Camera module

By setting up pressure components around the carrier of the camera module to apply positive pressure, the problem of poor lens unit stability during large stroke -driven driving is solved, and higher imaging quality is achieved.

WO2025020293A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-01-30GALAXYCORE SHANGHAI
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2023/120955
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-24
Filing Date
2023-09-25
Publication Date
2025-01-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

It is difficult for the existing camera module to maintain the stable movement of the lens unit when driven by large strokes, affecting the imaging effect.

Method used

A camera module is designed. By setting up the first pressure component and the second pressure component around the carrier, it forms elasticity and rigid contact respectively to apply positive pressure to ensure that the carrier and the lens unit move in the direction of the light shaft, vertically in the light at the light, perpendicular to light in the light The movement in the axis is well limited.

Benefits of technology

Effectively improve the stability of the camera module in the direction of the optical axis, and ensure the imaging quality of the long stroke camera module.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN2023120955_30012025_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure CN2023120955_30012025_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention provides a camera module, comprising: a fixed unit; a moving unit, comprising a carrier and a lens unit, wherein the carrier is used for driving the lens unit to move in the direction of an optical axis; an optical axis stabilizing mechanism, comprising pressure assemblies distributed around the carrier, wherein the pressure assemblies comprise a first pressure assembly and a second pressure assembly; the first pressure assembly and the second pressure assembly are oppositely arranged on two sides of the carrier; the first pressure assembly forms elastic contact with the carrier, and the second pressure assembly form rigid contact with the carrier, so as to apply positive pressure to the carrier, respectively; the direction of resultant force of the positive pressure points to the optical axis and is perpendicular to the optical axis. Thus, when the carrier drives the lens unit to move in the direction of the optical axis, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be well restricted, ensuring the stability of movement of a long-stroke camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Camera module

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on July 24, 2023, with application number 202310913369.0 and invention name “Camera Module”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a camera module. Background Art

[0003] Currently, most mobile devices, such as cell phones and tablets, are equipped with camera modules. These modules convert optical and electrical signals, recording and storing image information, enabling photography and video recording. Compared to traditional camera systems, cell phone camera modules (CCMs) are widely used in a variety of next-generation portable camera devices due to their advantages such as miniaturization, low power consumption, low cost, and high image quality.

[0004] Currently, the structure of a camera module includes a lens unit, a voice coil motor (VCM), an infrared cutoff filter, an image sensor, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) or a printed circuit board (PCB), and a connector connected to the mobile phone motherboard. The voice coil motor is used to implement the autofocus function of the lens unit, and the voice coil motor generally includes a magnet, a coil, and other structures. During the operation of the camera module, current is first passed through the coil. The energized coil cuts the magnetic flux lines in the magnetic field to generate electromagnetic force. The coil or magnet moves under the action of the electromagnetic force, thereby driving the lens unit connected to the voice coil motor to move, adjusting the image distance and object distance of the camera module to present a clear image. A Hall effect sensor is usually also set in the voice coil motor. The Hall effect sensor is used to measure the changes in the magnetic field in the voice coil motor. The position of the coil or magnet is determined based on the changes in the magnetic field, thereby achieving closed-loop control of the voice coil motor. The most common autofocus function in mobile phone cameras is completely completed by the entire driver.

[0005] With the rapid development of the smartphone industry, people's expectations for mobile phone camera imaging are also gradually increasing. Focal length and zoom range are a key factor affecting mobile phone camera imaging quality. This requires voice coil motors to have a long driving stroke. Long driving strokes require the camera to be stable within the range, which places high demands on the optical axis stability of the voice coil motor.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem solved by the present invention is to provide a camera module with a large stroke and capable of maintaining stable movement of a lens unit.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a camera module, comprising: a fixed unit; a moving unit, comprising a carrier and a lens unit, wherein the carrier is used to drive the lens unit to move along the optical axis; an optical axis stabilization mechanism, comprising pressure components distributed around the carrier, wherein the pressure components are in contact with the carrier and apply positive pressure to the carrier, and the resultant direction of the positive pressure points to the optical axis and is perpendicular to the optical axis; the pressure components comprise a first pressure component and a second pressure component, wherein the first pressure component and the second pressure component are relatively arranged on two sides of the carrier, the first pressure component forms an elastic contact with the carrier, and the second pressure component forms a rigid contact with the carrier.

