Camera module and electronic device

Abstract

This application provides a camera module and electronic device. The camera module includes a first lens assembly, a light-directing assembly, and an image sensor, with the light-directing assembly opposite to the first lens assembly and the image sensor. It also includes a second lens assembly, which is moved under the influence of a first driving assembly to either be within or outside the optical path between the first lens assembly and the image sensor. When the second lens assembly is within the optical path (first state), the focal length of the camera module is related to the focal lengths of both the first and second lens assemblies. When the second lens assembly is outside the optical path (second state), the focal length of the camera module is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly. This allows the camera module to switch between at least two different focal lengths, achieving zoom capabilities. In other words, a single camera module enables different shooting functions, effectively reducing the space occupied by the camera module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to a camera module and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of mobile phone camera technology, the photo quality and demand of consumer electronic products such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops and wearable cameras are increasingly approaching those of SLR cameras, and the video recording function has gradually become an important feature of terminal electronic devices and one of the main indicators for evaluating the performance of terminal electronic devices.

[0003] Currently, taking mobile phones as an example, to meet various shooting functions, both the front and rear cameras typically employ multiple camera modules, arranged in an array on the casing. Each camera module usually includes a lens assembly, a driver, and an image sensor. Light passes through the lens assembly and illuminates the image sensor, enabling image capture. The driver moves the lens assembly relative to the image sensor, achieving focusing for that camera module. The physical properties of multiple camera modules (such as the focal length and aperture of the lens assembly) can differ; using different camera modules allows for zoom functionality, satisfying various shooting needs.

[0004] However, multiple camera setups take up a lot of space, limiting the internal layout of electronic devices and hindering the development of camera functions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a camera module and electronic device, which solves the problem that multiple cameras in existing electronic devices occupy a lot of space, which limits the internal layout of electronic devices and is not conducive to the development of camera functions.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a camera module, including: a first lens assembly, a light steering assembly, and an image sensor;

[0007] The light-incident side of the light-directing component is opposite to the first lens component, and the light-outcident side of the light-directing component is opposite to the image sensor. The light-directing component is configured to redirect the light rays that have passed through the first lens component and entered the camera module to illuminate the image sensor.

[0008] The system also includes at least one second lens assembly and a first driving assembly. The second lens assembly, driven by the first driving assembly, moves to or outside the optical path between the first lens assembly and the image sensor. When the second lens assembly moves to the optical path between the first lens assembly and the image sensor, i.e., when the camera module is in its first state, light passing through the first lens assembly illuminates the second lens assembly, passes through the second lens assembly, and is then redirected by a light-deflecting assembly to illuminate the image sensor, forming an image. Thus, the focal length of the camera module is related to the focal length of both the first and second lens assemblies.

[0009] When the second lens assembly is located outside the optical path of the first lens assembly and the image sensor, i.e., when the camera module is in its second state, the light passing through the first lens assembly illuminates the light-deflecting assembly, and after being deflected by the light-deflecting assembly, it illuminates the image sensor, forming an image on the image sensor. Thus, the focal length of the camera module's image is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly.

[0010] By manipulating the second lens assembly to be either within or outside the optical path of the first lens assembly and image sensor, the focal length of the camera module differs between the first and second states. This allows the camera module to switch between at least two different focal lengths, thus enabling the switching between different shooting functions. In other words, a single camera module can achieve different shooting functions, effectively reducing the space occupied by the camera module while meeting various shooting needs.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the light steering component and the first lens assembly are distributed in a first direction, which is parallel to the optical axis of the first lens assembly.

[0012] The image sensor and the light steering component are distributed in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. This divides the light path into a portion that propagates along the first direction and a portion that propagates along the second direction, reducing the thickness of the camera module in the first direction. To meet shooting requirements, the first direction can be the thickness direction of the electronic device, and the second direction can be the width direction of the electronic device. The reduction in the thickness space of the camera module in the first direction helps to achieve a thinner and lighter design for the electronic device.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first lens assembly, the second lens assembly, and the light steering assembly are distributed in the first direction, while the first driving assembly and the second lens assembly are distributed in the second direction. The second lens assembly moves between the first lens assembly and the light steering assembly under the drive of the first driving assembly. This allows the second lens assembly to be located either on or outside the optical path of the first lens assembly and the image sensor bracket.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first driving component includes a guide rail and a slider, and the second lens assembly is disposed on the slider. The guide rail extends along the second direction, and the slider moves along the guide rail. The movement of the slider causes the second lens assembly to move along the second direction, moving the second lens assembly between the first lens assembly and the light-directing assembly, i.e., within the optical path of the first lens assembly and the light-directing assembly, or moving it outside the optical path of the first lens assembly and the light-directing assembly, thereby realizing the focal length conversion of the camera module, i.e., realizing the focusing function of the camera module.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first driving component includes a rotating member, on which the second lens assembly is disposed. The rotating member is rotatably configured about the first direction. The rotation of the rotating member causes the second lens assembly to rotate about the first direction, allowing the second lens assembly to rotate between the first lens assembly and the light-shifting assembly, located in the optical path of the first lens assembly and the light-shifting assembly, or to move outside the optical path of the first lens assembly and the light-shifting assembly. This allows the second lens assembly to be located in or outside the optical path of the first lens assembly and the image sensor, thereby achieving focal length conversion of the camera module.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the second lens assembly, the light-directing assembly, and the image sensor are distributed in the second direction, while the first driving assembly and the second lens assembly are distributed in a third direction, which is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The second lens assembly moves between the light-directing assembly and the image sensor under the drive of the first driving assembly. That is, the added second lens assembly is located in the second direction. Adding the second lens assembly does not increase the thickness of the camera module in the first direction, thus avoiding the risk of increased thickness in the first direction due to the addition of the second lens assembly. This reduces the thickness of the camera module. When the camera module is installed in electronic devices such as mobile phones, the first direction can be the thickness direction of the electronic device. Reducing the thickness of the camera module in the first direction helps to achieve a thinner and lighter design for the electronic device.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first driving component includes a guide rail and a slider, with the second lens assembly disposed on the slider. The guide rail extends along the third direction, and the slider moves along the guide rail. The movement of the slider causes the second lens assembly to move along the third direction, moving it between the light-directing component and the image sensor, i.e., within the optical path between the light-directing component and the image sensor. Alternatively, it may move it outside the optical path between the light-directing component and the image sensor, thereby placing the second lens assembly either within or outside the optical path of the first lens assembly and the image sensor, thus achieving focal length conversion for the camera module.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first driving component includes a rotating member, and the second lens assembly is disposed on the rotating member, which rotates about the second direction. The rotation of the rotating member causes the second lens assembly to rotate about the second direction. This allows the second lens assembly to rotate between the light-directing component and the image sensor, located in the optical path between the light-directing component and the image sensor. Alternatively, the second lens assembly can be rotated outside the optical path between the light-directing component and the image sensor, thus placing the second lens assembly either in or outside the optical path between the first lens assembly and the image sensor, enabling the switching of focal length between the two states of the camera module.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first driving component further includes a moving driving element, which includes a driving coil and a magnetic element. The magnetic element is disposed on the slider, and the driving coil drives the magnetic element to move. The magnetic element drives the slider to move along the guide rail.

[0020] In one possible implementation, when the second lens assembly moves into the optical path of the first lens assembly and the image sensor, the optical axis of the second lens assembly coincides with the optical axis of the first lens assembly. This ensures that light passing through the first lens assembly illuminates the image sensor after passing through the second lens assembly.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the light steering assembly includes a first light steering element and a second light steering element, wherein the curvature of the first light steering element and the curvature of the second light steering element are different.

