Camera modules and electronic devices

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of camera module technology to address the miniaturization problem of camera modules. Embodiments of the present application provide a camera module and an electronic device. The camera module includes a circuit board, an image sensor and a drive circuit located on the circuit board, an upper lens group and a lower lens group located on a side of the image sensor away from the circuit board, a connecting circuit located on the lower lens group, and an adjustable lens built between the upper lens group and the lower lens group. The adjustable lens is electrically connected to the drive circuit via the connecting circuit so that it deforms under the drive of the drive circuit, thereby adjusting the optical power of the camera module. The camera module has the advantage of a small volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of camera modules, and more specifically, to a camera module and an electronic device using the camera module. Background Art

[0002] The rapid development and widespread adoption of smart mobile devices has spawned numerous emerging industries, such as live streaming, vlogging, and short videos, which require fast and high-quality imaging. These industries place strong demands on smart devices, including fast autofocus (AF), miniaturized AF modules, extremely small screen apertures, and clear near- and far-focus images. Currently, common focus modules favor voice coil motors (VCMs), externally mounted adjustable lenses, and dual-camera modules due to manufacturing process capabilities and cost constraints. However, the complex structure, large size, poor mechanical reliability, and high assembly complexity of VCMs hinder module miniaturization and increase the risk of VCM failure due to strong magnetic interference. Externally mounted adjustable lenses increase overall lens height, have poor anti-static breakdown performance, and pose a high reliability risk, making them unsuitable for front-facing mobile device applications. Dual-camera modules, due to their poor focusing, slow focusing speed, large size, and high power consumption, undermine overall lightweight and low-power requirements. Furthermore, users are increasingly demanding hardware quality and safety in smart mobile devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, the present application provides a camera module, comprising:

[0004] circuit boards;

[0005] An image sensor and a driving circuit are located on a circuit board;

[0006] The upper lens group barrel and the lower lens group barrel are located on a side of the image sensor away from the circuit board;

[0007] Connecting circuit, located on the lower group barrel; and

[0008] The adjustable lens is built between the upper lens barrel and the lower lens barrel. The adjustable lens is electrically connected to the driving circuit through a connecting circuit so that it deforms under the drive of the driving circuit, thereby adjusting the optical focal length of the camera module.

[0009] Because the adjustable lens in the above-mentioned camera module is built between the upper and lower lens barrels, compared with existing voice coil motors, lens groups with external adjustable lenses, dual-camera modules and other structures, the module has a low overall height and a small volume, which reduces the difficulty of assembly and coordination, and meets the needs of miniaturization of the module and lightweighting of the entire machine. In addition, compared with the structure of the voice coil motor, it can also avoid the high risk of failure of the voice coil motor due to strong magnetic interference. In addition, the adjustable lens in the embodiment of the present application is electrically focused, and does not require a mechanical structure to drive it during the focusing process, resulting in fast focusing speed and low power consumption.

[0010] In some embodiments, the connecting circuit is embedded in the barrel wall of the lower group lens barrel. The connecting circuit is formed by an insert injection molding process. When completing the body molding of the lower group lens barrel, the connecting circuit and the assembling of the lower group lens barrel are completed synchronously, which is convenient for production and improves production efficiency. In addition, because the connecting circuit is embedded in the barrel wall of the lower group lens barrel, it is protected by the barrel wall of the lower group lens barrel, and the static electricity in the air can not affect the connecting circuit. Therefore, it is possible to avoid that the driving circuit and the adjustable lens lose efficacy, and improve camera module reliability and stability. In this case, only two energized circuits need to be made, so as to electrically connect the positive and negative poles of the adjustable lens respectively, without the need to additionally prepare the element for protecting against electrostatic breakdown.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connecting circuit is formed on the outer surface of the lower lens group barrel by laser direct structuring technology, that is, metal conductive lines (eg, gold lines) are directly plated on the outer surface of the lower lens group barrel by laser engraving technology.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connection circuit includes a first conductive scribe line and a second conductive scribe line spaced apart and insulated from each other. Opposite ends of the first conductive scribe line are electrically connected to the drive circuit and the positive electrode of the adjustable lens, respectively. Opposite ends of the second conductive scribe line are electrically connected to the drive circuit and the negative electrode of the adjustable lens, respectively. In this manner, the drive circuit can provide electrical energy (e.g., apply a linear voltage) to the adjustable lens via the first conductive scribe line and the second conductive scribe line, respectively, to cause the adjustable lens to change its optical power.

[0013] In some embodiments, the projections of the first and second conductive scribe lines on the circuit board each form a straight line segment. That is, the first and second conductive scribe lines have a linear layout. This eliminates the need for tortuous or complex routing of the first and second conductive scribe lines, ensuring simple and efficient LDS laser forming and stable operating voltage for the connecting circuit. This allows for rapid, automated production of metal conductive lines, improving overall production efficiency. Furthermore, the linear layout of the first and second conductive scribe lines avoids cluttered wiring compared to zigzag wiring arrangements, resulting in a more rational and efficient conductive layout.

[0014] In some embodiments, the camera module further includes an anti-static component to provide electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, preventing external static electricity from damaging components such as the adjustable lens. The anti-static component includes a grounding element electrically connected to the adjustable lens.

[0015] In some embodiments, the grounding element includes a ground wire formed on the outer surface of the lower lens group barrel using laser direct structuring technology. The ground wire electrically connects the adjustable lens and the drive circuit. The ground wire can be formed in any direction of the lower lens group barrel: front, back, left, or right.

