Lens assembly and camera module

Abstract

The application discloses a lens assembly and a camera module, wherein the lens assembly comprises an outer lens group, a focusing lens group, an inner lens group, at least two SMA driving pieces and a bearing part, the bearing part comprises a bearing ring and two extension arms integrally extended downward on opposite sides of the bearing ring respectively, and the bottom of the extension arm is drivingly connected to the SMA driving piece, the focusing lens group is arranged on the bearing ring, so that the focusing lens group is suspended between the outer lens group and the inner lens group by the bearing part, thereby reducing the overall volume of the camera module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to optical imaging devices, and more particularly to a lens assembly and a camera module. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, small camera devices equipped with imaging elements such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors have been increasingly incorporated into portable electronic devices. Furthermore, as portable electronic devices trend towards thinner and lighter designs, stringent requirements have been placed on the size of camera modules. Simultaneously, users have higher expectations for the imaging capabilities of camera modules; for example, users expect camera modules in portable electronic devices to have focusing capabilities to achieve better image quality. To achieve focusing capabilities, existing camera modules often employ a surrounding driver (e.g., a voice coil motor) outside the optical lens. This driver moves the optical lens along the optical axis to achieve focusing. However, because the driver surrounds the optical lens and has a complex structure and large size, the overall size of the camera module is large, failing to meet the configuration requirements of thinner and lighter electronic devices.

[0003] More importantly, existing camera modules that achieve focusing via drivers cannot be used to form front-facing camera modules in portable electronic devices. This forces portable electronic devices to use fixed-focus camera modules, meaning their front-facing camera modules lack focusing capabilities. Furthermore, as users increasingly demand higher screen-to-body ratios for portable electronic devices, the existing design principles of focusing-capable camera modules further limit their applicability to the front of portable electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a lens assembly and a camera module, wherein the lens assembly has a built-in focusing function, so that the camera module does not need to change the position and size of the entire lens assembly when focusing, that is, it does not affect the overall optical length of the lens assembly, thereby facilitating the reduction of the height of the camera module and achieving miniaturization of the camera module.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a lens assembly and a camera module, wherein at least two SMA drive plates drive a focusing lens group to move along the optical axis direction via a carrier portion on the outer side of the bottom end of an inner lens group. In this way, the arrangement of the SMA drive plates does not require a large amount of length, width and height space of the camera module, thereby helping to reduce the length and width dimensions and the height dimension of the camera module.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a lens assembly and a camera module, wherein the carrier is an integral drive platform consisting of a focusing carrier and a connector, which helps to eliminate the problem of unbalanced driving force caused by the independent provision of driving force by these SMA drive plates, thereby avoiding deviation in the movement of the focusing lens group.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a lens assembly and a camera module, wherein the SMA drive plate and the carrier arm of the focusing carrier are located on different sides of the inner lens group, which is beneficial to achieving a narrow edge of the lens assembly so that the length and width dimensions of the camera module meet the assembly requirements of electronic devices.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a lens assembly and a camera module, wherein the multiple SMA drive plates operate in different states so that each corner of the connector can have a different lifting height, thereby achieving tilt stabilization of the camera module.

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

[0010] At least two SMA driver chips;

[0011] An outer lens group;

[0012] A group of focusing lenses;

[0013] An inner lens group, wherein the outer lens group, the focusing lens group, and the inner lens group are arranged sequentially along the optical axis, wherein each SMA drive plate is respectively disposed on the outer side of the bottom end of the inner lens group; and

[0014] A carrier portion, wherein the bottom of the carrier portion is drivably connected to each of the SMA drive plates, wherein the focusing lens group is mounted on the carrier portion to suspend the focusing lens group between the outer lens group and the inner lens group by the carrier portion.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carrier includes a connector and a focusing carrier, wherein the connector surrounds the bottom outer side of the inner lens group and is drivably connected to each of the SMA drive plates, wherein the focusing carrier includes a carrier ring and two carrier arms, each of the carrier arms extending downward integrally from opposite sides of the carrier ring to and being fixed to the connector, wherein the focusing lens group is mounted on the carrier ring.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of SMA drive plates is two, with one SMA drive plate respectively provided on each side of a pair of opposite sides of the connector.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of SMA drive plates is four, with two SMA drive plates respectively provided on each side of a pair of opposite sides of the connector.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the different operating states of each of the SMA drive plates allow for different lifting heights at each corner of the connector.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lens assembly further includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a shell and a base, the shell having a shell channel and the base having a base channel, the shell and the base being mounted to each other to form a focusing space between the shell and the base, wherein the outer lens group is disposed on the shell and the outer lens group corresponds to the shell channel of the shell, the inner lens group is disposed on the base and the inner lens group corresponds to the base channel of the base, wherein each of the SMA drive pieces is disposed on the base, and the focusing lens group and the carrier are movably held in the focusing space of the housing.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the base is rectangular and has a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides, each of the SMA drive plates is disposed on each of the short sides of the base, and each of the carrier arms of the focusing carrier is located on each of the long sides of the base.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the base is rectangular and has a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides, each of the SMA drive pieces is disposed on each of the short sides of the base, and each of the carrier arms of the focusing carrier is located on each of the short sides of the base.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the base is rectangular and has a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides, each of the SMA drive plates is respectively disposed on each of the long sides of the base, and each of the carrier arms of the focusing carrier is respectively located on each of the long sides of the base.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner lens group has a chamfered edge, the chamfered edge of the inner lens group corresponding to the long side of the base.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention further provides a camera module, which includes a photosensitive component and a lens assembly disposed on the photosensitive component, wherein the lens assembly includes:

[0025] At least two SMA driver chips;

[0026] An outer lens group;

[0027] A group of focusing lenses;

[0028] An inner lens group, wherein the outer lens group, the focusing lens group, and the inner lens group are arranged sequentially along the optical axis, wherein each SMA drive plate is respectively disposed on the outer side of the bottom end of the inner lens group; and

[0029] A carrier portion, wherein the bottom of the carrier portion is drivably connected to each of the SMA drive plates, wherein the focusing lens group is mounted on the carrier portion to suspend the focusing lens group between the outer lens group and the inner lens group by the carrier portion. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a camera module in different states according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a lens assembly of the camera module according to the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3A and Figure 3B These are exploded schematic diagrams of the lens assembly of the camera module according to the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention from different perspectives.

[0033] Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are cross-sectional schematic diagrams showing different positions of the lens assembly of the camera module according to the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5A and Figure 5BThese are exploded schematic diagrams from different perspectives of a lens assembly of another preferred embodiment of the camera module according to the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6A and Figure 6B These are cross-sectional schematic diagrams showing different positions of the lens assembly of the camera module according to the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7A and Figure 7B These are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of a camera module in different states according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Refer to Figures 1 to 12 in the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual. Figure 4B A camera module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed and described in the following description, wherein the camera module includes a photosensitive element 100 and a lens assembly 20 disposed on the photosensitive element 100.

[0040] Specifically, see the attached document. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The photosensitive assembly 10 includes a circuit board 11, a photosensitive chip 12, at least one set of leads 13, and a lens mount 14. The photosensitive chip 12 has a photosensitive area 121 and a non-photosensitive area 122 surrounding the photosensitive area 121, and is mounted on the circuit board 11. The opposite ends of the leads 13 are respectively connected to the chip pads 123 of the photosensitive chip 12 and the board pads 111 of the circuit board 11, thus electrically connecting the photosensitive chip 12 and the circuit board 11. The lens mount 14 has a light-transmitting hole 141, wherein the lens mount 14 is disposed on the circuit board 11, and the photosensitive area 121 of the photosensitive chip 12 corresponds to the light-transmitting hole 141 of the lens mount 14, thus allowing light to pass through the light-transmitting hole 141 of the lens mount 14 and reach the photosensitive area 121 of the photosensitive chip 12.

[0041] It is worth mentioning that the manner in which the lens mount 14 is disposed on the circuit board 11 is not limited in the camera module of the present invention. For example, in the appendix Figure 4A and Figure 4B In this specific example of the camera module shown, the lens mount 14 is integrally formed on the non-photosensitive area 122 of the circuit board 11 and the photosensitive chip 12, and the light-transmitting hole 141 of the lens mount 14 is formed simultaneously with the formation of the lens mount 14. Thus, on the one hand, no adhesive layer is needed between the lens mount 14 and the circuit board 11, thereby reducing the height of the camera module; on the other hand, the lens mount 14 can strengthen the circuit board 11 to ensure its flatness; furthermore, the lens mount 14 can embed the lead wire 13 to ensure the reliability of the connection between the lead wire 13 and the chip pad 123 of the photosensitive chip 12, and the reliability of the connection between the lead wire 13 and the board pad 111 of the circuit board 11.

[0042] Optionally, in some other specific examples of the camera module of the present invention, the lens mount 14 is integrally formed on the circuit board 11, and the light-transmitting hole 141 of the lens mount 14 is formed at the same time as the lens mount 14 is formed, so that there is an appropriate distance between the lens mount 14 and the non-photosensitive area 121 of the photosensitive chip 12.

[0043] Alternatively, in some other specific examples of the camera module of the present invention, the lens mount 14 is a prefabricated part, wherein the lens mount 14 is mounted on the circuit board 11.

[0044] Further, please refer to the appendix. Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe photosensitive component 10 includes at least one electronic component 15, which may be, but is not limited to, a resistor, a capacitor, a processor, etc., wherein the electronic component 15 is mounted on the circuit board 11, and the lens mount 14 embeds the electronic component 15.

[0045] Further, please refer to the appendix. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The photosensitive component 10 includes a filter 16, which may be, but is not limited to, an infrared cut-off filter. The filter 16 is attached to the top surface of the lens mount 14 to maintain the photosensitive path of the filter 16 to the photosensitive chip 12.

[0046] Preferably, the top surface of the lens mount 14 has an inner top surface 142 and an outer top surface 143. The inner top surface 142 surrounds the top opening of the light-transmitting hole 141, and the outer top surface 143 surrounds the inner top surface 142, with the outer top surface 143 being higher than the inner top surface 142. The filter 16 is attached to the inner top surface 142 of the lens mount 14 to reduce the height of the filter 16, thereby reducing the back focus of the camera module. The lens assembly 20 is attached to the outer top surface 143 of the lens mount 14 to maintain the light-sensing path of the lens assembly 20 to the photosensitive chip 12, so that incident light can reach the photosensitive chip 12 after passing through the lens assembly 20, the filter 16, and the light-transmitting hole 141 of the lens mount 14 in sequence, allowing the photosensitive chip 12 to perform photoelectric conversion for imaging.