[0009] Preferably, the fixing unit includes a base, the carrier is installed on the base, the optical axis stabilization mechanism also includes a support assembly arranged on the base, the support assembly includes a first support assembly and a second support assembly, the first pressure assembly and the first support assembly cooperate with each other, and the second pressure assembly and the second support assembly cooperate with each other.

[0010] Preferably, the first supporting assembly has a first latching position and a second latching position, the first pressure assembly includes a first metal sheet latched on the first latching position and a first rolling body latched on the second latching position, one side of the first rolling body is in contact with the first metal sheet, and the other side of the first rolling body passes through the second latching position and contacts with a first guide rail provided on the carrier and extending along the optical axis. The first metal sheet also has an elastic structure, which is located on the first metal sheet and is latched in the first latching position.

[0011] Preferably, the second support assembly has a third clamping position and a fourth clamping position, and the second pressure assembly includes a second metal sheet clamped on the third clamping position and a second rolling body clamped on the fourth clamping position, one side of the second rolling body contacts the second metal sheet, and the other side of the second rolling body passes through the fourth clamping position and contacts the second guide rail provided on the carrier and extending along the optical axis.

[0012] Preferably, the first rolling body and the second rolling body are balls or rollers.

[0013] Preferably, the first rolling body and the second rolling body are a plurality of balls arranged side by side.

[0014] Preferably, the carrier has a through hole or an opening corresponding to the supporting assembly, and after the carrier is mounted on the base, the supporting assembly passes through the through hole or the opening.

[0015] Preferably, the first support assembly is provided with a third guide rail extending along the optical axis direction, the first pressure assembly includes a third rolling body arranged on the side wall of the carrier, the third rolling body has a surface protruding from the side wall of the carrier, the protruding surface of the third rolling body is in contact with the third guide rail, and a spring piece is provided in the side slot of the carrier, one side of the spring piece is in contact with the third rolling body, and the other opposite side is in contact with the carrier.

[0016] Preferably, the second support assembly is provided with a limiting groove extending along the optical axis direction, and the second pressure assembly includes a fourth rolling body arranged on the side wall of the carrier, the fourth rolling body has a surface protruding from the side wall of the carrier, and the protruding surface of the fourth rolling body is at least partially embedded in the limiting groove.

[0017] Preferably, the third rolling body and the fourth rolling body are balls or rollers.

[0018] Preferably, the fixing unit includes a shell and a bracket ring, the carrier moves up and down along the optical axis inside the shell, the bracket ring is fixedly arranged at the top of the shell, and the optical axis stabilization mechanism includes an elastic retaining ring arranged in the bracket ring, the elastic retaining ring has an opening, and a plurality of fifth rolling bodies are arranged between the elastic retaining ring and the carrier, the fifth rolling body close to the opening and the elastic retaining ring constitute a first pressure assembly, and the fifth rolling body away from the opening and the elastic retaining ring constitute a second pressure assembly.

[0019] Preferably, the fifth rolling element is a ball or a roller.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0021] In the camera module of the present invention, a first pressure component and a second pressure component are arranged around a carrier, and the first pressure component and the second pressure component are arranged on both sides of the carrier relatively to each other, wherein the first pressure component forms elastic contact with the carrier, and the second pressure component forms rigid contact with the carrier, thereby applying positive pressure to the carrier respectively. The resultant direction of the positive pressure points to the optical axis and is perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, when the carrier moves along the optical axis with the lens unit, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be well restricted, thereby ensuring the stability of the long-stroke camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clear or be more specifically explained through the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the embodiments that together with the drawings illustrate certain principles of the present invention.

[0023] FIG1 is a partial top view of a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG2 is a perspective view of a pressure assembly in a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG3 is a perspective view of a base and a supporting assembly in a camera module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG4 is a perspective view of a carrier, a base, and an optical axis stabilizing mechanism in a camera module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0027] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG4 ;

[0028] FIG6 is a partial top view of a camera module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG7 is a perspective view of a base and a supporting assembly in a camera module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG8 is an exploded view of a carrier, a base, and an optical axis stabilization mechanism in a camera module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG9 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in FIG6 ;

[0032] 10 and 11 are partial top views of a camera module according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG12 is a perspective view of a support ring and an optical axis stabilizing mechanism in a camera module according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG13 is a perspective view of the combined use of the optical axis stabilization mechanisms according to the first and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar devices (modules) or steps throughout different drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] As described in the background technology, providing a device that can effectively limit the movement of the camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the camera module is working, improve the stability of the camera module and ensure that the camera module has a larger stroke is one of the problems that need to be urgently solved in the current camera module field.

