Telescopic camera module and electronic device

Abstract

Disclosed are a telescopic camera module and electronic equipment, wherein, through a driving assembly and a conductive telescopic sleeve assembly, the optical lens of the telescopic camera module can be telescopically moved relative to the photosensitive chip thereof, in this way, the technical contradiction between the overall height size and the large effective focal length of the traditional upright camera module is solved. In particular, the driving assembly selects a piezoelectric actuator as a driving element to drive the telescopic movement of each sleeve monomer of the telescopic sleeve assembly, so as to improve the precision of telescopic control. Moreover, in the present application, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly itself forms an electrically conductive element, so as to simplify the circuit laying for conducting the driving assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of camera modules, and more particularly to retractable camera modules and electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread adoption of mobile electronic devices, the technology related to camera modules used in these devices to help users acquire images (e.g., videos or pictures) has developed and progressed rapidly. Currently, camera modules configured in mobile electronic devices (e.g., smartphones) need to achieve multi-zoom shooting capabilities.

[0003] To achieve multi-zoom shooting, at least one telephoto camera module is required. Here, a telephoto camera module refers to a camera module with a large effective focal length. Furthermore, as the zoom level increases, the total focal length of the telephoto camera module also increases, leading to a continuous increase in the overall height of the camera module, making it difficult to adapt to the trend of thinner and lighter electronic devices.

[0004] To resolve the technical conflict between the height design of camera modules and high-magnification zoom capabilities, most manufacturers currently use periscope camera modules to replace traditional vertical camera modules. Compared to traditional vertical camera modules, periscope camera modules incorporate light-deflecting elements (such as prisms and mirrors) to alter the imaging optical path, thereby achieving a reduction in the overall height of the camera module while meeting the optical design requirements for a larger effective focal length.

[0005] Compared to traditional vertical camera modules, periscope camera modules have a relatively smaller height, but a relatively larger length and width. In essence, the reduction in height of a periscope camera module is achieved at the cost of increased length and width. Furthermore, with the addition of focusing and / or image stabilization mechanisms, the length and width of the periscope camera module further increase, which doesn't perfectly align with the trend towards miniaturization and thinner designs in camera modules.

[0006] Therefore, a new type of camera module is needed to better meet the development trend of miniaturization and thinning of camera modules. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One advantage of this application is that it provides a retractable camera module and electronic device, wherein the optical lens of the retractable camera module can be retractably moved relative to its photosensitive chip through a drive component and a conductive telescopic sleeve component. This structural configuration solves the technical contradiction between the overall height and large effective focal length of traditional upright camera modules.

[0008] Another advantage of this application is that it provides a retractable camera module and electronic device, wherein the retractable camera module has relatively small dimensions in its length, width and height, that is, the retractable camera module can better meet the development trend of miniaturization and thinning of camera modules.

[0009] Another advantage of this application is that it provides a retractable camera module and electronic device, wherein the driving component selects a piezoelectric actuator as the driving element to drive the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly, thereby improving the telescopic accuracy of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly by leveraging the relatively higher driving linearity of the piezoelectric actuator. In other words, the driving component selects a piezoelectric actuator as the driving element to improve the telescopic control accuracy of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly, thereby improving the focusing accuracy of the retractable camera module.

[0010] Another advantage of this application is that it provides a retractable camera module and electronic device, wherein the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly itself forms an electrically conductive element, so that when the piezoelectric actuator is disposed on the retractable sleeve assembly, the piezoelectric actuator can achieve electrical conduction through the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly. In this way, wiring is simplified and crosstalk between lines can be avoided. That is, in this application, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly is not only a retractable structural support member, but also an electrically conductive element. Or, the connection relationship between the individual support sleeves of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly includes not only movable physical connections but also conductive electrical connections.