[0016] In some embodiments, the projection of the ground line on the circuit board is a straight line segment. That is, the ground line is distributed in a straight line, which allows for rapid and automated production of metal conductive lines, improves overall production efficiency, avoids cluttered wires, and makes the conductive layout more reasonable and efficient.

[0017] In some embodiments, the grounding element comprises a capacitor, one end of which is grounded, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the tunable lens and the drive circuit. Specifically, one end of the capacitor is connected to a circuit board for grounding, and the other end of the capacitor is electrically connected to the tunable lens. The capacitor and the drive circuit are designed in parallel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the anti-static component includes insulating adhesive that covers the connecting circuit. The insulating adhesive can be selected from any one of low-viscosity transparent adhesive, low-viscosity fluorescent ultraviolet (UV) curable adhesive, and high-viscosity blue adhesive, or a combination thereof. Transparent insulating adhesive facilitates production line inspection, improves production efficiency, and effectively protects against electrostatic breakdown, thereby enhancing the reliability of the camera module.

[0019] In some embodiments, the camera module further includes a base formed on the circuit board through a molding process, the base covers the driving circuit, the base includes a light hole for allowing light to enter the image sensor, and the lower group lens barrel is mounted on the base.

[0020] In some embodiments, when the connection circuit includes first and second conductive scribe lines, the base includes a first groove and a second groove, each of which contains a conductive material. One end of the first conductive scribe line directly contacts the conductive material in the first groove and is electrically connected to the drive circuit via the conductive material in the first groove. One end of the second conductive scribe line directly contacts the conductive material in the second groove and is electrically connected to the drive circuit via the conductive material in the second groove. The conductive material may be, for example, but not limited to, conductive silver paste. In this manner, the drive circuit provides electrical energy (e.g., applying a linear voltage) to the adjustable lens via the conductive material in the first and second grooves, the first and second conductive scribe lines, and the second conductive scribe lines, thereby causing the adjustable lens to produce a change in optical power.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the grounding element includes a ground wire, the base includes a third groove, a conductive material is disposed in the third groove, one end of the ground wire is in direct contact with the conductive material in the third groove, and is electrically connected to the circuit board through the conductive material in the third groove. For example, the circuit board may be provided with a ground pad, and the ground wire is electrically connected to the ground pad through the conductive material in the third groove to achieve grounding.

[0022] In some embodiments, the camera module further includes a filter mounted on a side of the base away from the circuit board and positioned between the adjustable lens and the image sensor. Furthermore, the filter is positioned between the lower lens barrel and the image sensor. The filter is used to reduce the amount of red or infrared light entering the image sensor and suppress stray light, thereby improving image quality.

[0023] In some embodiments, the adjustable lens includes a transparent support layer, a transparent deformable layer, and a piezoelectric layer stacked in sequence. The piezoelectric layer is configured to deform the deformable layer when energized, thereby changing the radius of curvature of the adjustable lens's optical surface. Because the adjustable lens is electrically focused and does not require mechanical drive during focusing, it achieves rapid focusing and low power consumption.

[0024] In some embodiments, the camera module further includes a non-adjustable lens (also known as a conventional lens or a non-adjustable focus lens), which is built between the upper lens barrel and the lower lens barrel; the non-adjustable lens is located on the side of the adjustable lens close to the circuit board; or, the non-adjustable lens is located on the side of the adjustable lens away from the circuit board. The non-adjustable lens and the adjustable lens work together to achieve convergence or divergence of light. The number of non-adjustable lenses can be one or more. When there are multiple non-adjustable lenses, the adjustable lens can be the lens closest to the image sensor, the lens farthest from the image sensor, or located between two non-adjustable lenses.

[0025] A second aspect of the present application provides an electronic device comprising the camera module described in the first aspect. The electronic device, for example, is a mobile phone, a laptop computer, an automobile, a household robot, or the like, to achieve fast autofocus and low-power focusing. Furthermore, the camera module is not limited to use on the front or back of the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the middle camera module.

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the electrical connection between the adjustable lens and the connecting circuit.

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustable lens.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram when the anti-static component is a ground wire in an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 6FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present application in which the anti-static component is a capacitor.

[0032] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a driving circuit connected to a grounded capacitor in an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a simulation curve of the contact discharge electric field distribution when the camera module does not include the ground wire and the capacitor.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a comparison curve of the contact discharge electric field distribution simulation of the camera module with and without the ground wire, assuming that the anti-static component does not include capacitors.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a comparison curve of the contact discharge electric field distribution simulation of the camera module when the capacitor is included and when the capacitor is not included, under the premise that the anti-static component does not include the ground wire.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a comparison curve of the contact discharge electric field distribution simulation of the camera module when the capacitor is included and when the capacitor is not included, under the premise that the anti-static component includes a ground wire.

[0037] Figure 12 for Figure 10 and Figure 11 The parameter table of the capacitors is included in the simulation comparison.

[0038] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of connecting circuits inside the wall of the lower lens barrel in some other embodiments of the present application.