[0022] The system also includes a second driving component. The first light-directing component moves under the drive of the second driving component to be opposite to the first lens assembly and the image sensor; or, the second light-directing component moves under the drive of the second driving component to be opposite to the first lens assembly and the image sensor. When the first light-directing component moves under the drive of the second driving component to be opposite to the first lens assembly and the image sensor, the camera module is in a fourth state. Ambient light passes through the first lens assembly and illuminates the first light-directing component. After being deflected by the first light-directing component, it illuminates the first image sensor, thus achieving the shooting function. The focal length of the camera module is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly and the curvature of the first light-directing component.

[0023] When the second light-directing component moves to a position relative to the first lens assembly and the image sensor under the drive of the second drive assembly, the camera module is in the sixth state. The light from the external environment passes through the first lens assembly and then shines on the second light-directing component. After being deflected by the second light-directing component, it shines on the image sensor, thereby realizing the shooting function. The focal length of the camera module is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly and the curvature of the second light-directing component.

[0024] By making the curvature of the first light-directing component different from that of the second light-directing component, the focal length of the camera module will be different in the fourth and sixth states. Thus, by switching between different states, the camera module can switch between at least two different focal lengths, and can also switch between different shooting functions to achieve a zoom effect. This satisfies the needs of multiple shooting functions while reducing the space occupied by the camera module.

[0025] In addition, the switchable focal length can be increased by using the first and second optical diverters, further expanding the zoom adjustment range of the camera module. This allows for more shooting functions to be achieved with a single camera module, effectively reducing the space occupied by the camera module while ensuring the needs of multiple shooting functions.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the image sensor includes a first image sensor and a second image sensor, the first image sensor, the second image sensor and the light steering component are distributed in a second direction, and the first image sensor and the second image sensor are located on both sides of the light steering component, the first image sensor is opposite to the first light steering component, and the second image sensor is opposite to the second light steering component;

[0027] The first light-directing component moves along the second direction under the drive of the second driving component, and the second light-directing component also moves along the second direction under the drive of the second driving component. This causes the first light-directing component to move to be opposite to the first image sensor and the first lens assembly, or the second light-directing component to move to be opposite to the second image sensor and the first lens assembly, thereby allowing the camera module to switch between two states and achieve switching between different focal lengths, i.e., different camera functions.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first light-directing component is rotated about a first direction under the drive of the second driving component, and the second light-directing component is also rotated about the first direction under the drive of the second driving component. This allows the first light-directing component to rotate so that it is opposite to the first image sensor and the first lens assembly, or vice versa, enabling switching between different focal lengths, i.e., different camera functions.

[0029] In one possible implementation, when the first light steering element is opposite to the first lens assembly, the optical axis of the first lens assembly passes through the center of the first light steering element;

[0030] When the second light-directing element is opposite to the first lens assembly, the optical axis of the first lens assembly passes through the center of the second light-directing element. This allows more light to reach the first or second light-directing element and then the image sensor, helping to improve light utilization and enhance shooting results.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first and second light-directing elements are mirrors, and the angle between the mirrors and the optical axis of the lens assembly is 45°. With a 45° angle between the mirrors and the optical axis of the lens assembly, the directions of the incident and outgoing light from the mirrors are perpendicular to each other. This facilitates achieving perpendicularity between the first and second directions when the light-directing elements and the first lens assembly are distributed in a first direction, and the image sensor and the light-directing elements are distributed in a second direction.

[0032] In one possible implementation, a third driving component is further included, which is connected to the first lens assembly. The first lens assembly moves towards or away from the light-directing component under the drive of the third driving component. This changes the optical path distance between the first lens assembly and the image sensor, thereby changing the image distance and adjusting the focal length to achieve focusing, improve image clarity, and enhance the performance of the camera module.

[0033] A second aspect of this application provides a camera module, including a first lens assembly, a light steering assembly, and an image sensor; the light-incident side of the light steering assembly is opposite to the first lens assembly, the light-outceasing side of the light steering assembly is opposite to the image sensor, and the light steering assembly is configured to redirect light rays that have passed through the first lens assembly and entered the camera module to illuminate the image sensor.

[0034] The light steering assembly includes a first light steering component and a second light steering component, wherein the curvature of the first light steering component and the curvature of the second light steering component are different;

[0035] The system also includes a second driving component. The first light-directing component moves under the drive of the second driving component to be opposite to the first lens assembly and the image sensor; or, the second light-directing component moves under the drive of the second driving component to be opposite to the first lens assembly and the image sensor. When the first light-directing component moves under the drive of the second driving component to be opposite to the first lens assembly and the image sensor, the camera module is in a fourth state. Ambient light passes through the first lens assembly and illuminates the first light-directing component. After being deflected by the first light-directing component, it illuminates the first image sensor, thus achieving the shooting function. The focal length of the camera module is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly and the curvature of the first light-directing component.

[0036] When the second light-directing component moves to a position relative to the first lens assembly and the image sensor under the drive of the second drive assembly, the camera module is in the sixth state. The light from the external environment passes through the first lens assembly and then shines on the second light-directing component. After being deflected by the second light-directing component, it shines on the image sensor, thereby realizing the shooting function. The focal length of the camera module is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly and the curvature of the second light-directing component.

[0037] By making the curvature of the first light-directing component different from that of the second light-directing component, the focal length of the camera module will be different in the fourth and sixth states. Thus, by switching between different states, the camera module can switch between at least two different focal lengths, and can also switch between different shooting functions to achieve a zoom effect. This satisfies the needs of multiple shooting functions while reducing the space occupied by the camera module.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the image sensor includes a first image sensor and a second image sensor, the first image sensor, the second image sensor and the light steering component are distributed in a second direction, and the first image sensor and the second image sensor are located on both sides of the light steering component, the first image sensor is opposite to the first light steering component, the second image sensor is opposite to the second light steering component, and the second direction is perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens assembly.

[0039] The first light-directing component moves along the second direction under the drive of the second driving component, and the second light-directing component also moves along the second direction under the drive of the second driving component. This causes the first light-directing component to move to be opposite to the first image sensor and the first lens assembly, or the second light-directing component to move to be opposite to the second image sensor and the first lens assembly, thereby allowing the camera module to switch between two states and achieve switching between different focal lengths, i.e., different camera functions.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first light-directing component is rotated about a first direction under the drive of the second driving component, and the second light-directing component is also rotated about the first direction under the drive of the second driving component, wherein the first direction is parallel to the optical axis of the first lens assembly. This allows the first light-directing component to rotate so that it is opposite to the first image sensor and the first lens assembly, or vice versa, enabling switching between different focal lengths, i.e., different camera functions.

[0041] In one possible implementation, when the first light steering element is opposite to the first lens assembly, the optical axis of the first lens assembly passes through the center of the first light steering element;

[0042] When the second light-directing element is opposite to the first lens assembly, the optical axis of the first lens assembly passes through the center of the second light-directing element. This allows more light to reach the first or second light-directing element and then the image sensor, helping to improve light utilization and enhance shooting results.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first and second light-directing elements are reflectors, and the angle between the reflectors and the optical axis of the lens assembly is 45°. This makes the directions of the incident and emitted light from the reflectors perpendicular to each other. When the light-directing elements and the first lens assembly are distributed in a first direction, and the image sensor and the light-directing elements are distributed in a second direction, it is easy to achieve perpendicularity between the first and second directions.

