1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to optical devices, and in particular to optical devices having lenses capable of rapid focusing movement and precise positioning.
2. Description of the Related Art
In some conventional cameras, the focusing movement of lenses is driven by stepping motors. The lenses driven by the stepping motors are easily controlled and do not require additional electricity to maintain the position thereof. The stepping motors, however, provide poor positioning precision and slow driving speed. In addition, stepping motors are quite large in size. This reduces their applicability and increases the size of cameras in which they are implemented.
To overcome the aforementioned problems, the focusing movement of lenses in other conventional cameras is driven by voice coil motors, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,804. The voice coil motors provide faster driving speed, better positioning precision, and a reduced size.
Generally, the Biot-Savart law is applied in operation of the voice coil motors. The Biot-Savart law indicates that a conducting wire with a length L is subject to a force F when energized with an electric current I and located in a magnetic field with a magnetic flux B. The direction of the magnetic field is perpendicular to that of the electric current I. The magnitude of the force F equals IL×B, and the direction thereof is perpendicular to those of the electric current and magnetic field. A conventional voice coil motor or optical equipment applying the Biot-Savart law is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,804.
Moreover, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,951 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,804, voice coil motors or optical devices apply the Biot-Savart law and comprise a linear guiding structure. Voice coil motors or optical devices, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,047, apply the Biot-Savart law and comprise a pre-compressed resilient mechanism (i.e. a suspension mechanism). Additionally, in a lens driving device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,856,469, a magnet (movable member) and a coil (fixed member) of a voice coil motor are disposed in a circumferential direction. The coil surrounds the magnet and the magnet moves upward and downward inside the coil.
Accordingly, the conventional cameras or optical devices applying the voice coil motors have the following drawbacks. The farther the lenses move, the higher the voltage required by the voice coil motors. When the lenses move to a target focus position, additional electricity (or electric current) is required by the voice coil motors to maintain the lenses at the target focus position. Thus, the conventional cameras or optical devices applying the voice coil motors consume a great deal of electricity, adversely affecting portability and applicability thereof.
Moreover, referring to
Nevertheless, the lens module 1 has a few drawbacks. When the movable coil 12 and lens housing 13 move to a certain position, the resilient arm 14 is elastically deformed, thereby providing resilience. To maintain the lens housing 13 in the certain position, the movable coil 12 must be continuously energized by application of a holding current, generating a magnetic force to overcome the resilience. Accordingly, power consumption of the lens module 1 is considerable.
Further, during operation of the lens module 1, movement of the movable coil 12 is restricted. Namely, the movable coil 12 cannot move in a specific position. Specifically, when a central elevation axis of the movable coil 12 coincides with that of the fixed magnet 11, as indicated by line B of
Additionally, the larger the moving distance of the movable coil 12 (the larger the zoom range of a lens), the larger the length of the fixed magnet 11, increasing the size of the lens module 1.
Hence, there is a need for a linearly guided optical device having a lens capable of rapid focusing movement and precise positioning with reduced power consumption.
A detailed description is given in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an optical device comprising a base, at least one guide bar, a coil, a lens housing, and a magnetic member. The guide bar is connected to the base. The coil is disposed in the base. A central axis of the coil in the optical axis direction of the optical device is parallel to a central axis of the guide bar in the optical axis direction. The lens housing slidably fits on the guide bar. A central axis of the lens housing in the optical axis direction is also parallel to that of the guide bar in the optical axis direction. The lens housing slides along the central axis of the guide bar. The magnetic member is connected to the lens housing opposite the coil, providing a first magnetic field. When the coil is energized to generate a second magnetic field, the lens housing slides on the guide bar by attraction or repulsion of the first and second magnetic fields.
The optical device further comprises a magnetic-permeable member disposed in the coil to enhance attraction or repulsion between the magnetic member and the coil.
The optical device further comprises a magnetic field sensing member disposed on the base opposite the magnetic member to detect movement of the magnetic member.
The optical device further comprises a positioning member disposed on the base opposite the magnetic member. The positioning member attracts the magnetic member to bring the lens housing into abutment with the guide bar.
The positioning member comprises metal or a magnet.
The positioning member comprises a coil capable of being energized to generate a magnetic field to react with the magnetic member.
