is mounted on the outer surface of the holder 7-30. More specifically, the drive coil 7-352 is wound on the outer surface of the holder 7-30 opposite to the frame 7-40. When current is wound around the drive coil 7-352, the drive coil 7-352 acts with the magnetic field of the drive magnetic elements to generate an electromagnetic force, which moves the holder 7-30 and the optical element 7-100 relative to the frame 7-40 in the direction of the optical axis 7-0.

[0258] Frame 7-40 is movably connected to base 7-10 and holder 7-30. Frame 7-40 has a frame body 7-40A, a first axis 7-41, and a second axis 7-42. Frame body 7-40A is located on base 7-10. The first axis 7-41 and the second axis 7-42 are integrally formed with frame body 7-40A. Therefore, the first axis 7-41 and the second axis 7-42 are fixed to frame body 7-40A and do not rotate. In addition, the first axis 7-41 and the second axis 7-42 are parallel to each other but do not touch.

[0259] The ray intensity adjustment assembly 7-50 is mounted on the frame 7-40. The ray intensity adjustment assembly 7-50 includes a first shutter 7-51, a second shutter 7-52, a shutter drive component 7-53, a support plate 7-54, and an upper cover 7-55. The ray intensity adjustment assembly 7-50 adjusts the light beam to the optical element 7-100.

[0260] The first shutter 7-51 is mounted on the frame 7-40. As shown in Figure 7-2A, the first shutter 7-51 has a first block portion 7-511 and a first extension portion 7-512. The first block portion 7-511 is an arc-shaped portion of the first shutter 7-51, and therefore blocks the opening 7-110 of the optical element 7-100. The first extension portion 7-512 has a protruding first stop component 7-51A. The first extension portion 7-512 extends from the side cut of the first block portion 7-511, that is, the first extension portion 7-512 has two sides that have the characteristics of a side cut, and these two sides that have the characteristics of a side cut gradually approach each other. Therefore, the diameter of the first block portion 7-511 is greater than the distance between the two sides that have the characteristics of a side cut. In this embodiment, the first block portion 7-511 has an aperture 7-511A that allows a portion of the light ray 7-200 to enter the optical element 7-100 through apertures 7-511A and 7-110, thereby achieving the effect of limiting the light beam to the optical element 7-100. The first extension portion 7-512 has two apertures 7-512A and 7-512B. The first axis 7-41 passes through aperture 7-512A. The function of the first stop component 7-51A is described below.

[0261] The second shutter 7-52 is installed between the first shutter 7-51 and the frame 7-40. As shown in Figure 7-2B, the second shutter has a second block portion 7-521 and a second extension portion 7-522. The second block portion 7-521 is an arc-shaped portion of the second shutter 7-52, and therefore the second block portion 7-521 blocks the aperture 7-110 of the optical element 7-100. The second extension portion 7-522 has a protruding second stop portion 7-52A. The second extension portion 7-522 extends from the second block portion 7-521 by a side cut, that is, the second extension portion 7-522 has two sides with side cut characteristics, and these two sides with side cut characteristics gradually approach each other. Therefore, the diameter of the second block portion 7-521 is greater than the distance between the two sides with side cut characteristics. In this embodiment, the second block portion 7-521 completely blocks the aperture 7-110 of the optical element 7-100, preventing the light ray 7-200 from entering the optical element 7-100 through the aperture 7-110, thereby achieving a limiting effect on the light beam to the optical element 7-100. The second extension portion 7-522 has two apertures 7-522A and 7-522B. The second axis 7-42 passes through aperture 7-522A. The function of the second stop component 7-52A is described below.

[0262] Referring to Figure 7-1, the shutter drive component 7-53 is mounted on the frame 7-40 and positioned between the second shutter 7-52 and the frame 7-40. The shutter drive component 7-53 includes a first magnetic element 7-531, a second magnetic element 7-532, a magnetic conduit element 7-533, and a solenoid 7-534. The shutter drive component 7-53 rotates the first shutter 7-51 and the second shutter 7-52 relative to the holder 7-30 and the frame 7-40.

[0263] As shown in Figure 7-3, the first magnetic element 7-531 and the second magnetic element 7-532 are passed through the first axis 7-41 and the second axis 7-42, respectively. The first magnetic element 7-531 and the second magnetic element 7-532 have protrusions 7-531A and 7-532A. The protrusion 7-531A of the first magnetic element 7-531 passes through the opening 7-512B of the first shutter 7-51 (shown in Figure 7-2A), and the protrusion 7-532A of the second magnetic element 7-532 passes through the opening 7-522B of the second shutter 7-52 (shown in Figure 7-2B). The material of the first magnetic element 7-531 and the second magnetic element 7-532 is a permanent magnet. The magnetic conduit element 7-533 is positioned between the first magnetic element 7-531 and the second magnetic element 7-532, and extends in an extension direction 7-E perpendicular to the optical axis 7-0. The extension direction 7-E is parallel to the X-axis. In particular, the magnetic conduit element 7-533 has an elongated strip structure, and its two ends extend adjacent to the first magnetic element 7-531 and the second magnetic element 7-532, respectively. When observed along the extension direction 7-E, the center of the magnetic conduit element 7-533 does not overlap with the first axis 7-41 and the second axis 7-42. The magnetic conduit element 7-533 is formed of, for example, a magnetic material, and the magnetic material forming the magnetic conduit element 7-533 is a nickel-iron alloy. The solenoid 7-534 covers the middle portion of the magnetic conduit element 7-533. Furthermore, two ends of the magnetic conductive element 7-533 are not covered by the solenoid 7-534. The solenoid 7-534 receives current and generates a magnetic field, which rotates the first magnetic element 7-531 and the second magnetic element 7-532 on the first axis 7-41 and the second axis 7-42, respectively.

[0264] Figures 7-4A and 7-4B show the arrangement of the magnetic pole directions of the first magnetic element 7-531 and the second magnetic element 7-532. As shown in Figure 7-4A, when no current flows through the solenoid 7-534, the N-curve direction 7-N and the extension direction 7-E of the first magnetic element 7-531 and the second magnetic element 7-532 have the same angle 7-F1. Alternatively, the magnetic pole directions of the first magnetic element 7-531 and the second magnetic element 7-532 are set as shown in Figure 7-4B, and when no current flows through the solenoid 7-534, the S-pole direction 7-S and the extension direction 7-E of the first magnetic element 7-531 and the second magnetic element 7-532 have the same angle 7-F2.

[0265] Figures 7-5A, 7-5B, and 7-5C show the relative positional relationship between the first shutter 7-51 and the second shutter 7-52 of the optical element driving mechanism 7-1. The shutter driving component 7-53 drives and changes the positions of the first shutter 7-51 and the second shutter 7-52 by the incoming current. Regardless of the position of the first shutter 7-51 and the second shutter 7-52, when observed along the optical axis 7-0, the first shutter 7-51 partially overlaps with the second shutter 7-52.

[0266] The shutter drive component 7-53 moves the first shutter 7-51 between the first starting position 7-A1 and the first ending position 7-A2. When no current flows through the shutter drive component 7-53, the first magnetic element 7-531 attracts the magnetic conduit element 7-533, positioning the first shutter 7-51 at the first starting position 7-A1.

[0267] When the first shutter 7-51 is in the first starting position 7-A1, when observed along the optical axis 7-0, the first shutter 7-51 does not cover the optical element 7-100. When the first shutter 7-51 is in the first ending position 7-A2, the first shutter 7-51 partially overlaps with the optical element 7-100.

[0268] The shutter drive component 7-53 moves the second shutter 7-52 between the second starting position 7-B1 and the second ending position 7-B2. When no current flows through the shutter drive component 7-53, the second magnetic element 7-532 attracts the magnetic conduit element 7-533, positioning the second shutter 7-52 at the second starting position 7-B1.

[0269] When the second shutter 7-52 is located at the second starting position 7-B1, when observed along the optical axis 7-0, the second shutter 7-52 does not overlap with the optical element 7-100. When the second shutter 7-52 is located at the second ending position 7-B2, when observed along the optical axis 7-0, the second shutter 7-52 overlaps with the optical element 7-100. Therefore, in this situation, the second shutter 7-52 blocks the light ray 7-200 to the aperture 7-110.

[0270] Figure 7-5A shows the first shutter 7-51 and the second shutter 7-52 of the optical element driving mechanism 7-1 of the present invention, located at the first starting position 7-A1 and the second starting position 7-B1, respectively. In this situation, the light ray 7-200 entering the optical element 7-100 from the aperture 7-110 is not blocked by the first shutter 7-51 or the second shutter 7-52. Therefore, the light ray 7-200 is completely incident on the optical element 7-100 by the aperture 7-110.

[0271] Figure 7-5B shows the first shutter 7-51 and the second shutter 7-52 of the optical element driving mechanism 7-1 of the present invention, located at the first starting position 7-A1 and the second ending position 7-B2, respectively. In this situation, the light ray 7-200 entering the optical element 7-100 from the aperture 7-110 is blocked by the second shutter 7-52 but not by the first shutter 7-51. Therefore, the second shutter 7-52 prevents the light ray 7-200 from entering the optical element 7-100 through the aperture 7-110.

[0272] Figure 7-5C shows the first shutter 7-51 and the second shutter 7-52 of the optical element driving mechanism 7-1 of the present invention, located at the first end position 7-A2 and the second start position 7-B1, respectively. In this situation, the light rays 7-200 incident on the optical element 7-100 are blocked by the first shutter 7-51 through the aperture 7-110, but not by the second shutter 7-52. Therefore, the aperture 7-511A of the first shutter 7-51 allows a portion of the light rays 7-200 to enter the optical element 7-100 through the aperture 7-110.

[0273] Therefore, the large beam of light reaching the optical element 7-100 from the aperture 7-110 is controlled by the shutter drive component 7-53, which drives the first shutter 7-51 and the second shutter 7-52, thereby changing their positions.

[0274] As shown in Figures 7-6A and 7-6B, the support plate 7-54 is positioned between the second shutter 7-52 and the optical element 7-100 to prevent the first shutter 7-51 and the second shutter 7-52 from contacting the optical element 7-100. The support plate 7-54 has an aperture 7-54A, and apertures 7-54A and 7-110 allow light rays 7-200 to enter the optical element 7-100. When observed along the optical axis 7-0, the support plate 7-54 partially overlaps with the second shutter 7-52.

[0275] Referring to Figures 7-7A and 7-7B, the upper cover 7-55 is located on the first shutter 7-51. The upper cover 7-55 has an aperture 7-55A that allows light rays 7-200 to pass from aperture 7-55A to aperture 7-110. More specifically, the first shutter 7-51 is located between the upper cover 7-55 and the first magnetic element 7-531, and the second shutter 7-52 is located between the upper cover 7-55 and the second magnetic element 7-532.

[0276] As shown in Figure 7-7C, in one embodiment, the upper cover 7-55 has a first protruding portion 7-551 and a second protruding portion 7-552. When the first shutter 7-51 moves to the first starting position 7-A1, the first protruding portion 7-551 blocks the first shutter 7-51, causing it to stop at the first starting position 7-A1. Similarly, when the second shutter 7-52 moves to the second starting position 7-B1, the second protruding portion 7-552 blocks the second shutter 7-52, causing it to stop at the second starting position 7-B1. Thus, the first protruding portion 7-551 of the upper cover 7-55 restricts the range of movement of the first shutter 7-51 in the first starting position 7-A1, and the second protruding portion 7-552 of the upper cover 7-55 restricts the range of movement of the second shutter 7-52 in the second starting position 7-B1.

[0277] Referring to Figures 7-2A and 7-8, the protruding portion 7-401 located on frame 7-40 and the first stop component 7-51A located on the first shutter 7-51 constitute the first stop mechanism 7-56. When the first shutter 7-51 moves to the first end position 7-A2, the protruding portion 7-401 blocks the first stop component 7-51A, causing the first shutter 7-51 to stop at the first end position 7-A2 (as shown in Figure 7-5C). Thus, the first stop mechanism 7-56 limits the range of movement of the first shutter 7-51 within the first end position 7-A2.