[0039] Description of main component symbols:

[0040] Camera module 100

[0041] Circuit board 10

[0042] Driving circuit 20

[0043] Image sensor 30

[0044] Base 40

[0045] First groove 41

[0046] Second groove 42

[0047] The third groove 43

[0048] Main body 44

[0049] Supporting portion 45

[0050] Light hole 46

[0051] Filter 50

[0052] Lower group tube 61

[0053] Connecting portion 611

[0054] Carrying portion 612

[0055] Accommodation tank 6121

[0056] Upper group tube 62

[0057] Connection circuit 70

[0058] First conductive scribe line 71

[0059] Second conductive scribe line 72

[0060] The third conductive scribe line 73

[0061] Ground 74

[0062] Adjustable lens 80

[0063] Support layer 81

[0064] Piezoelectric layer 82

[0065] Glass plate 83

[0066] First power supply 841

[0067] Second energizing member 842

[0068] First conductive member 851

[0069] The second conductive member 852

[0070] Non-adjustable lens 90

[0071] Capacitors C1 and C2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the first aspect of the embodiment of the present application provides a camera module, which aims to solve the technical problem of the existing technology that the adjustable lens is external and no electrostatic protection measures are taken or the protection measures are ineffective, resulting in poor fast focusing and anti-static interference capabilities, and simultaneously realize the front-end placement of the adjustable lens module to meet the need to reduce the thickness of mobile terminal components; so that it can achieve the goal of clear near and far focus in video live broadcast / selfie applications, and achieve miniaturization and low power consumption, thereby building Vlog competitiveness.

[0073] A second aspect of the embodiments of the present application further provides an electronic device comprising the camera module of the first aspect. The electronic device is, for example, a mobile phone. Furthermore, the camera module can also be applied to laptop computers, automobiles, household robots, and the like, achieving fast autofocus and low-power focusing. Because the adjustable lens in the camera module is located between the upper and lower lens barrels, the camera module has a low overall height, making it convenient for placement within the electronic device. Furthermore, the camera module can be used on both the front and back sides of the electronic device.

[0074] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0075] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the camera module 100 includes a circuit board 10, a base 40 located on the circuit board 10, a lower group lens barrel 61 located on the side of the base 40 away from the circuit board 10, and an upper group lens barrel 62 located on the side of the lower group lens barrel 61 away from the circuit board 10.

[0076] The lower lens barrel 61 includes a connecting portion 611 and a supporting portion 612 for supporting lenses (such as the adjustable and / or non-adjustable lenses described below). The connecting portion 611 and the supporting portion 612 are interconnected and may be integrally formed. The connecting portion 611 is generally rectangular and fixedly connected to the base 40. The outer contour of the supporting portion 612 is generally a circular boss. The supporting portion 612 is fixedly connected to the upper lens barrel 62.

[0077] A first conductive scale line 71, a second conductive scale line 72 and a third conductive scale line 73 are arranged at intervals on the outer surface of the lower group lens barrel 61, and each of the first conductive scale line 71, the second conductive scale line 72 and the third conductive scale line 73 extends directly from the outer surface of the supporting portion 612 to the connection between the connecting portion 611 and the base 40.

[0078] The base 40 has a portion extending beyond the lower lens barrel 61. In this portion, the base 40 includes a first groove 41, a second groove 42, and a third groove 43, which are respectively arranged corresponding to the first conductive scribe line 71, the second conductive scribe line 72, and the third conductive scribe line 73. The first groove 41, the second groove 42, and the third groove 43 all penetrate two opposite surfaces of the base 40 and expose the surface of the circuit board 10.

[0079] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the camera module. Figure 2As shown, the camera module 100 includes an image sensor 30 and a driving circuit 20 spaced apart on a circuit board 10, a filter 50 located between the lower lens barrel 61 and the image sensor 30, and an adjustable lens 80 located between the upper lens barrel 62 and the lower lens barrel 61. The supporting portion 612 of the lower lens barrel 61 includes a receiving groove 6121 recessed toward the connecting portion 611. The receiving groove 6121 is used to accommodate the adjustable lens 80.

[0080] The circuit board 10 can be a flexible circuit board, a rigid circuit board, or a rigid-flexible board. The image sensor 30 is a device that converts optical signals into electrical signals, for example, a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) photosensitive chip. The image sensor 30 is electrically connected to the circuit board 10, for example, via a wire. In addition, other electronic components (not shown) may also be mounted on the circuit board 10. Electronic components may be, for example, resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, potentiometers, relays, or drivers. The drive circuit 20 may be, for example, a driver integrated chip (driver IC). Furthermore, the circuit board 10 may also connect the camera module 100 to the mainboard of the electronic device, for example, electrically connecting the image sensor 30 and the adjustable lens 80 to the mainboard of the electronic device, so that the camera module 100 communicates with the mainboard of the electronic device. For example, the image sensor 30 forms an image under the control of the mainboard, and the adjustable lens 80 adjusts the focus under the control of the mainboard.

[0081] In some embodiments, the base 40 is formed on the circuit board 10 through a molding process. The base 40 encloses the driving circuit 20 and includes a light hole 46 for allowing light to enter the image sensor 30. The lower lens group 61 and the upper lens group 62 are located on the side of the image sensor 30 away from the circuit board 10. The lower lens group 61 is mounted on the base 40.

[0082] Specifically, the base 40 includes a main body 44 that is roughly rectangular and annular, and a supporting portion 45 that extends inward from the main body 44 (inward extension can be understood as extending toward the optical center of the camera module 100). The main body 44 is fixedly connected to the lower group lens barrel 61, and a side edge of the main body 44 has a portion that extends beyond the lower group lens barrel 61. A first groove 41, a second groove 42, and a third groove 43 are formed on the main body 44 and pass through two opposite surfaces of the main body 44. The supporting portion 45 is also roughly rectangular and annular. A light hole 46 is opened at the position of the base 40 corresponding to the image sensor 30 and is roughly rectangular. An L-shaped step is formed at the connection between the main body 44 and the supporting portion 45.