[0047] The lens assembly 20 of the camera module of the present invention has a built-in focusing function. In this way, on the one hand, the camera module has a focusing function, which helps to improve the imaging quality of the camera module. On the other hand, the camera module does not need to change the position and size of the entire lens assembly 20 when focusing, that is, the optical length of the lens assembly 20 is not affected, thereby helping to reduce the height of the camera module and achieve miniaturization of the camera module.

[0048] Specifically, refer to Figures 1 to 12. Figure 4B The lens assembly 20 includes an outer lens group 21, a focusing lens group 22, and an inner lens group 23. The outer lens group 21, the focusing lens group 22, and the inner lens group 23 are arranged sequentially along the optical axis to allow incident light to reach the photosensitive chip 12 after passing through the outer lens group 21, the focusing lens group 22, and the inner lens group 23 of the lens assembly 20 in sequence and through the filter 16 of the photosensitive assembly 10. Subsequently, the photosensitive chip 12 can perform photoelectric conversion to form an image.

[0049] During the focusing process of the camera module, the position of the outer lens group 21 of the lens assembly 20 relative to the photosensitive chip 12 and the position of the inner lens group 23 relative to the photosensitive chip 12 remain unchanged. The focusing lens group 22 of the lens assembly 20 is driven to move along the optical axis to change the position of the focusing lens group 22 relative to the outer lens group 21, the inner lens group 23 and the photosensitive chip 12.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 1 to... Figure 4B The lens assembly 20 includes a housing 24, which further includes a housing 241, a base 242, and a focusing space 243. The housing 241 has a housing channel 2411, on which the outer lens group 21 is disposed, and the housing channel 2411 corresponds to the outer lens group 21. The base 242 has a base channel 2421, on which the inner lens group 23 is disposed, and the base channel 2421 corresponds to the inner lens group 23. The base 242 and the housing 241 are mounted to each other to form the focusing space 243 between the base 242 and the housing 241, wherein the focusing lens group 22 is drivably suspended between the outer lens group 21 and the inner lens group 23 within the focusing space 243 of the housing 24, thus the lens assembly 20 incorporates a focusing function.

[0051] It is worth mentioning that the mounting method of the housing 241 and the base 242 is not limited in the camera module of the present invention. For example, the housing 241 and the base 242 can be installed by interlocking with each other, or the housing 241 and the base 242 can be glued together.

[0052] Preferably, the outer lens group 21 is disposed on the outside of the housing 241. Since the outer lens group 21 is small in size, the lens assembly 20 can adopt a "small head" design. Thus, when the camera module is used as a front-facing camera module of an electronic device, the outer lens group 21 of the lens assembly 20 can be closer to the opening of the screen of the electronic device, which is beneficial for the camera module to obtain a larger field of view and light transmission, thereby improving the imaging quality of the camera module.

[0053] It is worth mentioning that the manner in which the outer lens group 21 is disposed on the outside of the housing 241 is not limited in the camera module of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments of the camera module of the present invention, the outer lens group 21 can be directly attached to the outer surface of the housing 241 to dispose the outer lens group 21 on the outside of the housing 241. (See Figures 1 to 2010) Figure 4B In this specific example of the camera module shown, the lens assembly 20 further includes a lens carrier 25, which is fixed to the housing 241 and extends through the housing channel 2411 of the housing 241 to the outside of the housing 241, wherein the outer lens group 21 is attached to the lens carrier 25, thus positioning the outer lens group 21 on the outside of the housing 241.

[0054] Specifically, the lens carrier 25 includes a frame-shaped carrier fixing element 251, at least one carrier arm 252, and at least one platform 253. Each carrier arm 252 extends integrally inward from the carrier fixing element 251, and each platform 253 extends integrally upward from each carrier arm 252. The carrier fixing element 251 of the lens carrier 25 is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 241, thereby holding the carrier fixing element 251 in the focusing space 243 of the housing 24. Each platform 253 extends through the housing channel 2411 of the housing 241 to the outer side of the housing 241, wherein the outer lens group 21 is attached to each platform 253 of the lens carrier 25, thus setting the outer lens group 21 on the outer side of the housing 241 via the lens carrier 25.

[0055] More specifically, the lens carrier 25 includes two carrier arms 252 and two platforms 253. The two carrier arms 252 extend symmetrically from the carrier fixing element 251 in an integral inward manner. Correspondingly, the two platforms 253 extend upward integrally from each carrier arm 252, so that the two platforms 253 are symmetrical to each other. In this way, the platforms 253 can support the outer lens group 21 on opposite sides of the outer lens group 21.

[0056] Furthermore, the outer lens group 21 includes an outer lens barrel 211 and at least one outer lens element 212 mounted on the outer lens barrel 211. The end face of the outer lens barrel 211 of the outer lens group 21 can be attached to each of the stages 253 of the lens carrier 25 using adhesives such as glue. Preferably, there is a gap between the end face of the outer lens barrel 211 of the outer lens group 21 and each of the stages 253 of the lens carrier 25 to allow space for active calibration of the assembly position of the outer lens group 21 during assembly. After active calibration, the gap is filled with adhesives such as glue to fix the outer lens group 21 and the lens carrier 25 and enhance the sealing of the lens assembly 20, thereby preventing dust and other contaminants from entering the interior of the lens assembly 20.

