Patent ID: 12189205

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the subject matter provided. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify this disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature “on” and/or “above” a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, so that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly. In addition, in different examples of this disclosure, symbols or alphabets may be used repeatedly.

Ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, etc., used in the description and in claims do not by themselves connote any priority, precedence, or order of one element over another, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one element from another element having the same name. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “include”, “have” and variations thereof, such as “includes”, “including”, “having” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”

Please refer toFIG.1andFIG.2.FIG.1is a schematic view of an electronic device1, an optical element10, and an optical element drive mechanism100.FIG.2is a schematic view of the optical element10and the optical element drive mechanism100. The electronic device1may be a tablet computer, a smart phone, etc. The optical element10may be a lens. The optical element10may be made of plastic or glass. The optical element10may be circular or it may have another shape. The optical element10and the optical element drive mechanism100may be disposed in the electronic device1, so that a user may capture images and record video. The optical element drive mechanism100may hold the optical element10and drive the optical element10to move, so as to adjust the position of the optical element10to capture clear images. The optical element10and the optical element drive mechanism100are typically placed in the top region of the electronic device1to increase the display area of the electronic device1.

The optical element10has an optical axis O. The optical axis O is an imaginary axis passing through the center of the optical element10. The optical element drive mechanism100includes a main axis MA (as shown inFIG.3). The main axis MA is an imaginary axis passing through the center of the optical element drive mechanism100. When the optical element10and the optical element drive mechanism100are aligned, the optical axis O substantially overlaps the main axis MA of the optical element drive mechanism100. Therefore, in the followings and in the drawings, the optical axis O of the optical element10or the main axis MA of the optical element drive mechanism100may be used to illustrate or describe the related features of the optical element drive mechanism100. It should be noted that, since the optical element10is movably placed in the optical element drive mechanism100, the optical axis O may be not exactly overlap the main axis MA of the optical element drive mechanism100because of the movement, shake, rotation, tilt, and the like, of the optical element drive mechanism100. The optical element drive mechanism may be further connected to an external module, such as an image sensor module (e.g. a module that includes a charge-coupled detector (CCD)), so that the light entering the optical element drive mechanism100may be converted into an image on the external module.

Next, please refer toFIG.3toFIG.6.FIG.3is an exploded view of the optical element drive mechanism100.FIG.4andFIG.5are perspective views of the optical element drive mechanism100, in which the omitted elements are not exactly the same.FIG.6is a top view of the optical element drive mechanism100ofFIG.5. When viewed from the main axis MA, the optical element drive mechanism100is polygonal, such as quadrilateral. For ease of illustration, the four sides of the optical element drive mechanism100are a mechanism first side1001, a mechanism second side1002, a mechanism third side1003, and a mechanism fourth side1004. The mechanism first side1001, the mechanism second side1002, the mechanism third side1003, and the mechanism fourth side1004are substantially perpendicular to the main axis MA. The mechanism first side1001is opposite the mechanism third side1003, and the mechanism second side1002is opposite the mechanism fourth side1004.

The mechanism first side1001is substantially parallel with the mechanism third side1003, and the mechanism second side1002is substantially parallel with the mechanism fourth side1004. When viewed form the main axis MA, the mechanism first side1001and the mechanism third side1003are parallel with a first axis A1, and the mechanism first side1001and the mechanism third side1003extend along the first axis A1. The first axis A1is substantially perpendicular to the main axis MA. When viewed from the main axis MA, the mechanism second side1002and the mechanism fourth side1004are parallel with a second axis A2, and the mechanism second side1002and the mechanism fourth side1004extend along the second axis A2. Furthermore, the four corners of the optical element drive mechanism100are a first corner2001, a second corner2002, a third corner2003, and a fourth corner2004. The connecting line between the first corner2001and the second corner2002is substantially parallel with the first axis A1. The connecting line between the first corner2001and the third corner2003is substantially parallel with the second axis A2.

