Electrostatic variable aperture and camera module and method of controlling light intake of camera module

Abstract

This invention discloses an electrostatic variable aperture and a camera module, as well as a method for controlling the amount of light entering the camera module. The camera module includes an optical lens, a photosensitive component, and an electrostatic variable aperture. The optical lens is disposed in the photosensitive path of the photosensitive component. The electrostatic variable aperture is disposed outside the optical lens and includes at least one set of blades and a light-entry channel with a variable area. Each blade in the set of blades is arranged around the optical axis of the camera module to define the light-entry channel. The inner end of each blade in the set of blades is allowed to bend upwards or downwards to adjust the area of ​​the light-entry channel. This controls the amount of light entering the camera module, thereby adjusting the brightness and depth of field of the image captured by the camera module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an optical imaging device, and more particularly to an electrostatic variable aperture and a camera module, as well as a method for controlling the amount of light entering the camera module. Background Technology

[0002] The trend towards thinner and lighter portable electronic devices has placed stringent demands on the size of camera modules, a standard feature of these devices. Simultaneously, as users demand higher image quality from portable electronic devices, the requirements for image quality in camera modules are also increasing. Understandably, the image quality of a camera module is affected by many factors, such as pixel size and variable aperture. Existing variable apertures in camera modules employ mechanical structures made of multiple metal plates or aperture gratings. Through complex mechanical movements or overlapping, they control the area of ​​light blocking, thereby adjusting the amount of light entering the camera. For example, an iris-type variable aperture consists of a circular structure with a central hole, composed of multiple overlapping, arc-shaped thin metal plates. Mechanically manipulating the opening and closing of these metal plates changes the diameter of the central hole, allowing light to pass through and enter the camera module's lens, thus controlling the amount of light entering the camera. Inevitably, on the one hand, the iris-type variable aperture has a complex mechanical structure, and on the other hand, space needs to be reserved for the movement of the mechanical structure. Therefore, the iris-type variable aperture requires a large space in the camera module, which prevents the size of the camera module from being further reduced. Consequently, the camera module cannot meet the needs of thinner and lighter portable electronic devices. In order to adapt to the development trend of thinner and lighter portable electronic devices, the size of the camera module must be strictly controlled. This forces the camera module to abandon the variable aperture structure, thus making it impossible for the camera module to adjust the brightness and depth of field of the captured image by controlling the amount of light entering the camera, and even more impossible to produce the image effect of background blur. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic variable aperture and a camera module, and a method for controlling the amount of light entering the camera module, wherein the camera module uses the electrostatic force generated between electrodes as a driving force to change the area of ​​a light-entry channel of the electrostatic variable aperture, thereby eliminating the need for the driving mechanism used in the prior art to drive the aperture to change its state, thereby reducing costs and saving space, and reducing the size of the camera module.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic variable aperture and a camera module, and a method for controlling the amount of light entering the camera module, wherein the electrostatic variable aperture provides at least one set of blades, each blade in the set being arranged around the optical axis of the camera module to define the light-entry channel, wherein based on the principle of tip discharge, the inner end of each blade in the set is allowed to bend upward or downward to change the area of ​​the light-entry channel, thereby controlling the amount of light entering the camera module to adjust the brightness and depth of field of the image captured by the camera module.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic variable aperture and a camera module, as well as a method for controlling the amount of light entering the camera module, wherein, based on the principle of tip discharge, the amplitude of the upward or downward bending deformation of the inner end of each blade of the blade group can be precisely controlled, thereby precisely controlling the amount of light entering the camera module, which is beneficial to improving the overall performance and imaging quality of the camera module.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic variable aperture and a camera module, and a method for controlling the amount of light entering the camera module, wherein the electrostatic variable aperture provides two blade groups arranged in a double row to facilitate control of the amount of light entering the camera module.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic variable aperture and a camera module, and a method for controlling the amount of light entering the camera module, wherein the camera module provides an outer fixing ring and a light-transmitting inner fixing ring, the outer fixing ring being used to fix the outer end of each blade of the outer blade group, and the inner fixing ring being used to fix the outer end of each blade of the inner blade group, such that the camera module only allows the inner ends of these blades to bend upward or downward to adjust the area of ​​the light-entry channel, while the setting of the inner fixing ring does not affect the amount of light entering.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic variable aperture and a camera module, and a method for controlling the amount of light entering the camera module, wherein the height dimension of the outer fixing ring is greater than the height dimension of the inner fixing ring, so as to ensure that the inner end of each blade of the outer blade group bends downward.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a camera module is provided, comprising:

[0010] A lens assembly, wherein the lens assembly includes an optical lens;

[0011] A photosensitive assembly, wherein the optical lens is disposed in the photosensitive path of the photosensitive assembly; and