[0057] Continue to refer to Figure 1 to... Figure 4B The inner lens group 23 is held in the focusing space 243 of the housing 24 to prevent the inner lens group 23 from protruding from the base 242, so that the base 242 of the housing 24 can be directly attached to the outer side 143 of the top surface of the lens mount 14 to set the lens assembly 20 on the photosensitive assembly 10.

[0058] It is worth mentioning that the manner in which the inner lens group 23 is disposed on the base 242 so that the inner lens group 23 is held in the focusing space 243 of the housing 24 is not limited in the camera module of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments of the camera module of the present invention, the inner lens group 23 may be directly attached to the top surface of the base 242 (the surface of the base 242 facing the focusing space 243) to hold the inner lens group 23 in the focusing space 243 of the housing 24. (See Figures 1 to...) Figure 4B In this specific example of the camera module shown, the inner lens group 23 is attached to the bottom surface of the base 242 (the surface of the base 242 for attachment to the outer side 143 of the top surface of the lens mount 14) after passing through the base channel 2421 of the base 242, in order to keep the inner lens group 23 in the focusing space 243 of the housing 24.

[0059] Specifically, the inner lens group 23 includes an inner lens barrel 231 and at least one inner lens 232 mounted on the inner lens barrel 231. The bottom end of the inner lens barrel 231 (the end of the inner lens barrel 231 near the photosensitive component 10) is provided with at least one boss 2311. After the top end of the inner lens group 23 (the end of the inner lens barrel 231 away from the photosensitive component 10) passes through the base channel 2421 of the base 242, the boss 2311 of the inner lens barrel 231 is attached to the bottom surface of the base 242, thus maintaining the inner lens group 23 in the focusing space 243 of the housing 24.

[0060] Preferably, the base 242 has a base groove 2422, which is concave from the bottom surface to the top surface of the base 242 and surrounds the base channel 2421. The boss 2311 of the inner lens barrel 231 of the inner lens group 23 is held in the base groove 2422 of the base 242 to reduce the height of the boss 2311 protruding from the bottom surface of the base 242, thereby facilitating the direct attachment of the base 242 to the outer side 143 of the top surface of the lens mount 14.

[0061] In Figure 1 to Figure 4B In this specific example of the camera module of the present invention shown, after the top of the inner lens group 23 passes through the base channel 2421 of the base 242, the boss 2311 of the inner lens barrel 231 can be attached to the bottom surface of the base 242 and held in the base groove 2422 of the base 242 by an adhesive such as glue. The adhesive can both fix the calibrated inner lens group 23 and fill the gap formed between the inner lens barrel 231 and the base 242 to enhance the sealing of the lens assembly 20, thereby preventing dust and other contaminants from entering the interior of the lens assembly 20.

[0062] Continue to refer to Figure 1 to... Figure 4B The focusing lens group 22 further includes a focusing lens barrel 221 and at least one focusing lens 222 mounted on the focusing lens barrel 221. The outer lens 212 of the outer lens group 21, the focusing lens 222 of the focusing lens group 22, and the inner lens 232 of the inner lens group 23 form a complete optical system. As the position of the focusing lens group 22 relative to the outer lens group 21 and the inner lens group 23 changes, the focal position of the optical system changes to achieve focusing of the camera module.

[0063] Continue to refer to Figure 1 to... Figure 4BThe lens assembly 20 further includes at least two SMA drive plates 26 and a support portion 27, wherein each SMA drive plate 26 is disposed on the outer side of the bottom end of the inner lens group 23, and the focusing lens group 22 is disposed on the support portion 27. The bottom of the support portion 27 is drivably connected to each SMA drive plate 26, and the support portion 27 is used to suspend the focusing lens group 22 between the outer lens group 21 and the inner lens group 23. Each SMA drive plate 26 can drive the focusing lens group 22 to move along the optical axis between the outer lens group 21 and the inner lens group 23 via the support portion 27 to achieve focusing of the camera module.

[0064] In other words, in the camera module of the present invention, each SMA drive piece 26 is recessed to the outer side of the bottom end of the inner lens group 23, so that the SMA drive piece 26 drives the support portion 27 on the outer side of the bottom end of the inner lens group 23, and the support portion 27 drives the focusing lens group 22 to move along the optical axis between the outer lens group 21 and the inner lens group 23. This helps to reduce the length, width and height space of the camera module occupied by the SMA drive piece 26, thereby reducing the length and width dimensions of the camera module and reducing the height dimension of the camera module.

[0065] Specifically, in Figures 1 to 12 Figure 4B In this specific example of the camera module shown, there are two SMA drive plates 26. The two SMA drive plates 26 are disposed on opposite sides of the base channel 2421 of the base 242 on the bottom surface of the base 242. This allows the two SMA drive plates 26 to be respectively disposed on the outer side of the bottom end of the inner lens group 23, providing driving force to opposite sides of the support portion 27, ensuring that the driving force on opposite sides of the support portion 27 is consistent, thereby preventing the movement of the focusing lens group 22 from deviating from the optical axis direction. Preferably, the two SMA drive plates 26 are electrically connected to the circuit board 11, so that the circuit board 11 supplies power to the SMA drive plates 26 to provide driving force.

