Abstract: A spring plate includes an engaging portion, a connecting portion, a first elastic portion, a second elastic portion, a first fixing portion, and a second fixing portion. The first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are connected to the engaging portion and the connecting portion, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are formed on opposite ends of the connecting portion. The engaging portion defines a recess. The present disclosure further provides a voice coil motor using the spring plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a compact camera module. The compact camera module includes an image sensing device, a set of optical elements, and a zooming device. The set of optical elements connects to the image sensing device, and comprises a lens set. The zooming device connects to the set of optical elements for adjusting a distance between the lens set and the image sensing device. The zooming device directly electrically joins with the image sensing device.

Abstract: A voice coil motor for driving a lens group includes a housing, a first cover, a second cover, a movable member, and a plurality of magnets. The housing is a hollow and includes a top plate and four sidewalls protruding from the top plate. The movable member is movably received in a space defined by the housing and the first and second covers, and includes a barrel for receiving and being connected to the lens group, and a coil arranged around the barrel. The magnets are arranged between the housing and the movable member, stayed in contact with the sidewalls, and drive the movable member and the lens group to move in the housing when a current is supplied to the coil.

Abstract: A drive unit includes a lens frame configured to support a lens, a movable body located outside the lens and configured to be movable with the lens frame, and a vibratory actuator configured to drive the movable body. The vibratory actuator includes an actuator main body contacting the movable body, an opposite member provided at a position which is opposite to the actuator main body so that the movable body is sandwiched between the actuator main body and the opposite member, and a connecting member configured to connect the actuator main body and the opposite member and to bias them toward the movable body. The connecting member is not provided at a side of the movable body where the lens frame is provided, but is provided at an opposite side of the movable body to the side where the lens frame is provided, as viewed in the optical direction.

Abstract: A drive device capable of engaging a drive shaft and a part holding the drive shaft with a suitable force without accompanying increase in the size of the drive device. The drive device includes a couple member with a piezoelectric element and a transmission shaft coupled together, a lens holder that holds a lens and to which the couple member is secured, a biasing member that biases the transmission shaft in a direction intersecting a placement direction of the transmission shaft viewed from the lens holder (excluding a lengthwise direction of the transmission shaft), and a link member (link body) that holds the transmission shaft in a slidable manner together with the biasing member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image photographing device capable of being auto-focused while moving a lens barrel in an optical axis direction. The image photographing device includes: a lens barrel having at least one lens; a housing receiving the lens barrel therein so that the lens barrel moves in an optical axis direction; and an impact reducing unit elastically supporting the lens barrel in the case in which the lens barrel deviates from a set movement range, thereby primarily damping the lens barrel before the lens barrel deviates from the movement range to collide with other components positioned at an outer side of the lens barrel.

Abstract: In the object lens drive unit including a lens holder with an object lens attached to, a plurality of driving coils attached to the lens holder, connection substrates attached to both sides of the lens holder, and a plurality of suspension wires with end parts thereof connected to the connection substrates for operatively supporting the lens holder, a plurality of sets of wire connection electrodes for connecting the suspension wires and coil connection electrodes electrically connected to the wire connection electrodes for connecting terminal wires of the coils are arranged in line in an optic axis direction of the object lens and the wire connection electrodes and the coil connection electrodes are formed in a symmetric shape to a central axis parallel to the optic axis direction on the connection substrates.

Abstract: A lens barrel of the present invention is provided with an electric section having a plurality of sliding portions that slide along the predetermined conductor pattern. The electric section is provided with a thin-sheet electric section body supporting the plurality of sliding portions, and a reinforcing portion is provided at the electric section body. Therefore, in the lens barrel 1, the reinforcing portion increases the deformation resistance of the electric section body that supports the sliding portions.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an imaging device having a deformable lens.

Abstract: Provided is a lens barrel comprising a fixed cylinder; an optical system having a first optical component that moves relative to the fixed cylinder; a first holding frame that holds the first optical component; a guide axle that is connected to the first holding frame and that extends parallel to an optical axis of the optical system; a linear drive unit operable to move the guide axle in the direction of the optical axis and to fix the position of the guide axle; and a holding cylinder that holds the linear drive unit, the holding cylinder being fixed to the fixed cylinder with respect to the direction of the optical axis when the linear drive unit moves the guide axle and moving relative to the fixed cylinder in the direction of the optical axis when the linear drive unit holds the guide axle.

