Camera modules and electronic equipment

By introducing photodeforming elements into the camera module and changing the focus position of strong light, the problem of laser burning the photosensitive element is solved, and effective protection of the camera module and user experience are improved.

CN115426445BActive Publication Date: 2025-04-18VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202211063109.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-09-01
Publication Date
2025-04-18
Estimated Expiration
2042-09-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing camera modules are prone to burn the photosensitive element in an environment with strong laser light, thus causing the camera module to fail.

Method used

An imaging module is designed, which includes a lens, a photodeforming element and a photosensitive element. The photodeforming element can deform when the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold, changing the direction of light entering the lens, thereby preventing light from focusing on the photosensitive element.

Benefits of technology

Effectively protect the photosensitive element, prevent laser burns, extend the service life of the camera module, and improve user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN115426445B_ABST
    Figure CN115426445B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present application discloses a camera module and an electronic device, belonging to the technical field of electronic devices. The camera module comprises: a lens, a photodeformation element and a photosensitive element, wherein the photosensitive element and the photodeformation element are respectively arranged at two ends of the lens, and the photosensitive element is used to receive light that passes through the photodeformation element and the lens in sequence; the photodeformation element can be deformed to change the direction of light entering the lens when the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of electronic equipment, and specifically relates to a camera module and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the popularity of electronic devices, users usually carry electronic devices when going out. Existing electronic devices are usually equipped with a camera module, which usually includes a lens and a photosensitive element. The photosensitive element receives the light collected by the lens and performs photoelectric conversion to realize the shooting function.

[0003] However, in an environment with strong lasers, the laser energy is easily concentrated on the photosensitive element due to the focusing effect of the lens, which will cause the photosensitive element to be burned, thereby causing the camera module to fail. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a camera module and an electronic device that can solve the problem in the prior art that laser burns the photosensitive element and causes the camera module to fail.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a camera module, which includes: a lens, a photodeformation element, and a photosensitive element, wherein:

[0007] The photosensitive element and the photodeformable element are respectively arranged at two ends of the lens, and the photosensitive element is used to receive light that passes through the photodeformable element and the lens in sequence;

[0008] The photodeformable element can be deformed when the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold value to change the direction in which the light enters the lens.

[0009] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, comprising the above-mentioned camera module.

[0010] In the embodiment of the present application, the photosensitive element and the photodeformable element are respectively arranged at the two ends of the lens, so that the photodeformable element can receive the light that passes through the photodeformable element and the lens in sequence. Since the photodeformable element is deformed, the direction of the light entering the lens can be changed, and then the focus position of the light can be changed. In this way, in a strong light environment, that is, when the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold, the photodeformable element can change the direction of the strong light entering the lens to change the focus position of the strong light, so as to avoid the strong light focusing on the photosensitive element and burning the photosensitive element, which can effectively protect the photosensitive element and then effectively protect the camera module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a camera module in an embodiment of the present application;

[0012] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of another camera module in an embodiment of the present application;

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a photodeformable element in an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of another photodeformable element in an embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Description of reference numerals:

[0016] 1-lens, 2-photodeformation element, 21-light absorption layer, 22-thermal expansion layer, 3-photosensitive element, 4-fixing part, 5-glass cover plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0018] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described here. In addition, the "and / or" in the specification and claims represents at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally represents that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship.

[0019] The following is combined with Figure 1-4 , the camera module and electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail through specific embodiments and their application scenarios.

[0020] The present application embodiment specifically discloses a camera module, such as Figure 1 As shown, the camera module may specifically include: a lens 1, a photodeformation element 2 and a photosensitive element 3, wherein the photosensitive element 3 and the photodeformation element 2 are respectively arranged at two ends of the lens 1, and the photosensitive element 3 is used to receive light that passes through the photodeformation element 2 and the lens 1 in sequence; the photodeformation element 2 can be deformed to change the direction of the light entering the lens 1 when the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold.

