VCM structure, lens and camera device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of VCM structures. Disclosed are a VCM structure, a lens and a camera device. The VCM structure comprises a magnetic circuit structure and a coil assembly; the magnetic circuit structure comprises a magnetic yoke assembly and a magnet assembly; the magnetic yoke assembly forms a mounting cavity that opens in a first direction; the magnet assembly comprises a plurality of magnet groups successively arranged in a second direction; each magnet group comprises four magnets successively arranged in the second direction, and the magnetization directions of the four magnets are arranged in a Halbach array and are all perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the magnetization directions of two of the magnets are opposite to each other and consistent with the second direction; the coil assembly is movably arranged within the mounting cavity in the second direction; when the coil assembly is energized and interacts with the magnet assembly, the coil assembly can move in the second direction.

Description

VCM structure, lens and shooting equipment

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202510143079.1, filed on February 10, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of lens technology, and in particular to a VCM structure, lens, and shooting device. Background Technology

[0004] A VCM (Voice Coil Motor) is a type of motor that uses electromagnetic principles to generate linear or rotary motion. In devices such as digital cameras and mobile phone cameras, VCMs are used to drive the lens for fast and precise focusing. By adjusting the position of the lens, a VCM can make the image clearly focused on the sensor, offering advantages such as high precision, fast response, and low noise.

[0005] In existing VCM structures, the magnets in the magnetic circuit components are usually made of a single large magnet. However, the magnetic field distribution of a large magnet is characterized by strong magnetic poles at both ends and weaker magnetic poles in the middle. The magnetic field distribution is not uniform, and the adaptability of a large magnet is poor. When dealing with lenses of different specifications, magnets of different specifications need to be manufactured according to requirements, which increases manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main purpose of this application is to propose a VCM structure, lens, and shooting device, which aims to solve the problems of uneven magnetic field distribution and poor adaptability of current VCM structures.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes a VCM structure, including a magnetic circuit structure and a coil assembly. The magnetic circuit structure includes a yoke assembly and a magnet assembly. The yoke assembly forms a mounting cavity opening in a first direction. The magnet assembly is disposed within the mounting cavity. The magnet assembly includes multiple magnet groups arranged sequentially along a second direction. Each magnet group includes four magnets arranged sequentially along the second direction. The magnetization directions of the four magnets are arranged in a Halebeck array and are all perpendicular to the first direction. Among them, the magnetization directions of two magnets are opposite and consistent with the second direction. The coil assembly is movably disposed within the mounting cavity along the second direction. When the coil assembly is energized and interacts with the magnet assembly, the coil assembly can move along the second direction.

[0008] In one embodiment, the magnetic yoke assembly is formed by a plurality of magnetic yoke plates, and the magnet assembly is fixedly mounted on the magnetic yoke plates facing the third direction.

[0009] The VCM structure also includes:

[0010] A guide rail, extending along a second direction, is disposed on one of the magnetic yoke plates; and...

[0011] A mounting base is provided for fixing the coil assembly. The mounting base has a slider on the side facing the guide rail for sliding engagement with the guide rail.

[0012] In one embodiment, the coil assembly includes two coil units spaced apart in a third direction, and a liquid cooling plate is disposed between the two coil units. The liquid cooling plate is fixed on the mounting base and has a cooling flow path that is folded and bent to dissipate heat from the two coil units.

[0013] In one embodiment, a magnetic grating is further provided on the corresponding magnetic yoke plate, the magnetic grating extending along the second direction, and a reading head corresponding to the magnetic grating is also provided on the mounting base, so that during the relative movement of the mounting base and the magnetic yoke plate, the reading head calculates the displacement relative to the magnetic grating based on the magnetic field at different positions of the magnetic grating.

[0014] In one embodiment, the VCM structure further includes a plurality of photoelectric switches, which are spaced apart on the magnetic yoke plate along a second direction;

[0015] The mounting base is also provided with a light-blocking plate corresponding to the photoelectric switch, so that during the relative movement of the mounting base and the magnetic yoke plate, the light-blocking plate can move to the light emission point of the photoelectric switch, thereby triggering the corresponding photoelectric switch to work.