[0044] A third aspect of this application provides an electronic device, comprising at least a housing and any of the camera modules described above, wherein the camera module is disposed on the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an existing electronic device;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of two camera modules in an existing electronic device.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a camera module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 4 A system schematic diagram of a camera module in a first state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 5 A system schematic diagram of a camera module in a second state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a camera module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a camera module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of a camera module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 9 A cross-sectional structural diagram of a camera module in a second state is provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 10 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a camera module in a first state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of another camera module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of another camera module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another split structure of a camera module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another camera module in a second state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another camera module in a first state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of another camera module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 17 A system schematic diagram showing another camera module in a fourth state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 18 A system schematic diagram showing another camera module in a sixth state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 19 A system schematic diagram showing another camera module in a fourth state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 20 This is a system schematic diagram of another camera module in the sixth state provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0065] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0066] 100 - Electronic device; 10 - Camera module; 11 - First lens assembly;

[0067] 12-Second lens assembly; 13-Light steering assembly; 131-First light steering element;

[0068] 132 - Second light steering component; 14 - Image sensor; 14a - First image sensor;

[0069] 14b - Second image sensor; 16 - First drive assembly; 161 - Guide rail;

[0070] 162-Sliding component; 163-Rotating component; 164-Movement driving component;

[0071] 1641 - Drive coil; 1642 - Magnetic component; 17 - Second drive assembly;

[0072] 171 - Second drive controller; 18 - Third drive assembly; 181 - Third drive controller;

[0073] 19a - First outer shell; 19b - First base plate; 19c - Second outer shell;

[0074] 19d - Second base plate; 110 - Mounting bracket; 111 - Support plate;

[0075] 20 - Shell. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The terminology used in the implementation section of this application is for the purpose of explaining specific embodiments of this application only, and is not intended to limit this application.

[0077] First, it should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, focusing specifically refers to adjusting the focal length according to the different distances between the camera and the object being photographed, thereby making the object being photographed go from blurry to clear.

[0078] Zooming specifically refers to switching between different camera functions. In each camera function mode, the physical properties of the camera (such as focal length) are different, thereby changing the camera focal length, which is to achieve optical zoom and meet different shooting function requirements.

[0079] This application provides an electronic device, which includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), handheld computers, walkie-talkies, netbooks, POS machines, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wearable devices, virtual reality devices, wireless USB flash drives, Bluetooth speakers, Bluetooth headsets, or in-vehicle devices with cameras.

[0080] The following explanation uses a mobile phone as an example.

[0081] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an existing electronic device.

[0082] An electronic device 100 with camera functionality, taking a mobile phone as an example, includes a housing 20 on which a camera is mounted to meet the user's shooting needs. As the pursuit of advanced shooting capabilities continues, mobile phone cameras are incorporating increasingly more functions, such as ultra-wide-angle lenses, wide-angle lenses, main lenses, telephoto lenses, 2x telephoto lenses, monocular lenses, infrared lenses, and depth-sensing lenses. Because each type of camera has different physical properties, a single physical component cannot be used to implement all camera functions; therefore, multiple cameras must be implemented by stacking components.

[0083] Therefore, the number of cameras designed into electronic devices is increasing, such as Figure 1 The rear camera setup shown in the diagram includes at least four camera modules 10. Each camera module 10 includes at least a lens assembly, a driving component, and an image sensor. Light passes through the lens assembly and illuminates the image sensor, enabling image capture. The lens assembly can move towards or away from the image sensor under the influence of the driving component, changing the distance between the lens assembly and the image sensor, thereby changing the image distance and achieving focusing. Using different lens assemblies and image sensors from different camera modules 10 allows for switching between different cameras, changing the focal length and achieving a zoom effect, thus meeting various shooting needs.

[0084] The stacking of multiple camera modules 10 is... Figure 1It is also evident that the camera occupies a large space, severely limiting the internal layout of the electronic device 100. In particular, with the continuous development of electronic devices such as mobile phones 100, the space occupied and arrangement of their internal components, such as the main circuit board and battery, are gradually becoming optimized, making it difficult to further reduce their size. This leads to increasingly limited space for the camera module 10, making it impossible to accommodate more cameras. Instead, trade-offs must be made in camera functions, making it difficult to achieve a balance between multiple camera functions and minimizing space occupation.

[0085] In addition, each time a camera function is introduced, a completely new camera module 10 needs to be introduced, which means that at least a lens assembly, a driver and an image sensor need to be introduced, which will cause the cost of electronic device 100 to increase dramatically and increase the production cost of electronic device 100.

[0086] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a camera module that can switch between at least two different focal lengths, and can realize the zoom function with a single camera module. While ensuring that the camera's multi-functionality is not lost, the space occupied by the camera is minimized as much as possible.

[0087] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of two camera modules in an existing electronic device. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a camera module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0088] For example, see Figure 2 As shown, taking an electronic device 100 with a rear camera having two camera modules 10 as an example, the two cameras have different focal lengths and can perform different functions, such as being a wide-angle camera and a main camera respectively. Zooming can be achieved by switching between the two camera modules. See [link to documentation]. Figure 3 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a camera module 10 can realize the functions of the above two cameras with one camera module 10, achieving the purpose of zoom. While meeting the needs of multiple shooting functions, it can effectively reduce the space occupied by the camera, which helps to improve the layout of the electronic device 100.

[0089] The camera module provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] Figure 4 This is a system schematic diagram showing a camera module in a first state, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a camera module in a second state, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0091] See Figure 4As shown in the illustration, an embodiment of this application provides a camera module 10, including a first lens assembly 11, a light steering assembly 13, and an image sensor 14. Light from the external environment can be emitted into the camera module 10 by the first lens assembly 11. The first lens assembly 11 may include at least one lens element, which can be an optical lens such as a lens. The first lens assembly 11 may include one lens element, or it may include two or more lens elements.

[0092] The light-directing component 13 is an optical device capable of changing the optical path of light rays incident upon it. Specifically, the light-directing component 13 can be an optical lens such as a prism or a reflector, or it can be a device composed of multiple optical lenses. The light-incident side of the light-directing component 13 is opposite to the first lens assembly 11, and the light-exiting side of the light-directing component 13 is opposite to the image sensor 14. Light rays that have passed through the first lens assembly 11 and entered the camera module 10 illuminate the light-incident side of the light-directing component 13, and the light path is changed by the light-directing component 13. The light rays then exit from the light-exiting side of the light-directing component 13 and illuminate the image sensor 14.

[0093] The image sensor 14 uses the photoelectric conversion function of the photoelectric device to convert the light image on the photosensitive surface into an electrical signal that is proportional to the light image. The photosensitive surface of the image sensor 14 can be opposite to the light-emitting side of the light-directing component 13. The light emitted by the light-directing component 13 shines on the image sensor 14 and is received and recognized by the image sensor 14 to obtain an image.

[0094] The image sensor 14 can be a charge-coupled device (CCD), or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). Alternatively, it can be any other device capable of photoelectric conversion.

[0095] In this process, the light path of the light rays passing through the light-directing component 13 is changed, and there is an angle between the outgoing light rays and the incident light rays. Specifically, as in the embodiment of this application, taking the first direction as the direction parallel to the optical axis of the first lens component 11 (z direction) and the second direction as the direction perpendicular to the first direction (x direction) as an example, the light rays pass through the first lens component 11 and illuminate the light-directing component 13 in the first direction. The light rays emitted from the light-emitting side of the light-directing component 13 can illuminate the image sensor 14 in the second direction, that is, the light-directing component 13 makes the outgoing light rays perpendicular to the incident light rays.

[0096] In this way, the light-directing component 13 redirects and folds the light path, reducing the space required for the light path in the first direction, thereby reducing the thickness of the camera module 10 in the first direction. When the camera module 10 is assembled into an electronic device 100, such as a mobile phone, for ease of shooting, one end of the first lens module can be located on the front (the side closer to the display screen) or the back (the side away from the display screen) of the electronic device, and the first direction can be the thickness direction of the electronic device (i.e., the direction of thickness). Figure 1 The z-direction in the image can be used, and the second direction can be the width direction of the electronic device (i.e., the z-direction). Figure 1 In the x-direction, the thickness space of the camera module 10 is reduced in the first direction, which helps to achieve a thinner and lighter electronic device.

[0097] Specifically, the light steering assembly 13 and the first lens assembly 11 can be distributed in the first direction z, and the image sensor 14 and the light steering assembly 13 can be distributed in the second direction x, so that light passes through the first lens assembly 11 in the first direction and illuminates the light steering assembly 13, and then exits from the light steering assembly 13 in the second direction and illuminates the image sensor 14.