[0021] In the embodiment of the present application, the photosensitive element 3 and the photodeformable element 2 are respectively arranged at the two ends of the lens 1, so that the photodeformable element 2 can receive the light that passes through the photodeformable element 2 and the lens 1 in sequence. Since the photodeformable element 2 is deformed, the direction of the light entering the lens 1 can be changed, and then the focus position of the light can be changed. In this way, in an environment with strong light, that is, when the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold, the photodeformable element 2 can change the direction of the strong light entering the lens 1 to change the focus position of the strong light, so as to avoid the strong light focusing on the photosensitive element 3 and burning the photosensitive element 3, which can effectively protect the photosensitive element 3, and then effectively protect the camera module, and improve the user experience.

[0022] Specifically, the strong light can be a laser or other strong light. In the embodiment of the present application, only laser is used as an example for explanation. Other situations can refer to the settings. In the embodiment of the present application, the photodeformable element 2 can be used to change the focus position of the laser to prevent the energy on the surface of the photosensitive element 3 from being too concentrated and causing failure. In this way, in scenes such as concerts or laser shows, the camera module can be prevented from being damaged, which can better meet user needs.

[0023] The lens 1 described in the embodiment of the present application can refract light so that the light converges on the photosensitive element 3 for imaging, or can also converge the light outside the photosensitive element 3 to avoid burning the photosensitive element 3.

[0024] Specifically, the lens 1 can be a zoom lens, a telephoto lens, a wide-angle lens or a standard lens, etc., and can be configured according to actual needs, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0025] The photosensitive element 3 described in the embodiment of the present application can be an image sensor. After the lens 1 focuses the light on the photosensitive element 3, the photosensitive element 3 can perform photoelectric conversion to convert the light signal into an electrical signal, and the final captured picture is obtained through analog-to-digital conversion and effect debugging.

[0026] Specifically, the photosensitive element 3 may be a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

[0027] The photodeformable element 2 described in the embodiment of the present application can absorb heat when exposed to light. When the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold, the photodeformable element 2 absorbs more heat and deforms to generate optical focal length, and tilts the optical axis, so that the convergence position of the incident light is offset. Specifically, the photodeformable element 2 can be bent or deformed, or can be deflected and deformed, etc. In addition, the photodeformable element 2 can also be a light-transmitting structure so that light can pass through the photodeformable element 2 and enter the lens 1.

[0028] Specifically, the photodeformable element 2 may be a single-layer structure made of a photodeformable material, or may be a combination of a light absorption layer 21 and a thermal expansion layer 22 having different thermal expansion coefficients, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0029] Specifically, when laser (or other strong light) is incident, the light intensity absorbed by the photodeformable element 2 is relatively large, and the heat generated is relatively large. The heat absorbed by the photodeformable element 2 easily exceeds the heat threshold, and the photodeformable element 2 can be deformed, changing the propagation path of the light, and then changing the direction of the light entering the lens 1, so that the convergence point of the light is offset, thereby preventing the laser from directly irradiating the photosensitive element 3; when weak light (i.e., natural light or conventional indoor light) is incident, the light intensity is relatively low, and the heat generated is insufficient. The heat absorbed by the photodeformable element 2 is insufficient to cause it to deform, and the photodeformable element 2 can be a flat plate structure, which does not change the propagation path of the light, so that the light can directly enter the lens 1, and does not affect the imaging effect on the photosensitive element 3. Among them, when the light intensity exceeds the preset threshold, it is strong light, and when the light intensity does not exceed the preset threshold, it is weak light. The preset threshold can be set according to actual needs, and the embodiment of the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0030] Specifically, the photodeformation element 2 and the photosensitive element 3 can be respectively arranged at the two ends of the lens 1, so that the photodeformation element 2, the lens 1 and the photosensitive element 3 can be stacked in sequence, so that the lens 1 can receive the light passing through the photodeformation element 2, and can converge the light onto the photosensitive element 3 or outside the photosensitive element 3, wherein, after the lens 1 converges the light onto the photosensitive element 3, the photosensitive element 3 can perform photoelectric imaging; after the lens 1 converges the light outside the photosensitive element 3, the photosensitive element 3 can be prevented from being burned and damaged.

[0031] Specifically, the camera module may further include a motor, and the motor may be connected to the lens 1 , and the motor may drive the lens 1 to move to achieve focusing.

