Camera lens actuator, camera lens, and electronic equipment

Abstract

To provide a camera lens actuator, a camera lens, and an electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: A camera lens actuator includes a motor for applying driving force to a lens cover assembly of a camera lens, a reduction gear connected to the motor, and a pinion gear and a rack gear engaged with each other. Here, a rotation shaft of the pinion gear is connected to the reduction gear, and the rack gear is connected to the lens cover assembly. In the present application, combination of the pinion gear and the rack gear converts torque output from the reduction gear into torque along an optical axis direction of the camera lens to drive the lens cover assembly to move in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the lens cover assembly can protect an optical telescopic portion of the camera lens.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of optical elements, and in particular to a camera lens actuator, a camera lens, and an electronic device. [Background Art]

[0002] In recent years, for camera modules mounted on portable devices such as smartphones, image sensors often have a larger outer size as the demand for image quality increases, and the optical systems corresponding to such image sensors often have increased optical length and diameter. When the camera is not in use, the lens barrel of the optical system shortens the distance toward the image sensor side along the optical axis and is stored inside the main body of the portable device. When the camera is in use, the lens barrel normally protrudes from the main body of the portable device. At this time, the protruding portion may be damaged due to factors such as dropping of the portable device. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0003] An object of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a camera lens actuator, a camera lens, and an electronic device, so as to solve the problem that the protruding portion of the camera lens is damaged when a portable electronic device is dropped. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, the present invention is implemented as follows.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a camera lens actuator comprising a motor that provides driving force to a lens cover assembly of a camera lens, a reduction gear connected to the motor, and a meshing pinion gear and rack gear, wherein the rotation axis of the pinion gear is connected to the reduction gear, and the rack gear is connected to the lens cover assembly. The combination of the pinion gear and the rack gear converts the torque output from the reduction gear into a torque along the optical axis direction of the camera lens, thereby driving the lens cover assembly to move in the optical axis direction.

[0006] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a camera lens, comprising a camera lens actuator as described in the first aspect, and further comprising a lens assembly including a lens barrel, a lens barrel drive assembly for driving the lens barrel to move in the optical axis direction of the camera lens, and a lens cover assembly provided outside the lens barrel, wherein the lens cover assembly is connected to the camera lens actuator. The lens cover assembly moves in the optical axis direction by being driven by the camera lens actuator.

[0007] In a third aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device including a camera lens as described in the second aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Compared to conventional technology, when the optical system of the camera lens extends and retracts, the motor in the camera lens actuator of this embodiment provides driving force to the lens cover assembly, the rotational speed of the motor is reduced by a reduction gear to increase torque, and the combination of the pinion gear and the rack gear converts the torque output from the reduction gear into torque along the optical axis of the camera lens, thereby driving the lens cover assembly to move in the optical axis direction, and thus protecting the extendable portion of the optical system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This is an exploded view of the configuration of a camera lens actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the operation of the clutch in the camera lens actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows the operation of the clutch in the camera lens actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view of the configuration of a camera lens according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows the protruding state of the optical system of the camera lens according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the storage state of the optical system of the camera lens according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the protrusion of a camera lens from an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] This figure shows the storage of a camera lens in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The technical means in the embodiments of this application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application. Clearly, the embodiments described are a part of, but not all, of, the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art could make based on the embodiments of this application without any creative work are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0011] The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application are for distinguishing similar subjects and do not necessarily indicate a specific order or priority. The data used in this manner should be understood to be interchangeable as appropriate so that the embodiments of this application can be carried out in an order other than that shown or described herein, and the subjects distinguished by terms such as "first," "second," etc., are usually of the same kind and do not limit the number of subjects. For example, the first subject may be one or more. In addition, "and / or" in the specification and claims represents at least one connected subject. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related subjects are in an "or" relationship.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, an embodiment of the present invention provides a camera lens actuator including a motor 11 for driving a lens cover assembly of a camera lens, a reduction gear 10 connected to the motor 11 for reducing rotational speed and simultaneously outputting a large torque, and a meshing pinion gear 8 and rack gear 3. Here, the lens cover assembly refers to a component for protecting the extendable portion of the optical system of the camera lens. Therefore, the optical system is located in the housing space formed by the lens cover assembly. The pinion gear 8 is a cylindrical gear, and the rack gear 3 is a plate-shaped or rod-shaped gear with an infinite diameter. The combination of the pinion gear 8 and the rack gear 3 makes it possible to convert the rotational motion of the pinion gear 8 into the linear motion of the rack gear 3, or vice versa. Here, the rotation axis of the pinion gear 8 is connected to the reduction gear 10, and the rack gear 3 is connected to the lens cover assembly. The combination of the pinion gear 8 and the rack gear 3 converts the torque output from the reduction gear 10 into torque along the optical axis of the camera lens, thereby driving the lens cover assembly to move in the optical axis direction.