[0037] In order to solve the stability problem of the camera module during operation, an embodiment of the present invention provides a camera module, wherein a first pressure component and a second pressure component are arranged around a carrier, and the first pressure component and the second pressure component are arranged on both sides of the carrier relatively to each other, wherein the first pressure component forms an elastic contact with the carrier, and the second pressure component forms a rigid contact with the carrier, thereby applying positive pressure to the carrier respectively, and the resultant direction of the positive pressure points to the optical axis and is perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, when the carrier moves along the optical axis with the lens unit, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be well restricted, thereby ensuring the stability of the long-stroke camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0038] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 5 , the camera module of this embodiment includes a movable unit and a fixed unit. The movable unit includes a carrier 101 and a lens unit (not shown). Preferably, the carrier 101 has a lens accommodating cavity 129 extending through the surface of the carrier 101 , and the lens unit can be disposed within the lens accommodating cavity 129 . The fixed unit includes a base 105 , on which the carrier 101 is mounted. Under the action of a driving force, the carrier 101 moves up and down relative to the base 105 along the optical axis Z, thereby driving the lens unit to move along the optical axis to achieve focusing.

[0041] The camera module of this embodiment further includes an optical axis stabilization mechanism, which includes pressure components 103 and 104 distributed around the carrier 101. The pressure components 103 and 104 contact the carrier 101 and apply positive pressure to the carrier 101. The resultant force of the positive pressure is directed toward and perpendicular to the optical axis Z. Preferably, the pressure components 103 and 104 are evenly distributed around the carrier 101 to ensure that the carrier 101 is subjected to balanced force.

[0042] Specifically, the pressure assembly includes a first pressure assembly 103 and a second pressure assembly 104. Two first pressure assemblies 103 and two second pressure assemblies 104 are shown here as examples and not as a limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific number of the first pressure assembly 103 and the second pressure assembly 104 can be flexibly set according to actual needs. Each of the first pressure assembly 103 and the second pressure assembly 104 is arranged on both sides of the carrier 101 relative to each other. The first pressure assembly 103 forms elastic contact with the carrier 101, and the second pressure assembly 104 forms rigid contact with the carrier 101, thereby applying positive pressure to the carrier 101 respectively. The resultant direction of the positive pressure points to the optical axis and is perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, when the carrier 101 moves along the optical axis with the lens unit, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be well restricted, thereby ensuring the stability of the long-stroke camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby improving the imaging quality of the final camera module.

[0043] In this embodiment, the optical axis stabilization mechanism also includes support components evenly distributed around the base 105, the support components including a first support component 106 and a second support component 107, the first pressure component 103 is installed in the first support component 106, and the second pressure component 104 is installed in the second support component 107.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first support component 106 has a first locking position 108 and a second locking position 109, and the first pressure component 103 includes a first metal sheet 110 clamped on the first locking position 108 and a first rolling body 111 clamped on the second locking position 109. One side of the first rolling body 111 is in contact with the first metal sheet 110, and the other side of the first rolling body 111 passes through the second locking position 109 and contacts with a first guide rail 127 provided on the carrier 101 and extending along the optical axis. When the carrier 101 moves, the coil assembly (not shown) fixed on the carrier 101 is electrically connected to the focus control chip through the first rolling body 111 and the first metal sheet 110.