[0016] In one embodiment, the corresponding magnetic yoke plate is further provided with a buffer portion, which is used to abut against the end of the mounting base.

[0017] In one embodiment, two magnet components are provided, and the two magnet components are respectively disposed on the inner surfaces of two magnetic yoke plates facing each other from the third direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the coil assembly is used to receive a three-phase alternating current.

[0019] This application also proposes a lens comprising the aforementioned VCM structure. The VCM structure includes a magnetic circuit structure and a coil assembly. The magnetic circuit structure includes a yoke assembly and a magnet assembly. The yoke assembly forms a mounting cavity opening in a first direction. The magnet assembly is disposed within the mounting cavity. The magnet assembly includes multiple magnet groups arranged sequentially along a second direction. Each magnet group includes four magnets arranged sequentially along the second direction. The magnetization directions of the four magnets are arranged in a Halebeck array and are all perpendicular to the first direction. The magnetization directions of two magnets are opposite and consistent with the second direction. The coil assembly is movably disposed within the mounting cavity along the second direction. When the coil assembly is energized and interacts with the magnet assembly, the coil assembly can move along the second direction.

[0020] Furthermore, this application also proposes an imaging device, which includes the aforementioned lens, the aforementioned VCM structure, the VCM structure including a magnetic circuit structure and a coil assembly, the magnetic circuit structure including a magnetic yoke assembly and a magnet assembly, the magnetic yoke assembly forming a mounting cavity opening towards a first direction, the magnet assembly being disposed within the mounting cavity, the magnet assembly including multiple magnet groups arranged sequentially along a second direction, each magnet group including four magnets arranged sequentially along the second direction, the magnetization direction of the four magnets being arranged in a Hellbeck array and all perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the magnetization directions of two magnets are opposite and consistent with the second direction, the coil assembly being movably disposed within the mounting cavity along the second direction, and when the coil assembly is energized and interacts with the magnet assembly, the coil assembly is capable of moving along the second direction.

[0021] The technical solution of this application, by setting the magnetic circuit structure and the coil assembly, allows the coil assembly to move relative to the magnetic circuit structure when energized, thereby driving the adjustment lens group to move relative to the mounting cylinder, realizing the movement of the focusing system in the lens structure. Furthermore, the coil assembly includes a magnetic yoke assembly and a magnet assembly, wherein the magnet assembly is composed of multiple magnet groups arranged in a Hellbeck array. This allows the magnet assembly to generate a more uniform and stronger magnetic field, thereby enabling rapid and stable movement of the coil assembly. Moreover, by reasonably increasing or decreasing the number of magnet groups, the number of groups in the magnet assembly can be adjusted to change the zoom stroke corresponding to different specifications of the magnetic circuit structure, thus adapting to zoom systems with different strokes and improving the applicability of this structure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the VCM structure provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the VCM structure in Figure 1 with part of the mounting base removed;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the VCM structure in Figure 1 from another perspective;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the coil assembly in Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the liquid cooling plate in Figure 1;

[0028] Figure 6 shows a partial magnetic field distribution diagram of the magnet component in Figure 1.

[0029] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0030] 1000, VCM structure; 1, magnetic circuit structure; 11, magnetic yoke assembly; 111, mounting cavity; 112, magnetic yoke plate; 12, magnet assembly; 121, magnet; 2, coil assembly; 21, coil unit; 3, guide rail; 4, mounting base; 41, light shield; 5, liquid cooling plate; 51, cooling flow path; 6, magnetic grid; 7, reading head; 8, photoelectric switch; 9, buffer section.

[0031] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present invention

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0034] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0035] A VCM (Voice Coil Motor) is a type of motor that uses electromagnetic principles to generate linear or rotary motion. In devices such as digital cameras and mobile phone cameras, VCMs are used to drive the lens for fast and precise focusing. By adjusting the position of the lens, a VCM can make the image clearly focused on the sensor, offering advantages such as high precision, fast response, and low noise.

[0036] In existing VCM structures, the magnets in the magnetic circuit components are usually made of a single large magnet. However, the magnetic field distribution of a large magnet is characterized by strong magnetic poles at both ends and weaker magnetic poles in the middle. The magnetic field distribution is not uniform enough, and the adaptability of a large magnet is poor. When dealing with lenses of different specifications, magnets of different specifications need to be manufactured according to the requirements, which increases the manufacturing cost.