The optical element drive mechanism100includes an immovable part I, a movable part M, an elastic assembly E, a drive assembly D, a sensing assembly S, a first circuit assembly C1, and a second circuit assembly C2. The movable part M is connected to the optical element10. The movable part M is movable relative to the immovable part I. The elastic assembly E is connected to the movable part M. The drive assembly D drives the movable part M to move relative to the immovable part I. The first circuit assembly C1and the second circuit assembly C2constitute a circuit assembly. The first circuit assembly C1and the second circuit assembly C2are electrically connected to the drive assembly D, and the current may be supplied to the optical element drive mechanism100and transmitted in the optical element drive mechanism100via the first circuit assembly C1and the second circuit assembly C2.

In this embodiment, the immovable part I includes a case110and a bottom120. The movable part M includes a frame130and a holder140. The elastic assembly E includes a first elastic element150, a second elastic element160, and a plurality of third elastic elements170. The drive assembly D includes an AF coil180, a plurality of OIS coils190, and a plurality of magnetic elements200. The first circuit assembly C1includes a first circuit element230, a second circuit element240, and a third circuit element250. The description is merely an example, and the elements may be added to or removed as needed. Also, for clear illustration, some elements may be omitted in the drawings.

The case110is located above the bottom120. The case110may be connected to the bottom120, so that a receiving space is formed between the case110and the bottom120. The receiving space of the immovable part I may accommodate and protect the movable part M, the elastic assembly E, the drive assembly D, the sensing assembly S, the first circuit assembly C1, and the second circuit assembly C2, and the like to strengthen the structural strength of the overall optical element drive mechanism100. The case110includes a top wall111and a plurality of sidewalls112. The top wall111is perpendicular to the main axis MA. The side walls112extend from the edge of the top wall111along the main axis MA. The bottom120has an opening19-71. The sidewalls112of the case110are connected to the bottom120and the space formed therein may accommodate the movable part19-P2, the drive assembly D, and the sensing assembly19-80, and the like.

Next, in addition toFIG.3toFIG.6, please also refer toFIG.9toFIG.12to know the bottom120.FIG.9andFIG.10are perspective views of the bottom120and the second circuit assembly C2from different perspectives.FIG.11is an exploded view of the bottom120and the second circuit assembly C2.FIG.12is an enlarged view of part of the bottom120and the second circuit assembly C2. The bottom120includes a bottom opening121, a plurality of bottom recesses122, a first positioning element123, a second positioning element124, and a plurality of bottom notches125. The light may pass through the bottom opening121. The bottom opening121communicates with the bottom recesses122. The bottom recesses122are formed on the surface of the bottom120. The bottom recesses122have concave structures. The bottom recesses122are located on the mechanism first side1001and the mechanism third side1003. The first positioning element123is located on the mechanism second side1002, and the second positioning element124is located on the mechanism fourth side1004. The first positioning element123and the second positioning element124correspond to the first circuit assembly C1. Specifically, the first positioning element123and the second positioning element124are able to position the first circuit assembly C1. The first positioning element123and the second positioning element124are arranged along the first axis A1. The bottom notches125are formed on the surface of the bottom120. The bottom notches125have concave structures and correspond to an electrical contact265(will be described in the followings). The bottom opening121and the bottom notches125are separate. That is, the bottom opening121does not communicate with the bottom notches125.

Next, in addition toFIG.3toFIG.6, please also refer toFIG.7andFIG.8to know the movable part M.FIG.7is a perspective view of the frame130.FIG.8is a perspective view of the holder140. When viewed from the main axis MA, the mechanism first side1001and the mechanism third side1003are located on the opposite sides of the movable part M, and the mechanism second side1002and the mechanism fourth side1004are located on the opposite sides of the movable part M. The frame130and the holder140are located in the receiving space of the immovable part I. The frame130includes a plurality of frame stopper-portions131, a plurality of frame connection portions132, a plurality of frame recesses133, and a plurality of frame receiving portions134. The frame stopper-portions131and the frame connection portions132are disposed on the top surface of the frame130. The frame stopper-portions131and the frame connection portions132may be protrusions. The frame recesses133are formed on the mechanism second side1002and the mechanism fourth side1004. The frame receiving portions134are formed in the four corners inside the frame130to accommodate and protect the magnetic elements200.