[0083] The filter 50 is used to reduce the amount of red light or infrared light entering the image sensor 30 and suppress stray light, thereby improving image quality. The filter 50 is roughly rectangular and is mounted on an L-shaped step on the base 40. The filter 50 is positioned between the adjustable lens 80 and the image sensor 30. Furthermore, the filter 50 is positioned between the lower lens barrel 61 and the image sensor 30. The L-shaped step facilitates quick assembly of the filter 50 with the base 40. Furthermore, the sidewalls of the step also serve to limit the position of the filter 50, ensuring the accuracy of its relative position to the image sensor 30.

[0084] The adjustable lens 80 is designed to deform upon power-up to adjust the focal length. The adjustable lens 80 is internally positioned between the upper lens barrel 62 and the lower lens barrel 61 and accommodated within the receiving groove 6121 of the lower lens barrel 61. The adjustable lens 80 is secured to the lower lens barrel 61 by gluing or interlocking, ensuring easy assembly of the adjustable lens 80 and image stability. Because the adjustable lens 80 is located between the upper lens barrel 62 and the lower lens barrel 61 in the camera module 100, the overall height of the camera module 100 is reduced, saving volume and facilitating its placement within an electronic device. Furthermore, compared to focusing methods using voice coil motors, this camera module 100 reduces structural complexity and assembly difficulty, resulting in a compact structure, facilitating a miniaturized module design. Furthermore, it avoids the high risk of failure of the voice coil motor due to strong magnetic interference. Furthermore, compared to externally positioned adjustable lenses, this camera module 100 also offers the advantages of a low overall height and compact structure. Compared with the dual-camera module, it also has the advantages of low total height and compact structure. In addition, the adjustable lens 80 is electrically focused and does not require mechanical structure to drive during the focusing process, resulting in fast focusing speed and low power consumption.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, a connection circuit 70 is provided on the lower lens barrel 61 , and the adjustable lens 80 is electrically connected to the driving circuit 20 through the connection circuit 70 so as to be deformed under the drive of the driving circuit 20 , thereby adjusting the optical focal length of the camera module 100 .

[0086] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustable lens. Figure 4 As shown, the adjustable lens 80 includes a support layer 81, a piezoelectric layer 82 and a glass plate 83 which are stacked in sequence.

[0087] Support layer 81 is roughly rectangular and transparent, made of a material such as glass. It supports the various membrane layers (e.g., piezoelectric layer 82 and glass plate 83) located thereon. Piezoelectric layer 82 is roughly circular and deforms when energized. It is made of a material such as a piezoelectric polymer or piezoelectric ceramic. Glass plate 83 is roughly annular and located on piezoelectric layer 82. Piezoelectric layer 82 is partially covered by glass plate 83, with some portions exposed through holes formed within the inner circle of glass plate 83.

[0088] The adjustable lens 80 includes a first energizing member 841 and a second energizing member 842 spaced apart at two corners of the adjustable lens 80. One end of the first energizing member 841 partially covers the glass plate 83 and is electrically connected to the piezoelectric layer 82 (or, in other words, electrically connected to the negative electrode of the adjustable lens 80) through a via (not shown) extending through the glass plate 83. The other end of the first energizing member 841 extends over the support layer 81 for electrical connection to the drive circuit 20. Similarly, one end of the second energizing member 842 partially covers the glass plate 83 and is electrically connected to the piezoelectric layer 82 (or, in other words, electrically connected to the positive electrode of the adjustable lens 80) through a via (not shown) extending through the glass plate 83. The other end of the second energizing member 842 extends over the support layer 81 for electrical connection to the drive circuit 20.

[0089] The adjustable lens 80 also includes a transparent deformable layer (not shown) located between the support layer 81 and the piezoelectric layer 82. The deformable layer is made of a polymer, such as gel. The drive circuit 20 applies a voltage to the piezoelectric layer 82 via the first and second energizing members 841, 842. When energized, the piezoelectric layer 82 deforms due to the piezoelectric effect (e.g., from a flat surface to a spherical surface), driving the deformation layer to deform as well, thereby changing the radius of curvature of the optical surface of the adjustable lens 80.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 After the light is transmitted to the adjustable lens 80 through the upper lens barrel 62, the adjustable lens 80 changes the convergence path or divergence path of the light by changing the radius of curvature to adjust the optical focal length. The light after being focused by the adjustable lens 80 is then transmitted to the image sensor 30 through the filter 50 to form an image.

[0091] Figure 4In the embodiment, support layer 81 can be made of translucent glass. When power is applied to piezoelectric layer 82, the surface of the deformable layer closest to support layer 81 remains restrained by the restraining effect of support layer 81. In other words, the curvature of the surface of the deformable layer in contact with support layer 81 remains unchanged, resulting in the deformation of the deformable layer being concentrated on the surface of the deformable layer away from support layer 81. In other words, the expansion and contraction of piezoelectric layer 82 causes the surface of the deformable layer away from support layer 81 to convex or concave, thereby converging or diverging light. This makes adjustable lens 80 act like a convex or concave lens, achieving a focusing function.