[0278] Referring to Figures 7-2B and 7-8, another protruding portion 7-402 located on frame 7-40 and a second stop component 7-52A located on the second shutter 7-52 constitute the second stop mechanism 7-57. When the second shutter 7-52 moves to the second end position 7-B2, the protruding portion 7-402 blocks the second stop component 7-52A, causing the second shutter 7-52 to stop at the second end position 7-B2 (as shown in Figure 7-5B). Thus, the second stop mechanism 7-57 limits the range of movement of the second shutter 7-52 within the second end position 7-B2.

[0279] Referring to Figure 7-9, in another embodiment, the upper cover (not shown) does not have any protruding parts. In this situation, the first stop mechanism 7-56A has two protruding parts 7-401 located on the frame 7-40, and a first stop part 7-51A located on the first shutter 7-51. When the first shutter 7-51 moves to the first start position 7-A1, the protruding parts 7-401 block the first shutter 7-51, causing the first shutter 7-51 to stop at the first start position 7-A1. When the first shutter 7-51 moves to the first end position 7-A2, the protruding parts 7-401 block the first stop part 7-51A, causing the first shutter 7-51 to stop at the first end position 7-A2 (shown in Figure 7-5C). Thus, the range of movement of the first shutter 7-51 is limited solely by the first stop mechanism 7-56A. The second stop mechanism 7-57A has two additional protruding portions 7-402 located on the frame 7-40, and a second stop component 7-52A located on the second shutter 7-52. When the second shutter 7-52 moves to the second start position 7-B1, the protruding portions 7-402 block the second shutter 7-52, causing it to stop at the second start position 7-B1. When the second shutter 7-52 moves to the second end position 7-B2, the protruding portions 7-402 block the second stop component 7-52A, causing the second shutter 7-52 to stop at the second end position 7-B2 (as shown in Figure 7-5B). Thus, the range of motion of the second shutter 7-52 is limited solely by the second stop mechanism 7-57A.

[0280] As shown in Figures 7-10A and 7-10B, the optical element stopper 7-60 is mounted on the frame 7-40. The optical element stopper 7-60 extends from the holder 7-30 into the housing space (not shown) of the frame 7-40. The housing space of the frame 7-40 has a height parallel to the direction of the optical axis 7-0, and this height is greater than the height of the optical element stopper 7-60. Therefore, the optical element stopper 7-60 can move in the direction of the optical axis 7-0 within the housing space of the frame 7-40. The housing space of the frame 7-40 has a width perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis 7-0, and this width is substantially the same as the width of the optical element stopper 7-60. Therefore, the optical element stopper 7-60 is not permitted to move in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis 7-0, nor is it permitted to rotate on the optical axis 7-0. The optical element stopping members 7-60 of frame 7-40 and the housing space limit the range of movement of holder 7-30 along the optical axis 7-0, and also limit the rotation of holder 7-30.

[0281] Figure 7-11 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The structure of the optical element driving mechanism 7-2 in this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the optical element driving mechanism 7-1 in the above embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, similar parts are not repeated.

[0282] The main difference between the optical element driving mechanism 7-2 of this embodiment and the optical element driving mechanism 7-1 of the previous embodiment is that the optical element driving mechanism 7-1 of the previous embodiment has two shutters, while the optical element driving mechanism 7-2 of this embodiment has four shutters. Hereinafter, two other shutters will be described, and descriptions of other corresponding elements, structures, and arrangements can be found by referring to the previous embodiment.

[0283] As shown in Figure 7-11, the frame 7-40 of the optical element driving mechanism 7-2 in this embodiment further has a third axis 7-43 and a fourth axis 7-44 mounted on the frame body 7-40A. The third axis 7-43 and the fourth axis 7-44 are integrally formed with the frame body 7-40A. Therefore, the third axis 7-43 and the fourth axis 7-44 are fixed to the frame body 7-40A and do not rotate. In addition, the third axis 7-43 and the fourth axis 7-44 are parallel to each other and do not come into contact with each other.

[0284] The ray intensity adjustment assembly 7-50 of the optical element driving mechanism 7-2 of this embodiment further includes a third shutter 7-71, a fourth shutter 7-72, and an element similar to that of the above embodiment.

[0285] The structure of the third shutter 7-71 is similar to that of the first shutter 7-51, so the similar parts will not be repeated here. The main difference between the third shutter 7-71 and the first shutter 7-51 is that the size of the aperture 7-711A of the third block portion 7-711 of the third shutter 7-71 is different from the size of the aperture 7-511A of the first block portion 7-511 of the first shutter 7-51. Furthermore, the amount of light rays incident on the optical element 7-100 from apertures 7-711A and 7-110 is different from the amount of light rays incident on the optical element 7-100 from apertures 7-511A and 7-110.

[0286] The structure of the fourth shutter 7-72 ​​is similar to that of the first shutter 7-51 and the third shutter 7-71, and the similar parts will not be repeated here. The main difference between the fourth shutter 7-72 ​​and the first shutter 7-51 and the third shutter 7-71 is that the size of the opening 7-721A of the fourth block portion 7-721 of the fourth shutter 7-72 ​​is different from the size of the opening 7-511A of the first block portion 7-511 of the first shutter 7-51, and the size of the opening 7-711A of the third block portion 7-711 of the third shutter 7-71. Furthermore, the amount of light incident on optical element 7-100 from apertures 7-721A and 7-110 is different from the amount of light incident on optical element 7-100 from apertures 7-511A and 7-110, and the amount of light incident on optical element 7-100 from apertures 7-721A and 7-110 is different from the amount of light incident on optical element 7-100 from apertures 7-711A and 7-110.

[0287] The optical element driving mechanism 7-2 provides a third shutter 7-71 and a fourth shutter 7-72, so that the amount of light incident on the optical element can be further controlled and more options can be added.

[0288] In some embodiments, the number of shutters is 1, 3, 5, 6, or more. In fact, the number of shutters is not limited to the embodiments of the present invention. Descriptions of other corresponding elements, structures, and arrangements can be found by referring to the embodiments described above.

[0289] The aforementioned optical element driving mechanisms 7-1 and 7-2 can further be applied to optical modules 1-A1000, 1-A2000, 1-A3000, 1-B2000, 1-C2000, 1-D2000, and 12-2000 in a certain embodiment of the present invention.

[0290] Embodiment of Group 8

[0291] First, Figures 8-1, 8-2A, and 8-3 are stereoscopic views, exploded views, and cross-sectional views of the optical system 8-1 along line 8-A-8-A' according to several embodiments of the present invention. The optical system 8-1 mainly comprises an upper case 8-100, a bottom 8-200, and other elements installed between the upper case 8-100 and the bottom 8-200. The upper case 8-100 and the bottom 8-200 are defined as fixed parts of the optical system 8-1.

[0292] For example, in Figure 8-2, the substrate 8-250 (or referred to as the first drive assembly 8-250, in which the first drive coil 8-255 is incorporated), holder 8-300, second drive assembly 8-310 (having a magnetic unit 8-312 and a second drive coil 8-314), first elastic element 8-320, upper spring 8-330, lower spring 8-332, lens unit 8-340, aperture unit 8-400 (having an upper cover 8-410, base 8-420, aperture 8-430, guide element 8-440, bottom plate 8-450, and third drive assembly 8-460), frame 8-500 and size sensor 8-700 are installed between the upper case 8-100 and the bottom 8-200. Furthermore, the optical system 8-1 further includes an image sensor 8-600 mounted on another side of the bottom 8-200, relative to the aforementioned elements. It should be noted that a part that is movable relative to the fixed parts (e.g., the upper case 8-100 and the bottom 8-200) is defined as a movable part (e.g., the holder 8-300 and the frame 8-500, etc.). In other words, the movable part is movably connected to the fixed part and is used to hold the optical elements (e.g., the lens unit 8-340).

[0293] The upper case 8-100 and the bottom 8-200 are joined together to form the case of the optical system 8-1. It should be noted that the upper case opening 8-110 and the bottom opening 8-210 are formed on the upper case 8-100 and the bottom 8-200, respectively. The center of the upper case opening 8-110 corresponds to the optical axis 8-0 of the lens unit 8-340, and the bottom opening 8-210 corresponds to the image sensor 8-600, which is mounted on a fixed part (e.g., the bottom 8-200). As a result, the lens unit 8-340 installed in the optical system 8-1 performs image focusing in the direction of the optical axis 8-0 (i.e., the Z direction) by the image sensor 8-600.

[0294] In some embodiments, the upper case 8-100 and bottom 8-200 are formed of a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic) to prevent short circuits or electrical interference between the lens unit 8-340 and other electronic elements. In some embodiments, the upper case 8-100 and bottom 8-200 are formed of metal to increase their mechanical strength.

[0295] The holder 8-300 has a through-hole 8-302, and the lens unit 8-340 is fixed into the through-hole 8-302. For example, the lens unit 8-340 is fixed into the through-hole 8-302 by locking, bonding, or coupling, but is not limited to these. A second drive coil 8-314 is wound around the outer surface of the holder 8-300.

[0296] Frame 8-500 has a frame opening 8-510, and a magnetic unit 8-312 is movable and connected to frame 8-500, which is movable and connected to a fixed part by a first elastic element 8-320, an upper spring 8-330, and a lower spring 8-332. The magnetic unit 8-312 is a magnetic element, such as a magnet or a multipole magnet. A second drive assembly 8-310 (having the magnetic unit 8-312 and a second drive coil 8-314) is installed in the upper case 8-100 and moves the holder 8-300 relative to frame 8-500 in correspondence with the lens unit 8-340. In particular, a magnetic force is generated by the interaction between the magnetic unit 8-312 and the second drive coil 8-314, moving the holder 8-300 relative to the upper case 8-100 along the direction of the optical axis 8-0 (Z direction) to achieve rapid focusing.

[0297] In this embodiment, the holder 8-300 and the lens unit 8-340 installed therein are movable and installed in the upper case 8-100. More specifically, the holder 8-300 is suspended in the upper case 8-100 by an upper spring 8-330, a lower spring 8-332, and a first elastic element 8-320, which are made of metal (Figure 8-3). In some embodiments, the upper spring 8-330 and the lower spring 8-332 are installed on opposite sides of the holder 8-300, respectively, and the first elastic element 8-320 is installed in the corner of the holder 8-300. When current is supplied to the second drive coil 8-314, the second drive coil 8-314 acts with the magnetic field of the magnetic unit 8-312 to generate an electromagnetic force, which moves the holder 8-300 and the lens unit 8-340 relative to the upper case 8-100 along the optical axis 8-0 direction, thereby achieving autofocus.

[0298] Furthermore, the substrate 8-250 is a flexible printed circuit (FPC) fixed to the bottom 8-200, for example, by adhesive. In this embodiment, the substrate 8-250 is electrically connected to other electronic elements located in or outside the optical system 8-1. For example, the substrate 8-250 provides electronic signals to a second drive coil 8-314 via a first elastic element 8-320, an upper spring 8-330, or a lower spring 8-332 to control the movement of the holder 8-300 along the X, Y, or Z direction. It should be noted that the coil (for example, the first drive coil 8-255) is formed within the substrate 8-250. As a result, a magnetic force is generated between the substrate 8-250 and the magnetic unit 8-312, causing the holder 8-300 to move in a direction parallel to the optical axis 8-0 (Z direction) or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 8-0 (parallel to the XY plane), thereby achieving autofocus (AF) or optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0299] It should be noted that the aperture unit 8-400 is mounted on a movable part (e.g., holder 8-300 and frame 8-500, etc.) and corresponds to an optical element (e.g., lens unit 8-340) carried by the movable part. For example, in some embodiments, the aperture unit 8-400 is fixed to the holder 8-300. As a result, the light beam entering the lens unit 8-340 is controlled.