[0012] An electrostatic variable aperture is provided, wherein the electrostatic variable aperture is disposed on the outside of the optical lens, wherein the electrostatic variable aperture further includes at least one blade group and a light-entry channel having a variable area, wherein each blade in the blade group is disposed around the optical axis of the camera module to define the light-entry channel by the blade group, and the inner end of each blade in the blade group is allowed to bend upward or downward to adjust the area of ​​the light-entry channel.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each blade in the blade assembly is a conductor and has a pointed tip at its inner end, wherein the lens assembly further includes at least one lens electrode disposed on the end face of the optical lens, wherein the blade assembly is suspended on the end face of the optical lens and the inner end of each blade in the blade assembly corresponds to the lens electrode.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module further includes at least one fixing ring, the bottom end of the fixing ring being disposed on the end face of the optical lens, and the outer end of each blade in the blade group being disposed on the top end of the fixing ring.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrostatic variable aperture includes two blade groups, namely an outer blade group and an inner blade group, wherein each blade in the outer blade group and each blade in the inner blade group are respectively arranged around the optical axis of the camera module.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes two fixing rings, namely an outer fixing ring and a light-transmitting inner fixing ring, the outer fixing ring and the inner fixing ring being concentrically disposed on the end face of the optical lens, wherein the electrostatic variable aperture includes two blade groups, namely an outer blade group and an inner blade group, the outer end of each blade in the outer blade group being disposed on the outer fixing ring, and the outer end of each blade in the inner blade group being disposed on the inner fixing ring.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the height position of the outer blade group is higher than that of the inner blade group.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer blade group and the inner blade group are flush.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the projection of the outer blade group onto the plane containing the photosensitive surface of a photosensitive chip of the photosensitive assembly and the projection of the inner blade group onto the plane containing the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip have an overlapping portion.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner end of any one blade in the outer blade group extends between the outer ends of two adjacent blades in the inner blade group, and the outer end of any one blade in the inner blade group extends between the inner ends of two adjacent blades in the outer blade group.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each blade in the blade group is rhomboid in shape.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each blade of the blade assembly has an inwardly concave arc on opposite sides of its inner end.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each blade of the blade assembly has an inwardly concave arc on opposite sides of its inner end and an outwardly convex arc on opposite sides of its outer end.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a method for controlling the amount of light entering a camera module, wherein the method for controlling the amount of light entering includes the following steps:

[0025] (a) A variable-area light-gathering channel is defined by at least one set of blades; and

[0026] (b) When a positive or negative charge is applied to each blade of the blade assembly and a lens electrode located below the inner end of each blade, the inner end of each blade of the blade assembly is bent upward to increase the area of ​​the light-gathering channel, so that more light is allowed to pass through the light-gathering channel and reach a photosensitive chip through an optical lens of the camera module; or when a positive or negative charge is applied to each blade of the blade assembly and a negative or positive charge is applied to the lens electrode, the inner end of each blade of the blade assembly is bent downward to increase the area of ​​the light-gathering channel, so that more light is allowed to pass through the light-gathering channel and reach the photosensitive chip through the optical lens of the camera module.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in step (a), the light-gathering channel is defined by two blade groups, namely an outer blade group and an inner blade group, wherein light passing through the gap formed between adjacent blades of the outer blade group enters the optical lens after being allowed to pass through a light-transmitting inner fixing ring for supporting the inner blade group. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a camera module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the camera module according to the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified diagram of a local location.

[0031] Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are cross-sectional schematic diagrams showing different states of the camera module according to the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a modified example of the camera module according to the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged diagram of a local location

[0034] Figure 7A and Figure 7B These are cross-sectional schematic diagrams showing different states of the camera module according to the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Before detailing any embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following figures. The invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and variations thereof is intended to cover the items set forth below and their equivalents, as well as any additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “installation,” “connection,” “support,” and “linkage,” and variations thereof are used broadly and cover both direct and indirect installation, connection, support, and linking. Moreover, “connection” and “linkage” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or links.

[0036] Furthermore, firstly, in the disclosure of this invention, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting this invention. Secondly, the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more," that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element can be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element can be multiple. The term "a" should not be construed as a limitation on the quantity.

[0037] Refer to the accompanying drawings of the specification of this invention. Figures 1 to 4B A camera module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be disclosed and described in the following description, wherein the camera module includes a photosensitive component 10, a lens component 20 and an electrostatic variable aperture 30.

[0038] Specifically, the photosensitive assembly 10 includes a circuit board 11 and a photosensitive chip 12, with the photosensitive chip 12 connected to the circuit board 11. Preferably, the photosensitive assembly 10 further includes a lens mount 13, which is disposed on the circuit board 11 and surrounds the photosensitive chip 12. Thus, the photosensitive area of ​​the photosensitive chip 12 corresponds to a light path 131 defined by the lens mount 13, allowing incident light to reach the photosensitive chip 12 after passing through the light path 131 of the lens mount 13.