The optical device further comprises a lens and an image-sensing member. The lens is disposed in the lens housing. The image-sensing member is disposed in the base opposite the lens.
The invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The following description is of the best-contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims.
Referring to
As shown in
The lens housing 140 slidably fits on the guide bars 120. A central axis A of the lens housing 140 in the optical axis direction is parallel to the central axis B of each guide bar 120 in the optical axis direction. The lens housing 140 can thus slide along the central axes of the guide bars 120. Moreover, the lens 190 is disposed in the lens housing 140.
The magnetic member 150 is connected to the lens housing 140 opposite the coil 130. Specifically, a central axis A of the magnetic member 150 in the optical axis direction is aligned with that of the coil 130, and the magnetic member 150 is disposed above the coil 130. The magnetic member 150 provides a first magnetic field. The direction of the first magnetic field is substantially parallel to the central axis of each guide bar 120 or the lens housing 140. The magnetic member 150 may be a magnet.
The magnetic field sensing member 170 is disposed on the base 110 opposite the magnetic member 150. The magnetic field sensing member 170 detects movement of the magnetic member 150. For example, the magnetic field sensing member 170 may be a Hall sensor connected to a controller (not shown) for measuring magnetic field strength and polarity. The movement and position of the magnetic member 150 can be obtained by detecting changes in magnetic flux density and/or polarity of the magnetic field produced by magnetic member 150 with the Hall sensor.
The positioning member 180 is disposed on the base 110 opposite the magnetic member 150. The positioning member 180 may be metal (such as an iron plate) or a magnet.
The image-sensing member 195 is disposed in the base 110 opposite the lens 190. The image-sensing member 195 may be a CCD or a CMOS.
The following description is directed to operation of the optical device 100 or focusing movement of the lens 190.
As shown in
The magnetic field sensing member 170 (Hall sensor) detects the changes in magnetic flux density and/or polarity of the magnetic field produced by magnetic member 150 and transforms the detected changes in magnetic flux density into a signal. The signal is transmitted to the controller connected to the magnetic field sensing member 170 (Hall sensor) and the position and speed of the magnetic member 150 are thus obtained. The controller can adjust the magnitude of the electric current applied in the coil 130 according to the signal, changing the moving speed of the lens housing 140 or lens 190. The focusing speed of the lens 190 is thus adjusted.
Moreover, the guide bars 120 can prevent displacement of the lens housing 140 by rotation torque resulting from deviation of magnetic force, thereby ensuring straight movement of the lens housing 140. Nevertheless, when the lens housing 140 is fitted on the guide bars 120, minor tolerance of assembly exists there between. By attraction between the magnetic member 150 and the positioning member 180, the lens housing 140 can tightly abut one of the guide bars 120 and slide thereon. Accordingly, inclination of the lens housing 140 can thus be prevented. Namely, the lens housing 140 can slide on the guide bars 120 without deviation by attraction between the magnetic member 150 and the positioning member 180.
Elements corresponding to those in the first embodiment share the same reference numerals.
Referring to
The structure, disposition, and function of other elements of the optical device 100′ are the same as those of the optical device 100, and explanation thereof is omitted.
Referring to
As shown in
The coils 330 are disposed in the base 310 and respectively fit on the guide bars 320. Specifically, a central axis B of each coil 330 in the optical axis direction of the optical device is aligned with the central axis B of each guide bar 320 in the optical axis direction.
The magnetic members 350 are connected to the lens housing 340 and slidably fit on the guide bars 320, respectively. Specifically, the magnetic members 350 are respectively disposed opposite the coils 330. A central axis B of each magnetic member 350 in the optical axis direction is aligned with that of each corresponding coil 330, and the magnetic members 350 are disposed above the coils 330. Each magnetic member 350 provides a first magnetic field. The direction of the first magnetic field is substantially parallel to the central axis of each guide bar 320 or the lens housing 340. The magnetic members 350 may be magnets.
The magnetic field sensing member 370 is disposed on the base 310 opposite one of the magnetic members 350. The magnetic field sensing member 370 detects movement of the magnetic members 350. The magnetic field sensing member 370 may be a Hall sensor connected to a controller (not shown) for measuring magnetic field strength and polarity. The movement and position of the magnetic members 350 can be obtained by detecting changes in magnetic flux density and/or polarity of the magnetic fields produced by magnetic members 350 with the Hall sensor.