[0032] Optionally, the photodeformation element 2 may include a first state and a second state; in the first state, the photodeformation element 2 may be parallel to the light incident surface of the lens 1, and the lens 1 may converge the light within the imaging range of the photosensitive element 3; in the second state, the photodeformation element 2 and the light incident surface of the lens 1 may form a target angle, and the lens 1 may converge the light outside the imaging range of the photosensitive element 3.

[0033] In the embodiment of the present application, when the photodeformable element 2 is in the first state, the photodeformable element 2 is parallel to the light incident surface of the lens 1, and the lens 1 converges the light within the imaging range of the photosensitive element 3, so that the photosensitive element 3 can perform photoelectric conversion and realize the shooting function. When the photodeformable element 2 is in the second state, the photodeformable element 2 and the light incident surface of the lens 1 form a target angle, and the lens 1 converges the light outside the imaging range of the photosensitive element 3, which can prevent the light from falling on the photosensitive element 3. In the embodiment of the present application, in a strong light environment, the photodeformable element 2 can be controlled to switch to the second state to prevent the strong light from focusing on the photosensitive element 3 and burning the photosensitive element 3.

[0034] Specifically, the target angle may be an acute angle so that the photodeformable element 2 can be deflected toward the lens 1; or the target angle may be an obtuse angle so that the photodeformable element 2 can be deflected away from the lens 1. The specific setting may be based on actual needs, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0035] Specifically, the imaging range of the photosensitive element 3 is the area on the photosensitive element 3 used for photoelectric conversion imaging.

[0036] Specifically, Figure 2 , showing a situation where the photodeformable element 2 is in the first state; Figure 1 , showing a situation where the photodeformable element 2 is in the second state.

[0037] Optionally, the target angle is θ, θ=arccot(H / D), wherein H is the imaging range of the photosensitive element 3 , and D is the vertical distance from the photodeformable element 2 to the photosensitive element 3 .

[0038] In the embodiment of the present application, the target angle can be calculated by the formula θ=arccot(H / D), and then the photodeformable element 2 is arranged according to the target angle, thereby effectively ensuring that after the photodeformable element 2 is deformed, the lens 1 can converge the light outside the imaging range of the photosensitive element 3.

[0039] Optionally, in the second state, one end of the photodeformable element 2 may be bent toward the lens 1 .

[0040] In the embodiment of the present application, in the second state, one end of the photodeformable element 2 is bent toward the lens 1, so as to form the target angle between the photodeformable element and the light incident surface of the lens 1.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, in the second state, the right end of the photodeformable element 2 is fixed, and the left end is bent toward the lens 1, so that the target angle formed between the photodeformable element 2 and the light incident surface of the lens 1 is an acute angle.

[0042] In an optional embodiment of the present application, when the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold, the heat absorbed by the photodeformable element 2 reaches a preset heat; the power density corresponding to the preset heat is 50kw / cm 2 (kilowatts per square centimeter).

[0043] In the embodiment of the present application, since the photodeformable element 2 can be deformed when the heat absorbed reaches a preset heat, thereby changing the direction of the light entering the lens 1, the photosensitive element 3 is effectively prevented from being burned, and the safety of the photosensitive element 3 can be further improved.

[0044] Specifically, the power density corresponding to the preset heat is controlled at 50kw / cm 2 , which can further effectively prevent the photosensitive element 3 from being burned and improve the safety of the photosensitive element 3.

[0045] In another optional embodiment of the present application, the camera module may further include a fixing mechanism; the fixing mechanism may be fixedly connected to one end of the photodeformation element 2.

[0046] In the embodiment of the present application, one end of the photodeformable element 2 can be fixed by a fixing mechanism. In this way, when the photodeformable element 2 is deformed, the end of the photodeformable element 2 away from the fixing mechanism can be deflected, so as to facilitate changing the direction of light entering the lens 1 through the photodeformable element 2.

[0047] Optionally, the fixing mechanism may include at least one fixing member 4 ; at least one fixing member 4 may be fixedly connected to the same end of the photodeformable element 2 .

[0048] In the embodiment of the present application, the reliability of fixing the photo-deformable element 2 can be improved by at least one fixing member 4. Moreover, at least one fixing member 4 is fixedly connected to the same end of the photo-deformable element 2, which can improve the deformation freedom of the photo-deformable element 2, making it easier for the photo-deformable element 2 to deform and change the direction of light entering the lens 1.