[0300] In some embodiments, a position sensor (not shown) is installed in the optical system 8-1 to detect the position of an element in the optical system 8-1. Furthermore, a size sensor 8-700 is installed in the fixed part to sense the size of the aperture opening 8-434. The position sensor, or size sensor 8-700, is a suitable position sensor, such as a Hall, MR (Magneto Resistance), GMR (Giant Magneto Resistance), or TMR (Tunneling Magneto Resistance) sensor.

[0301] In Figure 8-2, the aperture unit 8-400 comprises an upper cover 8-410, an aperture 8-430, a guide element 8-440, a bottom plate 8-450, and a base 8-420, all positioned along the optical axis 8-0. A space is formed between the upper cover 8-410 and the bottom plate 8-450, and the aperture 8-430 and guide element 8-440 are placed in this space to prevent the aperture 8-430 and guide element 8-440 from colliding with other elements during movement. Finally, the aforementioned elements are mounted on the base 8-420. Furthermore, the aperture unit 8-400 also includes a third drive assembly 8-460, which is mounted in a recess 8-424 of the base 8-420. In some embodiments, the base 8-420 is mounted directly on the holder 8-300, fixing the relative positions of the base 8-420, holder 8-300, and lens unit 8-340 to achieve good imaging quality. Furthermore, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 8-0 (i.e., parallel to the XY plane), the base 8-420 partially overlaps with the frame 8-500 and the magnetic element 8-312, achieving miniaturization.

[0302] Figures 8-4A to 8-4F show the upper cover 8-410, base 8-420, aperture 8-430, aperture element 8-432 within the aperture 8-430, guide element 8-440, and third drive assembly 8-460 of the opening unit 8-400, respectively.

[0303] In Figure 8-4A, the upper cover 8-410 has an upper cover opening 8-412 and a plurality of connection holes 8-414. The upper cover opening 8-412 allows light rays to pass through, and the center of the upper cover opening 8-412 corresponds to the optical axis 8-0. The connection holes 8-414 allow other elements (e.g., aperture 8-430) to connect to the upper cover 8-410. It should be noted that the plurality of connection holes 8-414 of the upper cover 8-410 are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the optical axis 8-0.

[0304] In Figure 8-4B, the base 8-420 has a base aperture 8-422, a recess 8-424, and an aperture 8-426. The aperture 8-426 contacts the recess 8-424 and the upper surface 8-428 of the base 8-420. That is, one side of the aperture 8-426 is formed on the upper surface 8-428, and the other side of the aperture 8-426 is formed in the recess 8-424. In Figure 8-4C, the aperture 8-430 is formed by a plurality of aperture elements 8-432. It should be noted that the aperture elements 8-432 are installed rotationally symmetrically with respect to the optical axis 8-0. In Figure 8-4D, the aperture elements 8-432 have a plate 8-432A, a column 8-432B, and a hole 8-432C, which are formed integrally with each other, and a bolt 8-432D installed in the hole 8-432C.

[0305] In Figure 8-4E, an opening 8-442, a plurality of guide recesses 8-444, and a connecting hole 8-446 are formed on the guide element 8-440. The guide recesses 8-444 are arranged in a rotationally symmetric manner with respect to the optical axis 8-0. In Figure 8-4F, the third drive assembly 8-460 has a drive magnetic element 8-462, two third drive coils 8-464, and two elastic elements 8-466. A transmission section 8-468 is formed on the drive magnetic element 8-462.

[0306] Two elastic elements 8-466 are installed on opposite sides of the drive magnetic element 8-462 and are arranged along the first direction (X or Y direction) from the drive magnetic element 8-462. Two third drive coils 8-464 are installed on the drive magnetic element 8-462 and on two sides of the transmission section 8-468. It should be noted that the third drive coils 8-464 are wound around the drive magnetic element 8-462. Furthermore, the third drive coils 8-464 are electrically connected to the first elastic element 8-320. The second elastic element 8-466 is a metal sheet that is compressed to supply pressure to the drive magnetic element 8-462.

[0307] Therefore, a predetermined pressure is supplied to the aperture 8-430, either directly or indirectly. For example, in this embodiment, the second elastic element 8-466 indirectly supplies a predetermined pressure to the aperture 8-430 through the transmission section 8-468 of the driving magnetic element 8-462 and the guide element 8-440. Subsequently, Figure 8-4G is a three-dimensional exploded view of the aperture unit 8-400 when viewed in the Z direction. In Figure 8-4G, when viewed along the direction of the optical axis 8-0 (Z direction), the connection hole 8-414 corresponds to the connection bolt 8-432D, the guide recess 8-444 corresponds to the column 8-32B, and the transmission section 8-468 corresponds to the connection hole 8-446.

[0308] Figures 8-5A to 8-5C show the base 8-420, the third drive assembly 8-460, the aperture 8-430, the guide element 8-440, and the aperture 8-430 itself in one state, respectively. It should be noted that in the states shown in Figures 8-5A to 8-5C, no current is supplied to the third drive assembly 8-460.

[0309] In Figure 8-5A, the drive magnetic element 8-462 is directly connected to the second elastic element 8-466, where the lengths of the left and right second elastic elements 8-466 are 8-L1 and 8-L2, respectively. In some embodiments, length 8-L1 is equal to length 8-L2. In other embodiments, length 8-L1 is different from length 8-L2. For example, based on design requirements, length 8-L1 may be longer or shorter than length 8-L2.

[0310] In Figure 8-5A, the third drive assembly 8-460 is positioned in the recess 8-424. This ensures that the optical path of the light rays passing through the optical system 8-1 is not affected by the movement of the third drive assembly 8-460. Simultaneously, in Figure 8-5B, the column 8-432B is positioned in the guide recess 8-444, and the connecting bolt 8-432D is positioned in the connecting hole 8-414 of the upper cover 8-410 (see Figure 8-4G; not shown in Figure 8-5B). Furthermore, in Figure 8-5A, one end of the transmission unit 8-468 is defined in the opening 8-426 (Figure 8-4B). Thus, the aperture element 8-432 rotates around the connecting bolt 8-432D as its axis of rotation, and the column 8-432B slides in the guide recess 8-444 to control the direction of rotation of the aperture element 8-432. In Figure 8-5C, the size of aperture opening 8-434 is 8-D1 (predetermined size). It should be noted that the size of aperture opening 8-434 is defined as the maximum size of aperture opening 8-434.

[0311] Figures 8-6A to 8-6C show the base 8-420, the third drive assembly 8-460, the aperture 8-430, the guide element 8-440, and the aperture 8-430 itself in one state, respectively. It should be noted that current is supplied to the third drive assembly 8-460. As a result, a magnetic driving force is generated between the drive magnetic element 8-462 and the third drive coil 8-464, causing the drive magnetic element 8-462 and the third drive coil 8-464 to move in the same direction.

[0312] Therefore, when compared to Figure 8-5A, the force received increases, so the size of the second elastic element 8-466 on the right side (+X direction) of Figure 8-6A decreases, and the force received decreases, so the size of the second elastic element 8-466 on the left side (-X direction) of Figure 8-6A increases. In other words, the length 8-L3 in the X direction of the second elastic element 8-466 on the right side of Figure 8-6A is smaller than the length 8-L1 in the X direction of the second elastic element 8-466 on the right side of Figure 8-5A, and the length 8-L4 in the X direction of the second elastic element 8-466 on the left side of Figure 8-6A is larger than the length 8-L2 in the X direction of the second elastic element 8-466 on the left side of Figure 8-5A. As a result, the transmission part 8-468 moves to the right (X direction) relative to the base 8-420.

[0313] Referring to Figure 8-6B, when the transmission unit 8-468 moves in the X direction, one end of the transmission unit 8-468 is placed in the connecting hole 8-446 of the guide element 8-440, so that the guide element 8-440 rotates together as indicated by the rotation direction 8-R1. Therefore, the column 8-432B of the aperture element 8-432 is pushed by the guide recess 8-444 of the guide element 8-440 (indicated by the movement direction 8-M1), and the connecting bolt 8-432D acts as the axis that rotates the aperture element 8-432 (indicated by the rotation direction 8-R1). As a result, referring to Figure 8-6C, in this state, the size 8-D2 of the aperture opening 8-434 is larger than the size 8-D1 of the aperture opening 8-434 in Figure 8-5C.

[0314] Figures 8-7A to 8-7C show the base 8-420 and third drive assembly 8-460, aperture 8-430 and guide element 8-440, and aperture 8-430 itself in one state, respectively. It should be noted that a higher current is supplied to the third drive assembly 8-460 in the state shown in Figures 8-7A to 8-7C than in the state shown in Figures 8-6A to 8-6C. As a result, a higher magnetic driving force is generated between the drive magnetic element 8-462 and the third drive coil 8-464 than in the state shown in Figures 8-6A to 8-6C, causing the drive magnetic element 8-462 and the third drive coil 8-464 to move together in the same direction.

[0315] Therefore, compared to Figure 8-6A, the length of the left (+X direction) second elastic element 8-466 in Figure 8-7A is further reduced, and the length of the left (-X direction) second elastic element 8-466 in Figure 8-7A is further increased. In other words, the length 8-L5 of the right side second elastic element 8-466 in the X direction in Figure 8-7A is shorter than the length 8-L3 of the second elastic element 8-466 in the X direction in Figure 8-6A, and the length 8-L6 of the left side second elastic element 8-466 in the X direction in Figure 8-7A is longer than the length 8-L4 of the second elastic element 8-466 in the X direction in Figure 8-6A. At this time, the transmission part 8-468 moves further to the right (X direction) relative to the base 8-420.

[0316] Subsequently, referring to Figure 8-7B, as the transmission unit 8-468 in Figure 8-7A moves further to the left (X direction), one end of the transmission unit 8-468 is placed in the connection hole 8-446 of the guide element 8-440, so that the guide element 8-440 rotates further in the direction indicated by rotation direction 8-R1. Therefore, the column 8-432B of the aperture element 8-432 is further pushed by the guide recess 8-444 of the guide element 8-440 (indicated by movement direction 8-M1), and the aperture element 8-432 rotates further around the connection bolt 8-432D as the axis of rotation, changing the size of the aperture opening 8-434. As a result, referring to Figure 8-7C, the size 8-D3 of the aperture opening 8-434 is larger than the size 8-D2 in Figure 8-6C.

[0317] Similarly, when a current in the opposite direction is supplied to the embodiment described above, the size of the aperture opening 8-434 decreases. For example, if a positive current that increases the size of the aperture opening 8-434 is supplied to the embodiment, the supply of a negative current will decrease the size of the aperture opening 8-434. On the other hand, if a negative current that increases the size of the aperture opening 8-434 is supplied to the embodiment, the supply of a positive current will decrease the size of the aperture opening 8-434. In other words, when current is supplied to the third drive assembly 8-460, the size of the aperture opening 8-434 is different from size 8-D1 (a predetermined size).

[0318] For example, Figures 8-8A to 8-8C show the base 8-420 and third drive assembly 8-460, aperture 8-430 and guide element 8-440, and aperture 8-430 itself in one state, respectively. It should be noted that, compared to the previously described embodiment, in the states shown in Figures 8-8A to 8-8C, the opposite current is supplied to the third drive assembly 8-460 compared to the previously described embodiment. As a result, a magnetic driving force in the opposite direction to that of the previously described embodiment is generated between the drive magnetic element 8-462 and the third drive coil 8-464, causing the drive magnetic element 8-462 to move in the opposite direction to that of the previously described embodiment.

[0319] Therefore, compared to Figure 8-5A, the length of the second elastic element 8-466 on the right side (+X direction) in Figure 8-8A increases, and the length of the second elastic element 8-466 on the left side (-X direction) in Figure 8-8A also increases. In other words, the length 8-L7 of the second elastic element 8-466 on the right side in the X direction in Figure 8-8A is longer than the length 8-L1 of the second elastic element 8-466 on the right side in the X direction in Figure 8-5A, and the length 8-L8 of the second elastic element 8-466 on the left side in the X direction in Figure 8-8A is shorter than the length 8-L2 of the second elastic element 8-466 on the left side in the X direction in Figure 8-5A. At the same time, the transmission part 8-468 moves to the left (-X direction) relative to the base 8-420.