[0039] It is worth mentioning that the way the photosensitive chip 12 is connected to the circuit board 11 is not limited. For example, in the attached... Figures 1 to 4B In this specific example of the camera module shown, after the back of the photosensitive chip 12 is mounted on the front of the circuit board 11, a connecting wire 14 connects the pads of the photosensitive chip 12 and the pads of the circuit board 11 to achieve the connection between the photosensitive chip 12 and the circuit board 11. Optionally, when the front of the photosensitive chip 12 is mounted on the back of the circuit board 11, the pads of the photosensitive chip 12 and the pads of the circuit board 11 can be directly soldered to achieve the connection between the photosensitive chip 12 and the circuit board 11. In this case, the photosensitive area of ​​the photosensitive chip 12 corresponds to the reserved light-perforation hole of the circuit board 11.

[0040] It is worth mentioning that the manner in which the mirror mount 13 is disposed on the circuit board 11 is not limited. For example, in the attached... Figures 1 to 4BIn this specific example of the camera module shown, the lens mount 13 is integrally formed with a portion of the non-photosensitive area of ​​the circuit board 11 and the photosensitive chip 12 during the molding process, and the lens mount 13 forms the light channel 131 during the molding process to allow the photosensitive area of ​​the photosensitive chip 12 to correspond to the light channel 131. Optionally, the lens mount 13 is integrally formed only with the circuit board 11 during the molding process, while simultaneously forming the light channel 131, wherein the photosensitive chip 12 is allowed to be mounted to the circuit board 11 via the light channel 131 of the lens mount 13. Optionally, the lens mount 13 is a prefabricated part, and after the photosensitive chip 12 is mounted to the circuit board 11, the lens mount 13 is adhered to the circuit board 11 by an adhesive such as glue, and the photosensitive area of ​​the photosensitive chip 12 corresponds to the light channel 131 of the lens mount 13.

[0041] In addition, please continue to refer to the appendix. Figures 1 to 4B The photosensitive component 10 includes at least one electronic component 15, which may be, but is not limited to, a resistor, capacitor, processor, driver, etc., wherein the electronic component 15 is mounted on the circuit board 11 and the electronic component 15 can be embedded in the lens mount 13.

[0042] In addition, please continue to refer to the appendix. Figures 1 to 4B The photosensitive assembly 10 includes a filter holder 16 and a filter 17 mounted on the filter holder 16. The filter 17 may be, but is not limited to, an infrared cut-off filter. The filter holder 16 is mounted on the inner side of the top surface of the lens mount 13, and the filter 17 is held in the photosensitive path of the photosensitive chip 12, so that incident light, after being filtered by the filter 17, can reach the photosensitive chip 12 through the light channel 131 of the lens mount 13. Optionally, the photosensitive assembly 10 may omit the filter holder 16 and instead directly mount the filter 17 to the lens mount 13.

[0043] Continue to refer to the appendix Figures 1 to 4B The lens assembly 20 includes an optical lens 21, wherein the optical lens 21 is held in the light-sensing path of the photosensitive chip 12 of the photosensitive assembly 10, such that the incident light, after being converged by the optical lens 21, can pass sequentially through the light channel 131 of the filter 17 and the lens mount 13 to reach the photosensitive chip 12.

[0044] Furthermore, the lens assembly 20 includes a lens carrier 22, on which the optical lens 21 is disposed. The lens carrier 22 is disposed outside the top surface of the lens mount 13 of the photosensitive assembly 10, thereby maintaining the optical lens 21 in the light-sensing path of the photosensitive chip 12. For example, the lens carrier 22 can be adhered to the top surface of the lens mount 13 using an adhesive such as glue. It is understood that in embodiments where the photosensitive assembly 10 of the camera module is not configured with the lens mount 13, the lens carrier 22 can be disposed on the circuit board 11 of the photosensitive assembly 10.

[0045] It is worth noting that the type of the lens carrier 22 is not limited. For example, in some feasible examples, the lens carrier 22 is a lens support, and after the camera module is assembled, the relative positions of the optical lens 21 and the photosensitive chip 12 remain unchanged, thus forming a fixed-focus camera module. In other feasible examples, the lens carrier 22 includes a drive motor, such as a voice coil motor or an image stabilization motor, and after the camera module is assembled, the relative positions of the optical lens 21 and the photosensitive chip 12 can be adjusted to form a dynamic focus camera module or an image stabilization camera module.

[0046] Continue to refer to the appendix Figures 1 to 4B The electrostatic variable aperture 30 is disposed on the outside of the optical lens 21 to control the amount of light entering the camera module, thereby adjusting the brightness and depth of field of the image captured by the camera module.