[0066] Continue to refer to Figure 1 to... Figure 4BThe support portion 27 includes a connector 271 and a focusing carrier 272, wherein the connector 271 surrounds the outer side of the bottom end of the inner lens group 23 and is drivably connected to each of the SMA drive pieces 26, wherein the focusing carrier 272 further includes a carrier ring 2721 and two carrier arms 2722, each of the carrier arms 2722 extending downward integrally from opposite sides of the carrier ring 2721 and being fixed to the connector 271, wherein the focusing lens group 22 is mounted on the carrier ring 2721 of the focusing carrier 272, such that the support portion 27 is used to suspend the focusing lens group 22 between the outer lens group 21 and the inner lens group 23. Furthermore, when each of the SMA drive pieces 26 is energized to provide driving force, the driving force drives the connector 271 of the carrier 27 and the focusing carrier 272 to move the focusing lens group 22 along the optical axis between the outer lens group 21 and the inner lens group 23, thereby realizing the focusing of the camera module.

[0067] Since the two SMA drive plates 26 of the lens assembly 20 are independent of each other and each SMA drive plate 26 provides driving force independently, the driving force provided by the two SMA drive plates 26 is not exactly the same. In order to avoid the problem of tilting of the focusing lens group 22 during movement caused by the driving force provided by the two SMA drive plates 26, the lens assembly 20 provides a connector 271 between the two SMA drive plates 26 and the two carrier arms 2722 of the focusing lens 272. In this way, the driving force provided independently by the two SMA drive plates 26 is first transmitted from the connector 271 to the two carrier arms 2722 of the focusing carrier 272, and then from the two carrier arms 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 to the carrier ring 2721 and the focusing lens group 22. This can eliminate the problem of unbalanced driving force caused by the independent driving force provided by the two SMA drive plates 26.

[0068] In other words, the connector 271 of the support portion 27 and the focusing carrier 272 actually form a complete component to provide an integrated driving platform, which helps to prevent the focusing lens 22 from deflecting when it is driven between the outer lens group 21 and the inner lens group 23. At the same time, the connector 271 can synthesize the driving force provided by the two independent SMA drive plates 26, and use the synthesized driving force to drive the focusing lens group 22 to move along the optical axis, thereby helping to eliminate the problem of driving force imbalance caused by the two SMA drive plates 26 independently providing driving force.

[0069] Therefore, it can be understood that one of the functions of the connector 271 of the carrier 27 is that the connector 271 and the focusing carrier 272 form an integral driving platform to balance the driving force provided independently by the two SMA driving plates 26, thereby ensuring that the movement direction of the focusing lens group 22 is the optical axis direction.

[0070] It is worth mentioning that the focusing lens barrel 221 of the focusing lens group 22 and the carrier ring 2721 of the focusing carrier 272 can be fixed together with adhesives such as glue, thus installing the focusing lens barrel 221 of the focusing lens group 22 onto the carrier ring 2721 of the focusing carrier 272. Preferably, there is a gap between the focusing lens barrel 221 of the focusing lens group 22 and the carrier ring 2721 of the focusing carrier 272, so that there is space to actively calibrate the assembly position of the focusing lens group 22 during assembly. After the active calibration is completed, the adhesives such as glue used to pre-fix the focusing lens group 22 and the carrier ring 2721 of the focusing carrier 272 are cured, so that the focusing lens group 22 can be fixedly installed onto the carrier ring 2721 of the focusing carrier 272.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 1 to... Figure 4B The base 242 of the housing 24 of the lens assembly 20 of the present invention is rectangular, the base 242 having a pair of short sides 2423 and a pair of long sides 2424, wherein each of the SMA drive plates 26 is disposed on each of the short sides 2423 of the base 242, and each of the carrier arms 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 extends from each of the long sides 2424 of the base 242 to and is fixed to the connector 271, so that the connector 271 is held between the focusing carrier 272 and the SMA drive plate 26, such that the SMA drive plate 26 and the carrier arms 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 are located on adjacent sides of the inner lens group 23, so that the lens assembly 20 can achieve a narrow bezel so that the length and width dimensions of the camera module meet the configuration requirements of the electronic device, while eliminating the problem of unbalanced driving force caused by the two SMA drive plates 26 independently providing driving force.

[0072] Therefore, it can be understood that one of the functions of the connector 271 of the carrier 27 is to allow the SMA drive plate 26 and the carrier arm 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 to be located on the adjacent side of the inner lens group 23, thereby realizing the narrow edge of the lens assembly 20.

[0073] Preferably, the inner lens barrel 231 of the inner lens group 23 has a chamfered edge 2312, which corresponds to the long side 2424 of the base 242. Accordingly, the inner lens 232 of the inner lens group 23 is a D-CUT lens, which helps to reduce the width of the camera module.

[0074] Optionally, in other embodiments of the camera module of the present invention, each of the SMA drive plates 26 is disposed on each of the short sides 2423 of the base 242, and each of the carrier arms 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 extends to and is mounted on the connector 271 from each of the short sides 2423 of the base 242, thereby reducing the width space occupied by the support portion 27 and further reducing the width dimension of the lens assembly 20. In other words, in these specific examples of the camera module of the present invention, the SMA drive plates 26 and the carrier arms 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 are located on the same side of the inner lens group 23.