Abstract: A lens holder driving device includes a lens holder for holding a lens assembly and a ring-shaped driving coil fixed to the lens holder. The lens holder has N bonded surfaces for bonding N areas of an inner surface of the driving coil to a tubular portion of the lens holder by means of an adhesive agent. At least one of the N bonded surfaces has a peeling inhibiting arrangement for inhibiting the driving coil from peeling from the lens holder after the N areas of the inner surface of the driving coil are bonded to the N bonded surfaces by means of the adhesive agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for camera modules having a movable lens barrel, allowing a maximum lens diameter with minimal outside dimensions are disclosed. At least one single linear actuator is moving the lens barrel. Each actuator is deployed in an own corner of the camera module. The moving lens barrel is guided by rolling elements bearings. The actuator comprises a stator, comprising one or more coils wrapped around a rod of magnetic metal and an anchor comprising one or more permanent magnets, which are tightly attached to the lens barrel. An offset between the longitudinal center line of magnets of the anchor and the center of the stator generates a permanent force pushing the lens barrel in direction of the stator of the motor and consequently pushes protrusions on the lens barrel onto the rolling elements bearings, thus preventing the bearings to fall apart in case of a mechanical shock.

Abstract: A voice coil motor includes a movable receiving cylinder having protrusions formed at an end; a wire coil surrounding the receiving cylinder; a hollow fixing frame receiving the receiving cylinder and the wire coil; magnetic members fixedly received in the fixing frame, top and bottom elastic members. The top elastic member includes a peripheral portion and a resilient central portion, the central portion having a central opening and cutouts. The protrusions of the receiving cylinder are engaged in the cutouts. The peripheral portion is fixed at a lower position than the central portion, thereby forming an elastic force applied to the receiving cylinder when no current is applied to the wire coil. The bottom elastic member is connected to the receiving cylinder and the fixing frame, and is in an undeformed state when no current is applied to the wire coil.

Abstract: An actuator capable of attaining two-dimensional positioning with a simple configuration includes an electromechanical transducer 11 which makes mechanical displacement in accordance with a voltage applied thereto, a driving shaft 12 which is axially displaced and inclined by the mechanical displacement of the electromechanical transducer 11, a movable member 13 which frictionally engages on the driving shaft 12, and a driving circuit for superposing a direct-current driving voltage leading to an inclination of the driving shaft 12 at a desired angle at a low rate of change preventing slide displacement of the movable member 13 relative to the driving shaft 12 and an alternating driving voltage for causing axial vibrations of the driving shaft 12 so as to cause slide displacement of the movable member 13 relative to the driving shaft 12 and applying the superposed voltages to the electromechanical transducer 11.

Abstract: An lens driving device is disclosed. The lens driving device includes a base, a lens holder mounted on the base, a movable cover opposite to the a lens holder, a elastic supporting portion received into the lens holder and engaged with the movable cover, a coil and a permanent magnet respectively attached on the lens holder. The permanent magnet interacts with the coil for generating a magnetic force for driving the lens holder to move toward the base along a central axis of the lens holder. The elastic supporting portion defines an elastic force which is more than a weight of the movable cover but not more than the resultant of the weight of the movable cover and the magnetic force. While assembled, the lens driving device further defines a movable distance between an upper surface of the supporting elements and a first surface of the movable cover.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a camera module including a lens holder that holds a lens, a transparent substrate disposed below the lens in the lens holder, a driving-device, a substrate including a sensor unit, a driver IC, a plurality of external electrodes electrically connected to the sensor unit and the driver IC, and a wiring for the driving-device. The driving-device is a device which moves the lens in the vertical direction and which is disposed above the transparent substrate in the lens holder. The substrate is disposed below the transparent substrate in the lens holder. The driver IC is an IC which drives the driving-device and which is disposed at a rear side of the substrate. The wiring for the driving-device electrically connects the driving-device with the driver IC.