The positioning member 380 is disposed the base 310 opposite one of the magnetic members 350. The positioning member 380 may be metal (such as an iron plate) or a magnet.
The image-sensing member 395 is disposed in the base 310 opposite the lens 390. The image-sensing member 395 may be a CCD or a CMOS.
The following description is directed to operation of the optical device 300 or focusing movement of the lens 390.
As shown in
Moreover, the guide bars 320 may comprise a magnetic-permeable material, such that magnetic lines provided by the first magnetic field can be effectively guided into the coils 330 or magnetic lines provided by the second magnetic field effectively guided into the magnetic members 350. Accordingly, attraction or repulsion between the magnetic members 350 and the coils 330 is enhanced.
The magnetic field sensing member 370 (Hall sensor) detects the changes in magnetic flux density and/or polarity of the magnetic fields produced by magnetic members 350 and transforms the detected changes into a signal. The signal is transmitted to the controller connected to the magnetic field sensing member 370 (Hall sensor) and the position and speed of the magnetic members 350 are thus obtained. The controller can adjust the magnitude of the electric currents applied in the coils 330 according to the signal, changing the moving speed of the lens housing 340 or lens 390. The focusing speed of the lens 390 is thus adjusted.
The guide bars 320 can prevent displacement of the lens housing 340 by rotation torque resulting from deviation of magnetic force, thereby ensuring straight movement of the lens housing 340. When the lens housing 340 is fitted on the guide bars 320, a minor tolerance of assembly exists there between. By attraction between one of the magnetic members 350 and the positioning member 380, the lens housing 340 can tightly abut one of the guide bars 320 and slide thereon. Accordingly, inclination of the lens housing 340 can thus be prevented. Namely, the lens housing 340 can slide on the guide bars 320 without deviation by attraction between one of the magnetic members 350 and the positioning member 380.
Referring to
As shown in
The coil 440 is disposed on the lens housing 430. A central axis A of the coil 440 in the optical axis direction is parallel to the central axis B of each guide bar 420.
The first magnetic member 450 is disposed in the base 410 opposite the coil 440 and comprises a through hole 451. Specifically, a central axis A of the first magnetic member 450 in the optical axis direction is aligned with that of the coil 440, and the first magnetic member 450 is disposed under the coil 440. The first magnetic member 450 provides a first magnetic field. The direction of the first magnetic field is substantially parallel to the central axis of each guide bar 420 or the lens housing 430. The first magnetic member 450 may be a magnet.
The second magnetic member 455 and third magnetic member 456 are connected to the lens housing 430.
The magnetic-permeable member 460 is disposed on the lens housing 430 and in the coil 440. The magnetic-permeable member 460 may be a yoke.
The magnetic field sensing member 470 and positioning member 480 are disposed on the base 410 and opposite the second magnetic member 455 and third magnetic member 456, respectively.
The image-sensing member 495 is disposed in the base 410 and under the first magnetic member 450. Specifically, the image-sensing member 495 is disposed opposite the lens 490 below the through hole 451 of the first magnetic member 450. The image-sensing member 495 may be a CCD or a CMOS.
The following description is directed to operation of the optical device 400 or focusing movement of the lens 490.
As shown in
Similarly, the movement of the lens housing 430 can be detected by interaction between the second magnetic member 455 and magnetic field sensing member 470, and the positioning member 480 attracts the third magnetic member 456 to bring the lens housing 430 into abutment with the guide bars 420.
Elements corresponding to those in the fourth embodiment share the same reference numerals.
Referring to
The structure, disposition, and function of other elements of the optical device 400′ are the same as those of the optical device 400, and explanation thereof is omitted.
Referring to
As shown in
The coils 640 are disposed on the lens housing 630 and respectively fit on the guide bars 620. Specifically, a central axis B of each coil 640 in the optical axis direction is aligned with the central axis B of each guide bar 620.
The first magnetic members 650 are disposed in the base 610 and slidably fit on the guide bars 620, respectively. Specifically, a central axis B of each first magnetic member 650 in the optical axis direction is aligned with that of each corresponding coil 640, and the first magnetic members 650 are disposed under the coils 640. Each first magnetic member 650 provides a first magnetic field. The direction of the first magnetic field is substantially parallel to the central axis of each guide bar 620. The first magnetic members 650 may be magnets.