[0037] The main purpose of this application is to propose a VCM structure, lens, and shooting device, which aims to solve the problems of uneven magnetic field distribution and poor adaptability of current VCM structures.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1. This application proposes a VCM structure 1000, including a magnetic circuit structure 1 and a coil assembly 2. The magnetic circuit structure 1 includes a magnetic yoke assembly 11 and a magnet assembly 12. The magnetic yoke assembly 11 forms a mounting cavity 111 that opens in a first direction. The magnet assembly 12 is disposed in the mounting cavity 111. The magnet assembly 12 includes a plurality of magnet groups arranged sequentially along a second direction. Each magnet group includes four magnets 121 arranged sequentially along the second direction. The magnetization direction of the four magnets 121 is arranged in a Halebeck array and is perpendicular to the first direction. Among them, the magnetization directions of two magnets 121 are opposite and consistent with the second direction. The coil assembly 2 is movably disposed in the mounting cavity 111 along the second direction. When the coil assembly 2 is energized and interacts with the magnet assembly 12, the coil assembly 2 can move along the second direction.

[0039] The technical solution of this application, by setting the magnetic circuit structure 1 and the coil assembly 2, allows the coil assembly 2 to move relative to the magnetic circuit structure 1 when energized, thereby driving the adjustment lens group to move relative to the mounting cylinder, realizing the movement of the focusing system in the lens structure. Furthermore, the coil assembly 2 includes a magnetic yoke assembly 11 and a magnet assembly 12, wherein the magnet assembly 12 is composed of multiple magnet groups arranged in a Hellbeck array. Thus, the magnet assembly 12 can generate a more uniform and stronger magnetic field, thereby enabling the coil assembly 2 to move quickly and smoothly. Moreover, the magnet assembly 12, composed of four magnets 121 as a group, can change the zoom stroke corresponding to different specifications of the magnetic circuit structure 1 by reasonably increasing or decreasing the number of magnet groups, thereby adapting to zoom systems with different strokes and improving the applicability of this structure.

[0040] Referring to Figure 6, the Hellbeck array in this scheme is set to be linear, meaning that the magnetization direction of the magnets in the array alternates along the length of the array. For a standard four-segment linear Hellbeck array, the magnetization direction of each magnet will rotate 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise sequentially until entering the next cycle. This arrangement increases the strength and uniformity of the magnetic field, thereby enabling the coil assembly 2 to move quickly and smoothly.

[0041] The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction, and the plane containing the magnetization direction of each magnet 121 is perpendicular to the first direction, thereby generating an Ampere force that can drive the coil to move in the second direction.

[0042] Since the magnetization directions of the two magnets 121 are perpendicular, positioning components are needed to position each magnet 121, such as card slots or tape. This solution does not impose specific restrictions on the positioning components.

[0043] To limit the movement of the coil assembly 2, in one embodiment provided in this application, referring to Figure 2, the magnetic yoke assembly 11 is surrounded by multiple magnetic yoke plates 112, and the magnet assembly 12 is fixedly mounted on the magnetic yoke plate 112 facing the third direction. The VCM structure 1000 also includes a guide rail 3 and a mounting base 4. The guide rail 3 extends along a second direction and is mounted on one of the magnetic yoke plates 112. The mounting base 4 is used to fix and mount the coil assembly 2. A slider is provided on the side of the mounting base 4 facing the guide rail 3 for sliding engagement with the guide rail 3. With this configuration, the coil assembly 2 can move along the guide rail 3, the structure is simple, and the stability of the device is improved. Specifically, the guide rail 3 is mounted on one of the magnetic yoke plates 112 facing the third direction. This configuration is more reasonable and facilitates the mounting base 4 in sending the coil assembly 2 into the mounting cavity 111.

