Imaging Module Lens Unit Terminals Probing Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to develop an imaging module that can reliably perform probing with a large area of terminals despite the use of a reduced-size lens unit, while maintaining a small installation space when assembled in electronic apparatuses, especially with high-pixel-density imaging elements that require precise alignment and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The imaging module incorporates a lens unit with a drive mechanism and a flexible printed circuit that extends outside the housing, featuring multiple adjustment terminals arranged efficiently for high-space-density connection, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment of the lens and imaging element units, ensuring reliable probing and minimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lens unit size is reduced to match high-pixel-density imaging elements, then the imaging module can accommodate smaller imaging elements, but the adjustment terminal area becomes insufficient for reliable probing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the adjustment terminals from a two-dimensional arrangement on the lens unit surface to a three-dimensional configuration by adding terminal extensions that protrude from the lens unit. This allows the terminals to maintain adequate probing area despite the reduced lens unit size, as the extensions utilize the vertical dimension to provide sufficient contact surface area for reliable electrical connection during assembly.
2Ease of operation
If adjustment terminals are disposed on the side surface of the imaging module, then the lens unit can be driven during adjustment, but the terminal area is limited and alignment accuracy with probes becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates terminal extensions that pre-position the adjustment terminals in optimal locations before the actual assembly process. These extensions are built into the lens unit structure, allowing the terminals to be readily accessible and properly positioned for alignment with probes during the assembly operation, thereby improving alignment accuracy without compromising the ability to drive the lens during adjustment.
3Reliability
If the imaging module is designed with extended wiring portions for adjustment terminals, then probing reliability improves, but the installation space in the electronic apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the second wiring portion and terminal extensions within the existing structural boundaries of the imaging module. The wiring portions are routed through and along the housing structure, and the terminal extensions are incorporated as part of the lens unit assembly, allowing these additional components to be nested within the overall module footprint without significantly increasing the installation space required in the electronic apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an imaging module having second connecting portions capable of reliably performing probing and can maintain a small installation space, and an electronic apparatus including the imaging module. A lens unit includes at least one drive unit, a housing, a first connecting portion that is electrically connected to an imaging element unit, a first wiring portion that electrically connects the drive unit to the first connecting portion, a plurality of second connecting portions that are disposed outside the housing, and a second wiring portion that electrically connects the second connecting portions to the drive unit. The second wiring portion includes wires that are electrically connected to the drive unit to which the first wiring portion is connected, and at least a part of the second wiring portion extends to the outside of the housing in a direction in which an element wiring portion extends from the support portion.