Abstract: Provided are a lens driving motor and an elastic member of the lens driving motor. The elastic member of a lens driving motor, the elastic member includes a first spring and a second spring. The second spring is different from the first spring and disposed together with the first spring on one side of a carrier to support the carrier. A first lead line of a coil and a first external power source are connected to the first spring, and a second lead line of the coil and a second external power source are connected to the second spring to supply power to the coil. Since the carrier can be assembled to other part after a (+) lead line and a (?) lead line of the coil are connected to the first and second springs, respectively, using solder, a process is simple and convenient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and compact lens driving device with a shake suppression function. In a VCM lens driving device 10, the driving coil 15 mounted on the outer circumference of the lens holder 11 includes a first through third coils 15a-15c, and the permanent magnet 16 mounted on the casing 13 and opposite to the driving coil 15 with spacing includes a first through fourth magnets 161-164. The first magnet 161 and the second magnet 162 are facing the first coil 15a at the middle of the lens holder 11; the third magnet 163 is facing the first coil 15a and the second coil 15b at the imaged-object side of the first coil 15a; the fourth magnet 164 is facing the first coil 15a and the third coil 15c at the opposite side to the imaged-object side of the first coil 15a.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermal compensation for a lens assembly comprising a polymer lens body. Polymers do have different thermal expansion coefficients which makes it necessary to compensate for thermal expansions to keep optical characteristics of such lenses within specifications when used under different environmental conditions. Also, it is necessary to provide thermal compensation during manufacturing of such lenses due to high temperatures during manufacturing steps.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a lens drive device comprises: a housing; a yoke provided on the inside of the housing; a magnet secured to the yoke; a carrier which is located on the inside of the yoke and which is provided with a lens; a coil which is connected to the carrier and which interacts with the magnet; a spring for resiliently supporting the carrier; and a magnetic member connected to the carrier.

Abstract: A toric motor includes a toric stator, a toric rotor configured to rotate along the stator, and a bearing configured to support the rotor so as to be rotatable relative to the stator, the bearing comprising a single-row four-point-contact angular ball bearing.

Abstract: An exemplary voice coil motor includes a fixed body, a movable barrel, a number of upper rollers, and a number of lower rollers. The fixed body includes a first receiving cavity, a number of upper recesses, and a number of lower recesses. The upper recesses and lower recesses are respectively arranged at opposite ends of the fixed body, and communicate with the first receiving cavity. The movable barrel is movably received in the first receiving cavity. The upper rollers are engagingly received in the corresponding upper recesses, and engage with the movable barrel for applying first friction forces to the movable barrel. The lower rollers are engagingly received in the lower recesses, and engage with the movable barrel for applying second friction forces to the movable barrel.

Abstract: There are provided a drive unit, a lens module, an image pickup unit, a fuel cell, and an ion exchange resin, in which a characteristic deterioration depending on an ambient environment may be suppressed. The drive unit includes one or more polymer actuator devices. The polymer actuator device is configured using an ion exchange resin containing a moisturizing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lens driving apparatus. The lens driving apparatus includes a base formed at a center thereof with a first opening; a housing coupled with the base and having a second opening corresponding to the first opening; a yoke installed on the base and including a horizontal plate having a third opening corresponding to the first opening and a vertical plate protruding upward from the horizontal plate; a bobbin movably installed in the yoke and coupled with a lens module; a coil fixedly disposed around the bobbin; a plurality of magnets provided at the vertical plate of the yoke to face the coil; and a spring installed on at least one of upper and lower portions of the yoke to return the bobbin, which has moved up due to interaction between the magnet and the coil, to its initial position.

Abstract: A lens barrel and a photographing apparatus including the lens barrel include a clutch assembly disposed on a plane orthogonal to an optical axis between a manual adjustment ring and a distance adjustment ring.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes: a lens holding member that holds a lens; a drive coil attached to an outer peripheral portion of the lens holding member; a magnet attached to face the drive coil; a barrel member in which the lens holding member is disposed; and a cover member attached to the barrel member with the lens on a light incident side of the lens holding member facing to an outside. The cover member is magnetic, and the magnet is directly attached to the cover member at a position acing the drive coil.