[0044] To facilitate subsequent maintenance and replacement of the coil assembly 2, in one embodiment provided in this application, the coil assembly 2 is detachably connected to the mounting base 4. Specifically, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the mounting base 4 is provided with an extension and a disassembly portion. The extension extends in a third direction, facilitating the insertion of the coil assembly 2 into the mounting cavity 111. The coil assembly 2 is detachably mounted on the extension via the disassembly portion. Thus, by separating or combining the disassembly portion and the extension portion, the coil assembly 2 can be installed and removed.

[0045] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the coil assembly 2 includes two coil units 21 spaced apart in a third direction. A liquid cooling plate 5 is disposed between the two coil units 21 and fixed to the mounting base 4. The liquid cooling plate 5 has a cooling flow path 51, which is folded and bent to dissipate heat from the two coil units 21. This arrangement increases the contact area between the liquid cooling plate 5 and the coil units 21, improving heat dissipation. Specifically, the cooling flow path 51 has a connecting portion and a bending portion. Multiple bending portions are distributed at both ends of the liquid cooling plate 5 in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction. The connecting portion alternately connects the bending portions at both ends, thereby making the cooling flow path 51 as long as possible within the liquid cooling plate 5, further improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0046] This solution does not limit the specific implementation of the coil unit 21. In some embodiments of this solution, the coil unit 21 is configured as a mounting plate with multiple mounting posts and multiple induction coils mounted on the multiple mounting posts. This configuration is highly applicable and multiple induction coils can be installed as needed. In another embodiment of this application, the coil unit 21 is configured as an induction coil with a fixing member. This configuration is simple in structure and easy to assemble.

[0047] In one embodiment, two magnet assemblies 12 are provided, each disposed on the inner surface of two opposing magnetic yoke plates 112 facing each other from the third direction. This arrangement maximizes the use of the space inside the mounting cavity 111 and further enhances the magnetic field strength, thereby accelerating the response speed of the focusing system. It is worth noting that the magnets 121 in the two magnet assemblies 12 are arranged in the same magnetization direction, thus superimposing the magnetic fields between the two magnet assemblies 12.

[0048] To obtain the travel distance of the coil assembly 2, please refer to Figure 3. A magnetic grating 6 is also provided on the corresponding magnetic yoke plate 112, extending along the second direction. A corresponding reading head 7 is also provided on the mounting base 4. During the relative movement of the mounting base 4 and the magnetic yoke plate 112, the reading head 7 calculates the displacement relative to the magnetic grating 6 based on the magnetic field at different positions of the magnetic grating 6. The working principle of the magnetic grating 6 and the reading head 7 is based on electromagnetic induction. When the reading head 7 moves along the magnetic grating 6, the change in magnetic field strength generates a corresponding voltage change in the reading head 7. By processing these changes, the position information can be determined very accurately, and it also has the characteristic of fast response speed. The autofocus system in a lens particularly relies on precise adjustment of the focus position and has high requirements for focusing speed, allowing users to capture the desired moment more quickly. The cooperative structure of the magnetic grating 6 and the reading head 7 perfectly meets these requirements.

[0049] To control the active position of the coil assembly 2, referring to Figure 3, the VCM structure 1000 also includes multiple photoelectric switches 8, which are spaced apart along the second direction on the magnetic yoke plate 112. The mounting base 4 is also provided with light-blocking plates 41 corresponding to the photoelectric switches 8, so that during the relative movement of the mounting base 4 and the magnetic yoke plate 112, the light-blocking plates 41 can move to the light emission point of the photoelectric switch 8, thereby triggering the corresponding photoelectric switch 8 to operate. When focusing the lens, the focusing positions corresponding to the lens group are fixed. By setting the photoelectric switches 8 and the light-blocking plates 41, the active position of the focusing system can be precisely controlled, achieving a rapid response for lens focusing. It is worth mentioning that by appropriately widening the width of the light-blocking plates 41, the response time of the photoelectric switches 8 can be improved, increasing the fault tolerance.

[0050] In the embodiments provided in this application, the photoelectric switch 8 is disposed on the magnetic yoke plate 112 in the first direction, and the light-blocking plate 41 extends along the third direction. This arrangement is more reasonable in terms of spatial arrangement and facilitates the placement of the light-blocking plate 41 on the mounting base 4.