The holder140is disposed inside the frame130. The holder140is connected to the frame130via the first elastic element150and the second elastic element160. The holder140is hollow to hold the optical element10. The holder140includes a plurality of holder stopper-portions141, a plurality of holder connection portions142, a plurality of holder electrical connection portions143, and a plurality of holder recesses144. The holder stopper-portions141and the holder connection portions142are disposed on the top surface of the holder140. The holder stopper-portions141and the holder connection portions142may be protrusions. The holder electrical connection portions143are located on the mechanism second side1002and the mechanism fourth side1004. The holder recesses144are located on the mechanism first side1001and the mechanism third side1003. Since the holder electrical connection portions143and the holder recesses144are located on the different sides of the optical element drive mechanism100, the space may be utilized effectively, and miniaturization may be achieved.

When the drive assembly D drives the holder140to move along the optical axis O toward the top wall111of the case1100and to reach the limit, the frame stopper-portions131and the holder stopper-portions141may be in contact with the top wall111of the case110first so as to prevent the rest of the portions of the frame130and the holder140from colliding with the case110. Similar stopper-portions may also be placed on the bottom surface of the frame130and the bottom surface of the holder140. Therefore, the stability of the overall optical element drive mechanism100is enhanced.

Next, please refer toFIG.3,FIG.4,FIG.7, andFIG.8to know the elastic assembly E. The first elastic element150is disposed between the top wall111of the case110and the frame130. The second elastic element160is disposed between the holder140and the first circuit assembly C1. The first elastic element150and the second elastic element160are made of an elastic material or a ductile material, such as metal. In this technical field, the first elastic element150and the second elastic element160may be known as “spring”, “leaf spring”, “plate spring”, etc.

The first elastic element150is connected to the top surface of the frame130and the top surface of the holder140, and the second elastic element160is connected to the bottom surface of the frame130and the bottom surface of the holder140. For example, the first elastic element150may be disposed on the frame connection portion132and the holder connection portion142. When the movable part M is driven to move relative to the immovable part I, the holder140is held between the first elastic element150and the second elastic element160, so that the range of motion of the holder140is restricted. Therefore, the holder140and the optical element10therein are prevented from being damaged because of collision with the case110or the bottom120when the optical element driving mechanism100moves or is impacted.

The upper ends the third elastic elements170are connected to the first elastic element150of the elastic assembly E, and the lower ends of the third elastic elements170are connected to the four corners of the bottom120of the immovable part I. As described above, the first elastic element150is connected to the frame130of the movable part M and the holder140of the movable part M. Therefore, the third elastic elements170essentially “suspend” the frame130together with the holder140of the movable part M between the case110and the bottom120of the immovable part M, so that the frame130and the holder140are both separated by a distance apart from the case110and the bottom120. That is, the frame130and the holder140are not in direct contact with the case110and the bottom120. The first elastic element150and the third elastic element170are both electrically connected to the drive assembly D. With the flexible third elastic elements170, the movement of the frame130of the movable part M together with the holder140therein relative to the case110of the immovable part M and the bottom120of the immovable part M are mostly two-dimensional in directions that are perpendicular to the optical axis O.

Next, please refer toFIG.3toFIG.6to know the drive assembly D. The drive assembly D is able to drive the movable part M to move, including linear motion, rotation, etc. The AF coil180is polygonal, surrounding the holder140. The AF coil180includes a plurality of electrical connection leads181. The electrical connection leads181are the portion of the AF coil180that extend from the AF coil180and surround the holder electrical connection portions143. By methods such as soldering on the holder electrical connection portions143, the AF coil180may be electrically connected to other elements, e.g. the first elastic element150. For example, the current may be applied to the AF coil180via one of the electrical connection leads181, and the current may flow out the AF coil180via the other one of the electrical connection leads181. The OIS coils190are disposed in the first circuit assembly190. Specifically, the OIS coils190may be disposed in at least one of the first circuit element230, the second circuit element240, and the third circuit element250. The magnetic elements200are disposed at the frame receiving portions134of the frame130. Every pair of magnetic poles (i.e. a pair of north magnetic pole and south magnetic pole) of the magnetic elements200is arranged along a direction that is perpendicular to the main axis MA.