[0047] Specifically, the electrostatic variable aperture 30 includes at least one blade group 31 and a light-entry channel 32 with a variable area. Each blade of the blade group 31 is arranged around the optical axis of the camera module to define the light-entry channel 32. Each blade of the blade group 31 has an outer end 311 and an inner end 312 corresponding to the outer end 311. The inner end 312 of each blade in the blade group 31 is allowed to bend upward or downward to change the area of ​​the light-entry channel 32. In this way, the amount of light entering the camera module through the light-entry channel 32 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30 can be controlled, thereby adjusting the brightness and depth of field of the image captured by the camera module.

[0048] More specifically, each blade in the blade group 31 is a conductor, and the inner end 312 of each blade in the blade group 31 has a sharp point. The electrostatic variable aperture 30 further includes at least one blade electrode group 33, with each blade electrode in the blade electrode group 33 disposed at the outer end 311 of each blade in the blade group 31. Thus, when a power excitation is applied to each blade in the blade group 31 via each blade electrode in the blade electrode group 33, charge can be concentrated at the inner end 312 of each blade in the blade group 31. It can be understood that, under the same charge and surrounding environment for each blade in the blade group 31, the sharper the tip of the inner end 312 of each blade in the blade group 31, and the greater the curvature of the blade at the inner end 312, the higher the charge density of the blade at the inner end 312, making the tip effect more pronounced.

[0049] The lens assembly 20 further includes at least one lens electrode 23, which is disposed on the end face of the optical lens 21, wherein the blade group 31 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30 is suspended on the end face of the optical lens 21, and the inner end 312 of each blade in the blade group 31 corresponds to the lens electrode 23 in a spaced manner.

[0050] Firstly, when a positive charge is applied to each blade in the blade group 31 through each blade electrode in the blade electrode group 33, and a positive charge is applied to the lens electrode 23 at the same time, based on the principle of tip discharge and the principle of like charges repulsion, the inner end 312 of each blade in the blade group 31 can be bent and deformed upward to change the area of ​​the light-gathering channel 33 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30, thereby adjusting the brightness and depth of field of the image captured by the camera module;

[0051] Secondly, when negative charges are applied to each blade in the blade group 31 through each blade electrode in the blade electrode group 33, and negative charges are applied to the lens electrode 23 at the same time, based on the principle of tip discharge and the principle of like charges repulsion, the inner end 312 of each blade in the blade group 31 can be bent and deformed upward to change the area of ​​the light-gathering channel 33 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30, thereby adjusting the brightness and depth of field of the image captured by the camera module;

[0052] Thirdly, when a positive charge is applied to each blade in the blade group 31 through each blade electrode in the blade electrode group 33, and a negative charge is applied to the lens electrode 23 at the same time, based on the principle of tip discharge and the principle of attraction between opposite charges, the inner end 312 of each blade in the blade group 31 can be bent and deformed downward to change the area of ​​the light-gathering channel 33 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30, thereby adjusting the brightness and depth of field of the image captured by the camera module;

[0053] Fourthly, when negative charges are applied to each blade in the blade group 31 through each blade electrode in the blade electrode group 33, and positive charges are applied to the lens electrode 23 at the same time, based on the principle of tip discharge and the principle of attraction between opposite charges, the inner end 312 of each blade in the blade group 31 can be bent and deformed downward to change the area of ​​the light-entry channel 33 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30, thereby adjusting the brightness and depth of field of the image captured by the camera module.

[0054] Furthermore, by controlling the power supply excitation, for example by controlling the voltage applied to the blade electrode group 33 and the lens electrode 23, the amplitude of the upward or downward bending deformation of the inner end of each blade of the blade group 31 can be precisely controlled, thereby precisely controlling the amount of light entering the camera module, which is beneficial to improving the overall performance and imaging quality of the camera module.

[0055] Preferably, each blade in the blade group 31 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30 is rhomboid in shape, such that the outer end 311 and the inner end 312 of each blade in the blade group 31 have a pointed tip.

[0056] Preferably, each blade in the blade group 31 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30 has the same shape and size, and each blade in the blade group 31 is centrally symmetrical about the optical axis of the camera module, so as to ensure that the optical axis of the camera module passes through the center of the light-entry channel 32 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30. In this way, light can enter the camera module uniformly through the light-entry channel 32 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30, so as to ensure the imaging quality of the camera module.

[0057] Continue to refer to the appendix Figures 1 to 4B The camera module further includes at least one fixing ring 40, the fixing ring 40 having a bottom end 41 and a top end 42 corresponding to the bottom end 41, wherein the bottom end 41 of the fixing ring 40 is disposed on the end face of the optical lens 21, and the outer end 311 of each blade in the blade group 31 is disposed on the top end 42 of the fixing ring 40, thereby keeping the blade group 31 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30 suspended on the end face of the optical lens 21.

[0058] Preferably, the height of the fixing ring 40 is greater than 1 / 2 of the length of each blade of the blade group 31. In this way, when the inner end 312 of each blade of the blade group 31 is allowed to bend downward, each blade of the blade group 31 will not touch the end face of the optical lens 21, thus allowing the blade to have sufficient deformation space.