[0098] It should be noted that the second direction can also be the length direction of the electronic device (i.e., the y-direction in the figure), which can be selected and set according to the internal structural layout of the electronic device.

[0099] See also Figure 4 As shown, the camera module 10 may further include a second lens assembly 12 and a first driving assembly 16. The first driving assembly 16 can drive the second lens assembly 12 to move. Under the drive of the first driving assembly 16, the second lens assembly 12 can move to or outside the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14. In this embodiment, when the camera module 10 is in a first state, the second lens assembly 12 moves to the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14; when the camera module 10 is in a second state, the second lens assembly 12 moves outside the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14.

[0100] When the second lens assembly 12 moves into the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14, i.e., when the camera module 10 is in the first state. Figure 4 As shown, the second lens assembly 12 can be located between the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing assembly 13. Light passing through the first lens assembly 11 illuminates the second lens assembly 12, passes through the second lens assembly 12, and is then redirected by the light-directing assembly 13 to illuminate the image sensor 14, where it forms an image.

[0101] Thus, the imaging focal length of the camera module 10 is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly 11 and the focal length of the second lens assembly 12. Therefore, the equivalent focal length of the camera module 10 in the first state is Focal length new = f(Focal length A, Focal length B), where Focal length A is the focal length of the first lens assembly 11 and Focal length B is the focal length of the second lens assembly 12.

[0102] When the second lens assembly 12 is located outside the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14, i.e., when the camera module 10 is in the second state, see [reference needed]. Figure 5 As shown, the second lens assembly 12 moves outside the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14. The light passing through the first lens assembly 11 illuminates the light-directing assembly 13, and after being redirected by the light-directing assembly 13, it illuminates the image sensor 14, forming an image on the image sensor 14.

[0103] Thus, the imaging focal length of the camera module 10 is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly 11. Therefore, the equivalent focal length of the camera module 10 in the second state is Focal length new = f(Focal length A), where Focal length A is the focal length of the first lens assembly 11.

[0104] In other words, when the second lens assembly 12 is positioned either in the optical path or outside the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14, the focal length of the camera module 10 is different. In other words, the focal length of the camera module 10 differs between the first and second states, allowing it to switch between at least two different focal lengths, thus enabling switching between different shooting functions. In other words, different shooting functions can be achieved through a single camera module 10, effectively reducing the space occupied by the camera module 10 while satisfying multiple shooting needs.

[0105] The camera module 10 may include two or more second lens assemblies 12, which enables the camera module 10 to have a larger zoom adjustment range and to achieve more different shooting functions through a single camera module 10, further meeting the needs of multi-functional shooting.

[0106] In addition, by adding a second lens assembly 12 and its driving assembly, the focal length of the camera module 10 can be changed to achieve a zoom effect, thereby increasing the shooting function of the camera module 10. This eliminates the need to introduce an entire module and helps reduce the cost of the electronic device 100.

[0107] When the camera module 10 is in the first state, that is, when the second lens assembly 12 is located in the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14, the center line or optical axis of the first lens assembly 11 and the second lens assembly 12 can coincide, ensuring that the light passing through the first lens assembly 11 illuminates the image sensor 14 after passing through the second lens assembly 12.

[0108] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the camera module 10 may also include a third driving component 18, which can be connected to the first lens component 11. The third driving component 18 drives the first lens component 11 to move along the first direction z, that is, the first lens component 11 moves towards or away from the light-turning component 13 under the drive of the third driving component 18. This can change the optical path distance between the first lens component 11 and the image sensor 14, thereby changing the image distance and adjusting the focal length, realizing the focusing function, improving the clarity of image capture, and improving the performance of the camera module 10.

[0109] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a camera module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a camera module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of a camera module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a camera module in a second state, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a camera module in a first state, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0110] In this embodiment, the second lens assembly 12 moves under the drive of the first driving assembly 16 to the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14 or outside the optical path.

[0111] Specifically, in one possible implementation, when the camera module 10 is in the first state, the second lens assembly 12 can be moved between the first lens assembly 11 and the light steering assembly 13, so that the second lens assembly 12 is located in the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the light steering assembly 13, thereby placing the second lens assembly 12 in the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14.

[0112] When the camera module 10 is in the second state, the second lens assembly 12 moves out of the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the light steering assembly 13, thereby moving the second lens assembly 12 out of the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14.

[0113] Among them, see Figure 6As shown, the camera module 10 may include a first housing 19a and a second housing 19c. The second housing 19c and the first housing 19a may be distributed along the first direction z. The first lens assembly 11, the second lens assembly 12, the first driving assembly 16, and the third driving assembly 18 may all be disposed within the first housing 19a. The light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14 may be disposed within the second housing 19c.

[0114] See Figure 7 As shown, the first lens assembly 11, the second lens assembly 12, and the light steering assembly 13 can be distributed along the first direction z, such as the second lens assembly 12 being located below the first lens assembly 11, the first drive assembly 16 being connected to the second lens assembly 12, the first drive assembly 16 and the second lens assembly 12 being distributed along the second direction x, and the light steering assembly 13 being located below the second lens assembly 12.

[0115] The light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14 are distributed along the second direction x, wherein, in the first direction z, the image sensor 14 can be located below the second lens assembly 12 and the first driving assembly 16, further improving the integration of the camera module 10 and reducing the size of the camera module 10.

[0116] The first driving component 16 moves the second lens component 12 between the first lens component 11 and the light-directing component 13, thereby positioning the second lens component 12 in the optical path between the first lens component 11 and the image sensor 14. Correspondingly, the first driving component 16 can also move the second lens component 12 in the opposite direction, moving it outside the optical path between the first lens component 11 and the image sensor 14. This enables the camera module 10 to switch between a first state and a second state, and to switch between different focal lengths, thus achieving the zoom function of the camera module 10.

[0117] The second lens assembly 12, driven by the first driving assembly 16, moves to a position between or outside the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing assembly 13. This movement can be linear, rotational, or other forms of movement. The goal is to ensure that in the first state, the second lens assembly 12 moves between the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing assembly 13, and in the second state, the second lens assembly 12 moves outside the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing assembly 13.

[0118] For details, see Figure 7As shown, the second lens assembly 12 can be moved along the second direction x under the drive of the first driving assembly 16, thereby moving the second lens assembly 12 between the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing assembly 13, that is, located in the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing assembly 13. Alternatively, the second lens assembly 12 can be moved outside the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing assembly 13, thereby realizing the switching between the two states of the camera module 10 and realizing the zoom function.

[0119] Wherein, the direction in which the second lens assembly 12 moves toward the first lens assembly 11 is the -x direction, and the direction in which the second lens assembly 12 moves away from the first lens assembly 11 is the +x direction.

[0120] For details, see Figure 8 As shown, the first driving component 16 may include a guide rail 161 and a slider 162. The second lens component 12 is disposed on the slider 162. The guide rail 161 extends along the second direction, and the slider 162 moves along the guide rail 161. The movement of the slider 162 drives the second lens component 12 to move along the second direction, so that the second lens component 12 moves between the first lens component 11 and the light steering component 13, that is, it is located in the optical path of the first lens component 11 and the light steering component 13, or it moves outside the optical path of the first lens component 11 and the light steering component 13, thereby realizing the switching between the first state and the second state of the camera module 10, that is, realizing the focusing function of the camera module 10.

[0121] The camera module 10 may include a first base plate 19b, a first housing 19a which can be fastened to the first base plate 19b, and a mounting bracket 110 on the first base plate 19b. A guide rail 161 and a slider 162 may be located within the mounting bracket 110. Specifically, one end of the guide rail 161 is fixed to the inner wall of the mounting bracket 110, and the other end of the guide rail 161 extends along a second direction. The slider 162 is slidably disposed on the guide rail 161, and the second lens assembly 12 is disposed on the side of the slider 162 opposite to the end of the guide rail 161. The slider 162 slides along the guide rail 161, causing the second lens assembly 12 to move in the second direction.