The second magnetic member 655 and third magnetic member 656 are connected to the lens housing 630.
The magnetic field sensing member 670 and positioning member 680 are disposed on the base 610 and opposite the second magnetic member 655 and third magnetic member 656, respectively.
The image-sensing member 695 is disposed in the base 610 and under the first magnetic members 650. Specifically, the image-sensing member 695 is disposed opposite the lens 690 below a through hole 611 of the base 610. The image-sensing member 695 may be a CCD or a CMOS.
Moreover, the guide bars 620 may optionally comprise a magnetic-permeable material.
The following description is directed to operation of the optical device 600 or focusing movement of the lens 690.
As shown in
Similarly, the movement of the lens housing 630 can be detected by interaction between the second magnetic member 655 and magnetic field sensing member 670, and the positioning member 680 attracts the third magnetic member 656 to bring the lens housing 630 into abutment with the guide bars 620.
Referring to
As shown in
The coil 730 is disposed in the base 710. A central axis A of the coil 730 in the optical axis direction of the optical device is aligned with a central axis A of the lens housing 720 in the optical axis direction.
The magnetic member 750 is connected to the lens housing 720 opposite the coil 730. Specifically, a central axis A of the magnetic member 750 in the optical axis direction is aligned with that of the coil 730, and the magnetic member 750 is disposed above the coil 730. The magnetic member 750 provides a first magnetic field. The direction of the first magnetic field is substantially parallel to the central axis of the lens housing 720. The magnetic member 750 may be a magnet.
The magnetic field sensing member 770 is disposed in the base 710 opposite the magnetic member 750. The magnetic field sensing member 770 detects movement of the magnetic member 750. The magnetic field sensing member 770 may be a Hall sensor connected to a controller (not shown) for measuring magnetic field strength and polarity. The movement and position of the magnetic member 750 can be obtained by detecting changes in magnetic flux density and/or polarity of the magnetic field produced by magnetic member 750 with the Hall sensor.
The positioning member 780 is disposed in the base 710 opposite the magnetic member 750. The positioning member 780 may be metal (such as an iron plate) or a magnet.
The image-sensing member 795 is disposed in the base 710 opposite the lens 790. Specifically, the image-sensing member 795 is disposed opposite the lens 790 below a through hole 711 of the base 710. The image-sensing member 795 may be a CCD or a CMOS.
The following description is directed to operation of the optical device 700 or focusing movement of the lens 790.
As shown in
The magnetic field sensing member 770 (Hall sensor) detects the changes in magnetic flux density and polarity of the magnetic field produced by magnetic member 750 and transforms the detected changes into a signal. The signal is transmitted to the controller connected to the magnetic field sensing member 770 (Hall sensor) and the position and speed of the magnetic member 750 are thus obtained. The controller can adjust the magnitude of the electric current applied in the coil 730 according to the signal, changing the moving speed of the lens housing 720 or lens 790. The focusing speed of the lens 790 is thus adjusted.
When the lens housing 720 is disposed in the base 710, a minor tolerance of assembly exists between the lens housing 720 and the inner wall 711 of the base 710. By attraction between the magnetic member 750 and the positioning member 780, the lens housing 720 can tightly abut the inner wall 711 of the base 710 and slide thereon. Accordingly, inclination of the lens housing 720 can thus be prevented. Namely, the lens housing 720 can slide in the base 710 without deviation by attraction between the magnetic member 750 and the positioning member 780.
Elements corresponding to those in the seventh embodiment share the same reference numerals.
Referring to
The structure, disposition, and function of other elements of the optical device 700′ are the same as those of the optical device 700, and explanation thereof is omitted.
Referring to
As shown in
The coil 930 is disposed on the lens housing 920. A central axis A of the coil 930 in the optical axis direction of the optical device is aligned with a central axis A of the lens housing 920 in the optical axis direction.
The first magnetic member 950 is disposed in the base 910 opposite the coil 930. Additionally, the first magnetic member 950 comprises a through hole 951. Specifically, a central axis A of the first magnetic member 950 in the optical axis direction is aligned with that of the coil 930, and the first magnetic member 950 is disposed under the coil 930. The first magnetic member 950 provides a first magnetic field. The direction of the first magnetic field is substantially parallel to the central axis of the lens housing 920. The first magnetic member 950 may be a magnet.