Abstract: A camera module includes a barrel, a movable lens movable in the barrel in an optical axis direction, an imaging device that captures an image of a subject viewed through the movable lens and an actuator that changes the distance between the movable lens and the imaging device. The actuator has a first power feed terminal at one end thereof and a second power feed terminal at the other end thereof. The first terminal is attached on the side where the movable lens is present. The second terminal is attached on the side where the barrel is present. The actuator bends when electric power is fed to each of the first and second terminals and changes the distance between the movable lens and the imaging device.

Abstract: A lens driving device may include a movable lens body which holds a lens, and a driving mechanism for moving the movable lens body in an optical axis direction. The driving mechanism includes coils attached to the movable lens body, and a magnet opposed to the coils. When a gap between the coils and the magnet is expressed as A, and the width of the coil is expressed as B, a conditional expression of 0.3B?A?B is satisfied.

Abstract: A driver circuit for a camera voice coil motor (VCM) is described. A first power switch selectively conducts current from a VCM node to a power supply node, and a second power switch selectively conducts current from the VCM node to a power return node. A pulse width modulation circuit controls the first and second power switches. In another embodiment, a switch mode current control circuit sources VCM current alternately from the power supply node and the power return node, into the VCM node. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An auto-focusing method includes (1) inputting a current with a predetermined greatest value I0 to a voice coil motor, such that the voice coil motor drives a lens module to move a greatest distance to a given position; and (2) gradedly decreasing the current inputted to the voice coil motor by decrement of ? I, such that the voice coil motor progressively drives the lens module to move backward a corresponding distance away from the given position until a focus position is determined.

Abstract: An imaging lens for adjusting a position of an adjusting lens to be carried out easily and which has an improved impact resistance. The imaging lens includes a lens frame for supporting a lens serving as an adjusting lens and a support frame for supporting the lens frame. A contact section for support frame adjustment operable to come into contact with the lens frame is arranged in the support frame. A contact section for lens frame adjustment operable to come into contact with the support frame is arranged in the lens frame. The lens frame is configured such that the fastening force generated between the lens frame and the support frame can be applied vertical with respect to the contact section for support frame adjustment in a state of the contact section for lens frame adjustment held in contact with the contact section for support frame adjustment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for x-y tables wherein rolling elements of rolling-element bearings are transferring electrical energy between a fixed part of the x-y table and a movable part of the x-y table. The electrical energy transferred could be power to electrical devices as well as signals to and from devices on the movable part of the x-y table. Electrically conducting rolling elements are moving on electrically conducting grooves on the fixed and movable part of the x-y table. Conductor tracks on the fixed and movable part are connected to the grooves and to devices on the movable platform. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the x-y table is part of a camera wherein linear motors, preferably with integrated position sensing, are moving the x-y table back to a home position in case of a dislocation due to a mechanical shock. The invention allows an exact and fast positioning of an x-y table without requiring a flexible cable.

Abstract: A voice coil motor includes a stationary member, a moveable member, a base, and two guide posts. The stationary member includes a stationary frame and a number of magnets fixed on the stationary frame. The stationary frame defines a first receiving room. The moveable member is received in the first receiving room and includes a barrel holder and a coil. The barrel holder defines a second receiving room for receiving a lens barrel. The coil wraps around the barrel holder. Two through holes extend from a top surface to a bottom surface of the barrel holder. The base supports the stationary member and the moveable member. The guide posts are perpendicularly fixed on the base and pass through the through holes of the moveable member.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lens frame which is movable while supporting a lens; and a restriction portion configured to restrict movement of the lens frame by contacting the lens frame. The lens frame and the restriction portion contact each other at a plurality of points.

Abstract: An oscillator includes an electromechanical energy conversion element and an elastic body. The elastic body is bonded with the electromechanical energy conversion element by metallic bonding and is configured to be driven by deformation of the electromechanical energy conversion element.

Abstract: A lens drive unit includes a movable member with lenses; and a guide portion configured to movably guide the movable member back and forth along a predetermined direction and rotatably guide the movable member about a predetermined rotational axis in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens. A distance r between the gravity center of the movable member and the rotational axis satisfies the following expression (A): r??{square root over (0.2J/M)}??(A).