[0051] In one embodiment provided in this application, referring to Figures 1 and 2, a buffer portion 9 is further provided on the corresponding magnetic yoke plate 112. The buffer portion 9 is used to abut against the end of the mounting base 4. By providing the buffer portion 9, it prevents... The buffer portion 9 can play a role in buffering and shock absorption, avoiding sudden movements between multiple lens groups, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of the focusing process, and also avoiding collisions or excessive movements that could lead to collisions or damage to optical elements.

[0052] In one embodiment, the coil assembly 2 is used to connect to a three-phase alternating current. This configuration allows for the adjustment of the frequency and amplitude of the three-phase alternating current, thereby controlling the speed and acceleration of the coil assembly 2, achieving smooth movement and rapid response. Furthermore, the smoothing characteristics of the three-phase alternating current reduce harmonic distortion, making the movement of the coil assembly 2 more stable, reducing vibration and noise. Simultaneously, it also reduces eddy current losses and resistive heating in the coil, improving system efficiency and lifespan.

[0053] This application also provides a lens, which includes the above-described VCM structure 1000. Since the lens includes the VCM structure 1000, the specific structure of the VCM structure 1000 is as described in the above embodiments. As the VCM structure 1000 of this lens adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0054] This application also provides a shooting device, which includes the lens described above. Since the shooting device includes the lens, the specific structure of the lens is as described in the above embodiments. Because the lens of this shooting device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0055] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A VCM structure, wherein, The VCM structure includes: A magnetic circuit structure includes a yoke assembly and a magnet assembly. The yoke assembly forms a mounting cavity opening in a first direction. The magnet assembly is disposed within the mounting cavity. The magnet assembly includes multiple magnet groups arranged sequentially along a second direction. Each magnet group includes four magnets arranged sequentially along the second direction. The magnetization directions of the four magnets are arranged in a Halebeck array and are all perpendicular to the first direction. Two magnets have opposite magnetization directions that are consistent with the second direction. A coil assembly is movably disposed within the mounting cavity along a second direction. When the coil assembly is energized and interacts with the magnet assembly, the coil assembly is able to move along the second direction.

2. The VCM structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The magnetic yoke assembly is formed by multiple magnetic yoke plates, and the magnet assembly is fixedly mounted on the magnetic yoke plate facing the third direction. The VCM structure also includes: A guide rail, extending along a second direction, is disposed on one of the magnetic yoke plates; and... A mounting base is provided for fixing the coil assembly, and a slider is provided on the side of the mounting base facing the guide rail for sliding engagement with the guide rail.

3. The VCM structure as described in claim 2, wherein, The coil assembly includes two coil units spaced apart in a third direction. A liquid cooling plate is also provided between the two coil units. The liquid cooling plate is fixed on the mounting base and has a cooling flow path. The path of the cooling flow path is folded and bent to dissipate heat from the two coil units.

4. The VCM structure as described in claim 2, wherein, A magnetic grating is also provided on the corresponding magnetic yoke plate, which extends along the second direction. A reading head corresponding to the magnetic grating is also provided on the mounting base, so that during the relative movement of the mounting base and the magnetic yoke plate, the reading head can calculate the displacement relative to the magnetic grating based on the magnetic field at different positions of the magnetic grating.

5. The VCM structure as described in claim 2, wherein, The VCM structure also includes a plurality of photoelectric switches, which are spaced apart on the magnetic yoke plate along the second direction. The mounting base is also provided with a light-blocking plate corresponding to the photoelectric switch, so that during the relative movement of the mounting base and the magnetic yoke plate, the light-blocking plate can move to the light emission point of the photoelectric switch, thereby triggering the corresponding photoelectric switch to work.

6. The VCM structure as described in claim 2, wherein, The corresponding magnetic yoke plate is also provided with a buffer part, which is used to abut against the end of the mounting base.

7. The VCM structure as described in claim 1, wherein, Two magnet components are provided, and the two magnet components are respectively located on the inner sides of two magnetic yoke plates facing each other from the third direction.

8. The VCM structure as described in claim 1, wherein, The coil assembly is used to receive three-phase alternating current.

9. A lens, wherein, The lens includes the VCM structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A shooting device, wherein, The shooting device includes the lens as described in claim 9.

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