[0320] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 8-8B, when the transmission unit 8-468 in Figure 8-7A moves to the left, one end of the transmission unit 8-468 is positioned in the connecting hole 8-446 of the guide element 8-440, and the guide element 8-440 rotates together as shown in rotation direction 8-R2. Therefore, the column 8-432B of the aperture element 8-432 is pushed by the guide recess 8-444 of the guide element 8-440 in a different direction (indicated by the movement direction 8-M2) than in the previously described embodiment, and the aperture element 8-432 rotates around the connecting bolt 8-432D as the axis of rotation as shown in rotation direction 8-R2. As a result, referring to Figure 8-8C, the size 8-D4 of the aperture opening 8-434 is smaller than the size 8-D1 in Figure 8-5C.

[0321] In this configuration, the size of aperture 8-434 is continuously adjusted by supplying different amounts of current to the third drive assembly 8-460. That is, in each state, the size of aperture 8-434 is arbitrarily adjusted within a specific range (e.g., sizes 8-D1, 8-D2, 8-D3, 8-D4, or other sizes), and aperture 8-434 has a rotationally symmetric structure with respect to the optical axis 8-0. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in some embodiments, the size of aperture 8-434 is adjusted in a multi-stage manner.

[0322] Typically, when the size of the aperture 8-434 is enlarged, the amount of incident light also increases, making this aperture 8-434 suitable for use in low-luminance environments. Furthermore, the effects of background noise are reduced, preventing image noise. In addition, when the size of the aperture 8-434 is reduced in high-luminance environments, the sharpness of the received image increases, and overexposure is prevented for the image sensor 8-600. In some embodiments, the aperture unit 8-400 is fixed to the lens unit 8-340, and the aperture unit 8-400 and holder 8-300 move together. Thus, the number of required elements is reduced, achieving miniaturization. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the aperture unit 8-400 is fixed to the upper case 8-100, and optical image stabilization or autofocus is achieved by moving the lens unit 8-340, reducing the number of required elements. As a result, miniaturization is achieved.

[0323] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the magnetic unit 8-312 is omitted, and the elements in the optical system 8-1 move solely by the magnetic driving force generated between the driving magnetic element 8-462 and the first driving coil 8-255 or the second driving coil 8-314. In other words, the driving magnetic element 8-462 corresponds to the first driving coil 8-255 or the second driving coil 8-314, or the magnetic field of the driving magnetic element 8-462 acts with the first driving coil 8-255 or the second driving coil 8-314.

[0324] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a control unit (not shown) is provided in the optical system 8-1 to control the size of the aperture aperture 8-434. Predetermined information, including the relationship between the currents (or voltages) of the third drive assembly 8-460 and the size of the aperture aperture 8-434, is stored in the control unit. Thus, the size sensor 8-700 is omitted, and the size of the aperture aperture 8-434 is controlled by this predetermined information rather than by the size sensor 8-700. The predetermined information is obtained by measuring the relationship between the currents (or voltages) of the third drive assembly 8-460 and the size of the aperture aperture 8-434 using an external measuring device, and this relationship is then stored as predetermined information in the control unit. Subsequently, the external measuring device is not limited to the optical system 8-1.

[0325] In this embodiment, the third drive assembly 8-460 is driven by electromagnetic force, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second elastic element 8-466 can be replaced with a shape memory alloy, piezoelectric material, or the like to drive the third drive assembly 8-460. As a result, the design flexibility is increased to meet different requirements. Furthermore, the optical system 8-1 can be applied to optical modules 1-A1000, 1-A2000, 1-A3000, 1-B2000, 1-C2000, 1-D2000, and 12-2000 in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0326] In summary, the present invention provides an optical system that can continuously control the size of the aperture. Therefore, different user requirements in image acquisition are met. Furthermore, since the aperture unit is mounted on a movable part and no additional drive element is required to drive the aperture unit, miniaturization is achieved. In addition, a control unit containing predetermined information is provided outside the optical system, eliminating the need for a position sensor used in conventional optical systems, thus achieving further miniaturization.

[0327] Embodiment of Group 9

[0328] First, Figures 9-1, 9-2, and 9-3 are a stereoscopic view, an exploded view, and a cross-sectional view along line 9-A-9-A' in Figure 9-1 of an opening unit 9-1 according to several embodiments of the present invention, respectively. The opening unit 9-1 mainly comprises an upper plate 9-100, a bottom 9-200, a bottom plate 9-300, and other elements installed between the upper plate 9-100, the bottom 9-200, and the bottom plate 9-300. For example, in Figure 9-2, a spacer 9-400, a first blade 9-420, a second blade 9-430, a guide element 9-500, a drive assembly 9-600, and an initial position limiting assembly 9-700 are installed between the upper plate 9-100, the bottom 9-200, and the bottom plate 9-300.

[0329] The upper plate 9-100, bottom 9-200, and bottom plate 9-300 are joined together to form the case of the aperture unit 9-1. It should be noted that the upper plate opening 9-110, bottom opening 9-210, and bottom plate opening 9-310 are formed on the upper plate 9-100, bottom 9-200, and bottom plate 9-300, respectively. The centers of the upper plate opening 9-110, bottom opening 9-210, and bottom plate opening 9-310 correspond to the optical axis 9-O of the aperture unit 9-1. In some embodiments, the upper plate 9-100, bottom 9-200, and bottom plate 9-300 are formed of a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic) to prevent short circuits or electrical interference between the aperture unit 9-1 and other electronic elements. In some embodiments, the upper plate 9-100, the bottom 9-200, and the bottom plate 9-300 are formed of metal to increase the mechanical strength between the upper plate 9-100, the bottom 9-200, and the bottom plate 9-300.

[0330] Multiple fixed columns 9-220 are formed on one side of the bottom 9-200, and the positions of the fixed columns 9-220 correspond to the first connection hole 9-102 and the second connection hole 9-104 of the upper plate 9-100, the first connection hole 9-402 and the second connection hole 9-404 of the spacer 9-400, the fixed connection hole 9-422 of the first blade 9-420, the fixed connection hole 9-432 of the second blade 9-430, and the guide recess 9-540 of the guide element 9-500, in the direction parallel to the optical axis 9-O (Z direction). Furthermore, multiple positioning columns 9-250 are formed on another side of the base 9-200 (Figure 9-4C), with the positioning columns 9-250 corresponding to the holes 9-330 in the base plate 9-300 in a direction parallel to the optical axis 9-O. A guide element aperture 9-510 is formed within the guide element 9-500, and the center of the guide element aperture 9-510 corresponds to the optical axis 9-O of the light ray passing through the aperture unit 9-1.

[0331] Furthermore, multiple columns 9-520 are formed on one side of the guide element 9-500 and correspond to the second connection hole 9-104 of the upper plate 9-100, the second connection hole 9-404 of the spacer 9-400, the movable connection hole 9-424 of the first blade 9-420, and the movable connection hole 9-434 of the second blade 9-430, in a direction parallel to the optical axis 9-O. Multiple columns 9-530 are formed on the other side of the guide element 9-500 and correspond to the guide recess 9-230 of the bottom 9-200 (Figure 9-4B), the recess 9-320 of the bottom plate 9-300, and the recess 9-644 of the insulating plate 9-640 (Figure 9-4G), in a direction parallel to the optical axis 9-O.

[0332] In some embodiments, the non-moving parts are defined as fixed parts, for example, the upper plate 9-110, bottom 9-200, bottom plate 9-300, and insulating plate 9-640 (Figure 9-4G). The parts that move relative to the fixed parts are defined as movable parts, for example, the guide element 9-500. That is, the movable parts are movably connected to the fixed parts. Furthermore, the upper plate opening 9-110, bottom opening 9-210, bottom plate opening 9-310, or insulating plate opening 9-642 (Figure 9-4G) are defined as fixed part openings, and the guide element opening 9-510 is defined as a movable part opening. It should be noted that the size of the fixed part openings differs from the size of the movable part openings. Furthermore, the bottom 9-200 is installed between the drive assembly 9-600 and the guide element 9-500.

[0333] Figure 9-4A is a top view of the upper plate 9-100. In Figure 9-4A, the second connecting hole 9-104 of the upper plate 9-100 has a first part 9-104A and a second part 9-104B. The first part 9-104A has a shape similar to a circle, and the second part 9-104B has a shape similar to a rod (i.e., the size of the second part 9-104B in the X direction is larger than the size of the second part 9-104B in the Y direction), and the size of the first part 9-104A in the X direction is smaller than the size of the second part 9-104B in the X direction. The fixed column 9-220 of the bottom 9-200 in Figure 9-2 is installed in the first part 9-104A. Since the size of the second portion 9-104B in the X direction is larger than the size of the second portion 9-104B in the Y direction, the column 9-520 of the guide element 9-500 slides in the X direction within the second portion 9-104B.

[0334] Figures 9-4B and 9-4C are top and bottom views of the base 9-200, respectively. The fixed column 9-220 is installed on one side of the base 9-200 facing the upper plate 9-100 (Figure 9-2), and the positioning column 9-250 is located on one side of the base 9-200 facing the base plate 9-300. In other words, the fixed column 9-220 extends in the Z direction, and the positioning column extends in the -Z direction. The base 9-200 is penetrated by a guide recess 9-230, which has a rod-like shape (i.e., the size of the guide recess 9-230 in the X direction is larger than the size of the guide recess 9-230 in the Y direction). As a result, the column 9-530 (Figure 9-2) of the guide element 9-500 is installed in the guide recess 9-230, and the column 9-530 slides in the guide recess 9-230 in the X direction. Furthermore, multiple holes 9-240 are formed on the bottom 9-200 and pass through the bottom 9-200. The ground clamp portion 9-630 (Figure 9-4G) of the drive assembly 9-600 is installed in the hole 9-240.

[0335] Figure 9-4D is a top view of the base plate 9-300. In Figure 9-4D, the base plate 9-300 has two recesses 9-320 which are aligned with each other in the X direction, and the hole 9-330 is located at the corner of the base plate 9-300. Therefore, the column 9-530 of the guide element 9-500 is placed in the recess 9-320, restricting the guide element 9-500 in the Y direction, the column 9-530 moves in the recess 9-320 in the X direction, and the guide element 9-500 moves in the X direction. Furthermore, the positioning column 9-250 of the base 9-200 passes through the hole 9-330, positioning the relative position of the base 9-200 and the base plate 9-300.

[0336] Figure 9-4E is a top view of the spacer 9-400, the first blade 9-420, and the second blade 9-430. The spacer 9-400, the first blade 9-420, and the second blade 9-430, each having a spacer opening 9-410, are installed on both sides of the optical axis 9-O. The spacer 9-400 is installed between the first blade 9-420 and the second blade 9-430 to prevent them from colliding with each other. Furthermore, rounded corners or chamfers are formed at the points where the first blade 9-420 or the second blade 9-430 contacts the spacer 9-400 to prevent damage and debris that would occur when the first blade 9-420 or the second blade 9-430 collides with the spacer 9-400. The second connecting hole 9-404 of spacer 9-400 has a first part 9-404A and a second part 9-404B. The shapes of the first part 9-404A and the second part 9-404B are the same as, or similar to, the shapes of the first part 9-104A and the second part 9-104B of upper plate 9-100, respectively. That is, the first part 9-404A has a shape close to a circle, and the second part 9-404B has a shape similar to a rod (the size of the second part 9-404B in the X direction is larger than the size of the second part 9-404B in the Y direction), and the size of the first part 9-404A in the X direction is smaller than the size of the second part 9-404B in the X direction.