The second magnetic member 955 and third magnetic member 956 are disposed in the lens housing 920.
The magnetic field sensing member 970 and positioning member 980 are disposed in the base 910 and opposite the second magnetic member 955 and third magnetic member 956, respectively.
The image-sensing member 995 is disposed in the base 910 and under the first magnetic member 950. Specifically, the image-sensing member 995 is disposed opposite the lens 990 below the through hole 951 of the first magnetic member 950. The image-sensing member 995 may be a CCD or a CMOS.
The following description is directed to operation of the optical device 900 or focusing movement of the lens 990.
As shown in
Similarly, the movement of the lens housing 920 can be detected by interaction between the second magnetic member 955 and magnetic field sensing member 970, and the positioning member 980 attracts the third magnetic member 956 to bring the lens housing 920 into abutment with the base 910.
Elements corresponding to those in the ninth embodiment share the same reference numerals.
Referring to
The structure, disposition, and function of other elements of the optical device 900′ are the same as those of the optical device 900, and explanation thereof is omitted.
Referring to
As shown in
The coil 1120 slides on the guide bar 1110 and has a second central axis 1120a in the optical axis direction and a first central elevation axis 1120b. Specifically, the second central axis 1120a is perpendicular to the first central elevation axis 1120b.
The fixed magnetic member 1130 is connected to the base 1105 and disposed in the coil 1120. The fixed magnetic member 1130 has a central magnetizing axis 1130a and a second central elevation axis 1130b. Specifically, the central magnetizing axis 1130a is perpendicular to the second central elevation axis 1130b and aligned with the second central axis 1120a of the coil 1120. More specifically, the second central elevation axis 1130b is separated from the first central elevation axis 1120b. Namely, no matter how the coil 1120 moves, the first central elevation axis 1120b thereof is separated from the second central elevation axis 1130b of the fixed magnetic member 1130. Moreover, the fixed magnetic member 1130 may be a magnet, with two opposite polarities (N and S polarities) varying along the central magnetizing axis 1130a.
The lens housing 1140 is connected to the coil 1120 and carries a lens (not shown). Specifically, connection between the lens housing 1140 and the coil 1120 is not limited to the configuration shown in
The position sensing member 1150 is connected to the coil 1120, detecting the moving position or movement thereof. The position sensing member 1150 may be a Hall sensor, a reluctance sensor, or a photo interrupter. The magnetic member 1160 is connected to the base 1105. The metal plate 1170 is selectively connected to the position sensing member 1150. The position sensing member 1150 is disposed between the metal plate 1170 and the magnetic member 1160. The magnetic member 1160 opposes the metal plate 1170 and may be a magnet.
Being a Hall sensor, the position sensing member 1150 can be selectively disposed in the coil 1120 and oppose the fixed magnetic member 1130, detecting changes in magnetic flux density and/or polarity of the magnetic field produced by the fixed magnetic member 1130 and/or magnetic member 1160. The moving position of the coil 1120 can thus be obtained.
The following description is directed to operation of the optical device 1100.
When the coil 1120 is energized by application of a current, a magnetic force is generated by interaction between the current and the magnetic field provided by the fixed magnetic member 1130, moving the coil 1120 and lens housing 1140 along the first central axis 1110a of the guide bar 1110. The lens carried by the lens housing 1140 can thus focus and zoom. Additionally, by detection of the position sensing member 1150, the coil 1120 does not move to an ineffective position, in which the first central elevation axis 1120b thereof coincides with the second central elevation axis 1130b of the fixed magnetic member 1130.
In another aspect, when moving to a specific position (the lens in the lens housing 1140 reaches a focus position), the coil 1120 and lens housing 1140 are fixed to the guide bar 1110 by attraction between the magnetic member 1160 and the metal plate 1170. At this point, no holding current is required to fix the coil 1120 and lens housing 1140, thus reducing power consumption of the optical device 1100.
Referring to
As shown in
The coil 1220 slides on the guide bar 1210 and has a second central axis 1220a in the optical axis direction and a first central elevation axis 1220b. Specifically, the second central axis 1220a is perpendicular to the first central elevation axis 1220b.