[0059] Preferably, the thickness of the fixing ring 40 is less than 1 / 2 of the length of each blade of the blade group 31, so that the fixing ring 40 will not affect the deformation of the inner end 312 of each blade of the blade group 31.

[0060] Furthermore, the camera module further includes a light-transmitting element 50, which is disposed on the lens carrier 22 and held in the light-sensing path of the photosensitive chip 12. The distance between the blade group 31 and the light-transmitting element 50 is greater than 1 / 2 the length of each blade of the blade group 31. Thus, when the inner end 312 of each blade of the blade group 31 is allowed to bend upward, each blade of the blade group 31 will not touch the light-transmitting element 50, allowing the blade to have sufficient deformation space.

[0061] In the appendix Figures 1 to 4B In this specific example of the camera module of the present invention, the electrostatic variable aperture 30 includes two blade groups 31 and two blade electrode groups 33. The two blade groups 31 are an outer blade group 31a and an inner blade group 31b located inside the outer blade group 31a. Each blade in the outer blade group 31a and each blade in the inner blade group 31b are respectively arranged around the optical axis of the camera module so that the outer blade group 31a and the inner blade group 31b jointly define the light-gathering channel 32 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30. The two blade electrode groups 33 are an outer blade electrode group 33a and an inner blade electrode group 33b. Each blade electrode in the outer blade electrode group 33a is respectively disposed at the outer end 311 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a, and each blade electrode in the inner blade electrode group 33b is respectively disposed at the outer end 311 of each blade in the inner blade group 31b.

[0062] Accordingly, the lens assembly 20 includes two lens electrodes 23, namely an outer lens electrode 23a and an inner lens electrode 23b located inside the outer lens electrode 23a. In other words, the outer lens electrode 23a and the inner lens electrode 23b are concentrically disposed on the end face of the optical lens 21.

[0063] The inner ends 312 of each blade in the outer lens electrode 23a and the outer blade group 31a are positioned apart and face each other, so that when the outer lens electrode 23a and the outer blade electrode group 33a are respectively powered, based on the principle of tip discharge and the principle of like poles repulsion (or the principle of tip discharge and the principle of opposite poles attraction), the inner ends 312 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a are allowed to bend upward or downward. Correspondingly, the inner ends 312 of each blade in the inner lens electrode 23b and the inner blade group 31b are positioned apart and face each other, so that when the inner lens electrode 23b and the inner blade electrode group 33b are respectively powered, based on the principle of tip discharge and the principle of like poles repulsion (or the principle of tip discharge and the principle of opposite poles attraction), the inner ends 312 of each blade in the inner blade group 31b are allowed to bend upward or downward.

[0064] Furthermore, the camera module includes two fixing rings 40, namely an outer fixing ring 40a and an inner fixing ring 40b located inside the outer fixing ring 40a, and the inner fixing ring 40b is light-transmitting. In other words, the outer fixing ring 40a and the light-transmitting inner fixing ring 40b are concentrically arranged on the end face of the optical lens 21.

[0065] At least a portion of the outer lens electrode 23a is located inside the outer fixing ring 40a, and the outer end 311 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a is respectively disposed at the top end 412 of the outer fixing ring 40a, so that the outer fixing ring 40a holds the outer blade group 31a suspended above the end face of the optical lens 21, and the outer end 311 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a and the outer lens electrode 23a are opposite each other in the air. Accordingly, at least a portion of the inner lens electrode 23b is located inside the inner fixing ring 40b, and the outer end 311 of each blade in the inner blade group 31b is respectively disposed at the top end 412 of the inner fixing ring 40b, so that the inner fixing ring 40b holds the inner blade group 31b suspended above the end face of the optical lens 21, and the inner end 312 of each blade in the inner blade group 31b and the inner lens electrode 23b are opposite each other in the air.

[0066] Preferably, the inner retaining ring 40b isolates the outer lens electrode 23a and the inner lens electrode 23b to prevent short circuits between them. For example, the outer lens electrode 23a is entirely located between the outer retaining ring 40a and the inner retaining ring 40b, and the inner lens electrode 23a is entirely located inside the inner retaining ring 40b, so that the inner retaining ring 40b isolates the outer lens electrode 23a and the inner lens electrode 23b.

[0067] It is worth mentioning that, in a preferred embodiment of the camera module of the present invention, the shape and size of the blades in the outer blade group 31a are the same as the shape and size of the blades in the inner blade group 31b, and the only difference between them is the distance relative to the optical axis of the camera module. In another preferred embodiment of the camera module of the present invention, the shape and / or size of the blades in the outer blade group 31a are different from the shape and / or size of the blades in the inner blade group 31b.