[0013] The specific operation process of the camera lens actuator in the embodiment of the present invention is as follows. When the camera lens is in operation, the extendable portion of the optical system moves along the optical axis of the camera lens and protrudes from the body of the electronic device. At the same time, the motor 11 outputs a driving force, and the reduction gear 10 converts the high-speed but low-torque rotation of the motor 11 into a low-speed but high-torque rotation. The combination of the pinion gear 8 and the rack gear 3 converts this low-speed but high-torque rotation into linear motion along the optical axis. This enables the lens cover assembly connected to the rack gear 3 to move along this optical axis, and by enabling the extendable portion of the optical system and the lens cover assembly to move along the optical axis simultaneously, the lens cover assembly protects the extendable portion of the optical system and prevents damage to the extendable portion of the optical system due to dropping or other causes.

[0014] In general optical instruments, a structure called a "helicoid" is frequently used when converting rotational motion into linear motion. In this mechanism, a cam-shaped groove is cut diagonally into the rotating cylindrical surface, and a guide pin on the linear motion side contacts the cam surface of the groove cross-section, allowing it to slide along the cam surface. Furthermore, a slide guide is provided on the linear motion side, which can move only in the same direction as the optical axis. As the cylinder rotates, the guide pin is guided by the rotating groove and can move linearly in the optical axis direction. Here, if a strong force acts on the linear motion part from the linear motion direction due to a fall or the like, a force will act on the contact point between the guide pin and the cam surface inside the drive mechanism. Generally, in the case of a cam that converts rotational input into linear motion, the slope of the cam surface is often set to 45 degrees or less, and the force acting on the guide pin is more of a shear force in the optical axis direction than a rotational force converted to the cam surface, making the pin itself or the guide surface prone to damage.

[0015] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, by using the rack gear 3 and the pinion gear 8 to convert this rotational motion into linear motion, even if a strong force is applied in the linear direction, the linear motion of the gear can be easily converted into rotational motion, and the pinion gear 8 itself requires almost no torque to rotate. Thus, damage to the linear motion mechanism can be prevented with the configuration using the rack gear 3 and the pinion gear 8.

[0016] As mentioned earlier, in the operating state of the camera lens, the lens cover assembly and the extendable part of the optical system (especially the lens barrel portion of the optical system) protrude from the main body of the electronic device. If a strong force is applied to the lens cover assembly or lens barrel portion due to a fall or the like, considering the entire drive unit, if the pinion gear 8 rotates due to this strong force, and the torque is transmitted directly to the reduction gear 10, there is a risk that the reduction gear 10 may be damaged.

[0017] Therefore, in order to prevent damage to the extendable portion of the optical system and the drive unit that drives its lens cover assembly, the camera lens actuator of this embodiment further includes a clutch 9 provided between the pinion gear 8 and the reduction gear 10. Specifically, if a torque exceeding a certain level is transmitted between the pinion gear 8 and the reduction gear 10 due to a fall or the like, the clutch 9 can slip to interrupt the transmission of this torque, thereby preventing damage to the reduction gear 10.