When the current is supplied to the drive assembly D, magnetic force that is parallel with the optical axis O is generated between the AF coil180and the magnetic elements200. The holder140and the optical element10therein may be driven to move in a direction that is parallel with the optical axis O, so the optical element10inside the holder140may make an object to be in focus to achieve auto focus (AF). Therefore, the quality of the images is enhanced. When the current is supplied to the drive assembly D, magnetic force that is perpendicular to the optical axis O is generated between the OIS coils190and the magnetic elements200. The frame130together with the holder140and the optical element10therein may be driven to move in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis O to compensate for a deviation in the image caused by shaking or being impacted, and to solve the problem of blurry images and videos, thereby achieve optical image stabilization (OIS).

AF and OIS may enhance the image quality. It should be noted that the magnetic elements200correspond to the AF coil180and the OIS coils190at the same time. In other words, for the drive assembly D, only one set of magnetic elements200is needed to achieve both AF and OIS. Since there is no need for placing two sets of magnetic elements200to correspond to the AF coil180and the OIS coils190, respectively, miniaturization may be achieved.

Next, please refer toFIG.3toFIG.6to know the sensing assembly S. The reference elements210are disposed in the holder recesses144, corresponding to the bottom recesses122. The sensing elements220correspond to the reference elements210. The sensing elements220are disposed on the top surface of the first circuit element230. Each of the reference elements210may be a magnetic element. Each of the sensing elements220may be a Hall sensor, a Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR) sensor, a Tunneling Magneto Resistance (TMR) sensor, etc. The sensing elements220may detect the reference elements210to find out the position of the movable part M. In particular, the sensing elements220may detect the change of the lines of magnetic field (including but not limited to the density of the lines of magnetic field and the direction of the lines of magnetic field) of the reference elements210to find out the position of the holder140. Due to the sensing assembly S, the position of the movable part M may be known in a short period of time.

In this embodiment, the sensing assembly S includes two reference elements210and four sensing elements220to sense the movement of the holder140along the first axis A1and the second axis A2relative to the bottom140and shake, rotation, and the like of the holder140. However, the number and the positions of the reference elements210and the sensing elements220may be adjusted as needed.

Next, please refer toFIG.3andFIG.9toFIG.12to know the second circuit assembly C2. In this embodiment, the second circuit assembly C2includes terminals for external connection, and thus the second circuit assembly C2may also be referred to as an external connection circuit260. In particular, the first circuit assembly C1is electrically connected to an external circuit via the external connection circuit260. Thanks to the external connection circuit260, the current may be supplied into the optical element drive mechanism100. The external connection circuit260may include several pins, so that the current may flow in and out.

The external connection circuit260is disposed below the first circuit assembly C1, and the external connection circuit260faces the bottom surface of the first circuit assembly C1. The external connection circuit260may be formed in the bottom120by methods such as insert molding. That is, the external connection circuit260and the bottom120may be formed integrally as one piece, and at least part of the external connection circuit260is embedded in the bottom120and not revealed from the bottom120.

The external connection circuit260includes an external connection circuit opening261and a plurality of projecting portions262. The light passes through the external connection circuit opening261. When viewed from the main axis MA, the area of the external connection circuit opening261is greater than the area of the bottom opening121. The external connection circuit opening261communicates with the bottom recesses122. The external connection circuit opening261and the bottom notches125are separate. That is, the external connection circuit opening261does not communicate with the bottom notches125. The projecting portions262protrude from the bottom notches125.

The electrical contact265(only schematically illustrated inFIG.12) may be included between the first circuit assembly C1and the second circuit assembly C2. For ease of illustration, only one electrical contact265is illustrated inFIG.12, but there may be more electrical contacts265. The electrical contact265is located between the bottom surface of the first circuit element230and the top surface of the external connection circuit260. The electrical contact265may include a conductive material. The conductive material may a material that makes elements electrically connected to each other, such as metal (e.g. Tin). The conductive material may be disposed on the projection portions262in the bottom notches125, so that the first circuit assembly C1and the second circuit assembly C2are electrically connected to each other via the electrical contact265.