[0049] Specifically, the number of fixing parts 4 can be one, so as to realize single-point fixing of the photodeformation element 2; or, the number of fixing parts 4 can be two, three, five, etc., so as to realize multi-point fixing of the photodeformation element 2. The specific setting can be made according to actual needs, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0050] Specifically, the photodeformable element 2 is fixed by using a plurality of fixing members 4 , so as to further improve the fixing strength of the photodeformable element 2 .

[0051] Alternatively, if Figure 4 As shown, the photodeformable element 2 may include a light absorbing layer 21 and a thermal expansion layer 22 ; the thermal expansion layer 22 is disposed between the light absorbing layer 21 and the lens 1 ; and the thermal expansion coefficient of the light absorbing layer 21 may be smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient of the thermal expansion layer 22 .

[0052] In the embodiment of the present application, the temperature of the light absorbing layer 21 rises after absorbing light, and the heat of the light absorbing layer 21 can be transferred to the thermal expansion layer 22. Since the thermal expansion coefficient of the light absorbing layer 21 is smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient of the thermal expansion layer 22, the light absorbing layer 21 and the thermal expansion layer 22 produce asymmetric volume expansion, which can cause deformation.

[0053] Specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the light absorbing layer 21 and the thermal expansion layer 22 are stacked. Further, the light absorbing layer 21 and the thermal expansion layer 22 can be fixed by transparent adhesive; or, the light absorbing layer 21 and the thermal expansion layer 22 are abutted, and the same end of the light absorbing layer 21 and the thermal expansion layer 22 is fixed by a connecting piece. The specific arrangement can be made according to actual needs, and the embodiment of the present application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0054] Specifically, the thermal expansion layer 22 may be disposed between the light absorbing layer 21 and the lens 1 to facilitate the light absorbing layer 21 to absorb light.

[0055] Furthermore, in strong light environments, such as Figure 3 As shown, after the light absorbing layer 21 absorbs light, the temperature rises, causing the light absorbing layer 21 and the thermal expansion layer 22 to expand asymmetrically, thereby causing deformation. In a weak light environment, Figure 4 As shown, the light absorbing layer 21 and the thermal expansion layer 22 can return to the first state and return to the flat plate structure, so that the photodeformable element 2 has cyclic stability.

[0056] Specifically, under the joint action of the light absorbing layer 21 and the thermal expansion layer 22, the light absorbing layer 21 can have the function of directly sensing the laser and generating deformation, and has environmental adaptability. Moreover, compared with other magnetoelectric methods, it does not require laser detection and motor drive devices, and can also save space and reduce power consumption.

[0057] Optionally, the light absorbing layer 21 may be a structure made of one of carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphite and two-dimensional nanomaterials.

[0058] In the embodiment of the present application, the material of the light absorbing layer 21 can be any one of carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphite and two-dimensional nanomaterials, which can effectively improve the light absorption effect of the light absorbing layer 21.

[0059] Specifically, the material of the light absorbing layer 21 can be carbon-based materials such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphite or two-dimensional nanomaterials (Mxene), which have a strong absorption effect on common red, green and blue lasers. In this way, the light absorbing layer 21 can effectively absorb the laser, so that the light-driven element can be deformed quickly, greatly avoiding the phenomenon of laser burning the photosensitive element 3.

[0060] Specifically, by adjusting the material of the light absorbing layer 21 , it can be effectively ensured that the photodeformable element 2 is deformed when the laser intensity reaches a preset threshold.

[0061] Optionally, the thermal expansion layer 22 may be a structure made of one of polydimethylsiloxane and polyimide.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present application, the material of the thermal expansion layer 22 can be any one of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyimide (PI), which can improve the thermal expansion effect of the thermal expansion layer 22 .