[0122] The camera module 10 may also include a second base plate 19d, a second housing 19c which can be fastened to the second base plate 19d, and a light steering component 13 and an image sensor 14 which can be mounted on the second base plate 19d.

[0123] The first driving component 16 may further include a moving driving element 164, which is used to drive the sliding element 162 to move along the guide rail 161. Specifically, the moving driving element 164 may include a driving coil 1641 and a magnetic element 1642. The magnetic element 1642 is disposed on the sliding element 162, and the driving coil 1641 may be disposed on the bottom wall of the mounting bracket 110. When the driving coil 1641 is energized, it generates a magnetic field, thereby driving the magnetic element 1642 to move. The magnetic element 1642 drives the sliding element 162 to move along the guide rail 161, thereby driving the second lens assembly 12 to move along the second direction.

[0124] See Figure 9 As shown, the camera module 10 is in the second state, that is, the second lens assembly 12 is not located between the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing assembly 13. The second lens assembly 12 is located outside the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing assembly 13. The light from the external environment passes through the first lens assembly 11 and shines on the light-directing assembly 13. After being turned by the light-directing assembly 13, it shines on the image sensor 14. The focal length of the camera module 10 is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly 11.

[0125] When it is necessary to change the focal length of the camera module 10, that is, to switch the function of the camera module 10, current is passed through the drive coil 1641, causing it to drive the magnetic component 1642 to move in the second direction, specifically, in the -x direction shown in the figure, that is, towards the first lens assembly 11. The magnetic component 1642 drives the slider 162 to move in the -x direction, which in turn drives the second lens assembly 12 to move in the -x direction, so that the second lens assembly 12 moves between the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing component 13, and finally makes the optical axes of the first lens assembly 11 and the second lens assembly 12 coincide, that is, as shown in the figure. Figure 10 As shown in the figure, the camera module 10 is in the first state at this time.

[0126] When the camera module 10 is in such a state Figure 10 In the first state, light from the external environment enters the camera module 10 through the first lens assembly 11, and then passes through the second lens assembly 12 to the light-directing assembly 13. After being redirected by the light-directing assembly 13, the light shines onto the image sensor 14. The focal length of the camera module 10 is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly 11 and the second lens assembly 12. This results in different focal lengths for the camera module 10 in the first and second states, thus enabling the camera module 10 to focus.

[0127] Correspondingly, when the camera module 10 is in the first state, if it is necessary to change the focal length of the camera module 10, a current in the opposite direction can be applied to the drive coil 1641 to drive the magnetic component 1642 along... Figure 10The magnetic component 1642 moves in the +x direction, that is, moves away from the first lens assembly 11. This causes the sliding component 162 to move in the +x direction, which in turn causes the second lens assembly 12 to move along the +x direction, moving it outside the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing component 13. This places the camera module 10 in a position where... Figure 9 The second state is shown in the diagram.

[0128] Alternatively, the second lens assembly 12 can be rotated under the drive of the first drive assembly 16, such as rotating around the first direction z. For example, the first drive assembly 16 may include a rotating shaft and a rotating member 163. The rotating member 163 is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft. Under the drive of the moving drive member 164, the rotating member 163 can rotate around the first direction z, thereby causing the second lens assembly 12 to rotate around the first direction z. This allows the second lens assembly 12 to rotate between the first lens assembly 11 and the light steering assembly 13, or it can rotate the second lens assembly 12 outside the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the light steering assembly 13, thus placing the second lens assembly 12 on or outside the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14.

[0129] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of another camera module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of another camera module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another disassembled structure of a camera module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another camera module in a second state according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another camera module in a first state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0130] In another possible implementation, when the camera module 10 is in the first state, the second lens assembly 12 can be moved between the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14, so that the second lens assembly 12 is located in the optical path between the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14, thereby placing the second lens assembly 12 in the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14.

[0131] When the camera module 10 is in the second state, the second lens assembly 12 moves out of the optical path of the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14, which means that the second lens assembly 12 moves out of the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14.

[0132] Among them, see Figure 11As shown, in this embodiment, the camera module 10 may include a first housing 19a, and the first lens assembly 11, the second lens assembly 12, the first driving assembly 16, the third driving assembly 18, the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14 may all be located inside the first housing 19a, with the first lens assembly 11 extending to the side of the first housing 19a away from the image sensor 14.

[0133] See Figure 12 As shown, the second lens assembly 12, the light steering assembly 13, and the image sensor 14 are distributed in the second direction x. Specifically, the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14 can be located on both sides of the second lens assembly 12. That is, the added second lens assembly 12 is located in the second direction x. The addition of the second lens assembly 12 will not increase the thickness of the camera module 10 in the first direction z. This avoids the risk of increased thickness of the camera module 10 in the first direction z due to the addition of the second lens assembly 12, thus reducing the thickness of the camera module 10. When the camera module 10 is installed in an electronic device 100 such as a mobile phone, the first direction z can be the thickness direction of the electronic device. The reduction in the thickness of the camera module 10 in the first direction helps to achieve a thinner and lighter design of the electronic device.

[0134] The first driving component 16 drives the second lens component 12 to move between the light steering component 13 and the image sensor 14, so that the second lens component 12 is located in the optical path between the light steering component 13 and the image sensor 14, thereby placing the second lens component 12 in the optical path between the first lens component 11 and the image sensor 14.

[0135] Correspondingly, the first driving component 16 can also drive the second lens component 12 to move in the opposite direction, and finally make the second lens component 12 outside the optical path between the light steering component 13 and the image sensor 14, so that the second lens component 12 is outside the optical path between the first lens component 11 and the image sensor 14, realizing the switching of the camera module 10 between the first state and the second state, realizing the switching of the camera module 10 between different focal lengths, and realizing the zoom function of the camera module 10.

[0136] The second lens assembly 12, driven by the first drive assembly 16, moves into or outside the optical path between the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14. This movement can be linear, rotation about the second direction x, or other forms of movement. In the first state, the second lens assembly 12 can be moved into the optical path between the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14; in the second state, the second lens assembly 12 can be moved out of the optical path between the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14.

[0137] Specifically, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first driving assembly 16 and the second lens assembly 12 can be distributed in a third direction y, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the third direction can be the length direction of the electronic device 100 (see reference). Figure 1 (In the y-direction). See also Figure 13 As shown, the second lens assembly 12 can be moved along the third direction y under the drive of the first drive assembly 16, thereby moving the second lens assembly 12 into the optical path of the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14, or moving the second lens assembly 12 out of the optical path of the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14, thereby realizing the switching between the two states of the camera module 10 and realizing the zoom function.

[0138] Wherein, the direction in which the second lens assembly 12 moves toward the first lens assembly 11 is the -y direction, and the direction in which the second lens assembly 12 moves away from the first lens assembly 11 is the +y direction.

[0139] The first driving component 16 may include a guide rail 161 and a slider 162. The second lens component 12 is disposed on the slider 162. The guide rail 161 extends along a third direction, and the slider 162 is disposed on and moves along the guide rail 161. The movement of the slider 162 causes the second lens component 12 to move along the third direction y, so that the second lens component 12 moves between the light steering component 13 and the image sensor 14, that is, it is located in the optical path between the light steering component 13 and the image sensor 14. Alternatively, it may move outside the optical path between the light steering component 13 and the image sensor 14.

[0140] See also Figure 13 As shown, the camera module 10 may include a first base plate 19b, a first housing 19a fastened to the first base plate 19b, a support plate 111 disposed on the first base plate 19b, one end of a guide rail 161 fixed to the support plate 111, and the other end of the guide rail 161 extending in a third direction. A slider 162 is slidably disposed on the guide rail 161, and a second lens assembly 12 is disposed on the side of the slider 162 opposite to the end of the guide rail 161. The slider 162 slides along the guide rail 161, causing the second lens assembly 12 to move in a third direction.