[0011] Other advantages and features of this application will become apparent from the following description and can be realized by means and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

[0012] To achieve at least one of the above advantages, this application provides a retractable camera module, comprising: A photosensitive component includes: a circuit board and a photosensitive chip electrically connected to the circuit board; A conductive telescopic sleeve assembly, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly comprising inner and outer nested lens carrier sleeves and at least one support sleeve unit; An optical lens, wherein the optical lens is held on the photosensitive path of the photosensitive chip in such a way that it is mounted on the lens support sleeve of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly; A drive component for driving the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly to extend or retract relative to the photosensitive chip; The optical lens is adapted to be retractably movable relative to the photosensitive chip via the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly and the driving assembly to switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly is driven to move upward relative to the photosensitive chip, thereby increasing the distance between the optical lens and the photosensitive chip. In the second state, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly is driven to move downward relative to the photosensitive chip, thereby decreasing the distance between the optical lens and the photosensitive chip. The conductive telescopic sleeve assembly further includes conductive lines formed on the supporting sleeve unit; the driving assembly includes at least one piezoelectric actuator for driving the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly to move telescopically, wherein the at least one piezoelectric actuator is electrically connected to the circuit board of the photosensitive assembly through the conductive lines.

[0013] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the conductive lines are integrally formed onto the corresponding support sleeve unit using laser direct forming technology.

[0014] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the support sleeve unit is made of laser-activated plastic, wherein the conductive lines are processed by laser direct forming technology after the support sleeve unit is formed.

[0015] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the at least one support sleeve unit includes a first support sleeve unit and a second support sleeve unit nested together, the lens carrier sleeve is embedded in the first support sleeve unit, wherein the conductive lines formed in the first support sleeve unit are electrically connected to the conductive lines formed in the second support sleeve unit to form an electrical conduction circuit, wherein the at least one piezoelectric actuator is electrically connected to the circuit board of the photosensitive component through the electrical conduction circuit.

[0016] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the at least one piezoelectric actuator includes a first piezoelectric actuator disposed on the first support sleeve unit and used to drive the lens carrier sleeve to retractably move, and a second piezoelectric actuator disposed on the second support sleeve unit and used to drive the first support sleeve unit to retractably move.

[0017] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the first support sleeve unit has a first peripheral wall and a first bottom wall extending inward from the lower end of the first peripheral wall, and the second support sleeve unit has a second peripheral wall and a second bottom wall extending inward from the lower end of the second peripheral wall, wherein the first piezoelectric actuator is disposed on the first bottom wall and configured to drive the lens carrier sleeve to move retractably, and the second piezoelectric actuator is disposed on the second bottom wall and configured to drive the first support sleeve unit to move retractably.

[0018] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the conductive lines formed on the first support sleeve unit pass through the upper surface of the first bottom wall and the first peripheral wall.

[0019] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the conductive line forms at least one first electrical connection terminal on the upper surface of the first bottom wall, and the first piezoelectric actuator is electrically connected to the first electrical connection terminal.

[0020] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the first electrical connection terminal is a circular area.

[0021] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the portion of the conductive line extending from the first electrical connection end is tangent to the outer peripheral surface of the first electrical connection end.

[0022] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the conductive lines extend from the outer side of the first peripheral wall to the lower surface of the first bottom wall, and then from the lower surface of the first bottom wall to the upper surface of the first bottom wall.

[0023] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the conductive lines extend from the outer side of the first peripheral wall to the inner side of the first peripheral wall, and then extend from the inner side of the first peripheral wall to the upper surface of the first bottom wall.

[0024] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the portion of the conductive line extending on the outer surface of the first peripheral wall forms an electrical connector.

[0025] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the conductive line formed on the second support sleeve unit passes through the upper surface of the second bottom wall of the second support sleeve unit, the outer side of the second peripheral wall and the inner side of the second peripheral wall, wherein the portion of the conductive line extending on the outer side of the second peripheral wall forms an electrical connection segment, and the electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical connection segment.

[0026] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the length of the electrical connection segment is greater than or equal to the stroke of the first support sleeve unit moving upward.

[0027] In the retractable camera module according to this application, when in a first state, the electrical connector slides upward along the electrical connection segment in a manner electrically connected to the electrical connection segment; when in a second state, the electrical connector moves downward along the electrical connection segment in a manner electrically connected to the electrical connection segment.

[0028] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the electrical connector is formed protrudingly on the outer side of the first peripheral wall, and the electrical connection segment is formed recessedly on the inner side of the second peripheral wall.

[0029] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the electrical connection segment and the electrical connector have adapted width dimensions.

[0030] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the portion of the conductive line extending on the upper surface of the second bottom wall forms at least one second electrical connection terminal, and the second piezoelectric actuator is electrically connected to the second electrical connection terminal.