The first fixed magnetic member 1230 is connected to the base 1205 and disposed in the coil 1220. The first fixed magnetic member 1230 has a first central magnetizing axis 1230a and a second central elevation axis 1230b. Specifically, the first central magnetizing axis 1230a is perpendicular to the second central elevation axis 1230b and aligned with the second central axis 1220a of the coil 1220, and the second central elevation axis 1230b is separated from the first central elevation axis 1220b of the coil 1220.
The second fixed magnetic member 1240 is connected to the magnetic-permeable member 1245, disposed in the coil 1220 and separated from the first fixed magnetic member 1230 by a predetermined distance D. Similarly, the second fixed magnetic member 1240 has a second central magnetizing axis 1240a and a third central elevation axis 1240b. The second central magnetizing axis 1240a is perpendicular to the third central elevation axis 1240b and aligned with the second central axis 1220a of the coil 1220. The third central elevation axis 1240b is separated from the first central elevation axis 1220b of the coil 1220. Specifically, the first central elevation axis 1220b is between the second central elevation axis 1230b and the third central elevation axis 1240b. Namely, no matter how the coil 1220 moves, the first central elevation axis 1220b thereof is between the second central elevation axis 1230b of the first fixed magnetic member 1230 and the third central elevation axis 1240b of the second fixed magnetic member 1240. Moreover, the first fixed magnetic member 1230 and second fixed magnetic member 1240 may be magnets, with two opposite polarities (N and S polarities) varying along the first central magnetizing axis 1230a and second central magnetizing axis 1240a. Specifically, as shown in
The magnetic-permeable member 1245 is disposed between the first fixed magnetic member 1230 and the second fixed magnetic member 1240, reducing repulsion there between. Moreover, the magnetic-permeable member 1245 can effectively guide magnetic lines from the first fixed magnetic member 1230 and second fixed magnetic member 1240 into the coil 1220.
The lens housing 1250 is connected to the coil 1220 and carries a lens (not shown). Similarly, connection between the lens housing 1250 and the coil 1220 is not limited to the configuration shown in
The position sensing member 1260 is connected to the coil 1220, detecting the moving position or movement thereof. The position sensing member 1260 may be a Hall sensor, a reluctance sensor, or a photo interrupter. The magnetic member 1270 is connected to the base 1205. The metal plate 1280 is selectively connected to the position sensing member 1260. The position sensing member 1260 is disposed between the metal plate 1280 and the magnetic member 1270. The magnetic member 1270 opposes the metal plate 1280 and may be a magnet.
If a Hall sensor, the position sensing member 1260 can be selectively disposed in the coil 1220 and oppose the first fixed magnetic member 1230 and/or the second fixed magnetic member 1240, detecting changes in magnetic flux density and/or polarity of the magnetic field produced by the first fixed magnetic member 1230 and/or second fixed magnetic member 1240 and/or magnetic member 1270. The moving position of the coil 1220 can thus be obtained.
The following description is directed to operation of the optical device 1200.
When the coil 1220 is energized by application of a current, a magnetic force is generated by interaction between the current and magnetic fields provided by the first fixed magnetic member 1230 and second fixed magnetic member 1240, moving the coil 1220 and lens housing 1250 along the first central axis 1210a of the guide bar 1210. The lens carried by the lens housing 1250 can thus perform focus and zoom operations. Additionally, by detection of the position sensing member 1260, the coil 1220 does not move to two ineffective positions, in which the first central elevation axis 1220b thereof coincides with the second central elevation axis 1230b of the first fixed magnetic member 1230 and third central elevation axis 1240b of the second fixed magnetic member 1240.
Similarly, when moving to a specific position (the lens in the lens housing 1250 reaches a focus position), the coil 1220 and lens housing 1250 are fixed to the guide bar 1210 by attraction between the magnetic member 1270 and the metal plate 1280. At this point, no holding current is required to fix the coil 1220 and lens housing 1250, thus reducing power consumption of the optical device 1200.
Moreover, the predetermined distance D between the first fixed magnetic member 1230 and the second fixed magnetic member 1240 can be adjusted. Specifically, when the predetermined distance D is relatively small, the coil 1220 receives relatively high strength magnetic fields or magnetic flux density from the first fixed magnetic member 1230 and second fixed magnetic member 1240, thus increasing moving power. When the predetermined distance D, however, is relatively large, the distance between the second central elevation axis 1230b and the third central elevation axis 1240b is relatively large, thus increasing the moving distance or range of the coil 1220.
Referring to
As shown in
The coil 1320 is disposed on the base 1305 has a second central axis 1320a in the optical axis direction and a first central elevation axis 1320b. Specifically, the second central axis 1320a is perpendicular to the first central elevation axis 1320b.
The lens housing 1350 slides on the guide bar 1310 and carries a lens (not shown).
The first magnetic member 1330 is connected to the lens housing 1350 and disposed in the coil 1320. The first magnetic member 1330 has a first central magnetizing axis 1330a and a second central elevation axis 1330b. Specifically, the first central magnetizing axis 1330a is perpendicular to the second central elevation axis 1330b and aligned with the second central axis 1320a of the coil 1320, and the second central elevation axis 1330b is separated from the first central elevation axis 1320b of the coil 1320.
The second magnetic member 1340 is connected to the magnetic-permeable member 1345, disposed in the coil 1320 and separated from the first magnetic member 1330 by a predetermined distance D. The second magnetic member 1340 has a second central magnetizing axis 1340a and a third central elevation axis 1340b. The second central magnetizing axis 1340a is perpendicular to the third central elevation axis 1340b and aligned with the second central axis 1320a of the coil 1320. The third central elevation axis 1340b is separated from the first central elevation axis 1320b of the coil 1320. Specifically, the first central elevation axis 1320b is between the second central elevation axis 1330b and the third central elevation axis 1340b. Namely, no matter how the first magnetic member 1330 and second magnetic member 1340 move, the first central elevation axis 1320b of the coil 1320 is between the second central elevation axis 1330b of the first magnetic member 1330 and the third central elevation axis 1340b of the second magnetic member 1340. Moreover, the first magnetic member 1330 and second magnetic member 1340 may be magnets, with two opposite polarities (N and S polarities) varying along the first central magnetizing axis 1330a and second central magnetizing axis 1340a. Specifically, as shown in
The magnetic-permeable member 1345 is disposed between the first magnetic member 1330 and the second magnetic member 1340, reducing repulsion there between. Moreover, the magnetic-permeable member 1345 can effectively guide magnetic lines from the first magnetic member 1330 and second magnetic member 1340 into the coil 1320.
The following description is directed to operation of the optical device 1300.
When the coil 1320 is energized by application of a current, a magnetic force is generated by interaction between the current and magnetic fields provided by the first magnetic member 1330 and second magnetic member 1340, moving the first magnetic member 1330, second magnetic member 1340, lens housing 1350 along the first central axis 1310a of the guide bar 1310. The lens carried by the lens housing 1350 can thus perform focus and zoom operations.
Moreover, the predetermined distance D between the first magnetic member 1330 and the second magnetic member 1340 can be adjusted. Specifically, when the predetermined distance D is relatively small, the coil 1320 receives relatively high strength magnetic fields or magnetic flux density from the first magnetic member 1330 and second magnetic member 1340, thus increasing moving power of the first magnetic member 1330 and second magnetic member 1340. When the predetermined distance D, however, is relatively large, the distance between the second central elevation axis 1330b and the third central elevation axis 1340b is relatively large, thus increasing the moving distance or range of the first magnetic member 1330 and second magnetic member 1340.
In conclusion, as the disclosed optical device enables focusing movement of the lens by way of attraction or repulsion of two magnetic fields, the electricity required to maintain the lens in the target focus position is reduced. Thus, the disclosed optical device provides reduced power consumption. Moreover, the disclosed optical device enables the lens to achieve rapid focusing movement and precise positioning.
While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.
This application is a Continuation-In-Part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/338,337, filed Jan. 23, 2006 and entitled “Optical devices”, which is a Continuation-In-Part of pending prior application Ser. No. 11/266,832, filed Nov. 3, 2005 and entitled “Optical devices”.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 11338337 | Jan 2006 | US |
Child | 11494871 | Jul 2006 | US |
Parent | 11266832 | Nov 2005 | US |
Child | 11338337 | Jan 2006 | US |