[0045] In this embodiment, the second support component 107 has a third latching position 112 and a fourth latching position 113, and the second pressure component 104 includes a second metal sheet 114 latched on the third latching position 112 and a second rolling body 115 latched on the fourth latching position 113. One side of the second rolling body 115 contacts the second metal sheet 114, and the other side of the second rolling body 115 passes through the fourth latching position 113 and contacts the second guide rail 128 provided on the carrier 101 and extending along the optical axis. When the carrier 101 moves, the coil assembly (not shown) fixed on the carrier 101 is electrically connected to the focus control chip through the second rolling body 115 and the second metal sheet 114.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first metal sheet 110 and the second metal sheet 114 are straight, making it easier for the first metal sheet to be inserted vertically into the first retaining portion 108 and the second metal sheet to be inserted vertically into the third retaining portion 112. This facilitates assembly, simplifies the installation process, and improves efficiency. The first metal sheet 110 includes an elastic structure 116, which is located on the first metal sheet and retains within the first retaining portion 108, thereby forming an elastic contact on one side of the carrier 101. The second metal sheet 114 does not have an elastic structure, thereby forming a rigid contact on the opposite side of the carrier 101.

[0047] In this embodiment, since the first pressure component 103 is located on the first support component 106 and the second pressure component 104 is located on the second support component 107, and since the first support component 106 and the second support component 107 are evenly distributed around the carrier 101, the carrier 101 is evenly subjected to extrusion force in the four directions perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby enhancing the torsional resistance of the carrier 101 and thereby enhancing the stability of the carrier 101 in the movement perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0048] Preferably, the first rolling body 111 and the second rolling body 115 can be balls or rollers. Further preferably, they can also be multiple side-by-side balls. For example, using two side-by-side balls can increase the contact area between the first rolling body 111, the second rolling body 115 and the first guide rail 127, the second guide rail 128. On the one hand, it can increase the conductivity between the rolling body and the guide rail. On the other hand, it enhances the difficulty of twisting the lens unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby reducing the torsion angle of the lens unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and improving the stability of the lens unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0049] In this embodiment, the base 105 may also have a wire embedding layer (not shown in the figure), which is embedded in the base 105. One end of the wire embedding layer is connected to the first metal sheet 110 and the second metal sheet 114, and the other end of the wire embedding layer is connected to the focus control chip through the PCB circuit.

[0050] In addition, in this embodiment, openings 102 corresponding to the supporting components are respectively provided at the four corners of the carrier 101. After the carrier 101 is installed on the base 105, the supporting components 106 and 107 are inserted into the openings 102. In other embodiments not shown, through holes corresponding to the supporting components 106 and 107 can also be provided on the carrier 101. After the carrier 101 is installed on the base 105, the supporting components are inserted into the through holes, thereby relatively fixing the position of the carrier 101 and the base 105.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] Referring to Figures 6 to 9 , the camera module of this embodiment includes a movable unit and a fixed unit. The movable unit includes a carrier 201 and a lens unit (not shown). Preferably, the carrier 201 has a lens accommodating cavity 229 extending through the surface of the carrier 201 , and the lens unit can be disposed within the lens accommodating cavity 229 . The fixed unit includes a base 205 , on which the carrier 201 is mounted. Under the action of a driving force, the carrier 201 moves up and down relative to the base 205 along the optical axis Z, thereby driving the lens unit to move along the optical axis to achieve focusing.

[0053] The camera module of this embodiment further includes an optical axis stabilization mechanism, which includes pressure components 203 and 204 distributed around the carrier 201. The pressure components 203 and 204 contact the carrier 201 and apply positive pressure to the carrier 201. The resultant positive pressure is directed toward and perpendicular to the optical axis Z. Preferably, the pressure components 203 and 204 are evenly distributed around the carrier 201 to ensure that the carrier 201 is subjected to balanced force.

[0054] Specifically, the pressure assembly includes a first pressure assembly 203 and a second pressure assembly 204. Two first pressure assemblies 203 and two second pressure assemblies 204 are shown here as examples and not as a limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific number of the first pressure assembly 203 and the second pressure assembly 204 can be flexibly set according to actual needs. Each of the first pressure assembly 203 and the second pressure assembly 204 is disposed oppositely on either side of the carrier 201. The first pressure assembly 203 forms elastic contact with the carrier 201, and the second pressure assembly 204 forms rigid contact with the carrier 201, thereby applying positive pressure to the carrier 201. The resultant direction of the positive pressure points to the optical axis and is perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, when the carrier 201 moves along the optical axis with the lens unit, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be well restricted, thereby ensuring the stability of the long-stroke camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby improving the imaging quality of the final camera module.