[0018] Furthermore, during normal operation of the camera lens actuator, the rotation of the motor 11 is input to the reduction gear 10, which reduces the rotational speed and obtains amplified torque. The clutch 9 transmits the amplified torque to the pinion gear 8, and the combination of the pinion gear 8 and the rack gear 3 converts this amplified torque into a torque along the optical axis, driving the lens cover assembly to move in the optical axis direction.

[0019] Here, when a force pushing the lens cover assembly in the optical axis direction due to dropping or the like is applied to the pinion gear 8, a large rotational force is generated via the rack gear 3. If a torque larger than the output side of the reduction gear 10 is input at this time, the gear cannot rotate and there is a risk that the gear teeth may be damaged. Therefore, when the input torque exceeds a predetermined torque, the idling of the clutch 9 cuts off torque transmission, thereby preventing damage to the reduction gear 10.

[0020] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the clutch 9 includes an elastic member 91 fitted onto a rotating shaft and two clutch plates 92 that are combined together. Engaging projections and grooves are provided on opposing surfaces of the two clutch plates 92. One of the clutch plates 92 abuts against one end of the elastic member 91 and is connected to the rotating shaft, and the other clutch plate 92 is connected to the reduction gear 10. Specifically, regarding the connection method between the elastic member 91 and the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft passes through a mounting hole at the center of the one clutch plate 92.

[0021] Here, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the elastic member 91 is, for example, a spiral spring. The elastic member 91 is fitted onto the rotating shaft of the pinion gear 8. When the assembly of the clutch 9 and the pinion gear 8 is completed, one end of the elastic member 91 abuts against one clutch plate 92, and the other end abuts against an end surface of the rotating portion of the pinion gear 8, thereby driving the clutch plate 92 from one side to the other side along the rotating shaft.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the clutch 9 further includes a clutch case 90. The elastic member 91 and the two clutch plates 92 are provided inside the clutch case 90.

[0023] Here, the operating principle of the clutch 9 will be explained. As shown in Figure 1, the clutch case 90 is biased with an elastic member 91 and the uneven surfaces of two clutch plates 92 facing each other. The uneven surfaces of the two clutch plates 92 face each other with their inclined surfaces facing each other, and power is transmitted. As the torque input to the clutch 9 increases, a force is generated in the direction of rotation on the inclined surfaces of the clutch plates 92. If the biasing force by the elastic member 91 is greater than the force in the direction of rotation generated on the inclined surfaces, the torque is transmitted. On the other hand, if the biasing force of the elastic member is set to be greater than the torque required to move the lens cover assembly up and down as usual, and less than the torque that would damage the gear, the drive assembly can be protected even if the lens cover assembly is pushed in with a large force.

[0024] During normal operation of the camera lens actuator, the two clutch plates 92 mesh together, transmitting a low-speed but high-torque rotation output from the reduction gear 10 to the pinion gear 8. The meshing of the pinion gear 8 and the rack gear 3 converts the rotational motion into linear motion, driving the lens cover assembly to move in the optical axis direction. However, if excessive rotational torque is applied to these parts, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the two clutch plates 92 mesh together at a certain angle (Figure 2), the meshing is lifted by the elastic member 91, and if further torque is applied, the meshing continues to rise until the uneven surfaces of the two clutch plates 92 are completely on top of each other (Figure 3). After that, the two clutch plates 92 disengage, and the transmission of torque is interrupted. Here, the torque transmission is interrupted when the biasing force becomes higher than the torque required for the expansion and contraction of the lens cover assembly. Therefore, if torque exceeding a certain level is applied to the pinion gear 8, the clutch 9 can quickly cut off the driving force, protecting the reduction gear 10 from excessive force when it is applied to the lens cover assembly.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the camera lens actuator further includes a housing 7 that houses the various parts of the camera lens actuator and is mounted in combination with the lens assembly.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a camera lens, which includes the camera lens actuator described above, a lens assembly including a lens barrel 12, a lens barrel drive assembly for driving the lens barrel 12 to move in the optical axis direction of the camera lens, and a lens cover assembly provided outside the lens barrel 12. Here, the lens cover assembly is connected to the camera lens actuator and moves in the optical axis direction when driven by the camera lens actuator.