Next, please refer toFIG.13toFIG.19to know the first circuit assembly C1.FIG.13andFIG.14are perspective views of the first circuit assembly C1from different perspectives.FIG.15is a top view of the first circuit assembly C1.FIG.16is a side view of the first circuit assembly C1.FIG.17andFIG.18are enlarged views of part of the first circuit assembly C1from different perspectives.FIG.19is a schematic view of the first circuit assembly C1when it has not been folded yet. In the present disclosure, the first circuit assembly C1may be formed by folding. At the folding positions, the first circuit assembly C1includes a first connection portion270and a second connection portion280. In other words, the folding process is done twice to form the first circuit assembly C1.

Since the first circuit assembly C1may be formed by folding, there is no need to place a separate circuit board. Since there is no need for a separate circuit board, there is no need to place the conductive material that is used for electrical connections between the circuit board and other elements. Therefore, the amount of the elements may be reduced, the manufacturing process is simplified, the cost is reduced, and the like.

The first circuit element230, the second circuit element240, and the third circuit element250all have plate-like structures, and the first circuit element230, the second circuit element240, and the third circuit element250are perpendicular to the main axis MA. The second circuit element240and the third circuit element250are disposed above the first circuit element230. When viewed from the main axis MA, the first circuit element230and the second circuit element240at least partially overlap. When viewed from the main axis MA, the first circuit element230and the third circuit element250at least partially overlap. When viewed from the main axis MA, the second circuit element240and the third circuit element250do not overlap. When viewed from the second axis A2, the second circuit element240and the third circuit element250at least partially overlap. That is, the second circuit element240and the third circuit element250are arranged along the second axis A2.

The first circuit element230includes a first side230S1(as shown inFIG.17) and a third side230S2(only schematically denoted inFIG.17, the exact position may be referred to the first side230S1of the first circuit element230). When viewed from the main axis Ml, the first side230S1of the first circuit element230is located on the mechanism first side1001, and the third side230S3of the first circuit element230is located on the mechanism third side1003.

The second circuit element240includes a second side240S2(as shown inFIG.17). When viewed from the main axis Ml, the second side240S2of the second circuit element240is located on the mechanism first side1001. The third circuit element250includes a fourth side250S4(only schematically denoted inFIG.17, the exact position may be referred to the second side240S2of the second circuit element240). When viewed from the main axis Ml, the fourth side250S4of the third circuit element250is located on the mechanism third side1003.

The first connection portion270is located on the mechanism first side1001. In particular, the first connection portion270protrudes from the first side230S1of the first circuit element230and the second side240S2of the second circuit element240. The first connection portion270is connected to the first circuit element230and the second circuit element240. The first circuit element230is electrically connected to the second circuit element240via the first connection portion270. In the drawings, the outer surface of the first connection portion270is flat, so that the first connection portion270has a plate-like structure. However, the first connection portion270may have a bent structure.

The second connection portion280is located on the mechanism third side1003. In particular, the second connection portion280protrudes from the third side230S3of the first circuit element230and the fourth side250S4of the third circuit element250. The second connection portion280is connected to the first circuit element230and the third circuit element250. The first circuit element230is electrically connected to the third circuit element250via the second connection portion280. In the drawings, the outer surface of the second connection portion280is flat, so that the second connection portion280has a plate-like structure. However, the second connection portion280may have a bent structure.

When viewed from the main axis MA, a first space2451and a second space2452are formed between the second circuit element240and the third circuit element250. The first space2451is located on the mechanism second side1002. The second space2452is located on the mechanism fourth side1004. When viewed from the main axis MA, the connecting line between the center of the first space2451and the center of the second space2452is neither parallel with nor perpendicular to the first axis A1. When viewed from the first axis A1, the first space2451and the second space2452do not overlap. When viewed from the second axis A2, the first space2451and the second space2452do not overlap. In other words, the first space2451and the second space2452are not aligned in the first axis A1. Thanks to the first space2451and the second space2452, they may be the tolerance during the manufacturing and assembling, and the orientation of the first circuit assembly C1may be identified. Therefore, the assembling process may be further simplified.