[0055] In this embodiment, the optical axis stabilization mechanism also includes support components evenly distributed around the base 205, and the support components include a first support component 206 and a second support component 207. The first pressure component 203 contacts and cooperates with the first support component 206, and the second pressure component 204 contacts and cooperates with the second support component 207.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first support assembly 206 is provided with a third guide rail 222 extending along the optical axis. The first pressure assembly 203 includes a third rolling element 211 disposed on a sidewall of the carrier 203. The third rolling element 211 has a surface protruding from the sidewall of the carrier 203. When the carrier 201 is mounted on the base 205, the protruding surface of the third rolling element 211 contacts the third guide rail 222. When the carrier 201 moves, the third rolling element 211 moves with the carrier 201 and forms rolling or sliding contact with the first support assembly 206. The process of the third rolling body 211 moving with the carrier 201 is essentially the process of the carrier 201 moving with the third rolling body 211, so the distance moved by the third rolling body 211 on the third guide rail 222 is equivalent to the stroke of the camera module. Therefore, since the third rolling body 211 can move a larger distance on the third guide rail 222, the corresponding camera module has a larger stroke, thereby ensuring that the formed camera module has better imaging quality.

[0057] In this embodiment, the third rolling element 211 is detachably connected to the side wall of the carrier 201; in other embodiments, the third rolling element 211 may be fixedly connected to the side wall of the carrier 201. A spring 220 is disposed in the carrier side slot 224. One side of the spring 220 contacts the third rolling element 211, while the other side contacts the carrier 201, thereby forming an elastic contact with one side of the carrier 201.

[0058] In this embodiment, the third rolling element 211 is a conductive ball bearing. The conductive ball bearing is used for both electrical conductivity and rolling within the third guide rail 222, thereby reducing friction generated when the carrier 201 moves and improving the imaging quality of the camera module. In other embodiments, the third rolling element 211 may also be a roller.

[0059] In this embodiment, the third guide rail 222 acts as a slide rail on the one hand, and can also act as a conductor on the other hand. When the camera module is powered on, an electrical connection is formed among the third guide rail 222, the third rolling body 211 and the carrier 201.

[0060] In this embodiment, a limiting groove 223 extending along the optical axis is provided on the second support component 207, and the second pressure component 204 includes a fourth rolling body 215 arranged on the side wall of the carrier 201, and the fourth rolling body 215 has a surface protruding from the side wall of the carrier 201, and the protruding surface of the fourth rolling body 215 is at least partially embedded in the limiting groove 223, thereby forming a rigid contact on the other side of the carrier 201.

[0061] The limiting groove 223 provides space for the fourth rolling element 215 to roll or slide. In this embodiment, the limiting groove 223 adopts a "V"-shaped groove structure. When the fourth rolling element 215 is partially embedded in the limiting groove 223, the contact between the fourth rolling element 215 and the limiting groove 223 is two-point contact. This reduces the friction between the fourth rolling element 215 and the limiting groove 223, facilitating the rolling of the fourth rolling element 215. Furthermore, the fourth rolling element 215 has three-point contact with the limiting groove 223 and the carrier 201. This ensures that when the carrier 201 moves, the fourth rolling element 215 can both move with the carrier 201 and rotate within the limiting groove 223, thereby achieving rolling or sliding contact between the fourth rolling element 215 and the second support assembly 207. In other embodiments (not shown), the limiting groove 223 can also adopt a "U"-shaped groove structure.

[0062] In this embodiment, the fourth rolling element 215 is detachably connected to the side wall of the carrier 201 ; in other embodiments, the fourth rolling element 215 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the carrier 201 .

[0063] In this embodiment, the fourth rolling body 215 is clamped with the side wall of the carrier 201, and a clamping groove 221 is provided on the side wall of the carrier 203. One side of the fourth rolling body 215 is clamped in the clamping groove 221, and the other side of the fourth rolling body 215 protrudes from the side wall surface of the carrier 201. The fourth rolling body 215 can rotate in the clamping groove 221.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first support assembly 206 and the second support assembly 207 are symmetrically distributed around the base 205, and the first pressure assembly 203 and the second pressure assembly 204 are respectively located on a pair of oppositely arranged side walls of the carrier 201. The first pressure assembly 203 cooperates with the first support assembly 206 to form elastic contact on one side of the carrier 201; the second pressure assembly 204 and the second support assembly 207 cooperate with each other to form rigid contact on the opposite side of the carrier 201. As a result, the carrier 201 is uniformly subjected to extrusion force in all directions perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby enhancing the torsional resistance of the carrier 201 and thus the stability of the carrier 201 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby improving the imaging quality of the camera module.