[0141] The first driving component 16 may further include a moving driving element 164, which may include a driving coil 1641 and a magnetic element 1642. The magnetic element 1642 is disposed on the sliding member 162, and the driving coil 1641 may be disposed on the first base plate 19b. When the driving coil 1641 is energized, it generates a magnetic field, thereby driving the magnetic element 1642 to move. The magnetic element 1642 drives the sliding member 162 to move along the guide rail 161, thereby driving the second lens assembly 12 to move along a third direction.

[0142] See Figure 14 As shown, the camera module 10 is in the second state, that is, the second lens assembly 12 is not located between the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing assembly 13, or in other words, the second lens assembly 12 is located outside the light path of the first lens assembly 11 and the light-directing assembly 13. The light from the external environment passes through the first lens assembly 11 and shines on the light-directing assembly 13. After being turned by the light-directing assembly 13, it shines on the image sensor 14. The focal length of the camera module 10 is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly 11.

[0143] When the focal length of the camera module 10 needs to be changed, i.e., zooming, current is passed through the drive coil 1641, causing it to drive the magnetic component 1642 to move in a third direction, specifically, in the -y direction as shown in the figure, i.e., towards the first lens assembly 11. The magnetic component 1642 drives the slider 162 to move in the -y direction, which in turn drives the second lens assembly 12 to move in the -y direction, so that the second lens assembly 12 moves between the light steering component 13 and the image sensor 14, ultimately aligning the optical axes of the first lens assembly 11 and the second lens assembly 12, i.e., as shown in the figure. Figure 15 As shown in the figure, the camera module 10 is in the first state at this time.

[0144] When the camera module 10 is in such a state Figure 15 In the first state, light from the external environment enters the camera module 10 through the first lens assembly 11, and is then redirected by the light-directing assembly 13 to illuminate the second lens assembly 12, which in turn illuminates the image sensor 14. The focal length of the camera module 10 is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly 11 and the focal length of the second lens assembly 12. This results in different focal lengths for the camera module 10 in the first and second states. By switching between the first and second states of the camera module 10, the focusing function of the camera module 10 is achieved.

[0145] Correspondingly, when the camera module 10 is in the first state, if it is necessary to change the focal length of the camera module 10, a current in the opposite direction can be applied to the drive coil 1641 to drive the magnetic component 1642 along... Figure 15 The magnetic component 1642 moves in the +y direction, that is, it moves away from the first lens assembly 11. The magnetic component 1642 drives the slider 162 to move in the +y direction, which in turn drives the second lens assembly 12 to move in the +y direction, so that the second lens assembly 12 is moved outside the optical path of the light steering component 13 and the image sensor 14, so that the camera module 10 is in a position where... Figure 14 The second state is shown in the diagram.

[0146] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of another camera module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0147] Alternatively, the second lens assembly 12 can be rotated about the second direction x under the drive of the first drive assembly 16.

[0148] For details, see Figure 16 As shown, the first driving assembly 16 may include a rotating member 163 and a rotating shaft (not shown in the figure). The rotating member 163 is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft. For example, the rotating member 163 may be the aforementioned support plate 111. Under the drive of the moving driving member 164, the rotating member 163 can rotate around a second direction, thereby causing the second lens assembly 12 to rotate around a second direction. This allows the second lens assembly 12 to rotate into the optical path between the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14, or it can rotate outside the optical path between the light steering assembly 13 and the image sensor 14. This allows the second lens assembly 12 to be located either in or outside the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14, enabling the switching between the two states of the camera module 10 and achieving the zoom function.

[0149] See also Figure 16 As shown, for example, when the camera module 10 is in the first state, the first driving component 16 can drive the second lens assembly 12 to rotate clockwise around the second direction as indicated by the arrow in the figure, so that the second lens assembly 12 moves out of the optical path of the light steering component 13 and the image sensor 14. When the camera module 10 is in the second state, the first driving component 16 can drive the second lens assembly 12 to rotate counterclockwise, so that the second lens assembly 12 moves between the light steering component 13 and the image sensor 14.

[0150] Figure 17 This is a system schematic diagram illustrating another camera module in a fourth state, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a system when a camera module is in the sixth state, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0151] In this embodiment, the light steering assembly 13 may include multiple light steering elements, which may be optical lenses such as prisms or reflectors. See also Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the light steering assembly 13 includes two light steering elements: a first light steering element 131 and a second light steering element 132, as an example.

[0152] The camera module 10 may include a second driving component 17, which can drive the first light-directing element 131 and the second light-directing element 132 to move. Specifically, the first light-directing element 131 can be moved under the drive of the second driving component 17 to be in contact with the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor (e.g., ...). Figure 17The first image sensor 14a) is opposite to the second image sensor 14a, or the second light steering element 132 can be moved under the drive of the second drive assembly 17 to be opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor (e.g., the first image sensor 14a). Figure 18 The second image sensor 14b is relative to it.

[0153] Specifically, the first light-directing element 131 is opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14a. Specifically, the light-incident side of the first light-directing element 131 is opposite to the first lens assembly 11, and the light-outceasing side of the first light-directing element 131 is opposite to the image sensor 14a. The second light-directing element 132 can be deduced from this.

[0154] It should be noted that when the first light-directing component 131 moves to be opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor, the second lens assembly can be located in the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor, and the state of the camera module 10 at this time is the third state. Alternatively, the second lens assembly can also be located outside the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor, and the state of the camera module 10 at this time is the fourth state.

[0155] Correspondingly, when the second optical steering element 132 moves to be opposite the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor, the second lens assembly can be located in the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor, with the state of the camera module 10 at this time being the fifth state. Alternatively, the second lens assembly can also be located outside the optical path between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor, with the state of the camera module 10 at this time being the sixth state.

[0156] The first state of the camera module 10 can be the same as the structure of the camera module 10 in either the third or fifth state, and the second state of the camera module 10 can be the same as the structure of the camera module 10 in either the fourth or fifth state.

[0157] See Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the example is that the second lens assembly (not shown in the figure) is located outside the optical path of the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14.

[0158] See Figure 17 As shown, when the first light-directing component 131 moves to be opposite to the first lens component 11 and the image sensor (first image sensor 14a) under the drive of the second drive component 17, the camera module 10 is in the fourth state. The light from the external environment passes through the first lens component 11 and then shines on the first light-directing component 131. After being turned by the first light-directing component 131, it shines on the first image sensor, thereby realizing the shooting function.

[0159] See Figure 18As shown, when the second light-directing component 132 moves to be opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor (second image sensor 14b) under the drive of the second drive assembly 17, the camera module 10 is in the sixth state. The light from the external environment passes through the first lens assembly 11 and then shines on the second light-directing component 132. After being turned by the second light-directing component 132, the light shines on the image sensor, thereby realizing the shooting function.

[0160] Both the first light-guiding element 131 and the second light-guiding element 132 have preset curvatures, meaning that neither the first light-guiding element 131 nor the second light-guiding element 132 are plane mirrors. When the camera module 10 is in the fourth state, light passes through the first lens assembly 11 and the first light-guiding element 131 before illuminating the image sensor. The focal length of the camera module 10 is then related to the focal length of the first lens assembly 11 and the curvature of the first light-guiding element 131. Therefore, in the fourth state, the focal length of the camera module 10 is Focal length new = f(Focal length A, α), where Focal length A is the focal length of the first lens assembly 11 and α is the curvature of the first light-guiding element 131.