In the followings, the first circuit element230, the second circuit element240, and the first connection portion270are mainly discussed. However, the third circuit element250and the second connection portion280may have similar structures and functionalities to the second circuit element240and the first connection portion270.

The first circuit element230includes a plurality of first protrusions231. The first protrusions231protrude from the first side230S1of the first circuit element230. A first gap232is formed between the first protrusions231and the first connection portion270. In other words, the first protrusion231is the portion that is relatively protruding than the first gap232, and the first gap232is located between the first protrusions231and the first connection portion270. The second circuit element240includes a plurality of second protrusions241. The second protrusions241protrude from the second side240S2of the second circuit element240. A second gap242is formed between the second protrusions241and the first connection portion270. In other words, the first protrusion231is the portion that is relatively protruding than the second gap242, and the second gap242is located between the second protrusions241and the first connection portion270.

When viewed from the main axis MA, the first protrusions231and the second protrusions241at least partially overlap. When viewed from the main axis MA, the first gap232and the second gap242at least partially overlap. Thanks to the first gap232and the second gap242formed on the two sides of the first connection portion270, an allowable amount of variation of a specified quantity of space is generated, thereby utilizing the folding process.

Since the first connection portion270is formed because of the folding process, the first circuit element230, the second circuit element240, and the first connection portion270are formed integrally as one piece. The first circuit element230is connected to the first connection portion270without the need for connective techniques such as adhesion or welding. The second circuit element240is connected to the first connection portion270without the need for connective techniques such as adhesion or welding.

For ease of illustration, the bottom surface of the first circuit element230is a first surface230BS (as shown inFIG.14), and the top surface of the first circuit element230is a second surface230TS (as shown inFIG.17). The first surface230BS is opposite the second surface230TS. The first surface230BS faces the external connection circuit260. The second surface230TS faces the second circuit element240.

The first circuit element230may further include a first circuit233(as shown inFIG.14), a second circuit234, a third circuit235, and a substrate236(as shown in). At least part of the first circuit233, the second circuit234, and the third circuit235are embedded in the substrate236and not revealed from the substrate236. That is, the substrate236may be the portion of the first circuit element230that covers the first circuit233, the second circuit234, and the third circuit235.

The first circuit233is electrically connected to the sensing elements220. Specifically, the sensing elements220are disposed on the first surface230BS of the first circuit element230. For example, the sensing elements220are disposed on the first surface230BS of the first circuit element230by methods such as surface mount technology (SMT). In some embodiments, part of the first circuit233is revealed from the first surface230BS of the first circuit element230for facilitating the electrical connection between the sensing elements220and the first circuit233. In some embodiments, there is no need to apply an adhesive between the sensing elements220and the first circuit233.

Next, how the OIS coils190of the drive assembly D are placed in the first circuit assembly C1is described. For ease of illustration, the OIS coils190are defined as including a first coil191, a second coil192, a third coil193, and a fourth coil194. The first coil191is disposed in the second circuit element240. The second coil192and the fourth coil194are disposed in the first circuit element230. The third coil193is disposed in the third circuit element250.

The first coil191is electrically connected to the second coil192and the second circuit234. The second circuit234is the portion of the second coil192that extends out. When viewed from the main axis MA, the first coil191and the second circuit234do not overlap. The third coil193is electrically connected to the fourth coil194and the third circuit235. The third circuit235is the portion of the fourth coil194that extends out. When viewed from the main axis MA, the third coil193and the third circuit235do not overlap.

The first coil191and the second coil192are located on the first corner2001and the second corner2002. The third coil193and the fourth coil194are located on the third corner2003and the fourth corner2004. When viewed from the main axis MA, the first coil191and the second coil192at least partially overlap. When viewed from the main axis MA, the third coil193and the fourth coil194at least partially overlap. The first coil191and the third coil193are electrically independent. When viewed from the main axis MA, the first coil191and the third coil193do not overlap. The first coil191and the second coil192may constitute a single OIS coil190. The third coil193and the fourth coil194may constitute a single OIS coil190.