[0063] The camera module described in the embodiments of the present application has at least the following advantages:

[0064] In the embodiment of the present application, the photosensitive element and the photodeformable element are respectively arranged at the two ends of the lens, so that the photodeformable element can receive the light that passes through the photodeformable element and the lens in sequence. Since the photodeformable element is deformed, the direction of the light entering the lens can be changed, and then the focus position of the light can be changed. In this way, in an environment with strong light, that is, when the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold, the photodeformable element can be used to change the direction of the strong light entering the lens to change the focus position of the strong light, so as to avoid the strong light focusing on the photosensitive element and burning the photosensitive element, which can effectively protect the photosensitive element, and then effectively protect the camera module, and improve the user experience.

[0065] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further discloses an electronic device, which may specifically include the above-mentioned camera module.

[0066] The electronic devices described in the embodiments of the present application include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, PCs (personal computers, such as desktops, notebooks, tablets, etc.), personal game consoles, AR glasses or VR glasses, etc.

[0067] Specifically, the electronic device may further include a cover glass 5 (CG), and the cover glass 5 may serve as a protective member to protect components inside the electronic device.

[0068] Specifically, the glass cover plate 5 is opposite to the side of the photodeformable element 2 of the camera module away from the lens 1 , so that light can pass through the glass cover plate 5 and enter the photodeformable element 2 .

[0069] Specifically, the electronic device may further include a device body, and the fixing mechanism of the camera module may be fixed on the device body; the photosensitive element 3 may be fixed on the device body.

[0070] Specifically, the device body may include a circuit board and a control circuit, and the circuit board may be electrically connected to the photosensitive element 3; moreover, the circuit board may also be electrically connected to the motor in the camera module. The specific configuration may be made according to actual needs, and the embodiments of the present application do not make any specific limitations on this.

[0071] Alternatively, the control circuit may be electrically connected to the photodeformable element 2 to control the photodeformable element 2 to deform.

[0072] The electronic device described in the embodiments of the present application has at least the following advantages:

[0073] In the embodiment of the present application, the photosensitive element and the photodeformable element are respectively arranged at the two ends of the lens, so that the photodeformable element can receive the light that passes through the photodeformable element and the lens in sequence. Since the photodeformable element is deformed, the direction of the light entering the lens can be changed, and then the focus position of the light can be changed. In this way, in an environment with strong light, that is, when the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold, the photodeformable element can be used to change the direction of the strong light entering the lens to change the focus position of the strong light, so as to avoid the strong light focusing on the photosensitive element and burning the photosensitive element, which can effectively protect the photosensitive element, and then effectively protect the camera module, and improve the user experience.

[0074] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." does not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element.

[0075] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of the present application and the scope of protection of the claims, all of which are within the protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that: include: A lens, a photodeformation element and a photosensitive element, wherein: The photosensitive element and the photodeformable element are respectively arranged at two ends of the lens, and the photosensitive element is used to receive light that passes through the photodeformable element and the lens in sequence; The photodeformable element can be deformed to change the direction of the light entering the lens when the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold; The photodeformable element comprises a first state and a second state; In the first state, the photodeformation element is parallel to the light incident surface of the lens, and the lens converges the light within the imaging range of the photosensitive element; in the second state, the photodeformation element and the light incident surface of the lens form a target angle, and the lens converges the light outside the imaging range of the photosensitive element.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the second state, one end of the photodeformable element is bent toward the lens.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the light intensity exceeds a preset threshold, the amount of heat absorbed by the photodeformable element reaches a preset amount of heat; The power density corresponding to the preset heat is 50kw / cm 2 .

4. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The camera module also includes a fixing mechanism; The fixing mechanism is fixedly connected to one end of the photodeformable element.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing mechanism comprises at least one fixing member; At least one of the fixing members is fixedly connected to the same end of the photodeformable element.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photodeformable element comprises a light absorbing layer and a thermal expansion layer; The thermal expansion layer is disposed between the light absorbing layer and the lens; The thermal expansion coefficient of the light absorbing layer is smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient of the thermal expansion layer.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The light absorbing layer is a structure made of one of carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphite and two-dimensional nanomaterials; The thermal expansion layer is a structure made of one of polydimethylsiloxane and polyimide.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The target angle is θ, θ=arccot(H / D), wherein H is the imaging range of the photosensitive element, and D is the vertical distance from the photodeformable element to the photosensitive element.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that: A camera module comprising any one of claims 1-8.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • A camera for operating resiliently in the event of a pulsed laser attack

    WO2020165552A1