[0065] In this embodiment, the base 205 may also have a wire embedding layer (not shown in the figure), which is embedded in the base 205. One end of the wire embedding layer is connected to the third guide rail 226, and the other end of the wire embedding layer is connected to the focus control chip through the PCB circuit.

[0066] Example 3

[0067] Please refer to Figures 10 to 12. The camera module of the present invention may also include an iron shell (not shown) and a bracket ring 330. The iron shell is arranged around the base, and the carrier 301 moves up and down along the optical axis inside the iron shell. The bracket ring 330 is fixedly arranged on the top of the iron shell.

[0068] In this embodiment, the optical axis stabilization mechanism includes an elastic ring 331 disposed within the support ring 330. The elastic ring 331 has an opening 332. A plurality of fifth rolling elements 333 and 334 are disposed between the elastic ring 331 and the carrier 301. Preferably, the fifth rolling elements 333 and 334 are evenly distributed around the carrier 301. Further preferably, the fifth rolling elements 333 and 334 are disposed in pairs and evenly distributed around the carrier 301 to ensure balanced force on the carrier 301. Because the elastic ring 331 can undergo significant elastic deformation near the opening 332 when squeezed, the fifth rolling elements 333 near the opening 332 and the elastic ring 331 form a first pressure assembly, forming elastic contact with the carrier 301. The fifth rolling elements 334 away from the opening 332 and the elastic ring 331 form a second pressure assembly, forming rigid contact with the carrier 301. Preferably, the fifth rolling elements 333 and 334 may be balls or rollers.

[0069] Therefore, the carrier 301 is uniformly subjected to the extrusion force in all directions perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby enhancing the stability of the carrier 301 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and improving the imaging quality of the camera module.

[0070] It should be noted that the carrier 301 can be a carrier body, or preferably, a metal protective sleeve mounted on the top of the carrier body to prevent deformation during the extrusion process, which may affect performance.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the optical axis stabilization mechanisms of Examples 1 and 2 are disposed between the carrier and the base, while the optical axis stabilization mechanism of Example 3 is disposed between the carrier and the support ring. As needed, the optical axis stabilization mechanism of Example 3 can be used in combination with the optical axis stabilization mechanisms of Examples 1 and 2, respectively. For example, FIG13 shows a three-dimensional structural diagram of the optical axis stabilization mechanisms of Examples 1 and 3 used in combination. On one side of the carrier 101 / 301 (the right side in FIG13 ), the first rolling element 111 cooperates with a first support assembly (not shown) disposed on the base to form elastic contact with the carrier 101 / 301. Simultaneously, a fifth rolling element 333 located near the opening 332 of the circlip 331 also forms elastic contact with the carrier 101 / 301. On the other side of the carrier 101 / 301 (the left side in FIG13 ), the second rolling element 115 cooperates with a second support assembly (not shown) disposed on the base to form rigid contact with the carrier 101 / 301. Simultaneously, a fifth rolling element 334 located away from the opening 332 of the circlip 331 also forms rigid contact with the carrier 101 / 301. Therefore, by combining the optical axis stabilization mechanisms of the first and third embodiments, the torsional resistance of the carrier is further enhanced, thereby enhancing the stability of the carrier in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby improving the imaging quality of the camera module.

[0072] In addition, in other embodiments not shown, the optical axis stabilization mechanisms of the second embodiment and the third embodiment can also be used in combination, and the details will not be repeated.