[0068] Preferably, from a top-down view, the projections of the outer blade group 31a onto the plane containing the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip 12 and the projections of the inner blade group 31b onto the plane containing the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip 12 overlap, thus ensuring that the area of ​​the light-gathering channel 32 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30 has a large variable range. In other words, the distance between the inner end 312 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a and the optical axis of the camera module is less than the distance between the outer end 311 of each blade in the inner blade group 31b and the optical axis of the camera module, so that the projections of the outer blade group 31a onto the plane containing the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip 12 and the projections of the inner blade group 31b onto the plane containing the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip 12 overlap.

[0069] Continue to refer to the appendix Figures 1 to 4BIn this specific example of the camera module of the present invention, the height of the outer fixing ring 40a is greater than the height of the inner fixing ring 40b. This results in the outer blade group 31a being at a higher height than the inner blade group 31b. Specifically, the vertical distance between the outer blade group 31a and the plane containing the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip 12 is greater than the vertical distance between the inner blade group 31b and the plane containing the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip 12. This allows for space above the inner blade group 31b for deformation of each blade in the outer blade group 31a. In other words, when the inner end 312 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a is allowed to bend downwards, the inner blade group 31b will not affect the deformation of the inner end 312 of each blade in the outer blade group 31b.

[0070] Optionally, in other examples of the camera module of the present invention, the height dimension of the outer fixing ring 40a is the same as the height dimension of the inner fixing ring 40b, so that the height position of the outer blade group 31a is consistent with the height position of the inner blade group 31b. In this case, in order to avoid interference between each blade in the outer blade group 31a and each blade in the inner blade group 31b when bending upward, the shape, size and number of each blade in the outer blade group 31a are consistent with the shape, size and number of each blade in the inner blade group 31b, and the inner end 312 of any blade in the outer blade group 31a extends to the space between the outer ends 312 of two adjacent blades in the inner blade group 31b. Correspondingly, the outer end 311 of any blade in the inner blade group 31b extends to the space between the inner ends 311 of two adjacent blades in the outer blade group 31a. Each blade electrode in the blade electrode group 33 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30 is electrically connected to the circuit board 11 of the photosensitive assembly 10, so that the camera module can apply power excitation to each blade electrode in the blade electrode group 33 through the circuit board 11. For example, firstly, each blade electrode in the blade electrode group 33 is connected by a wire, and secondly, the wire can extend downward through the gap between the fixing ring 40 and the lens carrier 22, and finally extend to and be electrically connected to the circuit board 11, thereby electrically connecting each blade electrode in the blade electrode group 33 and the circuit board 11 by means of a wire.

[0071] Optionally, in other examples of the camera module of the present invention, when the height of the outer fixing ring 40a and the height of the inner fixing ring 40b are the same, the inner end 312 of each blade of the outer blade group 31a may not extend above the inner fixing ring 40b, allowing the inner fixing ring 40b to avoid each blade of the outer blade group 31a. In other words, each blade of the outer blade group 31a and each blade of the inner blade group 31b are allowed to bend downwards to change the area of ​​the light-gathering channel 32 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30.

[0072] The lens electrode 23 of the lens assembly 20 is electrically connected to the circuit board of the photosensitive assembly 10, so that the camera module can apply power excitation to the lens electrode 23 through the circuit board 11. For example, the optical lens 21 includes a lens barrel 211 and a series of optical lenses 212 sequentially disposed on the lens barrel 211. By using LDS (Laser Direct Structuring) technology, the conductive circuit can be directly disposed on the surface of the lens barrel 211. Thus, the lens electrode 23 disposed on the surface of the lens barrel 211 can be directly electrically connected to the conductive circuit, and the conductive circuit can be electrically connected to the circuit board 11, thereby electrically connecting the lens electrode 23 and the circuit board 11 through the conductive circuit.

[0073] Reference Appendix Figure 4BWhen positive charges are applied to the outer blade group 31a and the inner blade group 31b through the outer blade electrode group 33a and the inner blade electrode group 33b respectively, and positive charges are also applied to the outer lens electrode 23a and the inner lens electrode 23b, based on the principle of tip discharge and the principle of like charges repulsion, the charges generated by electrostatic force will be concentrated at the tips of the inner ends 312 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a and the inner ends 312 of each blade in the inner blade group 31b respectively. At this time, the inner ends 312 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a and the inner blade group 31b will gradually rise and bend to increase the area of ​​the light-gathering channel 32 defined by the outer blade group 31a and the inner blade group 31b, thereby allowing more light to enter the camera module through the optical lens 21 and reach the photosensitive chip 12. In this state, the camera module has a larger aperture and a smaller depth of field, allowing it to capture images with a clear background. During this process, the inner fixing ring 40b supporting the inner blade group 31b is light-transmitting. Therefore, light passing through the gaps formed between adjacent blades of the outer blade group 31a can enter the optical lens 21 after passing through the inner fixing ring 40b. That is, the arrangement of the inner fixing ring 40b does not affect the amount of light entering the lens.