[0027] In the operation state of the camera lens, the lens barrel drive assembly drives the lens barrel 12 to extend and retract in the optical axis direction, and simultaneously, the camera lens actuator drives the lens cover assembly to extend and retract in the optical axis direction. In this way, the lens barrel 12 and the lens cover assembly extend and retract simultaneously in the optical axis direction, and the lens cover assembly covers the outside of the lens barrel 12 at all times, protecting the lens assembly, including the transparent opening and components such as the lens barrel 12. This prevents damage to the lens assembly due to drops, etc., and prevents contamination of the lens assembly, ensuring the cleanliness of the lens assembly.

[0028] As selectable, as shown in Figure 4, the lens cover assembly includes a cover glass 1 and a lens cover housing 2 to be combined. Here, the cover glass 1 is provided corresponding to the transparent opening of the lens assembly, and the rack gear 3 of the camera lens actuator is provided on the outer surface of the lens cover housing 2. In this way, the combination of the pinion gear 8 and the rack gear 3 enables the lens cover housing 2 to be driven to move in the optical axis direction.

[0029] To enable movement of the lens cover assembly only in the optical axis direction, the lens cover housing 2 is further provided with a protruding slide guide structure 4, as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, this slide guide structure 4 is provided symmetrically on both outer surfaces of the lens cover housing 2 along the optical axis direction.

[0030] When assembling a camera lens into an electronic device, if the lens cover assembly protrudes from or retracts from the body of the electronic device (Figures 7 and 8), a gap between the lens cover housing 2 and the body of the electronic device may allow water droplets, dust, and other impurities to enter the camera lens. Therefore, a dustproof and dripproof mechanism is necessary to prevent such intrusion. Based on this, as shown in Figure 4, the camera lens of the embodiment of the present invention further includes a lens frame 6 that houses the lens assembly in combination with the lens cover assembly and has a sealing groove on its inner surface, and a sealing ring 5 located in this sealing groove.

[0031] Here, the seal ring 5 is an O-ring, a ring-shaped mechanical part with a cross-section shaped like the letter O. This seal ring 5 is made of an elastic material and is used by being compressed to make a tight seal with other parts. Whether in motion or stationary, it seals off liquids, gases, or fine particles, or prevents them from entering the space on the opposite side of the O-ring.

[0032] Furthermore, when assembling the camera lens, the lens frame 6 is connected in combination with the camera lens actuator housing 7. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, an opening is provided on the top surface of the housing 7, and the lens frame 6 is placed over this opening. The side walls of the lens frame 6 and the housing 7 are connected via screws drilled in screw holes on the side walls.

[0033] The lens barrel drive assembly of the embodiment of the present application includes a piezo motor 14 and a piezo motor shaft 16. The combination of the piezo motor 14 and the piezo motor shaft 16 drives the lens barrel 12 to move in the optical axis direction. Specifically, the piezo motor 14 drives the lens barrel 12 to move in the optical axis direction by vibration of the piezo motor unit and frictional force between the piezo shaft and the piezo motor.

[0034] As described above, the lens cover assembly protrudes when the camera lens is in operation and retracts when not in use. The lens barrel 12 also protrudes or retracts within the lens cover assembly in a similar manner. When the lens cover assembly is pushed over with a large force as described above, the lens barrel 12 will also come into contact with the lens cover assembly and be pushed over. However, when the piezo motor 14 drives the lens barrel 12, the lens barrel 12 will not be damaged even if an external force is applied and the lens barrel 12 is pushed over, and the lens barrel drive assembly will not be damaged even if the lens barrel is pushed over by an external force.