Abstract: A deforming mechanism for deforming a transmissive optical element comprises a rotation member configured to hold the optical element and to rotate around an axis parallel to a tangential line of a circumference of the optical element at a portion where the rotation member holds the optical element, so as to deform the optical element by the rotation, a torque generating unit configured to generate a torque to rotate the rotation member around the axis, a holding base, and an elastic member connecting the holding base to the torque generating unit.

Abstract: An exemplary piezoelectric actuator includes a fixed barrel, a movable barrel in the fixed barrel, a piezoelectric driving module, a flexible circuit board on the fixed barrel, a bracing sheet, and a preloading module. The movable barrel receives a lens module. The driving module drives the movable barrel to move relative to the fixed barrel along an optical axis of the lens module. The driving module includes a piezoelectric member on the fixed barrel, and a friction member on the movable barrel and opposite to the friction member. The flexible circuit board is electrically connected with the piezoelectric member. The sheet is attached around the flexible circuit board. The preloading module is between the fixed barrel and the movable barrel. The preloading module is opposite to the piezoelectric driving module for exerting a pressure on the movable barrel, thereby making the friction member resist against the piezoelectric member.

Abstract: A lens actuator includes a housing, a loading plate, a moving unit, four magnetic elements, and an elastic plate. The housing and the loading plate cooperatively form an accommodating room. The housing includes a top panel having four fixing portions. The moving unit is movably received in the accommodating room. The four magnetic elements are received in the accommodating room around the moving unit, and are fixed on four inner sidewalls of the housing. The elastic plate is disposed between the top panel and the moving unit, and the four fixing portions of the housing firmly press the elastic plate on the four magnetic elements.

Abstract: An exemplary voice coil motor includes a movable unit, a fixed unit, and a resilient plate. The movable unit includes a hollow lens barrel for accommodating a number of lenses, and at least one fine pattern coil fixed on a sidewall of the lens barrel and configured for electrical connection to a power source. The fixed unit includes a hollow frame structured bracket and a number of magnets mounted on the bracket. The bracket accommodates the movable unit. The magnets surround and are spaced apart from the at least one fine pattern coil. The resilient plate is resiliently connected between the bracket and the lens barrel to hold the lens barrel on the bracket.

Abstract: A lens driving device includes a box-shaped yoke, a tubular carrier, a coil, a magnet, and a base. The carrier has a first opening in which a lens can be installed. The carrier is held in the yoke for moving from a top dead point to a bottom dead point. The coil is provided on an outer periphery of the carrier. The magnet is provided facing the coil. The base has a second opening on its bottom, and is provided adjacent to the carrier at a side of the moving direction of the carrier. The base has a tubular protrusion formed protruding upward from an outer periphery of its second opening. The tubular protrusion overlaps with the carrier in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the carrier wherever the carrier moves between the top dead point and the bottom dead point.

Abstract: The lens drive device is equipped with a first supporting body that holds the lens and is movable in the direction of the optical axis, a second supporting body that holds the first supporting body, a fixed body that holds the second supporting body in a manner enabling movement in directions that are roughly orthogonal to the optical axis direction, a first drive mechanism for driving the first supporting body, a second drive mechanism for driving the second supporting body in a first direction, and a third drive mechanism for driving the second supporting body in a second direction. The first supporting body is supported by the second supporting body by means of first supporting members (8, 9), which are formed from an elastic material; and the second supporting body is supported by the fixed body by means of second supporting members, which are formed from an elastic material.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a stationary frame and a number of elongated resilient tabs. The stationary frame defines a central axis and includes four sidewalls for receiving a number of magnets. Each sidewall includes a receiving hole and at least one protrusion formed on each sidewall at a lower portion thereof. A slot is defined in each protrusion. The tabs correspond to the magnets. Each tab includes an engagement portion, an angled portion, and a contact portion. The angled portion is interconnected between the engagement portion and the contact portion. The engagement portions engage in the respective slots. The contact portions resiliently abut against the corresponding magnets. Each tab is configured to apply a force on the corresponding magnet in a direction toward the central axis.