[0073] To sum up, in the camera module of the present invention, a first pressure component and a second pressure component are arranged around the carrier, and the first pressure component and the second pressure component are arranged on both sides of the carrier relatively, wherein the first pressure component forms an elastic contact with the carrier, and the second pressure component forms a rigid contact with the carrier, thereby applying positive pressure to the carrier respectively, and the resultant direction of the positive pressure points to the optical axis and is perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, when the carrier moves along the optical axis with the lens unit, the movement of the moving unit in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis can be well restricted, thereby ensuring the stability of the long-stroke camera module in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0074] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-restrictive in any manner. Furthermore, it is clear that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements and steps, and the word "a" does not exclude pluralities. Multiple elements stated in a device claim may also be implemented by a single element. Terms such as first and second are used to indicate names and do not imply any particular order.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that: include: Fixed unit; A moving unit, comprising a carrier and a lens unit, wherein the carrier is used to drive the lens unit to move along the optical axis; An optical axis stabilization mechanism, comprising pressure components distributed around the carrier, the pressure components contacting the carrier to apply positive pressure to the carrier, the resultant force direction of the positive pressure pointing to the optical axis and perpendicular to the optical axis; The pressure assembly includes a first pressure assembly and a second pressure assembly. The first pressure assembly and the second pressure assembly are arranged on two sides of the carrier opposite to each other. The first pressure assembly forms elastic contact with the carrier, and the second pressure assembly forms rigid contact with the carrier.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing unit includes a base, the carrier is installed on the base, the optical axis stabilization mechanism also includes a supporting assembly arranged on the base, the supporting assembly includes a first supporting assembly and a second supporting assembly, the first pressure assembly cooperates with the first supporting assembly, and the second pressure assembly cooperates with the second supporting assembly.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The first supporting component has a first clamping position and a second clamping position, the first pressure component includes a first metal sheet clamped on the first clamping position and a first rolling body clamped on the second clamping position, one side of the first rolling body is in contact with the first metal sheet, and the other side of the first rolling body passes through the second clamping position and contacts with a first guide rail arranged on the carrier and extending along the optical axis. The first metal sheet also has an elastic structure, which is located on the first metal sheet and is clamped in the first clamping position.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, wherein: The second supporting component has a third clamping position and a fourth clamping position, and the second pressure component includes a second metal sheet clamped on the third clamping position and a second rolling body clamped on the fourth clamping position, one side of the second rolling body contacts the second metal sheet, and the other side of the second rolling body passes through the fourth clamping position and contacts the second guide rail arranged on the carrier and extending along the optical axis.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: The first rolling body and the second rolling body are balls or rollers.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first rolling body and the second rolling body are a plurality of balls arranged side by side.

7. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: The carrier is provided with a through hole or an opening corresponding to the supporting component. After the carrier is mounted on the base, the supporting component penetrates into the through hole or the opening.

8. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: A third guide rail extending along the optical axis is arranged on the first supporting component, the first pressure component includes a third rolling body arranged on the side wall of the carrier, the third rolling body has a surface protruding from the side wall of the carrier, the protruding surface of the third rolling body contacts the third guide rail, and a spring sheet is arranged in the side slot of the carrier, one side of the spring sheet contacts the third rolling body, and the other opposite side contacts the carrier.

9. The camera module according to claim 8, wherein: The second supporting assembly is provided with a limiting groove extending along the optical axis direction, and the second pressure assembly includes a fourth rolling body arranged on the side wall of the carrier, the fourth rolling body has a surface protruding from the side wall of the carrier, and the protruding surface of the fourth rolling body is at least partially embedded in the limiting groove.

10. The camera module according to claim 9, wherein: The third rolling body and the fourth rolling body are balls or rollers.

11. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing unit comprises a shell and a bracket ring, the carrier moves up and down along the optical axis inside the shell, the bracket ring is fixedly arranged at the top of the shell, the optical axis stabilizing mechanism comprises an elastic retaining ring arranged in the bracket ring, the elastic retaining ring has an opening, and a plurality of fifth rolling bodies are arranged between the elastic retaining ring and the carrier, the fifth rolling body close to the opening and the elastic retaining ring form a first pressure assembly, and the fifth rolling body away from the opening and the elastic retaining ring form a second pressure assembly.

12. The camera module according to claim 11, wherein: The fifth rolling element is a ball or a roller.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Camera module and digital device

    CN113132563A

  • Camera module and electronic equipment

    CN113489888A

  • Camera module and digital device thereof

    CN115840277A

  • Camera module and digital device thereof

    CN115942074A

  • Camera actuator

    WO2022071691A1