[0092] Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the deformed optical surface of the adjustable lens 80 is positively correlated with the absolute value of the voltage applied to the adjustable lens 80. That is, the deformation of the adjustable lens 80 is proportional to the magnitude of the voltage applied to the piezoelectric layer 82. In some embodiments, as the voltage applied to the piezoelectric layer 82 gradually increases from 0, 10V, 20V, 30V, 40V, 50V, etc., the optical surface of the adjustable lens 80 gradually convexifies from a flat surface toward the side away from the support layer 81, and the radius of curvature of the optical surface of the adjustable lens 80 gradually increases. As the voltage applied to the piezoelectric layer 82 gradually decreases from 0, -10V, -20V, -30V, -40V, -50V, etc., the optical surface of the adjustable lens 80 gradually concaveizes from a flat surface toward the side closer to the support layer 81, and the radius of curvature of the optical surface of the adjustable lens 80 gradually increases. In this way, by adjusting the size and direction of the voltage applied to the adjustable lens 80, the curvature radius of the optical surface of the adjustable lens 80 after deformation can be adjusted, and then the optical focal length of the camera module 100 can be adjusted to achieve the purpose of fast automatic zoom and low-power focusing, and realize clear far-focus and / or near-focus imaging of the camera module with a built-in adjustable lens.

[0093] A person skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above-mentioned method of applying voltage to an adjustable lens to adjust the optical focal length can be completed by instructing related hardware through a program, and the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiment.

[0094] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The adjustable lens 80 can be electrically connected to the driving circuit 20 on the circuit board 10 through the first and second energizing members 841 and 842 and the connecting circuit 70 on the lower lens barrel 61 .

[0095] In some embodiments, the connection circuit 70 is formed directly on the outer surface of the lower lens group barrel 61 using laser direct structuring (LDS) technology. The connection circuit 70 includes a first conductive scribe line 71 and a second conductive scribe line 72. The first conductive scribe line 71 and the second conductive scribe line 72 can be formed by directly plating metal conductive scribe lines (e.g., gold wire) on the outer surface of the lower lens group barrel 61 using laser laser engraving technology. The opposite ends of the first conductive scribe line 71 are respectively used to electrically connect the drive circuit 20 and the adjustable lens 80, and the opposite ends of the second conductive scribe line 72 are also respectively used to electrically connect the drive circuit 20 and the adjustable lens 80. The drive circuit 20 provides power to the adjustable lens 80 through the first conductive scribe line 71 and the second conductive scribe line 72.

[0096] The drive circuit 20 includes, for example, a positive electrode pad (not shown) and a negative electrode pad (not shown). Conductive material (not shown) is provided in both the first groove 41 and the second groove 42 on the base 40. The conductive material is, for example, conductive silver paste, but is not limited thereto. The conductive material in the first groove 41 is located on the circuit board 10 and is electrically connected to the positive electrode pad of the drive circuit 20. The conductive material in the second groove 42 is located on the circuit board 10 and is electrically connected to the negative electrode pad of the drive circuit 20.

[0097] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The camera module 100 includes a first conductive member 851 and a second conductive member 852. One end of the first conductive member 851 and one end of the second conductive member 852 are electrically connected to the negative electrode and the positive electrode of the adjustable lens 80 through the first conductive member 841 and the second conductive member 842, respectively. The other end of the first conductive member 851 and the other end of the second conductive member 852 are electrically connected to the first conductive scribe line 71 and the second conductive scribe line 72, respectively.

[0098] After one end of the first conductive scribe line 71 is connected to the first conductive member 851, it extends along the outer surface of the lower lens barrel 61 until it directly contacts the conductive material in the first groove 41. The conductive material in the first groove 41 is then electrically connected to the positive pad of the drive circuit 20. Similarly, after one end of the second conductive scribe line 72 is connected to the second conductive member 852, it extends along the outer surface of the lower lens barrel 61 until it directly contacts the conductive material in the second groove 42. The conductive material in the second groove 42 is then electrically connected to the negative pad of the drive circuit 20. In this way, the drive circuit 20 on the circuit board 10 can provide electrical energy (e.g., applying a linear voltage) to the adjustable lens 80 through the conductive material in the first and second grooves 41 and 42, the first and second conductive scribe lines 71 and 72, the first and second conductive members 851 and 852, and the first and second energizing members 841 and 842, thereby causing the adjustable lens 80 to produce a change in optical power.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first conductive member 851 and the second conductive member 852 may be copper wires or conductive cloths, etc. Copper wires or conductive cloths are easily available, and have the advantages of being easy to assemble and reducing material costs.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first conductive lines 71 and the second conductive lines 72 are arranged in a straight line. That is, the projections of the first conductive lines 71 and the second conductive lines 72 on the circuit board 10 each form a straight line segment. This eliminates the need for tortuous and complex line slots in the first conductive lines 71 and the second conductive lines 72, ensuring simple and efficient LDS laser forming and stable operating voltage for the connecting circuit 70. This allows for rapid and automated production of metal conductive lines, improving overall production efficiency. Furthermore, since the first conductive lines 71 and the second conductive lines 72 are arranged in a straight line, compared to a zigzag conductor layout, this avoids cluttered conductors, resulting in a more rational and efficient conductive layout.

[0101] It should be noted that current camera modules place the adjustable lens outside the lens barrel without any electrostatic protection measures, or the protection measures are ineffective, resulting in poor fast focusing and anti-static interference capabilities. The following details the electrostatic protection design of the camera module in an embodiment of the present application, when the connection circuit is formed on the outer surface of the lower lens barrel.

[0102] Specifically, the camera module 100 includes an anti-static component to provide electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection to prevent external static electricity from damaging components such as the adjustable lens 80.

[0103] In some embodiments, the anti-static component includes a grounding element electrically connected to the adjustable lens 80 , and the grounding element includes a ground wire. Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present application, in which the anti-static component is a ground wire. Figure 5 As shown, the ground wire is electrically connected to the adjustable lens and the circuit board so that external static electricity can be released through the ground wire.