Abstract: A motor for optical systems, for example endoscopes, has a stator with two permanent magnets having poles which are disposed in the same direction and are magnetically interconnected by a flux return element. A coil is disposed between the magnets. Laterally of each magnet, a pole shoe is also magnetically coupled with the flux return element. A slider of the motor includes a yoke of a soft magnetic material, which yoke is in magnetic engagement with the permanent magnets of the stator. When the coil is excited with a current, the slider can be displaced from its rest position along a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An auto focus device of a mobile communication apparatus is disclosed. The auto focus device comprises a voice coil motor, a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit. The voice coil motor comprises a floating movable device and a lens in the floating movable device. The first driving circuit drives the voice coil motor so that the floating movable device moves inside the voice coil motor to zoom in/out and focus the lens on image sensors when the camera function is activated. The second driving circuit drives the voice coil motor to fix the floating movable device inside the voice coil motor and cover the image sensors.

Abstract: The lens barrel includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, and a drive unit. The first lens unit includes a first lens element and a first lens support frame supporting the first lens element. The second lens unit includes a second lens element and a second lens support frame supporting the second lens element. The second lens unit is supported by the first lens unit to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first lens element with respect to the first lens unit. The drive unit is arranged to be used to drive the second lens unit with respect to the first lens unit, and is fixed to the first lens unit. When viewed in the optical axis direction, the drive unit is fixed to the first lens unit so that a first profile line formed by the first lens unit and the drive unit is substantially circular.

Abstract: An electromagnetic driving device which is defined with an axis and comprises: a casing, a driven unit and an electromagnetic driving module. The casing has an inner compartment. The driven unit is received in the compartment and is guided by a guiding mechanism such that the driven unit is movable alone the axis inside the casing. The electromagnetic driving module comprises: a plurality of permanent magnets inside the casing, at least one magnetic member fixed to an outer surface of the driven unit, and a coil located between the magnetic member and permanent magnets. When no electric power is provided to the coil, the magnetic forcing between the permanent magnets and magnetic member will result in a friction force to the guiding mechanism, so as to keep the driven unit at its current position inside the compartment.

Abstract: A drive mechanism and an imaging device according to the present invention each include: an ultrasonic linear actuator 4 provided with a rod 42 that moves reciprocally in response to expansion/contraction of a piezoelectric element 41 and a first group unit 2 serving as an example of a moving body that engages with the rod 42 with a prescribed frictional force. The moving body (first group unit 2) is provided with a holding member 24, a pressing member 30 or other member that engages with the rod 42 in such a way that fluctuation in the frictional force is suppressed, and drive performance is stabilized. As a consequence, the drive mechanism and the imaging device according to the present invention can suppress fluctuation in the frictional force (gripping force) of the moving body in the ultrasonic linear actuator 4, making it possible to stabilize drive performance.

Abstract: A voice coil motor includes a stationary member and a moveable member. The stationary member defines a central axis. The stationary member includes a first receiving room, four sidewalls surrounding the first receiving room and four guide rails formed on the respective sidewalls and located in the receiving room. The moveable member is received in the stationary frame. The moveable member includes a moveable frame. The moveable frame includes four side surfaces. A plurality of restricting posts extend from each side surface and are aligned in a line parallel to the corresponding guide rail. The restricting posts slidably engage in the corresponding guide rails.

Abstract: A lens driving apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a substantially cylindrical yoke 3; a base 5 to which the yoke 3 is attached; a carrier 7 having a lens; a coil 10; and a magnet 13, wherein the carrier 7 is moved in a direction of an optical axis of a lens by electromagnetic force generated by passing current through the coil 10, the base 5 is substantially square-shaped as viewed from a plane, the yoke 3 is placed at an inner position of the base 5, the yoke 3 has an outer peripheral wall 3a and an annular inner peripheral wall 3b to be spaced to each other, each magnet is placed between the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall and at a position corresponding to a base corner portion of the base 5, and a space between the outer peripheral wall 3a and the inner peripheral wall 3b positioned at a base side portion 3e is made narrower than a space between the outer peripheral wall 3a and the inner peripheral wall 3b positioned at the base corner portion.