[0074] Correspondingly, when negative charges are applied to the outer blade group 31a and the inner blade group 31b respectively through the outer blade electrode group 33a and the inner blade electrode group 33b, and simultaneously to the outer lens electrode 23a and the inner lens electrode 23b, based on the principle of tip discharge and the principle of like charges repulsion, the inner end 312 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a and the inner end 312 of each blade in the inner blade group 31b will also bend and deform upward to increase the area of ​​the light-gathering channel 32.

[0075] It is worth mentioning that by controlling the voltage applied to the blade electrode group 33 and the lens electrode 23, the degree of upward or downward bending deformation of the inner end of each blade of the blade group 31 can be precisely controlled, thereby precisely controlling the amount of light entering the camera module, which is beneficial to improving the overall performance and imaging quality of the camera module.

[0076] Reference Appendix Figure 4AWhen positive charges are applied to the outer blade group 31a and the inner blade group 31b respectively through the outer blade electrode group 33a and the inner blade electrode group 33b, and negative charges are applied to the outer lens electrode 23a and the inner lens electrode 23b respectively, based on the principle of tip discharge and the principle of attraction between opposite charges, the charges generated by electrostatic force will be concentrated at the tips of the inner ends 312 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a and the inner ends 312 of each blade in the inner blade group 31b respectively. At this time, the inner ends 312 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a and the inner blade group 31b will gradually decrease and bend to increase the area of ​​the light-gathering channel 32 defined by the outer blade group 31a and the inner blade group 31b, thereby allowing more light to enter the camera module through the optical lens 21 and reach the photosensitive chip 12. In this state, the camera module has a larger aperture and a smaller depth of field, allowing it to capture images with a clear background. During this process, the inner fixing ring 40b supporting the inner blade group 31b is light-transmitting. Therefore, light passing through the gaps formed between adjacent blades of the outer blade group 31a can enter the optical lens 21 after passing through the inner fixing ring 40b. That is, the arrangement of the inner fixing ring 40b does not affect the amount of light entering the lens.

[0077] Correspondingly, when negative charges are applied to the outer blade group 31a and the inner blade group 31b respectively through the outer blade electrode group 33a and the inner blade electrode group 33b, and positive charges are applied to the outer lens electrode 23a and the inner lens electrode 23b, based on the principle of tip discharge and the principle of attraction between opposite poles, the inner end 312 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a and the inner end 312 of each blade in the inner blade group 31b will also bend and deform downward to increase the area of ​​the light-gathering channel 32.

[0078] Appendix Figures 5 to 7B A modified example of the camera module of the present invention is shown, with reference to the appendix. Figures 1 to 4B The difference between the camera module shown and the one in question is that, in the attached... Figures 5 to 7B In this specific example of the camera module shown, each blade in the blade group 31 is not rhomboid in shape.

[0079] Specifically, each blade of the blade assembly 31 has an inwardly concave arc shape on opposite sides of its inner end 312, which makes the inner end 312 of the blade sharper and thus has a more pronounced tip effect.

[0080] Preferably, in an embodiment where the electrostatic variable aperture 30 has two blade groups 31, the outer end 311 of each blade in the inner blade group 31b has an outwardly convex arc shape, so that the shape of the outer end 311 of each blade in the inner blade group 31b can match the shape of the inner end 312 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a. In this way, each blade in the outer blade group 31a and each blade in the inner blade group 31b can cooperate with each other to fill the annular structure of the electrostatic variable aperture 30. More preferably, the opposite sides of the outer end 311 of each blade in the outer blade group 31a have outwardly convex arc shapes.

[0081] In other words, by designing each blade in the outer blade group 31a and each blade in the inner blade group 31b such that the opposite sides of the outer end 311 of the blade have outwardly convex arcs and the opposite sides of the inner end 312 have outwardly concave arcs, when no power excitation is applied to the blade group 31, each blade in the outer blade group 31a and each blade in the inner blade group 31b can cooperate with each other to allow the blade group 31 to have a larger area. At this time, the light-gathering area 32 of the electrostatic variable aperture 30 is minimized, so the camera module can have a smaller aperture.

[0082] Furthermore, by designing each blade in the outer blade group 31a and each blade in the inner blade group 31b such that the opposite sides of the outer end 311 of the blade have outwardly convex arcs and the opposite sides of the inner end 312 have outwardly concave arcs, both the outer blade group 31a and the inner blade group 31b can have a greater number of blades. In this way, on the one hand, the aperture of the camera module has a larger adjustment range, and on the other hand, the aperture adjustment process of the camera module can be more precise.