In some embodiments, the thickness230T of the first circuit element230and the thickness240T of the second circuit element240are both greater than the thickness270T of the first connection portion270and the thickness280T of the second connection portion280. In some embodiments, the thickness250T of the third circuit element250is identical to the thickness240T of the second circuit element240. In some embodiments, the thickness230T of the first circuit element230is identical to the thickness240T of the second circuit element240. In some embodiments, the thickness270T of the first connection portion270is identical to the thickness280T of the second connection portion280. Since either the thickness270T of the first connection portion270or the thickness280T of the second connection portion280is less than the thickness230T of the first circuit element230and the thickness240T of the second circuit element240, the space that the first connection portion270and the second connection portion280occupy may be reduced, and miniaturization may be achieved.

In some embodiments, the first circuit assembly C1further includes a base (not shown). The base has a plate-like structure. The base extends continuously in the first circuit element230, the second circuit element240, and the first connection portion270. The base may be made of a flexible material, so that it may exist in the first circuit element230, the second circuit element240, and the first connection portion270at the same time, and it may be folded. In some embodiments, the base may be U-shaped that is rotated 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, the first circuit element230includes a plurality of positioning portions238, the second circuit element240includes a positioning portion248, and the third circuit element250includes a positioning portion258(as shown inFIG.13). The positioning portions238are located on the mechanism second side1002and the mechanism fourth side1004. The positioning portion248is located on the mechanism fourth side1004. The positioning portion258is located on the mechanism second side1002. Specifically, the positioning portion248that is located on the mechanism second side1002and the positioning portion258accommodate the first positioning element123of the bottom120, and the positioning portion248that is located on the mechanism fourth side1004and the positioning portion248accommodate the second positioning element124of the bottom120. Since the first connection portion270, the second connection portion280, and the positioning portions238,248, and258are located on the different sides of the optical element drive mechanism100, the space may be utilized effectively, and miniaturization may be achieved.

In some embodiments, the optical element drive mechanism100further includes a first adhesive element310(only schematically illustrated inFIG.16). The first adhesive element310is disposed between the first circuit element230and the second circuit element240and/or between the first circuit element230and the third circuit element250, so that the second circuit element240and the third circuit element250are immovably connected to the first circuit element230via the first adhesive element310. The first adhesive element310is in direct contact with the top surface (the second surface230TS) of the first circuit element230, the second circuit element240, and the first connection portion270. Therefore, the connection between the first circuit element230and the second circuit element240and/or between the first circuit element230and the third circuit element250is strengthened.

Also, to strengthen the connection between the case110and the bottom120, the optical element drive mechanism100may further include a second adhesive element320(only schematically illustrated inFIG.10). The second adhesive element320is disposed on the bottom surface of the bottom120, so that the case110is immovably connected to the bottom120via the second adhesive element320. The second adhesive element320is in direct contact with the case110and the bottom120. Therefore, the connection between the case110and the bottom120is strengthened.

It should be noted that, the first adhesive element310and the second adhesive element320may include same or different materials. The first adhesive element310and the second adhesive element320may be an adhesive material, a conductive material, or an insulation material, such as resin or optical adhesives. Different elements may be adhered to each other by the first adhesive element310and the second adhesive element320. Furthermore, the first adhesive element310and the second adhesive element320generally have good elasticity and good covering ability and thus the first adhesive element310and the second adhesive element320may protect the elements. Additionally, the first adhesive element310and the second adhesive element320may reduce the possibilities that particles such as dust or mist enter the elements. If the first adhesive element310and the second adhesive element320are made of an insulation material, insulation may be achieved. The connection of the first circuit assembly C1and the connection between the case110and the bottom120may be strengthened by the first adhesive element310and the second adhesive element320. Therefore, the structural strength of the overall optical element drive mechanism100is increased.