[0104] Please refer again Figure 3The third conductive scribed line 73 is located between the first conductive scribed line 71 and the second conductive scribed line 72 and can be formed on the outer surface of the lower lens group barrel 61 using LDS technology. The third conductive scribed line 73 is the ground line 74. In other words, the ground line 74 can also be formed by directly plating a metal conductive scribed line (e.g., gold wire) on the outer surface of the lower lens group barrel 61 using laser engraving technology. A conductive material (e.g., conductive silver glue) is provided in the third groove 43 on the base 40 corresponding to the ground line 74. After one end of the ground line 74 is electrically connected to the adjustable lens 80, it extends along the outer surface of the lower lens group barrel 61 until it directly contacts the conductive material in the third groove 43 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 10 through the conductive material in the third groove 43. Wherein, the circuit board 10 is provided with a grounding pad (not shown), for example, and the ground line 74 is electrically connected to the grounding pad through the conductive material in the third groove 43 to achieve grounding.

[0105] In some embodiments, the third conductive scribe line 73 (i.e., ground line 74) is arranged in a straight line. That is, the projection of the third conductive scribe line 73 on the circuit board 10 is a straight line segment. This eliminates the need for a tortuous or complex line slot arrangement for the ground line, ensuring simple and efficient LDS laser forming and stable operating voltage for the connecting circuit. This allows for rapid and automated production of metal conductive scribe lines, improving overall production efficiency. Furthermore, since the third conductive scribe line, serving as the ground line, is arranged in a straight line, it avoids cluttered wiring compared to a zigzag arrangement, resulting in a more rational and efficient conductive layout.

[0106] It should be noted that Figure 3 The first conductive scribe line 71, the second conductive scribe line 72 and the third conductive scribe line 73 are formed on the same side of the lower lens barrel 61 (defined as Figure 3 The first groove 41, the second groove 42 and the third groove 43 are formed on the same side of the base 40 (defined as Figure 3In other embodiments, the first conductive scribed line and the second conductive scribed line serving as the positive and negative electrode current paths of the adjustable lens and the third conductive scribed line serving as the ground line can be formed in any direction of the front, rear, left, or right of the lower lens group. For example, the first conductive scribed line and the second conductive scribed line are located in one of the front, rear, left, and right directions of the lower lens group, and the third conductive scribed line serving as the ground line is located in a direction different from the first conductive scribed line and the second conductive scribed line in the front, rear, left, and right directions of the lower lens group. Correspondingly, the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove are formed in the base in directions corresponding to the first conductive scribed line, the second conductive scribed line, and the third conductive scribed line, respectively. Alternatively, the first conductive scribed line, the second conductive scribed line, and the third conductive scribed line are located in different directions of the front, rear, left, and right directions of the lower lens group, respectively. Alternatively, the first conductive scribed line, the second conductive scribed line, and the third conductive scribed line are formed in the same direction of the lower group lens barrel, and the positive and negative power supply lines used as the adjustable lens are any two of the first conductive scribed line, the second conductive scribed line, and the third conductive scribed line, and the power supply line used as the ground line is the other one of the first conductive scribed line, the second conductive scribed line, and the third conductive scribed line.

[0107] In some embodiments, in the anti-static assembly, the grounding element electrically connected to the adjustable lens 80 includes a grounded capacitor. Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present application in which the anti-static component is a grounded capacitor. Figure 6 As shown, one end of grounding capacitor C1 is connected to the circuit board for grounding, and the other end is electrically connected to the adjustable lens. Similarly, one end of grounding capacitor C2 is connected to the circuit board for grounding, and the other end is electrically connected to the adjustable lens. Both grounding capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in parallel with the drive circuit. Specifically, grounding capacitor C1 is electrically connected between the drive circuit and the conductive material in the first groove. Grounding capacitor C2 is electrically connected between the drive circuit and the conductive material in the second groove.

[0108] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a driving circuit connected to a grounded capacitor in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 In the figure, DriverIC is the driver circuit and Load is the adjustable lens. Figure 7 The circuit board is omitted in the figure. The driver IC includes multiple input interfaces and multiple output interfaces. The input interfaces include, but are not limited to, a device power supply voltage interface VDD, a ground interface GND, a serial data line (SDA) interface, and a serial clock line (SCL) interface. The output interfaces include, but are not limited to, OUTP and OUTN.

[0109] Figure 8This is a simulated curve of the contact discharge electric field distribution when the camera module does not include the ground line or the capacitor. Through contact discharge, it can be obtained that the peak-to-peak value of the static electricity ( Figure 8 The peak-to-peak value of static electricity (the maximum value of the difference between the peak value of 6.4226831V and the trough value of -16.935492V) is about 23.3V, which poses a risk of electrostatic breakdown.

[0110] Figure 9 The contact discharge electric field distribution simulation comparison curve of the camera module is shown below, with and without the ground wire, under the premise that the anti-static components do not include capacitors. Figure 9 As shown in the figure, when the ground wire is added, some energy will obviously flow away from the top. The simulation results show that the peak-to-peak value of the electrostatic charge after the ground wire is added ( Figure 9 The peak-to-peak value of static electricity (the maximum value of the difference between the peak value of 4.4442305V and the trough value of -11.962517V) is about 16.3V, which is 30% lower than the 23.3V before the ground wire is not added.