[0035] The telescope tube drive assembly further includes a telescope tube drive base 17 and an inner cover 15. The telescope tube drive base 17 supports a piezo motor 14, a piezo motor shaft 16, and an inner cover 15.

[0036] The camera lens further includes a lens unit base 18 for mounting the aforementioned components of the camera lens.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the lens assembly further includes an image sensor 19 and an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) actuator 13, which are provided on both sides of the lens barrel 12.

[0038] Based on the camera lens described above, the embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device including the camera lens described above. Even if the electronic device falls over, the protruding portion of the camera lens and the corresponding drive portion will not be damaged. This electronic device is specifically a portable electronic device such as a smartphone.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments. The above-described specific embodiments are illustrative and not limiting. Many forms that a person skilled in the art can make without departing from the spirit of the invention and the claims, based on the suggestions of the present invention, are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. It's a camera lens, Includes camera lens actuator, The aforementioned camera lens actuator is A motor (11) that provides driving force to the lens cover assembly of the camera lens, The reduction gear (10) connected to the motor (11), It includes a meshing pinion gear (8) and a rack gear (3), Here, the pinion gear (8) has its rotating shaft connected to the reduction gear (10), and the rack gear (3) is connected to the lens cover assembly. The combination of the pinion gear (8) and the rack gear (3) converts the torque output from the reduction gear (10) into a torque along the optical axis direction of the camera lens, thereby driving the lens cover assembly to move in the optical axis direction. The aforementioned camera lens actuator is The rotating shaft of the pinion gear (8) is connected to the reduction gear (10), and the clutch (9) is provided between the pinion gear (8) and the reduction gear (10), Here, the rotation of the motor (11) is input to the reduction gear (10), the reduction gear (10) reduces the rotational speed to obtain amplified torque, and the clutch (9) transmits the amplified torque to the pinion gear (8). The aforementioned camera lens further, A lens assembly including the lens barrel (12), A lens barrel drive assembly for moving the lens barrel (12) in the optical axis direction of the camera lens, The lens cover assembly is provided on the outside of the lens barrel (12), Here, the lens cover assembly is connected to the camera lens actuator, The lens cover assembly moves in the optical axis direction by the drive of the camera lens actuator. The aforementioned lens barrel drive assembly is Including a piezo motor (14) and a piezo motor shaft (16), A camera lens characterized in that the combination of the piezo motor (14) and the piezo motor shaft (16) drives the lens barrel (12) to move in the optical axis direction.

2. A camera lens according to claim 1, The aforementioned lens cover assembly is It includes a cover glass (1) and a lens cover housing (2) to be combined, Herein, the camera lens is characterized in that the rack gear (3) of the camera lens actuator is provided on the outer surface of the lens cover housing (2).

3. A camera lens according to claim 1, A lens frame (6) that houses the lens assembly in combination with the lens cover assembly and has a sealing groove on its inner surface, A camera lens further comprising a seal ring (5) located within the seal groove.

4. A camera lens according to claim 1, The aforementioned lens assembly is A camera lens further comprising an image sensor (19) and an OIS actuator (13) provided on both sides of the lens barrel (12).

5. A camera lens according to Claim 1, The clutch (9) is The elastic member (91) fitted onto the aforementioned rotating shaft, It includes two clutch plates (92) to be combined, The opposing surfaces of the two clutch plates (92) are provided with interlocking protrusions and grooves. A camera lens characterized in that one clutch plate (92) abuts against one end of the elastic member (91) and is connected to the rotating shaft, and the other clutch plate (92) is connected to the reduction gear (10).

6. A camera lens according to claim 5, The clutch (9) is A camera lens further comprising a clutch case (90) having the elastic member (91) and two clutch plates (92) inside.

7. An electronic device characterized by including a camera lens as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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