[0075] Optionally, in other embodiments of the camera module of the present invention, each of the SMA drive plates 26 is disposed on each of the long sides 2424 of the base 242, and each of the carrier arms 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 extends from each of the long sides 2424 of the base 242 to and is mounted on the connector 271, thereby reducing the length space occupied by the support portion 27 and further reducing the length dimension of the lens assembly 20. It is also understood that in these embodiments of the camera module, the camera module may be square or substantially square. In other words, in these specific examples of the camera module of the present invention, the SMA drive plates 26 and the carrier arms 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 are located on the same side of the inner lens group 23.

[0076] Continue to refer to Figure 1 to... Figure 4B The number of focusing lenses 222 in the focusing lens group 22 is less than the number of outer lenses 212 in the outer lens group 21 and the number of inner lenses 232 in the inner lens group 23, so that the camera module can reduce the driving force required for the two SMA drive plates 26.

[0077] For example, in Figures 1 to 12 Figure 4BIn this specific example of the camera module shown, the number of outer lens 212 of the outer lens group 21 and the number of inner lens 232 of the inner lens group 23 are both three, and the number of focusing lens 222 of the focusing lens group 22 is one. In this way, the two SMA drive plates 26 can drive the focusing lens group 22 to move along the optical axis direction through the carrier 27 with a small driving force.

[0078] Optionally, in other specific examples of the camera module of the present invention, the number of the outer lens 212 of the outer lens group 21 and the number of the inner lens 232 of the inner lens group 23 are both two, and the number of the focusing lens 222 of the focusing lens group 22 is one. In this way, the two SMA drive plates 26 can drive the focusing lens group 22 to move along the optical axis direction through the carrier 27 with a small driving force.

[0079] Optionally, in other specific examples of the camera module of the present invention, the focusing lens group 22 may consist of only one focusing lens 222, that is, the focusing lens group 22 may omit the focusing lens barrel 221, and the focusing lens 222 is directly attached to the carrier ring 2722 of the focusing carrier 272. In this way, the two SMA drive plates 26 can drive the focusing lens group 22 to move along the optical axis direction through the carrier part 27 with a small driving force. Preferably, in order to reduce stray light, the peripheral, top, and bottom edges of the focusing lens 222 may be blackened or coated with a black film.

[0080] Appendix Figures 5A to 6B A modified example of the camera module is shown, in conjunction with Figures 1 to 12. Figure 4B Unlike the camera module shown, the attached... Figures 5A to 6B In this specific example of the camera module shown, the lens assembly 20 includes four SMA drive plates 26, which are respectively disposed on the top surface of the base 242 of the housing 24 at the four corners. The four corners of the connector 271 of the support portion 27 are drivably connected to the four SMA drive plates 26. Thus, the four SMA drive plates 26 can cooperate with each other to suspend the focusing lens group 22 between the outer lens group 21 and the inner lens group 23 via the support portion 27, and drive the focusing lens group 22 to move along the optical axis. In this way, on the one hand, the camera module can reduce the driving force requirement for each SMA drive plate 26, and on the other hand, it is beneficial to further eliminate the problem of uneven driving force caused by the four SMA drive plates 26 independently providing driving force.

[0081] Preferably, the four SMA drive plates 26 can have different working states, so that the four corners of the connector 271 of the support part 27 have different lifting heights, which in turn manifests as the tilt of the focusing lens group 22 to achieve tilt stabilization of the camera module.

[0082] Preferably, four SMA drive plates 26 are respectively disposed on each of the short sides 2423 of the base 242, and each carrier arm 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 extends to and is fixed to the connector 271 on each of the long sides 2424 of the base 242. This allows the lens assembly 20 to achieve a narrow bezel, ensuring that the length and width dimensions of the camera module meet the configuration requirements of the electronic device. Simultaneously, it eliminates the problem of unbalanced driving force caused by two SMA drive plates 26 independently providing driving force. In other words, each of the short sides 2423 of the base 242 is provided with two SMA drive plates 26.

[0083] Appendix Figure 7A and Figure 7B A modified example of the camera module is shown, in conjunction with Figures 1 to 12. Figure 4B Unlike the camera module shown, the attached... Figure 7A and Figure 7B In this specific example of the camera module shown, each of the SMA drive plates 26 is disposed on the end face of the inner lens barrel 231 of the inner lens group 23, and the end face of the focusing lens barrel 221 of the focusing lens group 22 is drivably mounted on the SMA drive plate 26. Thus, each of the SMA drive plates 26 is directly disposed between the focusing lens group 22 and the inner lens group 23, so that the focusing lens group 22 is suspended between the outer lens group 21 and the inner lens group 23 by each of the SMA drive plates 26 and the focusing lens group 22 is driven to move along the optical axis.

[0084] By directly placing each SMA drive piece 26 between the focusing lens group 22 and the inner lens group 23, the camera module can avoid the SMA drive piece 26 occupying the length and width space of the camera module, thereby helping to reduce the length and width size of the camera module.

[0085] Meanwhile, the SMA drive plate 26 of the lens assembly of the present invention is a sheet structure with a relatively thin thickness. Furthermore, a gap needs to be reserved between the focusing lens group 22 and the inner lens group 23 to avoid collision between them during focusing. Thus, even if each SMA drive plate 26 is directly placed between the focusing lens group 22 and the inner lens group 23, the height of the camera module does not need to be increased, which is beneficial for controlling the height of the camera module.

[0086] Furthermore, it is understood that by directly setting each of the SMA drive pieces 26 between the focusing lens group 22 and the inner lens group 23, the camera module can eliminate the support portion 27, which helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the camera module, improve the reliability of the camera module, and further reduce the size of the camera module.