[0337] The fixed column 9-220 is installed in the first section 9-404A, the fixed connecting hole 9-422, and the fixed connecting hole 9-432 to position the spacer 9-400, the first blade 9-420, and the second blade 9-430. The column 9-520 slides in the second section 9-404B in the X direction, passing through the second section 9-404B, the movable connecting hole 9-424, and the movable connecting hole 9-434. The first blade 9-420 and the second blade 9-430 have arc sections 9-426 and 9-436, respectively. In some embodiments, the arc section 9-426 is coupled with the arc section 9-436 to form a hole having a nearly circular shape (described later). It should be noted that the size 9-D4 of the hole formed by the arc portion 9-426 and the arc portion 9-436 (shown in Figure 9-7B) is smaller than the size 9-D1 of the spacer opening 9-410 (i.e., the fixing opening).

[0338] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the movable connection hole 9-424 of the first blade 9-420 and the movable connection hole 9-434 of the second blade 9-430 correspond to different second portions 9-404B of the second connection hole 9-404. That is, when viewed along the optical axis 9-O (i.e., the Z direction), the movable connection hole 9-424 of the first blade 9-420 and the movable connection hole 9-434 of the second blade 9-430 are each located in different second portions 9-404B of the second connection hole 9-404 of the spacer 9-400. As a result, when viewed along the optical axis 9-O (Z direction), the first blade 9-420, or the second blade 9-430, and the spacer 9-400 overlap at least partially.

[0339] Figure 9-4F is a top view of the guide element 9-500. The guide element aperture 9-510, column 9-520, column 9-530, and guide recess 9-540 are formed on the guide element 9-500. The maximum size 9-D2 of the guide element aperture 9-510 in the first direction (X direction) is larger than the maximum size 9-D3 of the guide element aperture 9-510 in the second direction (Y direction). It should be noted that when measuring sizes 9-D2 and 9-D3 in Figure 9-4F, both pass through the optical axis 9-O. Furthermore, when viewed along the optical axis 9-O, sizes 9-D2 and 9-D3 are larger than the size 9-D1 of the fixed part aperture.

[0340] In Figure 9-4F, the two columns 9-520 of the guide element 9-500 are substantially located on opposite sides of the optical axis 9-O, and column 9-530 is also located on the opposite side of the optical axis 9-O and is positioned in the X direction. Multiple guide recesses 9-540 are formed on the guide element 9-500, and the size 9-L1 of the guide recess 9-540 in the X direction is larger than the size 9-L2 of the guide recess 9-540 in the Y direction. That is, the guide recesses 9-540 have a rod-like shape and extend in the X direction. Therefore, the fixed column 9-220 of the base 9-200 is installed in the guide recess 9-540, restricting the movement of the guide element 9-500 (i.e., the movable part) in the Y direction relative to the base 9-200 (i.e., the fixed part), while the guide element 9-500 moves relative to the base 9-200 in the X direction.

[0341] Figure 9-4G shows the drive assembly 9-600. The drive assembly 9-600 includes a first bias element 9-610, a second bias element 9-620, a grounding clamp portion 9-630, and an insulating plate 9-640. The insulating plate 9-640 is located between the first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 and has an insulating plate opening 9-642, two recesses 9-644, and two W-shaped structures 9-646. The two recesses 9-644 are arranged in the X direction, and the two W-shaped structures 9-646 are substantially arranged in the Y direction.

[0342] The first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 are linear elements formed from, for example, a shape memory alloy (SMA). That is, when the temperature of the first bias element 9-610 or the second bias element 9-620 exceeds their phase conversion temperature, the shapes of the first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 change (for example, becoming longer or shorter). Furthermore, an insulating layer is formed on the surface of the first bias element 9-610 or the second bias element 9-620 to prevent short circuits that occur when the first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 come into contact with each other, or when the first bias element 9-610 or the second bias element 9-620 come into contact with other elements.

[0343] The first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 are each fixed in the grounding clamp portion 9-630, and the first bias element 9-610 is electrically connected to the second bias element 9-620 by the grounding clamp portion 9-630. The grounding clamp portion 9-630 is installed in the W-shaped structure 9-646 and passes through the hole 9-240 (Figure 9-4B) in the bottom 9-200 to provide grounding to the opening unit 9-1, preventing the grounding clamp portion 9-630 from directly contacting the insulating plate 9-460.

[0344] The first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 each have a bent portion 9-612 and a bent portion 9-622, respectively. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a resin adhesive 9-650 is placed on the first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 to fix the relative positions of the first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 and other elements (e.g., column 9-530), thereby protecting the first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620. For example, the resin adhesive 9-650 is placed on the bent portions 9-612 and 9-622. The resin adhesive 9-650 is a suitable resin, for example, a gel.

[0345] Furthermore, the first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 are positioned on opposite sides of the insulating plate 9-640, and are located in different planes. That is, the first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 are located in the first virtual plane (not shown) and the second virtual plane (not shown), respectively, and the first and second virtual plates do not completely overlap. Moreover, as shown in Figure 9-4G, when viewed from the optical axis (Z direction), the first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 partially overlap each other (indicated by the intersection 9-I).

[0346] Figure 9-5A is a top view of the guide element 9-500 and the drive assembly 9-600 in one state, where tension is not supplied to the first bias element 9-610 or the second bias element 9-620 (for example, no current is supplied). In other words, at this time, the movable part is in a predetermined position. It should be noted that the movable part (for example, the guide element 9-500) is positioned in this predetermined position relative to the fixed part (for example, the upper plate 9-100 and the bottom 9-200) by an initial position limiting assembly 9-700 (for example, a spring, magnetic element, etc.) installed between the upper plate 9-100 and the bottom 9-200 (fixed part). In Figure 9-5A, the size of the insulating plate opening 9-642 (fixed part opening) is larger than the size of the guide element opening 9-510 (movable part opening). In other words, the size of the fixed part opening is different from the size of the movable part opening.

[0347] It should be noted that the bent portion 9-612 of the first bias element 9-610 and the bent portion 9-622 of the second bias element 9-620 are located in different columns 9-530. Therefore, when tension is supplied to the first bias element 9-610 or the second bias element 9-620 (for example, when current is applied, the temperature rises and exceeds the phase temperature of the shape memory alloy, causing the first bias element 9-610 or the second bias element 9-620 to contract and generate tension), a force is applied to the column 9-530 at the bent portion 9-612 or the bent portion 9-622, pushing the guide element 9-500. For example, when tension is applied to the first bias element 9-610, the column 9-530 pushes the guide element 9-500, causing it to move in the -X direction. Furthermore, when tension is applied to the second bias element 9-620, the column 9-530 pushes the guide element 9-500, causing it to move in the X direction.

[0348] Figure 9-5B is a top view of the spacer 9-400, first blade 9-420, second blade 9-430, and guide element 9-500 in the state shown in Figure 9-5A. It should be noted that in this state, the size 9-D1 of the spacer aperture 9-410 is smaller than the guide element aperture 9-510 (9-D2, or 9-D3). Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 9-5B, the first blade 9-420 and the second blade 9-430 do not overlap with the spacer aperture 9-410. As a result, under these conditions, the light rays passing through the aperture unit 9-1 are not blocked by the guide element aperture 9-510, the first blade 9-420, or the second blade 9-430, and the equivalent aperture size of the aperture unit 9-1 is approximately equal to the size 9-D1 of the spacer aperture 9-410.

[0349] Figure 9-6A is a top view of the guide element 9-500 and the drive assembly 9-600 in another state, under which tension with tension direction 9-T1 is supplied to the first bias element 9-610 (for example, current is supplied to the first bias element 9-610 to heat it), and no tension is supplied to the second bias element 9-620. As a result, the column 9-530 is pushed by the first bias element 9-610 at the bent portion 9-612, causing the column 9-530 to slide in the recess 9-644 in the -X direction (indicated by sliding direction 9-M1). As a result, the entire guide element 9-500 moves in the -X direction. Furthermore, the second bias element 9-620 is stretched by the guide element 9-500 moving in the -X direction, as indicated by extension direction 9-E1. Simultaneously, column 9-530, which is in contact with the bent portion 9-622, further slides in the recess 9-644 in the -X direction. In other words, the drive assembly 9-600 moves the guide element 9-500 (movable part) relative to the base 9-200 (fixed part) by a first movement dimension. It should be noted that the “first movement dimension” refers to translational motion in the XY plane, and the first direction (Y direction) and the second direction (X direction) are parallel to the first movement dimension. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0350] Figure 9-6B is a top view of the spacer 9-400, first blade 9-420, second blade 9-430, and guide element 9-500 in the state shown in Figure 9-6A. As the guide element 9-500 slides in the -X direction (indicated by the sliding direction 9-M1), the column 9-520 installed in the movable connection hole 9-424 and movable connection hole 9-434 rotates the first blade 9-420 and second blade 9-430 on the fixed column 9-220 (Figure 9-4B), which is installed with the fixed connection hole 9-422 and fixed connection hole 9-432 as the axis of rotation. In other words, the first blade 9-420 and second blade 9-430 are movably connected to the movable part and the fixed part in this state.

[0351] It should be noted that the fixed connection hole 9-422 of the first blade 9-420 is located between the movable connection hole 9-424 and the arc portion 9-426, while the movable connection hole 9-434 and the arc portion 9-436 of the second blade 9-430 are located on the same side of the fixed connection hole 9-432. Therefore, when the guide element 9-500 slides in the -X direction (indicated by the sliding direction 9-M1), the first blade 9-420 and the second blade 9-430 rotate together in the same direction of rotation. For example, in Figure 9-6B, the first blade 9-420 and the second blade 9-430 rotate together in the rotation direction 9-R1 (counterclockwise in Figure 9-6B). In other words, when the guide element 9-500 (movable part) moves relative to the base 9-200 (fixed part) by a first movement dimension (translational motion in the XY plane), the first blade 9-420 moves relative to the base 9-200 (fixed part) by a second movement dimension due to the guide element 9-500 (movable part).

[0352] It should be noted that the “second movement dimension” refers to rotational motion, and the first movement dimension (translational motion) is different from the second movement dimension (rotational motion). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the structure of the opening unit provided in one embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately adjusted so that the first and second movement dimensions are other different dimensions. For example, in some embodiments, the first movement dimension is rotational motion and the second movement dimension is translational motion. In some embodiments, the first and second movement dimensions are rotational motion in different directions, or translational motion in different directions.

[0353] Figure 9-7A is a top view of the guide element 9-500 and the drive assembly 9-600 in another state, in which tension is further supplied to the first bias element 9-610 (for example, by supplying a stronger current to the first bias element 9-610 than in the state of Figure 9-6A, thereby heating the first bias element 9-610), while no current is supplied to the second bias element 9-620. As a result, compared to Figure 9-6A, if the first bias element 9-610 is formed of a shape memory alloy, the first bias element 9-610 contracts further, causing the guide element 9-500 to slide further in the recess 9-644 in the -X direction (indicated by the sliding direction 9-M1).

[0354] Figure 9-7B is a top view of the spacer 9-400, first blade 9-420, second blade 9-430, and guide element 9-500 in the state shown in Figure 9-7A. Since the guide element 9-500 also slides in the -X direction, the column 9-520 of the guide element 9-500 further rotates the first blade 9-420 and the second blade 9-430 in the rotational direction 9-R1 (second movement dimension). Thus, the arc portion 9-426 of the first blade 9-420 combines with the arc portion 9-436 of the second blade 9-430 to form a circular opening 9-440, and the equivalent aperture size of the opening unit 9-1 is the size 9-D4 of the circular opening 9-440.

[0355] Since the size 9-D4 of the circular aperture 9-440 is smaller than the size 9-D1 of the spacer aperture 9-410, the aperture of aperture unit 9-1 can be switched to different equivalent apertures of different sizes to meet various image acquisition requirements. Generally, when the size of the equivalent aperture increases, the amount of incident light also increases, making this type of aperture suitable for low-luminance environments. Furthermore, the effects of background noise are reduced, preventing image noise. In addition, when the size of the equivalent aperture decreases in high-luminance environments, the clarity of the received image increases, and overexposure is also prevented. Moreover, when the first bias element 9-610 and the second bias element 9-620 are made of shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy is temperature-sensitive, allowing for quick switching between devices of different sizes. As a result, the flexibility of the image acquisition device is increased.