[0083] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a method for controlling the amount of light entering a camera module, wherein the method for controlling the amount of light entering includes the following steps:

[0084] (a) The variable-area light-admission channel 32 is defined by at least one of the said blade groups 31; and

[0085] (b) When a positive or negative charge is applied to each blade of the blade group 31 and the lens electrode 23 located below the inner end 312 of each blade, the inner end 312 of each blade of the blade group 31 bends upward to increase the area of ​​the light-gathering channel 32, so that more light is allowed to pass through the light-gathering channel 32 and reach the photosensitive chip 12 via the optical lens 21 of the camera module; or when a positive or negative charge is applied to each blade of the blade group 31 and a negative or positive charge is applied to the lens electrode 23, the inner end 312 of each blade of the blade group 31 bends downward to increase the area of ​​the light-gathering channel 32, so that more light is allowed to pass through the light-gathering channel 32 and reach the photosensitive chip 12 via the optical lens 21 of the camera module.

[0086] Preferably, in step (a), the light-gathering channel 32 is defined by two blade groups 31, namely the outer blade group 31a and the inner blade group 31b. Light passing through the gap formed between adjacent blades of the outer blade group 31a enters the optical lens 21 after being allowed to pass through the light-transmitting inner fixing ring 40b that supports the inner blade group 31b. Thus, the arrangement of the inner fixing ring 40b does not affect the amount of light entering the lens.

[0087] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. The objectives of the present invention have been fully and effectively achieved. The functions and structural principles of the present invention have been demonstrated and explained in the embodiments, and any variations or modifications may be made to the implementation of the present invention without departing from the stated principles.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, include: A lens assembly, wherein the lens assembly includes an optical lens; A photosensitive assembly, wherein the optical lens is disposed in the photosensitive path of the photosensitive assembly; as well as An electrostatic variable aperture is provided, wherein the electrostatic variable aperture is disposed on the outer side of the optical lens, wherein the electrostatic variable aperture further includes at least one blade group and a light-entry channel having a variable area, each blade in the blade group is disposed around the optical axis of the camera module to define the light-entry channel by the blade group, the inner end of each blade in the blade group is allowed to bend upward or downward to adjust the area of ​​the light-entry channel, wherein each blade in the blade group is a conductor and the inner end of the blade has a pointed tip, wherein the lens assembly further includes at least one lens electrode disposed on the end face of the optical lens, wherein the blade group is suspended on the end face of the optical lens, and the inner end of each blade in the blade group corresponds to the lens electrode, wherein the electrostatic variable aperture includes two blade groups, namely an outer blade group and an inner blade group, each blade in the outer blade group and each blade in the inner blade group are disposed around the optical axis of the camera module.

2. The camera module according to claim 1 further includes at least one fixing ring, the bottom end of the fixing ring being disposed on the end face of the optical lens, and the outer end of each blade in the blade group being disposed on the top end of the fixing ring.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein the camera module includes two fixing rings, namely an outer fixing ring and a light-transmitting inner fixing ring, the outer fixing ring and the inner fixing ring being concentrically disposed on the end face of the optical lens, wherein the electrostatic variable aperture includes two blade groups, namely an outer blade group and an inner blade group, the outer end of each blade in the outer blade group being disposed on the outer fixing ring, and the outer end of each blade in the inner blade group being disposed on the inner fixing ring.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the height position of the outer blade group is higher than the height position of the inner blade group.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the outer blade group and the inner blade group are flush.

6. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein the projection of the outer blade group onto the plane containing the photosensitive surface of a photosensitive chip of the photosensitive component and the projection of the inner blade group onto the plane containing the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip have an overlapping portion.

7. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein the inner end of any one of the outer blades in the outer blade group extends between the outer ends of two adjacent blades in the inner blade group, and the outer end of any one of the inner blades in the inner blade group extends between the inner ends of two adjacent blades in the outer blade group.

8. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each blade in the blade group is rhomboid in shape.

9. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner ends of each blade of the blade group have inwardly concave curvature on opposite sides.

10. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein the inner ends of each blade of the blade group have inwardly concave arcs on opposite sides, and the outer ends have outwardly convex arcs on opposite sides.

11. A method for controlling the amount of light entering a camera module, characterized in that, The light intake control method includes the following steps: (a) A variable-area light-gathering channel is defined by at least one set of blades; and (b) When a positive or negative charge is applied to each blade of the blade group and a lens electrode located below the inner end of each blade, the inner end of each blade of the blade group is bent upward to increase the area of ​​the light-gathering channel, so that more light is allowed to pass through the light-gathering channel and reach a photosensitive chip through an optical lens of the camera module; or when a positive or negative charge is applied to each blade of the blade group and a negative or positive charge is applied to the lens electrode, the inner end of each blade of the blade group is bent downward to increase the area of ​​the light-gathering channel, so that more light is allowed to pass through the light-gathering channel and reach the photosensitive chip through the optical lens of the camera module, wherein in step (a), the light-gathering channel is defined by two blade groups, namely an outer blade group and an inner blade group, wherein light passing through the gap formed between adjacent blades of the outer blade group is allowed to pass through a light-transmitting inner fixing ring for supporting the inner blade group and enter the optical lens.

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