[0111] Figure 10 This is a comparison curve of the contact discharge electric field distribution simulation of the camera module when the capacitor is included and when the capacitor is not included, under the premise that the anti-static component does not include the ground wire. Figure 11 This is a comparison curve of the contact discharge electric field distribution simulation of the camera module when the capacitor is included and when the capacitor is not included, under the premise that the anti-static component includes a ground wire. Figure 12 for Figure 10 and Figure 11 When comparing simulations in the figure, the capacitor parameter table is included. Figure 12 As shown, the capacitance of the capacitor is 0.10 μF, i.e. 100 nF. In other embodiments, the specific parameter value of the grounded capacitor is not limited to Figure 12 As shown. Figure 10 As shown in the figure, without adding a ground wire, only adding a 100nF capacitor, we can see that the static electricity level is significantly reduced. Figure 11 As shown in the figure, under the premise of adding a ground wire, adding a 100nF capacitor, we can see that the static electricity size is also significantly reduced. It can be seen that after adding the capacitor, whether the ground wire is added or not, the static electricity will be greatly improved.

[0112] In some embodiments, the anti-static component includes an insulating glue (not shown) covering the connecting circuit. The insulating glue covers the surface of the first conductive reticle, the second conductive reticle, and the third conductive reticle to prevent electrostatic breakdown. Specifically, the insulating glue can be selected from any one of low-viscosity transparent glue, low-viscosity fluorescent ultraviolet (UV) curing glue, or high-viscosity blue glue, or a combination thereof. The insulating glue prevents static electricity in the air from entering the conductive circuit (such as the first conductive reticle, the second conductive reticle, and the third conductive reticle), thereby avoiding electrostatic breakdown failure of the driving circuit and the adjustable lens. Transparent insulating glue facilitates production line inspection, improves production efficiency, and has a significant effect in protecting against electrostatic breakdown, which can improve the reliability of the camera module.

[0113] In some embodiments, the antistatic component may include any one of a ground wire, a grounded capacitor, and an insulating glue; or, a combination of any two of the ground wire, a grounded capacitor, and an insulating glue; or all of the ground wire, the grounded capacitor, and the insulating glue. That is to say, the antistatic component may be a conductive scribed line and a circuit board linear grounding design provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the lower group lens barrel in any direction, front, back, left, or right. Alternatively, the antistatic component may be a capacitor grounded to the positive and negative poles of the drive circuit to protect the drive circuit and the adjustable lens from static breakdown. Alternatively, the antistatic component may be an insulating glue coated on the connection circuit to prevent static electricity from entering the connection circuit to protect the drive circuit and the adjustable lens from static breakdown, and facilitate actual mass production operability, thereby improving the reliability of the small head camera module.

[0114] In other embodiments, Figure 13 Shown, the connection circuit 70 that is electrically connected to adjustable lens 80 is embedded in the barrel wall of lower group lens barrel 61.Connection circuit 70 is formed by the insert injection molding process.When finishing the body molding of lower group lens barrel 61, synchronously complete the assembling of connection circuit 70 and lower group lens barrel 61, be convenient to production, improve production efficiency.In addition, because connection circuit 70 is embedded in the barrel wall of lower group lens barrel 61, it is protected by the barrel wall of lower group lens barrel 61, and airborne static electricity can not affect connection circuit 70, therefore, can avoid drive circuit 20 and adjustable lens 80 failures, improve camera module reliability and stability.In this case, only need to do two energized circuits, get final product with the positive and negative poles that are electrically connected to adjustable lens respectively, and need not the element of extra preparation protection electrostatic breakdown.

[0115] like Figure 13 As shown, a non-adjustable lens 90 (also called a conventional lens or a non-focusing lens) is also housed in the lower lens barrel 61. The non-adjustable lens 90 and the adjustable lens 80 work together to achieve convergence or divergence of light.

[0116] The number of the non-adjustable lens 90 can be one or more. The upper and lower positions of the non-adjustable lens 90 and the adjustable lens 80 are not limited. For example, the number of the non-adjustable lens 90 is one, and the adjustable lens 80 is located above or below the non-adjustable lens 90. Or, as Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 8( a ), the number of the non-adjustable lenses 90 is multiple, and the adjustable lens 80 may be the lens closest to the image sensor; or as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown in (b), (c), and (d), there are multiple non-adjustable lenses 90, and the adjustable lens 80 is located between two non-adjustable lenses 90; or as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 8( e ), there are multiple non-adjustable lenses 90 , and the adjustable lens 80 is the lens farthest from the image sensor.

[0117] It should be noted that when the connection line is located on the outer surface of the lower lens barrel, the camera module may also include a non-adjustable lens, which is also housed in the lower lens barrel. The number of non-adjustable lenses can be one or more. The vertical position of the non-adjustable lens and the adjustable lens is not limited.

[0118] In summary, the camera module of the embodiment of the present application has an adjustable lens built in between the upper group lens barrel and the lower group lens barrel for focusing. Compared with the existing camera modules that use voice coil motors, external adjustable lenses for lens groups, dual camera modules, etc. for focusing, the module has a low total height and a small volume, which reduces the difficulty of assembly and coordination, and meets the needs of miniaturization of the module and lightweighting of the entire machine. In addition, compared with the structure of the voice coil motor, it can also avoid the high risk of failure of the voice coil motor due to strong magnetic interference. In addition, the adjustable lens of the embodiment of the present application is electrically focused, and does not require a mechanical structure to drive it during the focusing process, resulting in fast focusing speed and low power consumption.