[0356] When it is desired to switch the aperture from a smaller aperture having size 9-D4 (formed from the arc portion 9-426 of the first blade 9-420 and the arc portion 9-436 of the second blade 9-430) to a larger aperture having size 9-D1 of the spacer opening 9-410, tension is supplied to another bias element to slide the guide element 9-500 in a different direction. For example, Figure 9-8A is a top view of the guide element 9-500 and the drive assembly 9-600 in a different state, under which current passes through the second bias element 9-620, heating the second bias element 9-620, and no current is supplied to the first bias element 9-610. Thus, tension is supplied to the second bias element 9-620 (indicated by the tension direction 9-T2) to drive the column 9-530 of the guide element 9-500 at the bent portion 9-622. Therefore, the guide element 9-500 slides in the recess 9-644 in the X direction (indicated by the sliding direction 9-M2), thereby switching the opening unit 9-1 from the state shown in Figure 9-7A to the state shown in Figure 9-5D. Furthermore, under these conditions, the first bias element 9-610 is extended by the column 9-530 of the guide element 9-500 (extension direction 9-E2).

[0357] Figure 9-8B is a top view of the spacer 9-400, the first blade 9-420, the second blade 9-430, and the guide element 9-500 in the state shown in Figure 9-8A. Since the guide element 9-500 slides in the X direction, the column 9-520 installed in the movable connection hole 9-424 and the movable connection hole 9-434 rotates the first blade 9-420 and the second blade 9-430 around the fixed column 9-220 (Figure 9-4D) installed in the fixed connection hole 9-422 and the fixed connection hole 9-432, respectively, in a direction different from the direction shown in Figure 9-7B (i.e., clockwise in Figure 9-8B, indicated by rotation direction 9-R2). Furthermore, when additional current is supplied to the second bias element 9-620, the second bias element 9-620 contracts further, returning the first blade 9-420, the second blade 9-430, and the guide element 9-500 to the state shown in Figures 9-5A and 9-5B. Thus, the aperture unit 9-1 is switched from a small aperture (e.g., an aperture of size 9-D4) to a large aperture (e.g., a spacer aperture 9-D1 of size 9-410).

[0358] The aperture unit 9-1 can be installed in other image acquisition devices where an aperture is required. For example, the aperture unit 9-1 can be installed in a periscope image acquisition device to meet the thickness requirements of a portable electronic device. In this embodiment, since no additional magnetic elements are provided to rotate the first blade 9-420 and the second blade 9-430, magnetic interference between the aperture unit 9-1 and other elements is prevented and miniaturization is achieved. In addition, the upper plate 9-100, the first blade 9-420, the spacer 9-400, and the second blade 9-430 (also referred to as the aperture section) are closer to the point of incidence of light rays than the guide element 9-500, the drive assembly 9-600, the bottom 9-200, and the bottom plate 9-300 (also referred to as the drive section), so better optical effects (e.g., better image acquisition quality) and miniaturization are achieved. In some embodiments, the bottom 9-200 is fixed to an optical unit (e.g., a lens, not shown) to improve the quality of the received image. Furthermore, the aperture unit 9-1 can be applied to optical modules 1-A1000, 1-A2000, 1-A3000, 1-B2000, 1-C2000, 1-D2000, and 12-2000 in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0359] In summary, the present invention provides an aperture unit capable of switching aperture sizes. The aperture unit is suitable for small portable electronic devices and improves image acquisition quality. Furthermore, the use of this aperture unit prevents magnetic interference and achieves miniaturization. In addition, the aperture unit provided in the present invention improves image acquisition efficiency by rapidly switching between apertures of different sizes.

[0360] Embodiment of Group 10

[0361] First, Figures 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3 are a stereoscopic view, an exploded view, and a cross-sectional view along the line 10-A-10-A' in Figure 10-1 of an opening unit 10-1 according to several embodiments of the present invention, respectively. The opening unit 10-1 mainly comprises an upper plate 10-100, a bottom 10-200, a base plate 10-300, and other elements installed between the upper plate 10-100, the bottom 10-200, and the base plate 10-300. For example, in Figure 10-2, the aperture 10-400 (having two first blades 10-410 and two second blades 10-420), the guide element 10-500, the drive assembly 10-600 (having a magnetic element 10-610, a drive substrate 10-620, and a circuit board 10-630), the sliding element 10-700, and the sensor 10-800 are installed between the upper plate 10-100, the bottom 10-200, and the bottom plate 10-300.

[0362] The upper plate 10-100, the bottom portion 10-200, and the bottom plate 10-300 are joined together to form the case of the aperture unit 10-1. It should be noted that the upper plate opening 10-110, the bottom opening 10-210, and the bottom plate opening 10-310 are formed on the upper plate 10-100, the bottom portion 10-200, and the bottom plate 10-300, respectively. The centers of the upper plate opening 10-110, the bottom opening 10-210, and the bottom plate opening 10-310 correspond to the optical axis 10-O of the aperture unit 10-1. In some embodiments, the upper plate 10-100, the bottom portion 10-200, and the bottom plate 10-300 are formed of a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic) to prevent short circuits or electrical interference between the aperture unit 10-1 and the surrounding electronic elements. In some embodiments, the upper plate 10-100, the bottom 10-200, and the bottom plate 10-300 are formed of metal to increase the mechanical strength of the upper plate 10-100, the bottom 10-200, and the bottom plate 10-300.

[0363] The aperture 10-400, the guide element 10-500, and the drive assembly 10-600 are installed, in order, between the upper plate 10-100 and the bottom 10-200. That is, the drive assembly 10-600 is installed between the guide element 10-500 and the bottom 10-200. In the aperture 10-400, two first blades 10-410 are arranged in the first direction (X or Y direction), and two second blades 10-420 are arranged in the second direction (Y or X direction), with the first and second directions being different, for example, perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the two first blades 10-410 are arranged in different XY planes, and the two second blades 10-420 are also arranged in different XY planes. As a result, the first blade 10-410 and the second blade 10-420 partially overlap along the optical axis, and friction between the blades is reduced.

[0364] In some embodiments, for example, the upper plate 10-100, the bottom 10-200, and the bottom plate 10-300 are defined as fixed parts, and the parts that move relative to the fixed parts are defined as movable parts, for example, guide element 10-500. A sliding element 10-700, for example, a ball, is installed between the guide element 10-500 and the bottom 10-200 (fixed part) to cause the guide element 10-500 (movable part) to slide relative to the bottom 10-200 (fixed part).

[0365] Sensor 10-800 is used to detect the position of the element in the aperture unit 10-1. Sensor 10-800 is a suitable position sensor, such as a Hall, MR (Magneto Resistance), GMR (Giant Magneto Resistance), or TMR (Tunneling Magneto Resistance) sensor. Furthermore, when an initial position limiting assembly (not shown), such as a spring or magnetic element, is installed in the aperture unit 10-1 and the drive assembly 10-600 does not drive the guide element 10-500, the guide element 10-500 is positioned in a predetermined position relative to the fixed part by the initial position limiting assembly.

[0366] Figure 10-4A is a top view of the upper plate 10-100. The upper plate 10-100 has an upper plate opening 10-110, two first upper plate recesses 10-120, and two second upper plate recesses 10-130 surrounding the upper plate opening 10-110. Furthermore, two positioning holes 10-140 are formed on the upper plate 10-100. In some embodiments, the two first upper plate recesses 10-120 are symmetrical with respect to the optical axis 10-O, and the two second upper plate recesses 10-130 are also symmetrical with respect to the optical axis 10-O, but the present invention is not limited to these. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the width of the first upper plate recess 10-120 is different from the width of the second upper plate recess 10-130. Therefore, the elements installed in the first upper plate recess 10-120 and the second upper plate recess 10-130 have different sizes, increasing the flexibility of the design.

[0367] Figure 10-4B shows the bottom portion 10-200. The bottom portion 10-200 has a bottom opening 10-210, a protective structure 10-220 and recess 10-230 surrounding the bottom opening 10-210, a plurality of guide recesses 10-232, a positioning recess 10-234, a plurality of protrusions 10-240 and 10-242, and a positioning column 10-244 and recess 10-250 in the recess 10-230.

[0368] The bottom opening 10-210 is surrounded by a protective structure 10-220, which extends along the optical axis 10-O. This prevents dust from entering the aperture unit 10-1 from the outside, or from debris generated during the operation of the aperture unit 10-1 falling into the aperture unit 10-1 and affecting other elements (e.g., other elements in the image acquisition device). The bottom opening 10-210 and the protective structure 10-220 are surrounded by a recess 10-230. Other elements, such as the drive assembly 10-600, are placed in the recess 10-230 to fix their position and protect them. Multiple guide recesses 10-232 and positioning recesses 10-234 are formed on the bottom portion 10-200, the guide recesses 10-232 are arranged in a rotationally symmetric manner with respect to the optical axis 10-O, and the positioning recesses 10-234 are located between two guide recesses 10-232.

[0369] Furthermore, multiple protrusions 10-240, protrusion 10-242, and positioning column 10-244 are formed on the bottom 10-200, extending along the optical axis 10-O (or toward the first blade 10-410). The position of the positioning column 10-244 corresponds to the positioning hole 10-140 (Figure 10-4A) of the upper plate 10-100 along the optical axis 10-O, fixing the relative position between the upper plate 10-100 and the bottom 10-200.

[0370] In this embodiment, projections 10-240, 10-242, and positioning column 10-244 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the optical axis 10-O to maintain stress equilibrium in the aperture unit 10-1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the positions of projections 10-240, 10-242, and positioning column 10-244 may vary depending on design requirements. In some embodiments, sensor 10-800 is positioned in recess 10-250 to fix its position, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, sensor 10-800 may be positioned in other suitable locations to meet desired requirements.

[0371] Figure 10-4C shows the base plate 10-300. A base plate opening 10-310 is formed in the base plate 10-300, and a recessed structure 10-320 is formed on one side of the base plate opening 10-310, and corresponds to the recess 10-250 of the bottom portion 10-200 in Figure 10-4B. Therefore, the sensor 10-800 is installed in the recessed structure 10-320.

[0372] Figure 10-4D is a top view of two first blades 10-410. The first blades 10-410 are plate-shaped. The first blades 10-410 have a first trench 10-412 that extends substantially in the X direction and a second trench 10-414 that extends substantially in the Y direction. That is, the first trench 10-412 and the second trench 10-414 extend in different directions. In some embodiments, the length of the first trench 10-412 is different from that of the second trench 10-414. For example, the length of the first trench 10-412 is longer than that of the second trench 10-414. In another embodiment, the length of the first trench 10-412 is shorter than that of the second trench 10-414.

[0373] Furthermore, it has a first blade 10-410, an outer edge 10-416, and a first window edge 10-418. In this embodiment, the outer edge 10-416 faces away from the optical axis 10-O, and the first window edge 10-418 faces the optical axis 10-O. That is, the distance between the outer edge 10-416 and the optical axis 10-O is greater than the distance between the first window edge 10-418 and the optical axis 10-O. Furthermore, the outer edge 10-416 is not perpendicular. Since the outer edge 10-416 is in contact with other elements, if the outer edge 10-416 is not perpendicular, the opportunity for damage caused by contact between the outer edge 10-416 and other elements is reduced.

[0374] Figure 10-4E shows two second blades 10-420, which have a plate-like shape. The second blades 10-420 have a third trench 10-422 and a fourth trench 10-424 that extend substantially in the same direction, for example, in the Y direction, and a hole 10-426 is formed between the third trench 10-422 and the fourth trench 10-424. A V-shaped second window edge 10-428 (having edges 10-428a and 10-428b) is formed on one side of the second blade 10-420 facing the optical axis 10-O. That is, edges 10-428a and 10-428b extend in different directions. Furthermore, the intersection of edges 10-428a and 10-428b is referred to as intersection 10-429.