[0087] Additionally, Figures 1 to 12 Figure 4B The assembly process of the lens assembly 20 of the camera module shown is as follows.

[0088] Step S1: Secure the inner lens group 23 to the base 242. Specifically, first, allow the top end of the inner lens group 23 to pass through the base channel 2421 of the base 242. Second, use adhesive to bond the boss 2311 of the inner lens barrel 231 of the inner lens group 23 to the bottom surface of the base 242, so that the boss 2311 of the inner lens barrel 231 is held in the base groove 2422 of the base 242.

[0089] Step S2: The bottom of the carrier arm 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 and the connector 271 are fixedly connected. It is worth noting that the method of fixing the bottom of the carrier arm 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 and the connector 271 is not limited in the camera module of the present invention. For example, the bottom of the carrier arm 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 and the connector 271 can be fixed by adhesive bonding.

[0090] Step S3: Pre-fix the focusing lens barrel 221 of the focusing lens group 22 to the carrier ring 2721 of the focusing carrier 272. For example, the focusing lens barrel 221 of the focusing lens group 22 can be pre-fixed to the carrier ring 2721 of the focusing carrier 272 using uncured adhesive. The adhesive can be a UV adhesive, thermosetting adhesive, or UV thermosetting adhesive, etc., which is suitable for curing by visible light, ultraviolet light, baking, etc.

[0091] It is worth mentioning that the order of steps S2 and S3 is not limited. For example, the focusing lens barrel 221 of the focusing lens group 22 can be pre-fixed to the carrier ring 2721 of the focusing carrier 272 first, and then the bottom of the carrier arm 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 and the connector 271 can be fixedly connected.

[0092] Alternatively, steps S2 and S3 can be performed before step S1, thereby first assembling the focusing lens group 22, the focusing carrier 272, and the connector 271, and then assembling the inner lens group 23 and the base 242.

[0093] Step S4: The SMA drive plate 26 is positioned between the base 242 and the connector 271. In one assembly example of the lens assembly 20 of the camera module of the present invention, the SMA drive plate 26 is first fixedly positioned on the base 242, and then the connector 271 is drivably connected to the SMA drive plate 26 to position the SMA drive plate 26 between the base 242 and the connector 271. In another assembly example of the lens assembly 20 of the camera module of the present invention, the connector 271 is first drivably connected to the SMA drive plate 26, and then the SMA drive plate 26 is fixedly positioned on the base 242 to position the SMA drive plate 26 between the base 242 and the connector 271.

[0094] It is understood that after performing step S4, the focusing lens group 22 and the inner lens group 23 are arranged along the optical axis so that the focusing lens group 22 and the inner lens group 23 can form an optical system for imaging.

[0095] Step S5: Actively calibrate the focusing lens group 22. Specifically, firstly, the calibration photosensitive component is powered on so that light passing through the focusing lens group 22 and the inner lens group 23 reaches the sensing chip of the calibration photosensitive component to form an image; secondly, the image algorithm determines the adjustment amount based on the image quality; thirdly, the position of the focusing lens group 22 relative to the inner lens group 23 is adjusted in at least one direction (X, Y, Z axis directions and rotation directions around X, Y, Z axes) according to the adjustment amount, so that the image quality (mainly including optical parameters such as peak value, field curvature, and astigmatism) reaches the target value, thereby completing the active calibration of the focusing lens group 22.

[0096] Step S6: Fix the focusing lens barrel 221 of the focusing lens group 22 and the carrier ring 2721 of the focusing carrier 272 with adhesive so that the position of the focusing lens group 22 is fixed in the position after active calibration.

[0097] Step S7: Take the housing 241 with the lens carrier 25 assembled on it, and assemble the housing 241 on the base 242, and form the focusing space 243 between the housing 241 and the base 242. At this time, the focusing lens group 22 corresponds to the housing channel 2411 of the housing 241 in the focusing space 243.

[0098] In step S8, the outer lens group 21 is captured and pre-fixed to the stage 253 of the lens carrier 25. For example, the outer lens group 21 can be pre-fixed to the stage 253 of the lens carrier 25 using uncured adhesive. It is understood that in step S8, the outer lens group 21, the focusing lens group 22, and the inner lens group 23 are arranged along the optical axis so that they can form an optical system for imaging.

[0099] Step S9: Actively calibrate the outer lens group 21. Specifically, firstly, the calibration photosensitive component is powered on so that light passing through the outer lens group 21, the focusing lens group 22, and the inner lens group 23 reaches the sensing chip of the calibration photosensitive component to form an image; secondly, the image algorithm determines the adjustment amount based on the image quality; thirdly, the position of the outer lens group 21 relative to the focusing lens group 22 is adjusted in at least one direction (X, Y, Z axis directions and rotation directions around the X, Y, Z axes) according to the adjustment amount, so that the image quality (mainly including optical parameters such as peak value, field curvature, and astigmatism) reaches the target value, thereby completing the active calibration of the outer lens group 21.

[0100] In step S10, the outer lens barrel 211 of the outer lens group 21 and the stage 251 of the lens carrier 25 are fixed with adhesive, and the adhesive is used to fill the gap formed between the outer lens barrel 211 of the outer lens group 21 and the stage 251 of the lens carrier 25, as well as to fill the gap formed between the outer lens barrel 211 of the outer lens group 21 and the housing 241.