[0161] Accordingly, when the camera module 10 is in the sixth state, light passes through the first lens assembly 11 and the second light-directing element 132 before illuminating the image sensor. The focal length of the camera module 10 is then related to the focal length of the first lens assembly 11 and the curvature of the second light-directing element 132. Therefore, in the sixth state, the focal length of the camera module 10 is Focal length new = f(Focal length A, β), where Focal length A is the focal length of the first lens assembly 11 and β is the curvature of the second light-directing element 132.

[0162] By making the curvature α of the first light-directing component 131 different from the curvature β of the second light-directing component 132, the focal length of the camera module 10 is different in the fourth state and the sixth state. Thus, by switching between different states, the camera module 10 can switch between at least two different focal lengths, and can also switch between different camera functions to achieve a zoom effect.

[0163] Correspondingly, when the camera module 10 is in the third state, that is, the second lens assembly 12 is located between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14 (refer to...) Figure 4 As shown, when the first light steering element 131 is opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14, the focal length of the camera module 10 is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly 11, the focal length of the second lens assembly 12, and the focal length of the first light steering element 131.

[0164] When the camera module 10 is in the fifth state, that is, when the second lens assembly 12 is located between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14, and the second light steering element 132 is opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14, the focal length of the camera module 10 is related to the focal length of the first lens assembly 11, the focal length of the second lens assembly 12, and the focal length of the second light steering element 132.

[0165] This makes the focal length of the camera module 10 different in the four states mentioned above. By combining the second lens assembly 12, the first light-guiding component 131 or the second light-guiding component 132 between the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14, the focal length of the camera module 10 can be switched to achieve the zoom function. Thus, a single camera module 10 can achieve multiple shooting functions, satisfying the needs of shooting multiple shooting functions while reducing the space occupied by the camera module 10.

[0166] The camera module 10 has multiple states corresponding to different focal lengths, which can further expand the zoom adjustment range of the camera module 10. Thus, more shooting functions can be achieved through one camera module 10, and while ensuring the needs of multiple shooting functions, the space occupied by the camera module 10 is effectively reduced.

[0167] When the light steering assembly 13 includes two or more light steering assemblies 13 with different curvatures, the camera module 10 has a larger achievable zoom adjustment range, enabling a single camera module 10 to achieve more shooting functions.

[0168] To ensure that more light entering through the first lens assembly 11 reaches the first light-directing element 131 or the second light-directing element 132, when the first light-directing element 131 is facing the first lens assembly 11, the optical axis of the first lens assembly 11 can pass through the center of the first light-directing element 131. This allows more light to reach the first light-directing element 131 or the second light-directing element 132, and then to the image sensor, helping to improve light utilization and enhance shooting results.

[0169] Correspondingly, when the second light steering member 132 is opposite to the first lens assembly 11, the optical axis of the first lens assembly 11 can pass through the center of the second light steering member 132.

[0170] Specifically, the first light-directing component 131 and the second light-directing component 132 can be mirrors. The incident light from the first lens assembly 11 that shines onto the mirror is reflected by the outgoing light formed by the mirror and then shines onto the image sensor. The angle between the mirror and the optical axis of the lens assembly can be 45°, so the directions of the incident and outgoing light from the mirror are perpendicular to each other. In this way, when the light-directing component 13 and the first lens assembly 11 are distributed in the first direction, and the image sensor and the light-directing component 13 are distributed in the second direction, it is easy to achieve the perpendicularity between the first and second directions.

[0171] In this embodiment of the application, the first light-directing member 131 or the second light-directing member 132 moves under the drive of the second driving member. This movement can be linear movement, or it can be rotation about the first direction z, or it can be other forms of movement.

[0172] Furthermore, it should be understood that when the camera module 10 is in the fourth state, i.e., the first light-directing element 131 is opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor, if it is necessary to move the camera module 10 to the sixth state, i.e., to make the second light-directing element 132 opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor, then the first light-directing element 131 needs to be moved. For example, the first light-directing element 131 can be moved along the second direction x to offset it from the first lens assembly 11 or the image sensor. For example, it can be offset from the first lens assembly 11, thereby freeing up optical path space for the second light-directing element 132. The second light-directing element 132 can then be moved along the second direction x to make it opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor. Conversely, when the camera module 10 is in the sixth state, if it is necessary to move the camera module 10 to the fourth state, the first light-directing element 131 needs to be offset from the first lens assembly 11.

[0173] The first light steering component 131 and the second light steering component 132 can move independently. For example, the second drive assembly 17 can be composed of two or more drive components (such as drive motors), with each drive component connected to a corresponding light steering assembly 13.

[0174] Alternatively, the first light-directing component 131 and the second light-directing component 132 can move simultaneously. That is, the second driving component 17 can be connected to the entire light-directing component 13, allowing the second driving component 17 to simultaneously drive two or more light-directing components 13 to move. Specifically, the light-directing component 13 may include a support platform, on which the first light-directing component 131 and the second light-directing component 132 are disposed. The second driving component 17 is connected to the support platform, driving the support platform to move, thereby causing the first light-directing component 131 and the second light-directing component 132 on it to move.

[0175] For example, when it is necessary to put the camera module 10 in the sixth state, the first light steering member 131 and the second light steering member 132 are moved simultaneously along the second direction, so that the first light steering member 131 is offset from the first lens assembly 11 and the second light steering member 132 is opposite to the first lens assembly 11.

[0176] By having the first light-directing component 131 and the second light-directing component 132 move simultaneously under the drive of the second drive assembly 17, the space and cost required for the second drive assembly 17 can be reduced, thereby helping to reduce the overall size and cost of the camera module 10. This also facilitates engineering implementation and simplifies the structural and control design.

[0177] In one possible implementation, the first light steering element 131 and the second light steering element 132 move along the second direction x under the action of the second drive element.

[0178] For details, see Figure 17 As shown, there can be two image sensors 14, namely a first image sensor 14a and a second image sensor 14b. In the second direction x, the first image sensor 14a and the second image sensor 14b are located on both sides of the light steering assembly 13. The first image sensor 14a is opposite to the first light steering member 131, and the second image sensor 14b is opposite to the second light steering member 132.

[0179] The second drive assembly 17 drives the first light steering component 131 to move along the second direction x. See below. Figure 17 As shown, the first light-directing component 131 is eventually moved to be opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the first image sensor 14a, which puts the camera module 10 into the fourth state. The light passes through the first lens assembly 11 and shines on the first light-directing component 131. After being turned by the first light-directing component 131, the light shines on the first image sensor 14a.

[0180] The second drive assembly 17 drives the second light steering component 132 to move along the second direction x. See Figure 18 As shown, when the second light deflector 132 is finally moved to be opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the second image sensor 14b, the camera module 10 is in the sixth state. The light passes through the first lens assembly 11 and shines on the second light deflector 132. After being deflected by the second light deflector 132, the light shines on the second image sensor 14b.

[0181] This enables the camera module 10 to switch between the fourth and sixth states, allowing switching between different focal lengths, i.e., different camera functions.

[0182] The specific structure of the second drive component 17 is not limited in this application. The structure of the second drive component 17 can be the same as that of the first drive component 16 and the third drive component 18, as long as it can meet the movement requirements of the first light steering component 131 and the second light steering component 132.

[0183] When the camera module 10 needs to transition from the fourth state to the sixth state, the second driving component 17 can drive both the first light steering element 131 and the second light steering element 132 to move along the second direction x. Specifically, as along... Figure 17 The light-directing component 131 moves in the +x direction (towards the first image sensor 14a), causing the first light-directing component 131 to shift from the first lens assembly 11, and the second light-directing component 132 to be opposite the first lens assembly 11, ultimately positioning the camera module 10 in a position where... Figure 18 The state shown.

[0184] Correspondingly, when the camera module 10 needs to transition from the sixth state to the fourth state, the second driving component 17 drives the first light-directing component 131 and the second light-directing component 132 to both move along the path of the camera module 10. Figure 18 The camera module 10 moves in the -x direction (towards the second image sensor 14b), causing the second light-directing element 132 to shift away from the first lens assembly 11, and the first light-directing element 131 to face the first lens assembly 11, ultimately positioning the camera module 10 in the -x direction (towards the second image sensor 14b). Figure 17 The state shown.