[0375] Figures 10-4F and 10-4G show the guide element 10-500 viewed from different directions. The guide element opening 10-510 is formed inside the guide element 10-500. Two first columns 10-520, two second columns 10-530, and the positioning section 10-540 are formed on the outside of the guide element 10-500 (the side facing away from the optical axis 10-O). The first columns 10-520 and the second columns 10-530 extend along the optical axis 10-O to the first blade 10-410 on one side of the guide element 10-500 (in the Z direction), and recesses 10-550 and 10-560 are formed on the other side of the guide element 10-500 (in the -Z direction, see Figure 10-4G). In some embodiments, the recess 10-550 is located below the second column 10-530 and the positioning portion 10-540 and has a shape corresponding to the sliding element 10-700, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the recess is formed below the first column 10-520. The guide element opening 10-510 is surrounded by the recess 10-560, and the recess 10-560 has a shape corresponding to the magnetic element 10-610, and the magnetic element 10-610 is placed in the recess 10-560. As a result, the position of the magnetic element 10-610 is fixed, for example by adhesive, and the magnetic element 10-610 moves together with the guide element 10-500.

[0376] Figure 10-4H shows the base 10-200 and the drive assembly 10-600 (having a magnetic element 10-610, a drive board 10-620, and a circuit board 10-630) in Figure 10-1. In Figure 10-4H, the circuit board 10-630 is installed in the recess 10-230 (Figure 10-4B) of the base 10-200, the drive board 10-620 is installed on the circuit board 10-630, and the magnetic element 10-610 is installed on the drive board 10-620. The circuit board 10-630 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and is fixed to the base 10-200 by adhesive, electrically connected to other elements outside the aperture unit 10-1, and provides electrical signals to the other elements of the aperture unit 10-1.

[0377] The magnetic element 10-610 is, for example, a magnet and has a plurality of first magnetic poles 10-612 and second magnetic poles 10-614 arranged in order as shown by the dotted line in Figure 10-4H, surrounding the optical axis 10-O. The drive substrate 10-620 has a coil corresponding to the magnetic element 10-610, for example, a flat plate coil. Thus, an electromagnetic driving force is generated by the interaction between the magnetic element 10-610 and the drive substrate 10-620, moving the magnetic element 10-610 clockwise or counterclockwise (i.e., by the first movement dimension) with respect to the optical axis 10-O.

[0378] Since the magnetic element 10-610 is installed and fixed in the recess 10-560 (Figure 10-4G) of the guide element 10-500, the magnetic element 10-610 rotates the guide element 10-500 together in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (i.e., the first movement dimension). Furthermore, since the sensor 10-800 is installed in the recess 10-250 of the bottom 10-200, and the drive board 10-620 is installed on the sensor 10-800, the shortest distance between the drive board 10-620 and the guide element 10-500 is smaller than the shortest distance between the sensor 10-800 and the guide element 10-500, and the drive board 10-620 protects the sensor 10-800, which is installed below the drive board 10-620, by preventing the sensor 10-800 from colliding with other elements. Furthermore, the drive assembly 10-600 is installed in the recess 10-230 of the bottom 10-200, and the protective structure 10-220 extends from the recess 10-230 along the Z direction, so when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 10-O, at least a portion of the protective structure 10-22 of the bottom 10-200 overlaps with the drive assembly 10-600.

[0379] Figure 10-5A shows several elements of the opening unit 10-1 in one state. Note that the projection 10-240 of the bottom 10-200 is located in the first trench 10-412 of the first blade 10-410, and the projection 10-242 of the bottom 10-200 is located in the third trench 10-422 and the fourth trench 10-424 of the second blade 10-420. The first column 10-520 of the guide element 10-500 is located in the second trench 10414 of the first blade 10-410, and the second column 10-530 of the guide element 10-500 is located in the hole 10-426 of the second blade 10-420. In other words, the first blade 10-410 and the second blade 10-420 are in contact and are movablely connected to the bottom 10-200 (fixed part) and the guide element 10-500 by different parts. Furthermore, the first blade 10-410 and the second blade 10-420 are located in different planes. For example, the distance between the first blade 10-410 and the circuit board 10-630 is greater than the distance between the second blade 10-420 and the circuit board 10-630.

[0380] It should be noted that in Figure 10-5A, the first trench 10-412 of the first blade 10-410 extends in the X direction, while the second trench 10-414 of the first blade 10-410, the third trench 10-422 of the second blade 10-420, and the fourth trench 10-424 extend in the Y direction. Simultaneously, the first window edge 10-418 of the first blade 10-410 and the second window edge 10-428 of the second blade 10-420 form a window 10-430, with the size of the window 10-430 in the X direction being the distance 10-D1 (the distance between the two first window edges 10-418), and the size of the window 10-430 in the Y direction being the distance 10-D2. Furthermore, when viewed along the optical axis 10-O, at least a portion of the first blade 10-410 overlaps with the second blade 10-420. For example, the first blade 10-410 covers the second blade 10-420 by its outer edge 10-416 in Figure 4D. Thus, we ensure that the first blade 10-410 and the second blade 10-420 form a window 10-430.

[0381] Figure 10-5B shows the bottom 10-200, the guide element 10-500, and the drive assembly 10-600 (having a magnetic element 10-610, a drive substrate 10-620, and a circuit board 10-630) in the state shown in Figure 10-5A. At this time, the first column 10-520, the second column 10-530, and the positioning section 10-540 are located in the guide recess 10-232 or the positioning recess 10-234 of the bottom 10-200. It should be noted that the sliding element 10-700 (Figure 10-2) is installed between the bottom 10-200 and the first column 10-520, and between the second column 10-530 and the positioning section 10-540, causing the guide element 10-500 to slide on the bottom 10-200. The sliding element 10-700 is installed in the recess 10-550 of the guide element 10-500. When the guide element 10-500 rotates, the relative position between the guide element 10-500 and the sliding element 10-700 is fixed, and at this time, the sliding element 10-700 slidably contacts the bottom portion 10-200 (fixed portion). Furthermore, the first column 10-520, the second column 10-530, and the positioning portion 10-540 are installed on one side of the guide recess 10-232 or the positioning recess 10-234, restricting the rotation direction of the guide element 10-500. For example, in the state described in Figure 10-5B, the guide element 10-500 cannot rotate clockwise.

[0382] Figures 10-6A and 10-6B show some elements of the aperture unit 10-1, and the electromagnetic driving force generated between the drive substrate 10-620 and the coil of the magnetic element 10-610 rotates the guide element 10-500, as indicated by the rotation direction 10-R in Figure 10-6B.

[0383] As a result, referring to Figure 10-6A, the rotation of the guide element 10-500 causes the first blade 10-410 and the second blade 10-420 to move together. For example, in Figure 10-6A, when the first column 10-520 of the guide element 10-500 rotates, the second trench 10-414 of the first blade 10-410 is pushed, and the projection 10-240 on the bottom 10-200 and the first trench 10-212 of the first blade 10-410 restrict the direction of movement of the first blade 10-410. Since the two projections 10-240 on the bottom 10-200 are positioned in the X direction, the two first blades 10-410 move in the X direction (second movement dimension) relative to the bottom 10-200 (fixed part) and move closer to each other as shown in the direction of motion 10-M1. It is important to note that the second movement dimension (lateral movement in the X direction) is different from the first movement dimension (rotational movement relative to the optical axis 10-O).

[0384] Furthermore, projection 10-240 is positioned parallel to the second movement dimension, and the first trench 10-412 extends parallel to the second movement dimension. That is, the distance between the two first window edges 10-418 of the two first blades 10-410 is 10-D3. In this state, the distance between the two first window edges 10-418 of the two first blades 10-410 is 10-D1. In the aforementioned state, distance 10-D3 is less than distance 10-D1.

[0385] Similarly, when the guide element 10-500 rotates, the hole 10-426 of the second blade 10-420 is pushed by the second column 10-530 of the guide element 10-500, and the direction of rotation is restricted by the projection 10-242 of the base 10-200 and the third trench 10-422 and fourth trench 10-424 of the second blade 10-420. For example, since the two projections 10-242 of the base 10-200 are positioned in the Y direction, the two second blades 10-420 move in the Y direction (third movement dimension) relative to the base 10-200 (fixed part) and move closer to each other, as shown in the movement direction 10-M2. The third movement dimension (translational motion in the Y direction) is different from the first movement dimension (rotational motion relative to the optical axis 10-O) and the second movement dimension (translational motion in the X direction). In other words, the distance between the two intersections 10-429 of the second window edges 10-428 of the two second blades 10-420 is 10-D4, and this distance 10-D4 is smaller than the distance 10-D2 between the two second window edges 10-428 of the two second blades 10-420 in the aforementioned state.

[0386] It should be noted that under the conditions shown in Figures 10-5A and 10-5B, the travel distances of the first blade 10-410 and the second blade 10-420 in Figures 10-6A and 10-6B are different. That is, distance 10-D1 minus distance 10-D3 is different from distance 10-D2 minus distance 10-D4. In some embodiments, distance 10-D1 minus distance 10-D3 is smaller than distance 10-D2 minus distance 10-D4, i.e., (10-D1)-(10-D3)<(10-D2)-(10-D4).

[0387] The reason for this relationship is that the window 10-430 formed by the first window edge 10-418 and the second window edge 10-428 has a hexagonal shape in this embodiment, and the distance between two opposite vertices of the hexagon is different from the distance between the opposite ends of the two hexagons. In other words, it is desirable to make the windows 10-430 under different conditions into hexagons of similar shape, and the first blade 10-410 and the second blade 10-420 must move by different distances. The similarity of the hexagons improves the uniformity of light rays passing through windows of different sizes.

[0388] It should be noted that a portion of the opening unit 10-1 forms a first movable connection portion, for example, the first trench 10-412 of the first blade 10-410, the projection 10-240 of the bottom 10-200, or the third trench 10-422 of the second blade 10-420, the projection 10-242 of the bottom 10-200, etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto. Another portion of the opening unit 10-1 forms a second movable connection portion, for example, the second trench 10-414 of the first blade 10-410, and the first column 10-520 of the guide element 10-500, or the hole 10-426 of the second blade 10-420, the second column 10-520 of the guide element 10-500, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first blade 10-410 or the second blade 10-420 is in contact with and movably connected to the bottom portion 10-200 (fixed portion) at the first movable connection portion, and the first blade 10-410 or the second blade 10-420 is in contact with and movably connected to the guide element 10-500 at the second movable connection portion.

[0389] In some embodiments, another part of the opening unit 10-1 forms another first movable connection part, for example, a fourth trench 10-424 of the second blade 10-420, a projection 10-242 of the bottom 10-200. Under these conditions, the second blade 10-420 is connected to the bottom 10-200 (fixed part) in contact and movable manner at another first movable connection part, and the second movable connection part is installed between the two first movable connection parts.

[0390] Figures 10-7A and 10-7B show some elements of the aperture unit 10-1 under different conditions. Under these conditions, the electromagnetic force generated between the drive substrate 10-620 and the coil of the magnetic element 10-610 causes the guide element 10-500 to rotate even more than under the previous conditions, as shown in the rotation direction 10-R in Figure 10-7B.

[0391] As a result, the two first blades 10-410 and the two second blades 10-420 become closer to each other, and the size of the window 10-430 decreases further. Referring to Figure 10-7A, at this time, the distance between the two first window edges 10-418 of the two first blades 10-410 is 10-D5, and distance 10-D5 is smaller than the distance 10-D3 between the two first window edges 10-418 of the two first blades 10-410. Furthermore, at this time, the distance between the two intersections 10-429 of the second window edges 10-428 of the two second blades 10-420 is 10-D6, and distance 10-D6 is smaller than the distance 10-D4 between the second window edges 10-428 of the two second blades 10-420.

[0392] Similarly, under the conditions shown in Figures 10-7A and 10-8B, the travel distances of the first blade 10-410 and the second blade 10-420 are different from those in Figures 10-6A and 10-6B. That is, distance 10-D3 minus distance 10-D5 is different from distance 10-D4 minus distance 10-D6. In some embodiments, distance 10-D3 minus distance 10-D5 is smaller than distance 10-D4 minus distance 10-D6, i.e., (10-D3)-(10-D5)<(10-D4)-(10-D6).