[0119] In some embodiments, the connection circuit of the adjustable lens is directly formed on the outer surface of the lower group lens barrel by the LDS technology, and is a linear circuit distribution. Like this, the connection circuit of the adjustable lens does not have tortuous and complicated line groove distribution, ensures that the LDS process laser forming can be simply and efficiently carried out and the operating voltage of the connection circuit is stable, can quickly and automatically produce metal conductive scribed lines, improve overall production efficiency. And, because the connection circuit of the adjustable lens is a linear circuit distribution, compared to the tortuous wire arrangement, can also avoid the phenomenon of wire disorder, conductive layout is more reasonable and efficient. Further, when the connection circuit of the adjustable lens is directly formed on the outer surface of the lower group lens barrel by the LDS technology, the camera module can also include an antistatic component, wherein the antistatic component can include any one or a combination of two or more of a ground wire, a grounded capacitor, an insulating glue, to protect the drive circuit and the adjustable lens from electrostatic breakdown. And, the ground wire can be selected to be directly formed on the outer surface of the lower group lens barrel by the LDS technology, and the ground wire is a linear circuit distribution, to quickly and automatically produce metal conductive scribed lines, improve overall production efficiency, and avoid the phenomenon of wire disorder, conductive layout is more reasonable and efficient.

[0120] In other embodiments, the connecting circuit of the adjustable lens is embedded in the barrel wall of the lower group lens barrel. The connecting circuit is formed by an insert injection molding process. When completing the body molding of the lower group lens barrel, the connecting circuit and the assembling of the lower group lens barrel are completed synchronously, which is convenient for production and improves production efficiency. In addition, because the connecting circuit is embedded in the barrel wall of the lower group lens barrel, it is protected by the barrel wall of the lower group lens barrel, and the static electricity in the air can not affect the connecting circuit. Therefore, it is possible to avoid that the driving circuit and the adjustable lens lose efficacy, and improve camera module reliability and stability. In this case, only two energized circuits need to be made, so as to electrically connect the positive and negative poles of the adjustable lens respectively, and the element of the electrostatic breakdown protection need not be additionally prepared.

[0121] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent replacements of the technical solutions of the present application should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present application.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that: include: circuit boards; An image sensor and a driving circuit are located on the circuit board; The upper lens barrel and the lower lens barrel are both located on a side of the image sensor away from the circuit board; A connecting circuit is located on the lower group lens barrel; as well as An adjustable lens, comprising a transparent support layer, a transparent deformable layer, and a piezoelectric layer stacked in sequence, wherein the piezoelectric layer is electrically connected to the drive circuit via the connection circuit, so that the deformable layer is deformed under the drive of the drive circuit, thereby adjusting the optical power of the camera module; The lower lens barrel includes a bearing portion fixedly connected to the upper lens barrel, the bearing portion includes a receiving groove recessed toward the circuit board, and the adjustable lens is built between the upper lens barrel and the lower lens barrel and accommodated in the receiving groove; The connecting circuit includes a first conductive scribed line and a second conductive scribed line that are spaced apart and insulated from each other; the camera module also includes an anti-static component, and the anti-static component includes a grounding element; the grounding element includes a third conductive scribed line, and the adjustable lens is grounded by being electrically connected to the third conductive scribed line extending along the outer surface of the lower group lens barrel, so that the static electricity on the adjustable lens itself can be released through the third conductive scribed line; the grounding element also includes two capacitors, after one end of the first conductive scribed line is electrically connected to the positive pole of the adjustable lens, it extends along the outer surface of the lower group lens barrel to be electrically connected to the drive circuit, and is electrically connected to one of the two capacitors via the drive circuit to be grounded, and after one end of the second conductive scribed line is electrically connected to the negative pole of the adjustable lens, it extends along the outer surface of the lower group lens barrel to be electrically connected to the drive circuit, and is electrically connected to the other of the two capacitors via the drive circuit to be grounded, so that the static electricity on the first conductive scribed line and the static electricity on the second conductive scribed line can be released through the two capacitors.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting circuit is formed on the outer surface of the lower group lens barrel by laser direct structuring technology.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein: The projections of the first conductive scribe line and the second conductive scribe line on the circuit board are both straight line segments.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The third conductive scribed lines are formed on the outer surface of the lower lens barrel by laser direct structuring technology.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein: The projection of the third conductive scribe line on the circuit board is a straight line segment.

6. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The anti-static component includes insulating glue, and the insulating glue covers the connecting circuit.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein: The camera module also includes a base formed on the circuit board through a molding process, the base covers the driving circuit, the base includes a light hole for allowing light to enter the image sensor, and the lower group lens barrel is installed on the base.

8. The camera module according to claim 7, wherein: The base includes a first groove and a second groove, and conductive material is provided in the first groove and the second groove; one end of the first conductive line is in direct contact with the conductive material in the first groove and is electrically connected to the drive circuit through the conductive material in the first groove; one end of the second conductive line is in direct contact with the conductive material in the second groove and is electrically connected to the drive circuit through the conductive material in the second groove.

9. The camera module according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The base includes a third groove, in which a conductive material is disposed. One end of the third conductive line is in direct contact with the conductive material in the third groove and is electrically connected to the circuit board through the conductive material in the third groove.

10. The camera module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The camera module also includes a filter, which is mounted on a side of the base away from the circuit board and is located between the adjustable lens and the image sensor.

11. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7 or 8, characterized in that: The piezoelectric layer is used to deform the deformable layer after being energized, thereby changing the curvature radius of the optical curved surface of the adjustable lens.

12. The camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7 or 8, characterized in that: The camera module also includes a non-adjustable lens, which is built between the upper group lens barrel and the lower group lens barrel; the non-adjustable lens is located on the side of the adjustable lens close to the circuit board; or, the non-adjustable lens is located on the side of the adjustable lens away from the circuit board.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that: Comprising a camera module as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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