[0185] See also Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the camera module 10 may further include a second drive controller 171, which can be connected to the second drive assembly 17 to control the second drive assembly 17. The second drive controller 171 can also be connected to the main controller of the electronic device 100. When the main controller receives a zoom command, it can send a working command to the second drive controller 171. The second drive controller 171 can obtain the required movement value and control the second drive assembly 17 to drive the first light-guiding element 131 and the second light-guiding element 132 to move by the corresponding value.

[0186] Additionally, the camera module 10 may also include a first drive controller (not shown in the figure). The first drive controller may be connected to the first drive assembly to control the first drive assembly to drive the second lens assembly to perform the required movement. The first drive controller may also be connected to the main controller.

[0187] When the camera module 10 needs to switch between different states, and when using different shooting functions, the main controller can control the first drive controller and / or the second drive controller 171 according to the received zoom command, so that the camera module 10 is in the corresponding state.

[0188] The camera module 10 may also include a third drive controller 181. The third drive controller 181 may be connected to the third drive assembly 18 to control the third drive assembly 18 to drive the first lens assembly 11 to move as required, so as to achieve the focusing function. The third drive controller 181 may also be connected to the main controller.

[0189] Figure 19 This is a system schematic diagram illustrating another camera module in a fourth state, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 20 This is a system schematic diagram of another camera module in the sixth state provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0190] In another possible implementation, see Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the first light steering component 131 and the second light steering component 132 are rotatably configured about the first direction z. There is one image sensor, and the image sensor 14 and the light steering component 13 are distributed in the second direction x.

[0191] The second drive assembly 17 can drive the first light steering element 131 and the second light steering element 132 to rotate around the first direction z. Specifically, the first light steering element 131 and the second light steering element 132 are mounted on the support platform. The support platform is rotated, and the second drive assembly 17 drives the support platform to rotate, thereby causing the first light steering element 131 and the second light steering element 132 on the support platform to rotate around the first direction z.

[0192] See Figure 19 As shown, when the second drive component 17 drives the first light steering component 131 and the second light steering component 132 to rotate, so that the first light steering component 131 rotates to be opposite to the first lens component 11 and the image sensor 14, the camera module 10 is in the fourth state, and the light passes through the first lens component 11 and the first light steering component 131 and then shines on the image sensor 14.

[0193] See Figure 20 As shown, when the second drive component 17 drives the first light steering component 131 and the second light steering component 132 to rotate, causing the first light steering component 131 to deviate from the first lens component 11 and the second light steering component 132 to be opposite to the first lens component 11 and the image sensor 14, the camera module 10 is in the sixth state, and the light passes through the first lens component 11 and the second light steering component 132 and then shines on the image sensor 14.

[0194] In this way, the second drive component 17 drives the first light steering component 131 and the second light steering component 132 to rotate around the first direction z, so that the first light steering component 131 is opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14, or the second light steering component 132 is opposite to the first lens assembly 11 and the image sensor 14. This realizes the switching of the camera module 10 between the fourth state and the sixth state, and realizes the switching between different focal lengths, that is, different camera functions.

[0195] In this embodiment, an image sensor 14 is provided on one side of the light steering component 13. At least two different camera function requirements can be met by one image sensor 14, which can further simplify the structure of the camera module 10, help reduce the space occupied by the camera module 10, and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0196] See Figure 19 As shown, for example, when the camera module 10 is in the fourth state, the second drive component 17 can drive the first light steering component 131 and the second light steering component 132 to rotate clockwise as shown by the arrow in the figure, so that the first light steering component 131 is offset from the first lens component 11 and the second light steering component 132 is opposite to the first lens component 11, thereby realizing the switching between the fourth state and the sixth state of the camera module 10.

[0197] Correspondingly, when the camera module 10 is in the sixth state, the second drive component 17 can drive the first light steering component 131 and the second light steering component 132 to rotate counterclockwise, so that the first light steering component 131 is offset from the first lens component 11 and the second light steering component 132 is opposite to the first lens component 11, thereby realizing the switching between the sixth state and the fourth state of the camera module 10.

[0198] In this application embodiment, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application embodiment according to the specific circumstances. The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., in the specification and accompanying drawings of this application embodiment are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0199] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0200] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit them; although the embodiments of this application have been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, include: First lens assembly, light steering assembly, and image sensor; The light-incident side of the light-directing component is opposite to the first lens component, and the light-outcident side of the light-directing component is opposite to the image sensor. The light-directing component is configured to redirect the light rays that have passed through the first lens component and entered the camera module to illuminate the image sensor. It also includes at least one second lens assembly and a first driving assembly, wherein the second lens assembly is moved by the first driving assembly to the optical path between the first lens assembly and the image sensor or outside the optical path; The first lens assembly, the second lens assembly, and the light-directing assembly are distributed in a first direction, and the first driving assembly and the second lens assembly are distributed in a second direction. The second lens assembly moves between the first lens assembly and the light-directing assembly under the drive of the first driving assembly. The second lens assembly, the light steering assembly, and the image sensor are distributed in the second direction, and the first driving assembly and the second lens assembly are distributed in the third direction, which is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The second lens assembly moves between the light steering assembly and the image sensor under the drive of the first driving assembly. The light steering assembly includes a first light steering component and a second light steering component, wherein the curvature of the first light steering component and the curvature of the second light steering component are different; The image sensor includes a first image sensor and a second image sensor. The first image sensor, the second image sensor, and the light steering component are distributed in a second direction. The first image sensor and the second image sensor are located on both sides of the light steering component. The first image sensor is opposite to the first light steering component, and the second image sensor is opposite to the second light steering component. It also includes a second driving component, wherein the first light steering component moves under the drive of the second driving component to be opposite to the first lens assembly and the image sensor, or the second light steering component moves under the drive of the second driving component to be opposite to the first lens assembly and the image sensor; The first light steering component moves along the second direction under the drive of the second driving component, and the second light steering component moves along the second direction under the drive of the second driving component; or The first light steering component is rotated around a first direction under the drive of the second driving component, and the second light steering component is rotated around the first direction under the drive of the second driving component.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first direction is parallel to the optical axis of the first lens assembly; the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive assembly includes a guide rail and a slider, the second lens assembly is disposed on the slider, the guide rail extends along the second direction, and the slider moves along the guide rail.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first driving component includes a rotating member, and the second lens component is disposed on the rotating member, which is rotatably configured about the first direction.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive assembly includes a guide rail and a slider, the second lens assembly is disposed on the slider, the guide rail extends along the third direction, and the slider moves along the guide rail.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive assembly includes a rotating member, and the second lens assembly is disposed on the rotating member, which rotates about the second direction.

7. The camera module according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that, The first driving component further includes a moving driving element, which includes a driving coil and a magnetic element. The magnetic element is disposed on the sliding element, and the driving coil drives the magnetic element to move. The magnetic element drives the sliding element to move along the guide rail.

8. The camera module according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, When the second lens assembly moves into the optical path of the first lens assembly and the image sensor, the optical axis of the second lens assembly coincides with the optical axis of the first lens assembly.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first light-directing component is opposite to the first lens assembly, the optical axis of the first lens assembly passes through the center of the first light-directing component; When the second light steering element is opposite to the first lens assembly, the optical axis of the first lens assembly passes through the center of the second light steering element.

10. The camera module according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The first light-directing component and the second light-directing component are reflectors, and the angle between the reflector and the optical axis of the lens assembly is 45°.

11. The camera module according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, It also includes a third driving component, which is connected to the first lens component, and the first lens component moves toward or away from the light steering component under the drive of the third driving component.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes at least a housing and a camera module as described in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the camera module is disposed on the housing.

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