In the following, identical or similar elements are denoted with identical or similar reference numeral. Next, please refer toFIG.20toFIG.22.FIG.20is a schematic view of a first circuit assembly C1′ when it has not been folded yet according to some other embodiments.FIG.21is a schematic view of a first circuit assembly C1″ according to yet some other embodiments.FIG.22is a schematic view of the first circuit assembly C1″ ofFIG.21when it has not been folded yet.

In the embodiments as illustrated inFIG.20, the third circuit element250is omitted, and the first circuit assembly C1′ includes a first circuit element230′, a second circuit element240′, and a first connection portion270′. A plurality of OIS coils190′ are disposed in the second circuit element240′. A plurality of sensing elements220′ are disposed on the bottom surface of the first circuit element230′. In some embodiments, the OIS coils190are only disposed in the second circuit element240′ and not disposed in the first circuit element230′, but is not limited thereto.

The first circuit element230′ and the second circuit element240′ both have plate-like structures, and the first circuit element230′ and the second circuit element240′ are perpendicular to the main axis MA. The second circuit element240′ is located above the first circuit element230′. When viewed from the main axis MA, the first circuit element230′ and the second circuit element240′ at least partially overlap. In this embodiment, the first circuit element230′ is connected to the second circuit element240′ via the first connection portion270′. In other words, the folding process is done once to form the first circuit assembly C1′.

In the embodiments as illustrated inFIG.21andFIG.22, the third circuit element250is also omitted, similar toFIG.20, the first circuit assembly C1″ includes a first circuit element230″, a second circuit element240″, and a first connection portion270″. A plurality of OIS coils190″ are disposed in the second circuit element240″. A plurality of sensing elements220″ are disposed on the bottom surface of the first circuit element230″. The main difference is that an external connection circuit260″ (especially the terminals that used for external electrical connection) is disposed at the first circuit element230″ and not disposed in the bottom120. The first circuit assembly C1″ may be folded not only at the first connection portion270″ but also at the connection between the external connection circuit260″ and the first circuit element230″, so that the external connection circuit260″ is bent down relative to the first circuit element230″ to make the external connection circuit260″ not parallel with the first circuit element230″. In some embodiments, the external connection circuit260″ is perpendicular to the first circuit element230″.

In this embodiment, the external connection circuit260″ has a plate-like structure. In some embodiments, the thickness260″T of the external connection circuit260″ is less than the thickness240″T of the second circuit element240. In some embodiments, the thickness260″T of the external connection circuit260is identical to the thickness230″T of the first circuit element230″. In some embodiments, the thickness230″T of the first circuit element230″ is different from the thickness240T″ of the second circuit element240″. In some embodiments, the thickness230″T of the first circuit element230″ is less than the thickness240T″ of the second circuit element240″.

As described above, the first circuit assembly C1may include a base extending continuously in the first circuit element230, the second circuit element240, and the first connection portion270. In the embodiments that the external connection circuit260″ is disposed in the first circuit assembly C1“, the base may further extend to the external connection circuit260”.

It should be noted that, the folding way may be changed as needed, and the thickness, the structure, the shape, and the like of the first circuit assembly C1, C1′, and C1″ may be changed accordingly.

Based on the present disclosure, the circuit assembly including coils and circuits may be formed by folding. Since the circuit assembly may be formed by folding, there is no need to place a separate circuit board. Since there is no need for a separate circuit board, there is no need to place the conductive material that is used for electrical connections between the circuit board and other elements. Therefore, the amount of the elements may be reduced, the manufacturing process is simplified, the cost is reduced, and the like. Also, some features such as space, a gap, a positioning portion, and the like may be formed in the circuit assembly, to function as tolerance during the manufacturing and assembling, to facilitate the folding process, and to facilitate the positioning process. Additionally, the folding way may be changed as needed, and the thickness, the structure, the shape, and the like of the circuit assembly may be changed accordingly. Furthermore, the connection between the elements may be strengthened by the adhesive element to increase the structural strength of the overall optical element drive mechanism.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use this disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. In addition, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the specification, and each claim constitutes a separate embodiment, and the combination of various claims and embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure.