Cameras and electronic devices

Abstract

The present application discloses a camera and an electronic device. The camera includes a lens, a first bracket, a second bracket and a locking mechanism, wherein the lens is mounted on the first bracket; the first bracket is movably connected to the second bracket; the locking mechanism is respectively connected to the first bracket and the second bracket; the locking mechanism includes an unlocked state and a locked state; in the unlocked state, the first bracket can drive the lens to move relative to the second bracket; in the locked state, the first bracket and the second bracket remain relatively still. The camera and electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application can selectively fix the lens of the camera so that it cannot move, thereby reducing the collision of the lens with the cover or filter when it is bumped, shaken or during a drop test.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the continuous development of electronic devices, more and more electronic devices are equipped with cameras to realize the camera function of the electronic devices. When the camera is installed, a cover plate and a filter are usually arranged on both sides of its lens, and the lens can move within a predetermined range for focusing.

[0003] However, it was found during use that when the electronic device was bumped, shaken, or subjected to a drop test, the movement of the lens may exceed the predetermined range and collide with the cover or filter, generating noise or even causing damage to the lens, cover, and filter. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a camera and an electronic device that can selectively fix the lens of the camera so that it cannot move, thereby reducing the possibility of the lens colliding with a cover plate or a filter when it is bumped, shaken, or undergoes a drop test.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a camera, wherein the camera includes a lens, a first bracket, a second bracket and a locking mechanism, the lens is mounted on the first bracket; the first bracket is movably connected to the second bracket; the locking mechanism is respectively connected to the first bracket and the second bracket; the locking mechanism includes an unlocked state and a locked state; in the unlocked state, the first bracket can drive the lens to move relative to the second bracket; in the locked state, the first bracket and the second bracket remain relatively stationary.

[0006] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes the camera as described in the first aspect.

[0007] The camera and electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application are provided with a locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state, the first bracket can drive the lens to move relative to the second bracket to achieve focusing; when the locking mechanism is in a locked state, the first bracket and the second bracket can be locked so that the lens mounted on the first bracket cannot move relative to the second bracket, thereby reducing the possibility of noise or damage caused by collision between the lens and the cover or filter when it is bumped, shaken or subjected to a drop test. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front view structure of the locking mechanism of the camera in some embodiments of the present application in an unlocked state;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the front view structure of the locking mechanism of the camera in some embodiments of the present application in a locked state;

[0011] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the unlocked state structure of the locking mechanism of the camera in some embodiments of the present application;

[0012] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the locking state structure of the locking mechanism of the camera in some embodiments of the present application;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first driving member of a locking mechanism of a camera in some embodiments of the present application when the deformation element is not deformed;

[0014] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first driving member of a locking mechanism of a camera in some embodiments of the present application when the deformation element is deformed;

[0015] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a top view of a locking mechanism of a camera in some embodiments of the present application in an unlocked state;

[0016] Figure 8 A schematic top view of the locking mechanism of a camera in some embodiments of the present application in a locked state;

[0017] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the camera in some embodiments of the present application when it is in telefocus;

[0018] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the camera in some embodiments of the present application when it is in close focus;

[0019] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the usage status of the camera in some embodiments of the present application.

[0020] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0021] 1. Lens; 2. First bracket; 3. Second bracket; 4. Locking mechanism; 41. Locking seat; 411. Locking groove; 42. Locking member; 421. Main body; 422. Lock tongue; 423. First driving member; 4231. Conductive carrier; 4232. Deformation element; 5. Adhesive layer; 6. Second driving member; 7. Shell; 71. First opening; 72. Second opening; 73. Buffer pad; 8. Filter element; 81. Mounting bracket; 82. Filter; 9. Imaging sensor; A. Circuit board; B. External circuit board; C. Connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limitations on the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0023] The features of the terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more. In addition, "and / or" in the specification and claims means at least one of the connected objects, and the character " indicates that the objects connected before and after are generally in an "or" relationship.

[0024] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "middle", "back", "left", "right", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a camera, wherein the camera includes a lens 1, a first bracket 2, a second bracket 3 and a locking mechanism 4, the lens 1 is mounted on the first bracket 2; the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are movably connected; the locking mechanism 4 is respectively connected to the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3.

[0027] The lens 1 is used to collect light from external scenes, and the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are used to install and move the lens 1 .

[0028] The locking mechanism 4 includes an unlocked state and a locked state; in the unlocked state, the second bracket 3 remains fixed, and the first bracket 2 can drive the lens 1 to move relative to the second bracket 3; in the locked state, the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 remain relatively stationary.

[0029] Specifically, in the locked state, the locking mechanism 4 locks the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 along the radial direction of the lens 1 , so that the lens 1 cannot move relative to the second bracket 3 along the optical axis direction thereof.

[0030] The first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are made of a material with good hardness and small mass, ensuring that the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are not easily deformed, providing good support for the lens 1, and achieving lightweight development of the camera.

[0031] The camera provided in the embodiment of the present application is provided with a locking mechanism 4. When the locking mechanism 4 is in an unlocked state, the first bracket 2 can drive the lens 1 to move relative to the second bracket 3 (along the optical axis direction of the lens 1) to achieve focusing; when the locking mechanism 4 is in a locked state, the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 can be locked, so that the lens 1 installed on the first bracket 2 cannot move relative to the second bracket 3 (along the optical axis direction of the lens 1), thereby reducing the noise or damage caused by the collision of the lens 1 with the cover or filter 82 when it is bumped, shaken or subjected to a drop test.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the camera provided by the embodiment of the present application, wherein the locking mechanism 4 includes a locking seat 41 and a locking piece 42, and along the radial direction of the lens 1, the locking seat 41 and the locking piece 42 are arranged opposite to each other, the locking seat 41 is installed on one of the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3, and the locking piece 42 is installed on the other of the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3.

[0033] In the unlocked state, the locking piece 42 is separated from the locking seat 41, and the first bracket 2 can reciprocate along the optical axis direction of the lens 1 relative to the second bracket 3 to achieve focusing; in the locked state, at least a portion of the locking piece 42 moves along the radial direction of the lens 1 and is fixedly connected to the locking seat 41 to limit the reciprocating movement of the first bracket 2 relative to the second bracket 3 along the optical axis direction of the lens 1, thereby reducing the possibility that the lens 1 will reciprocate along its optical axis direction when it is bumped, shaken, or undergoes a drop test, and collide with the cover or filter 82 to generate noise or damage.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a camera provided by an embodiment of the present application, wherein a locking groove 411 is recessed on one side of a locking seat 41 facing a locking member 42, and the locking member 42 includes a main body 421, a locking tongue 422 and a first driving member 423, the first driving member 423 is connected to the main body 421, and along the radial direction of the lens 1, a first end of the locking tongue 422 is connected to the first driving member 423, and a second end of the locking tongue 422 faces the locking groove 411; in a locked state, the second end of the locking tongue 422 is inserted into the locking groove 411, fixing the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3, and the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 remain relatively stationary; in an unlocked state, the second end of the locking tongue 422 withdraws from the locking groove 411, and the first bracket 2 can reciprocate relative to the second bracket 3 along the optical axis direction of the lens 1.

[0035] Optionally, a mounting hole is opened on the body 421 along the radial direction of the lens 1 , the first driving member 423 is disposed in the mounting hole, and the first end of the locking tongue 422 is connected to the first driving member 423 in the mounting hole.

[0036] In the unlocked state, the locking tongue 422 can be completely retracted into the mounting hole; in the locked state, the second end of the locking tongue 422 extends out of the mounting hole.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the camera provided by the embodiment of the present application, the first driving member 423 includes a conductive carrier 4231 and a deformation element 4232, the deformation element 4232 is respectively connected to the conductive carrier 4231 and the lock tongue 422, and the deformation element 4232 is electrically connected to the conductive carrier 4231.

[0038] The conductive carrier 4231 serves as a mounting carrier for the deformation element 4232 and is also used to realize the electrification of the deformation element 4232 .

[0039] The deformation element 4232 is generally a strip-shaped sheet structure, and has a first side and a second side along the radial direction of the lens 1, wherein the first side of the deformation element 4232 is fixedly connected to the conductive carrier 4231 at its two ends, and the second side of the deformation element 4232 is connected to the first end of the locking tongue 422 at its central position.

[0040] In the locked state, the deformation element 4232 is energized, the deformation element 4232 is deformed into an arc shape in the direction close to the locking seat 41 and pushes the first end of the lock tongue 422, so that the second end of the lock tongue 422 is inserted into the locking groove 411; in the unlocked state, the deformation element 4232 is de-energized, and the deformation element 4232 returns to its original planar shape in the direction away from the locking seat 41 and pulls the first end of the lock tongue 422, so that the second end of the lock tongue 422 is separated from the locking groove 411.

[0041] Alternatively, if Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the camera provided by the embodiment of the present application, the deformation element 4232 is made of ion-exchange polymer metal composite material. Ion-exchange polymer metal composite (IPMC) is an artificial muscle material that can produce a large displacement deformation under a relatively low driving voltage.

[0042] Specifically, when a voltage is applied to the thickness direction of the deformation element 4232, the deformation element 4232 will be greatly deformed and bend toward the anode; conversely, when the deformation element 4232 is bent and deformed, a voltage will also be generated in its thickness direction (reverse phenomenon). Therefore, by controlling the voltage applied to the deformation element 4232, the bending of the deformation element 4232 can be controlled, thereby achieving the push and pull of the lock tongue 422, and achieving the locking and unlocking between the lock tongue 422 and the positioning groove.

[0043] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in the camera provided by the embodiment of the present application, the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are both cylindrical structures, the first bracket 2 is coaxially arranged inside the second bracket 3, and a part of the lens 1 is fixedly installed inside the first bracket 2. The first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are set together, which can reduce the size of the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 along the optical axis direction of the lens 1 after assembly, which is conducive to the development of thinning the camera.

[0044] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in the camera provided by the embodiment of the present application, a plurality of locking mechanisms 4 are provided, and the plurality of locking mechanisms 4 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the lens 1 .

[0045] Optionally, along the optical axis direction of the lens 1, the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 respectively have a first end and a second end, a plurality of locking mechanisms 4 are provided between the first end of the first bracket 2 and the first end of the second bracket 3, and the plurality of locking mechanisms 4 located between the first end of the first bracket 2 and the first end of the second bracket 3 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the lens 1; a plurality of locking mechanisms 4 are provided between the second end of the first bracket 2 and the second end of the second bracket 3, and the plurality of locking mechanisms 4 located between the second end of the first bracket 2 and the second end of the second bracket 3 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the lens 1.

[0046] The multiple sets of locking mechanisms 4 switch synchronously between the unlocked state and the locked state. By setting the multiple sets of locking mechanisms 4, in the locked state, it can be ensured that the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are evenly stressed, so that the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are firmly locked.

[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in the camera provided by the embodiment of the present application, the portion of the lens 1 disposed inside the first bracket 2 is bonded and fixed to the inner wall of the first bracket 2 by an adhesive layer 5 .

[0048] The adhesive layer 5 is formed by curing the glue to achieve a reliable connection between the lens 1 and the first bracket 2 .

[0049] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a camera is provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein a first bracket 2 and a second bracket 3 are spaced apart, and a plurality of second driving members 6 are connected between the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3, a first end of the second driving member 6 is connected to the first bracket 2, and a second end of the second driving member 6 is connected to the second bracket 3, and the second driving member 6 can deform and drive the first bracket 2 to reciprocate relative to the second bracket 3 along the optical axis direction of the lens 1.

[0050] Optionally, along the optical axis direction of the lens 1, the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 respectively have a first end and a second end, a plurality of second driving members 6 are provided between the first end of the first bracket 2 and the first end of the second bracket 3, and the plurality of second driving members 6 located between the first end of the first bracket 2 and the first end of the second bracket 3 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the lens 1; a plurality of second driving members 6 are provided between the second end of the first bracket 2 and the second end of the second bracket 3, and the plurality of second driving members 6 located between the second end of the first bracket 2 and the second end of the second bracket 3 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the lens 1.

[0051] The first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are evenly supported by multiple second driving members 6, ensuring that the first bracket 2 is subjected to uniform support force during the movement relative to the second bracket 3 along the optical axis direction of the lens 1, thereby ensuring the stability of the movement of the first bracket 2 and the lens 1, ensuring smooth focusing of the lens 1, and ensuring the imaging effect of the lens 1; at the same time, the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are evenly supported by multiple second driving members 6, which can keep the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 in a coaxial state, preventing the first bracket 2 from being subjected to uneven force and offset during the movement relative to the second bracket 3 along the optical axis direction of the lens 1, resulting in wear and tear caused by contact between the outer surface of the first bracket 2 and the inner surface of the second bracket 3.

[0052] Optionally, the second driving member 6 is a leaf spring.

[0053] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, during the focusing process of the camera provided in the embodiment of the present application, the second driving member 6 can be deformed to drive the first bracket 2 to move relative to the second bracket 3 along the optical axis direction of the lens 1 to achieve focusing.

[0054] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the camera provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes a shell 7 , the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 are both installed inside the shell 7 , and the second bracket 3 is fixedly connected to the shell 7 .

[0055] Optionally, the housing 7 is an iron housing 7. The second bracket 3 is bonded and fixed to the housing 7. The housing 7 can protect the first bracket 2, the second bracket 3 and the lens 1.

[0056] The housing 7 has a first side wall along the optical axis of the lens 1 . The first side wall is provided with a first opening 71 . A portion of the lens 1 can pass through the first opening 71 and reciprocate between the inside and the outside of the housing 7 .

[0057] The first opening 71 can ensure the transmission of light and provide a moving space for the lens 1 in the direction of the optical axis.

[0058] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the camera provided by the embodiment of the present application, wherein, along the optical axis direction of the lens 1, the shell 7 has a second side wall, the second side wall is arranged opposite to the first side wall, the second side wall is provided with a second opening 72, and the second opening 72 is installed with a filter element 8.

[0059] The filter element 8 includes a mounting seat and a filter 82 . The mounting seat is an annular structure. The mounting seat is mounted in the second opening 72 , and the filter 82 is mounted on the inner side of the annular structure.

[0060] The filter 82 is an infrared filter 82 , which can filter out unnecessary non-visible light to ensure the imaging effect of the lens 1 .

[0061] Along the optical axis of the lens 1 , the projection of the lens 1 and the projection of the filter element 8 at least partially overlap, so as to ensure that the light is smoothly transmitted between the lens 1 and the filter 82 along the optical axis of the lens 1 .

[0062] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, in the camera provided by the embodiment of the present application, a buffer pad 73 is fixedly provided on the inner surface of the second side wall, and along the optical axis direction of the lens 1, the projection of the lens 1 falls into the projection of the buffer pad 73 and the projection of the filter element 8.

[0063] When the lens 1 moves along its radial direction, if the displacement toward the second side wall is too large, it will not directly contact the second side wall, but will contact the buffer pad 73. The elastic deformation of the buffer pad 73 provides a buffer for the lens 1 to prevent the lens 1 from colliding with the second side wall and causing damage to the lens 1 or the second side wall from being bumped and producing debris.

[0064] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, in the camera provided by the embodiment of the present application, an imaging sensor 9 is provided on the side of the filter element 8 away from the lens 1. The imaging sensor 9 is used to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal.

[0065] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the camera provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes a circuit board A, the circuit board A is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the second side wall, and the imaging sensor 9 is installed on the circuit board A.

[0066] Circuit board A is a printed circuit board (PCB), which is used to conduct current to the camera to achieve electrical connection between the camera and the electronic equipment.

[0067] Alternatively, if Fig.11 As shown, the camera provided by the embodiment of the present application further includes an external circuit board B, and the external circuit board B is electrically connected to the circuit board A. The external circuit board B is a flexible printed circuit (FPC), which can be bent and folded freely, and the internal embedded circuit of the external circuit board B can realize the transmission of electrical signals.

[0068] Alternatively, if Fig.11 As shown, the external circuit board B is connected with a connector C (Board to Board, BTB) for achieving electrical conduction and signal transmission.

[0069] An embodiment of the present application also provides an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes the camera as described above.

[0070] The electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application has a camera provided with a locking mechanism 4. When the camera is in use, the locking mechanism 4 is in an unlocked state, and the first bracket 2 can drive the lens 1 to move relative to the second bracket 3 to achieve focusing; when the camera is not in use, the locking mechanism 4 is in a locked state, and the first bracket 2 and the second bracket 3 can be locked, so that the lens 1 installed on the first bracket 2 cannot move relative to the second bracket 3, thereby reducing the noise or damage caused by the collision of the lens 1 with the cover or filter 82 when it is bumped, shaken or during a drop test.

[0071] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, modules and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or replacements should be included in the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A camera, characterized in that: The camera comprises: Lens; a first bracket, the lens being mounted on the first bracket; a second bracket, wherein the first bracket is movably connected to the second bracket; A locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is connected to the first bracket and the second bracket respectively; The locking mechanism comprises a locking seat and a locking member, wherein the locking seat and the locking member are arranged opposite to each other along the radial direction of the lens, the locking seat is mounted on one of the first bracket and the second bracket, and the locking member is mounted on the other of the first bracket and the second bracket; A locking groove is concavely formed on one side of the locking seat facing the locking member, and the locking member includes a body, a locking tongue and a first driving member, wherein the first driving member is connected to the body, and along the radial direction of the lens, a first end of the locking tongue is connected to the first driving member, and a second end of the locking tongue faces the locking groove; The first driving member includes a conductive carrier and a deformation element, the deformation element is connected to the conductive carrier and the lock tongue respectively, and the deformation element is electrically connected to the conductive carrier; The deformable element has a first side and a second side along the radial direction of the lens, the first side of the deformable element is fixedly connected to the conductive carrier at both ends thereof, and the second side of the deformable element is connected to the first end of the locking tongue at the center thereof; The locking mechanism includes an unlocked state and a locked state; in the unlocked state, the deformable element is powered off, and the deformable element returns to its original state in a direction away from the locking seat and pulls the lock tongue, so that the second end of the lock tongue is separated from the locking groove, and the first bracket can drive the lens to move relative to the second bracket; in the locked state, the deformable element is powered on, the deformable element deforms into an arc protrusion in a direction close to the locking seat and pushes the lock tongue, so that the second end of the lock tongue is inserted into the locking groove, and the first bracket and the second bracket remain relatively stationary.

2. The camera according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deformation element is made of ion exchange polymer metal material.

3. The camera according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first bracket and the second bracket are both cylindrical structures. The first bracket is coaxially arranged inside the second bracket, and a part of the lens is fixedly installed inside the first bracket.

4. The camera according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking mechanisms are provided in a plurality of groups, and the plurality of locking mechanisms are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the lens.

5. The camera according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first bracket is spaced apart from the second bracket, and a plurality of second driving members are connected between the first bracket and the second bracket, a first end of the second driving member is connected to the first bracket, and a second end of the second driving member is connected to the second bracket, and the second driving member can deform and drive the first bracket to reciprocate relative to the second bracket along the optical axis direction of the lens.

6. The camera according to claim 5, characterized in that: The camera also includes a shell, the first bracket and the second bracket are both installed inside the shell, and the second bracket is fixedly connected to the shell; along the optical axis direction of the lens, the shell has a first side wall, and the first side wall has a first opening, and a part of the lens can pass through the first opening and move back and forth between the inside of the shell and the outside of the shell.

7. The camera according to claim 6, characterized in that: The housing has a second side wall along the optical axis direction of the lens, the second side wall is arranged opposite to the first side wall, the second side wall is provided with a second opening, and a filter element is installed in the second opening; Along the optical axis direction of the lens, the projection of the lens and the projection of the filter element at least partially overlap.

8. The camera according to claim 7, characterized in that: An imaging sensor is arranged on a side of the filter element away from the lens.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises the camera as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images