US 2016/0209618 A1 · ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATORS FOR DIGITAL CAMERAS

Abstract

Electro-magnetic actuators used to provide a displacement of an optical element such as a lens carrier comprise at least one ferromagnetic frame associated with a large air gap and at least one ferromagnetic member parallel to and separated from an elongated section of a frame by a small air gap. Actuation causes a magnetic circuit that appears in the at least one frame, the at least one member and small air gaps and by-passes or bridges the large air gap. In some embodiments, the resultant magnetic force moves the at least one member and leads to the displacement of an optical element attached thereto. In some embodiments, at least one frame and at least one member are arranged to provide a center hole and are dimensioned to enable insertion of a lens carrier in the hole. In some embodiments, the displacement is for auto-focus. In other embodiments, the displacement is for optical image stabilization.

Claims22

Dependent claims

An electro-magnetic actuator used to provide a movement of an optical element, comprising:

a) a ferromagnetic first frame that includes a core surrounded partially by a first conductive coil, a first arm and a second arm, each arm having an operative surface and an end surface, the first and second arms separated therebetween by a first large air gap;
and
b) a ferromagnetic first member having a respective operative surface and facing the first arm, the first member and the first arm disposed such that a first small air gap and an overlap are formed between their respective operative surfaces, wherein the first small air gap is smaller than the first large air gap, wherein the first member and the first frame undergo a relative movement therebetween when a magnetic force is generated by current in the coil and wherein the movement is convertible into a displacement of the optical element from a first position to a second position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electromagnetic actuators for digital cameras

Life of this patent

Electromagnetic actuators for digital cameras

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22