[0393] Therefore, the first blade 10-410 moves within the first range by the second movement dimension (translational motion in the X direction) (i.e., the size of the window 10-430 in the X direction changes between 10-D1 and 10-D5), the second blade 10-420 moves within the second range by the third movement dimension (translational motion in the Y direction) (i.e., the size of the window 10-430 in the Y direction changes between 10-D2 and 10-D6), and the first range is different from the second range (i.e., 10-D1 minus 10-D5 is different from 10-D2 minus 10-D6). It should be noted that in the first and second ranges, at least a portion of the first blade 10-410 overlaps with the second blade 10-420 to form window 10-430.

[0394] If it is desired to enlarge the size of the window 10-430 of the opening unit 10-1, an electromagnetic force in the opposite direction to that of the above-described embodiment must be supplied to the guide element 10-500 to rotate the guide element 10-500 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction 10-R, so that the first blade 10-410 and the second blade 10-420 move in the opposite direction to that of the above-described embodiment to enlarge the size of the window 10-430.

[0395] Therefore, the window 10-430 (equivalent aperture) of the aperture unit 10-1 continuously changes within this range, allowing aperture units 10-1 with different aperture sizes to satisfy different image capture requirements. Typically, when the size of the equivalent aperture increases, the amount of incident light also increases, making this type of aperture suitable for low-luminance environments. Furthermore, it reduces the effects of background noise and prevents image noise. In addition, when the size of the equivalent aperture decreases in a high-luminance environment, the clarity of the received image increases, and overexposure is also prevented.

[0396] The first movement dimension is rotational motion, and the second and third movement dimensions are translational motions in different directions, but the present invention is not limited to this. The desired results of the present invention are achieved if the first, second, and third movement dimensions are different. Furthermore, the opening unit 10-1 is fixed to other external elements by the guide element 10-500 and a fixed part (e.g., bottom part 10-200) and moves together with the other external elements. As a result, no additional drive elements are provided, and miniaturization is achieved.

[0397] The aperture unit 10-1 is installed in an image acquisition device that requires an aperture. For example, the aperture unit 10-1 is installed in a periscope image acquisition device to meet the thickness requirements of a portable electronic device. Furthermore, the aperture unit 10-1 can be applied to optical modules 1-A1000, 1-A2000, 1-A3000, 1-B2000, 1-C2000, 1-D2000, and 12-2000 in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0398] In summary, the present invention provides an aperture unit that can continuously control the size of the aperture opening. Thus, different user requirements for image acquisition are met. Furthermore, since the aperture unit is mounted on a movable part and no additional drive element is required to drive the aperture unit, miniaturization is achieved.

[0399] Embodiment of Group 11

[0400] Referring to Figure 11-1A, in one embodiment of the present invention, an optical system 11-A10 is installed in an electronic device 11-A20 and used for taking photographs or recording videos. The electronic device 11-A20 is, for example, a smartphone or a digital camera. The optical system 11-A10 has a first optical module 11-A1000, a second optical module 11-A2000, and a third optical module 11-A3000. When taking photographs or recording videos, these optical modules receive light rays and generate images, which are then transmitted to a processor (not shown) in the electronic device 11-A20 for image post-processing.

[0401] In particular, the first optical module 11-A1000, the second optical module 11-A2000, and the third optical module 11-A3000 have different focal lengths, and each of them has a first light-receiving hole 11-A1001, a second light-receiving hole 11-A2001, and a third light-receiving hole 11-A3001, respectively. External light reaches the image sensor in the optical module through the light-receiving holes.

[0402] Referring to Figure 11-1B, the first optical module 11-A1000 comprises a housing 11-A1100, a lens drive mechanism 11-A1200, a lens 11-A1300, a base 11-A1400, and an image sensor 11-A1500. The housing 11-A1100 and the base 11-A1400 form a hollow box, with the housing 11-A1100 surrounding the lens drive mechanism 11-A1200. Thus, the lens drive mechanism 11-A1200 and the lens 11-A1300 are housed within the aforementioned box. The image sensor 11-A1500 is mounted on one side of the box, with a first light-receiving hole 11-A1001 formed on the housing 11-A1100, and the base 11-A1400 having an opening 11-A1410 corresponding to the first light-receiving hole 11-A1001. Therefore, the light rays pass through the first light-receiving hole 11-A1001, the lens 11-A1300, and the aperture 11-A1410 in that order, reaching the image sensor 11-A1500, and forming an image on the image sensor 11-A1500.

[0403] The lens drive mechanism 11-A1200 includes a lens boulder 11-A1210, a frame 11-A1220, at least one first electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1230, at least one second electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1240, a first elastic element 11-A1250, a second elastic element 11-A1260, a coil board 11-A1270, a plurality of suspension wires 11-A1280, and a plurality of position detectors 11-A1290.

[0404] The lens boulder 11-A1210 has a housing space 11-A1211 and a recessed structure 11-A1212. The housing space 11-A1211 is formed in the center of the lens boulder 11-A1210, and the recessed structure 11-A1212 is formed on the outer wall of the lens boulder 11-A1210 and surrounds the housing space 11-A1211. The lens 11-A1300 is fixed to the lens boulder 11-A1210 and housed in the housing space 11-A1211. The first electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1230 is installed in the recessed structure 11-A1212.

[0405] Frame 11-A1220 has a housing section 11-A1221 and a plurality of recesses 11-A1222. Lens boulder 11-A1210 is received in housing section 11-A1221, and second electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1240 is fixed in recess 11-A1222 and adjacent to first electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1230.

[0406] The lens boulder 11-A1210 and the lens 11-A1300 mounted on it are driven by the electromagnetic effect between the first electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1230 and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1240 to move along the Z-axis relative to the frame 11-A1220. For example, in this embodiment, the first electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1230 is a drive coil surrounding the housing space 11-A1211 of the lens boulder 11-A1210, and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1240 has at least one magnet. When current flows through the drive coil (first electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1230), an electromagnetic effect is generated between the drive coil and the magnet. Thus, the lens boulder 11-A1210 and the lens 11-A1300 mounted on it move relative to the frame 11-A1220 and the image sensor 11-A1500, achieving the objective of autofocus.

[0407] In some embodiments, the first electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1230 is a magnet, and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1240 is a drive coil.

[0408] The first elastic element 11-A1250 and the second elastic element 11-A1260 are installed on opposite sides of the lens boulder 11-A1210 and frame 11-A1220, respectively, with the lens boulder 11-A1210 and frame 11-A1220 installed between them. The inner portion 11-A1251 of the first elastic element 11-A1250 is connected to the lens boulder 11-A1210, and the outer portion 11-A1252 of the first elastic element 11-A1250 is connected to frame 11-A1220. Similarly, the inner portion 11-A1261 of the second elastic element 11-A1260 is connected to the lens boulder 11-A1210, and the outer portion 11-A1262 of the second elastic element 11-A1260 is connected to frame 11-A1220. Therefore, the lens boulder 11-A1210 is suspended from the housing portion 11-A1221 of the frame 11-A1220 by the first elastic element 11-A1250 and the second elastic element 11-A1260, and the range of movement of the lens boulder 11-A1210 along the Z axis is limited by the first and second elastic elements 11-A1250 and 11-A1260.

[0409] Referring to Figure 11-1B, the coil board 11-A1270 is mounted on the base 11-A1400. Similarly, when current flows through the coil board 11-A1270, an electromagnetic effect is generated between the coil board 11-A1270 and the second electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1240 (or the first electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1230). Thus, the lens boulder 11-A1210 and the frame 11-A1220 move relative to the coil board 11-A1270 along the X and / or Y axes, and the lens 11-A1300 moves relative to the image sensor 11-A1500 along the X and / or Y axes. The objective of image stabilization is achieved.

[0410] In this embodiment, the lens drive mechanism 11-A1200 has four suspension wires 11-A1280. The four suspension wires 11-A1280 are each installed at the four corners of the coil board 11-A1270 and connect the coil board 11-A1270, the base 11-A1400, and the first elastic element 11-A1250. When the lens boulder 11-A1210 and the lens 11-A1300 move along the X and / or Y axes, the suspension wires 11-A1280 can limit the range of their movement. In addition, since the suspension wires 11-A1280 contain metal (for example, copper or an alloy thereof), the suspension wires 11-A1280 are used as conductors. For example, current flows to the first electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1230 via the base 11-A1400 and the suspension wire 11-A1280.

[0411] The position detector 11-A1290 is mounted on the base 11-A1400 and detects the movement of the second electromagnetic drive assembly 11-A1240 to obtain the positions of the lens boulder 11-A1210 and the lens 11-A1300 in the X and Y axes. For example, each position detector 11-A1290 is a Hall sensor, magnetoresistive effect sensor (MR sensor), giant magnetoresistive effect sensor (GMR sensor), tunnel magnetoresistive effect sensor (TMR sensor), or fluxgate sensor.

[0412] Referring to Figures 11-1A and 11-1B, in this embodiment, the structure of the second optical module 11-A2000 and the structure of the third optical module 11-A3000 are substantially the same as the structure of the first optical module 11-A1000. The only difference between the first, second, and third optical modules 11-A1000, 11-A2000, and 11-A3000 is that their lenses have different focal lengths. For example, the focal length of the first optical module 11-A1000 is greater than that of the third optical module 11-A3000, and the focal length of the third optical module 11-A3000 is greater than that of the second optical module 11-A2000. In other words, in the Z-axis, the thickness of the first optical module 11-A1000 is greater than that of the third optical module 11-A3000, and the thickness of the third optical module 11-A3000 is greater than that of the second optical module 11-A2000. In this embodiment, the second optical module 11-A2000 ...

Claims

1. A holder configured to connect a lens unit, The holder has a bottom that is relatively movable, A second drive assembly configured to drive the holder, The upper spring positioned in the holder, and The opening unit is located in the holder and includes a third drive assembly that is electrically connected to the upper spring and controls the size of the aperture opening, A frame movably connected to the bottom, to which the holder is movably connected, and The opening unit comprises a first drive assembly positioned at the bottom and configured to drive the frame to move relative to the bottom, the second drive assembly configured to drive the holder to move relative to the frame, and the opening unit is attached to the holder. The first drive assembly includes a first drive coil, the second drive assembly includes a second drive coil, and the third drive assembly includes a first drive coil. It includes a drive magnetic element and a third drive coil disposed on the drive magnetic element, wherein the drive magnetic element corresponds to the first drive coil or the second drive coil, An optical system that moves the holder or the frame by a magnetic driving force generated between the driving magnetic element and the first driving coil or the second driving coil.

2. The aforementioned opening unit is An opening having the aperture opening, the third drive assembly connected to continuously adjust the size of the aperture opening, Multiple aperture elements arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the optical axis, and The optical system according to claim 1, comprising a guide element movably connected to the aperture element, wherein the aperture element rotates in the same direction as the guide element.

3. The guiding element includes a plurality of guiding recesses arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the optical axis, The optical system according to claim 2, wherein the aperture opening has a predetermined size, and the size of the aperture opening is different from the predetermined size when the guide element is rotating.

4. The frame is provided with a base that partially overlaps the frame when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the base is directly positioned on the holder. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the frame partially overlaps the first drive assembly when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

5. The optical system according to claim 1, comprising a first elastic element, wherein the frame is movably connected to the bottom via the first elastic element, and the third drive coil is electrically connected to the first elastic element.

6. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the aperture unit includes an aperture having a second elastic element and an aperture opening, the second elastic element is used to apply a predetermined pressure directly or indirectly to the aperture, and the size of the aperture opening is a predetermined size when no current is supplied to the third drive coil.

7. The optical system according to claim 6, wherein the size of the aperture is larger than the predetermined size when a negative current is supplied to the third drive coil, and smaller than the predetermined size when a positive current is supplied to the third drive coil.

8. The optical system according to claim 1, further comprising a size sensor for detecting the size of the aperture.

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