[0101] The camera module is assembled through steps S1 to S10.

[0102] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a method for assembling the lens assembly 20, wherein the assembly method includes the following steps:

[0103] (a) At least two of the SMA drive plates 26 are fixedly disposed on the base 242 and the support portion 27 is drivably disposed on each of the SMA drive plates 26, so that the focusing lens group 22 disposed on the support portion 27 is suspended above the inner lens group 23 disposed on the base 242.

[0104] (b) The housing 241 and the base 242 are mounted in such a manner that the focusing space 243 is formed between the housing 241 and the base 242, so as to allow the support 27 and the focusing lens group 22 to be movably held in the focusing space 23; and

[0105] (c) The outer lens group 21 is disposed on the housing 242 such that the outer lens group 21, the focusing lens group 22 and the inner lens group 23 are arranged sequentially along the optical axis to assemble the lens assembly 20.

[0106] Preferably, in step (a), the connector 271 of the carrier portion 27 is drivably connected to each of the SMA drive pieces 26, and the two carrier arms 2722 of the focusing carrier 272 of the carrier portion 27 extend downward to and are fixed to the connector 271.

[0107] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a focusing method for a camera module, wherein the focusing method includes the following steps:

[0108] (A) Allowing at least two of the SMA drive plates 26 to drive the connector 271 below the connector 271 so that the connector 271 provides driving force; and

[0109] (B) The driving force provided by the connector 271 is allowed to be transmitted through the two carrier arms 272 of the focusing carrier 27 to the carrier ring 2721 of the focusing carrier 272 and the focusing lens group 22 mounted on the carrier ring 2721, so as to drive the focusing lens group 22 to move along the optical axis relative to the outer lens group 21 and the inner lens group 23 to achieve focusing of the camera module.

[0110] Optionally, in step (A), the two SMA plates 26 drive the connector 271 on opposite sides of the connector 271, respectively.

[0111] Optionally, in step (A), the four SMA drive plates 26 drive the connector 271 at the four corners of the connector 271, respectively. Preferably, the four SMA drive plates 26 operate in different states, allowing each corner of the connector 271 to have a different lifting height, thereby achieving tilt stabilization of the camera module.

[0112] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are merely examples, and features of different embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain implementation methods that are readily conceivable according to the content disclosed in the present invention but are not explicitly shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0113] 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 lens assembly, characterized in that, include: At least two SMA driver chips; An outer lens group; A group of focusing lenses; An inner lens group, wherein the outer lens group, the focusing lens group, and the inner lens group are arranged sequentially along the optical axis, wherein each SMA drive plate is respectively disposed on the outer side of the bottom end of the inner lens group; and A carrier portion, wherein the bottom of the carrier portion is drivably connected to each of the SMA drive plates, wherein the focusing lens group is mounted on the carrier portion to suspend the focusing lens group between the outer lens group and the inner lens group by the carrier portion, wherein the SMA drive plates drive the focusing lens group to move through the carrier portion, wherein the carrier portion includes a connector and a focusing carrier, wherein the connector surrounds the outer side of the bottom end of the inner lens group and is drivably connected to each of the SMA drive plates, wherein the focusing carrier includes a carrier ring and two carrier arms, each carrier arm extending integrally downward from opposite sides of the carrier ring to and being fixed to the connector, wherein the focusing lens group is mounted on the carrier ring, wherein the connector has a continuous structure surrounding the inner lens group.

2. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein the number of SMA drive plates is two, and one SMA drive plate is respectively provided on each side of a pair of opposite sides of the connector.

3. The lens assembly according to claim 1, wherein the number of SMA drive plates is four, and two of the SMA drive plates are respectively provided on each side of a pair of opposite sides of the connector.

4. The lens assembly of claim 3, wherein the different operating states of each of the SMA drive plates allow for different lifting heights at each corner of the connector.

5. The lens assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a housing, wherein the housing includes a shell and a base, the shell having a shell channel, the base having a base channel, the shell and the base being mounted to each other to form a focusing space between the shell and the base, wherein the outer lens group is disposed on the shell and the outer lens group corresponds to the shell channel of the shell, the inner lens group is disposed on the base and the inner lens group corresponds to the base channel of the base, wherein each of the SMA drive pieces is disposed on the base, and the focusing lens group and the carrier are movably held in the focusing space of the housing.

6. The lens assembly of claim 5, wherein the base is rectangular and has a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides, each of the SMA drive pieces is disposed on each of the short sides of the base, and each of the carrier arms of the focusing carrier is located on each of the long sides of the base.

7. The lens assembly of claim 5, wherein the base is rectangular and has a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides, each of the SMA drive pieces is disposed on each of the short sides of the base, and each of the carrier arms of the focusing carrier is located on each of the short sides of the base.

8. The lens assembly of claim 5, wherein the base is rectangular and has a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides, each of the SMA drive pieces is disposed on each of the long sides of the base, and each of the carrier arms of the focusing carrier is located on each of the long sides of the base.

9. The lens assembly of claim 6, wherein the inner lens group has a chamfered edge, the chamfered edge of the inner lens group corresponding to the long side of the base.

10. A camera module, characterized in that, include: One photosensitive component; and The lens assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lens assembly is disposed on the photosensitive assembly.

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