[0031] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the second electrical connection terminal is a circular area.

[0032] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the portion of the conductive line extending from the second electrical connection end is tangent to the outer peripheral surface of the second electrical connection end.

[0033] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the conductive lines extend from the upper surface of the second bottom wall to the inner side of the second peripheral wall, and then from the inner side of the second peripheral wall to the outer side of the second peripheral wall.

[0034] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the conductive lines extend from the outer side of the second peripheral wall to the inner side of the second peripheral wall, and then from the inner side of the second peripheral wall to the upper surface of the second bottom wall.

[0035] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the conductive line forms a third electrical connection terminal on the outer side of the second peripheral wall, and the photosensitive component further includes a flexible board connection plate extending between the third electrical connection terminal and the circuit board to electrically connect the at least one piezoelectric actuator to the circuit board through the flexible board connection plate and the electrical conduction line.

[0036] In the retractable camera module according to this application, the portion of the conductive line extending on the outer side of the second peripheral wall forms a third electrical connection terminal. The retractable camera module further includes a housing for encapsulating the optical lens, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly, and the photosensitive assembly, as well as a connection line formed on the inner surface of the housing. The third electrical connection terminal is electrically connected to the connection line, and the connection line is electrically connected to the circuit board of the photosensitive assembly. In this way, the at least one piezoelectric actuator is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0037] According to another aspect of this application, an electronic device is also provided, which includes: a retractable camera module as described above.

[0038] The further objectives and advantages of this application will become fully apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0039] These and other objects, features and advantages of this application are fully apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain this application and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0041] Figure 1 The figure shows a structural schematic diagram of a retractable camera module according to an embodiment of the present application in its working state.

[0042] Figure 2 The illustration shows a structural schematic diagram of the retractable camera module according to an embodiment of this application in its non-operating state.

[0043] Figure 3 The illustration shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the retractable camera module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 4A The illustration shows one of the schematic diagrams of the drive assembly and the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly of the retractable camera module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 4B The illustration shows a second schematic diagram of the drive assembly and the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly of the retractable camera module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 4CThe illustration shows a third schematic diagram of the drive assembly and the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly of the retractable camera module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 4D The illustration shows a fourth schematic diagram of the drive assembly and the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly of the retractable camera module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 4E The illustration shows the fifth schematic diagram of the drive assembly and the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly of the retractable camera module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 4F The illustration shows a sixth schematic diagram of the drive assembly and the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly of the retractable camera module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 5 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the conductive lines formed in the first support sleeve unit according to an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 6 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the housing of the retractable camera module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 7A The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a modified embodiment of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 7B The illustration shows a schematic diagram of another modified embodiment of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 8 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0055] Figure 9 Another schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0056] Figure 10 The diagram shows... Figure 9 Another schematic diagram of the electronic device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments of this application. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0058] Application Overview As mentioned earlier, camera modules currently deployed in mobile electronic devices (e.g., smartphones) need to enable multi-zoom shooting. To achieve multi-zoom shooting, at least one telephoto camera module is required. However, as the zoom level increases, the total focal length of the telephoto camera module also increases, leading to a continuous increase in the overall height of the camera module, making it difficult to adapt to the trend of thinner and lighter electronic devices.

[0059] To resolve the technical conflict between the height design of camera modules and high-magnification zoom capabilities, most manufacturers have adopted periscope camera modules to replace traditional vertical camera modules. Compared to traditional vertical camera modules, periscope camera modules incorporate light-deflecting elements (such as prisms and mirrors) to alter the imaging optical path, thereby achieving a reduction in the overall height of the camera module while meeting the optical design requirements for a larger effective focal length.

[0060] While periscope camera modules have a relatively smaller height compared to traditional vertical camera modules, they have relatively larger length and width. In other words, the reduction in height of a periscope camera module is essentially achieved at the cost of increased length and width. Furthermore, with the addition of focusing and / or image stabilization mechanisms, the length and width of the periscope camera module further increase, which doesn't perfectly align with the trend towards miniaturization and thinner designs in camera modules. In order to meet the shooting needs of users and the assembly requirements of terminal equipment manufacturers, the inventors of this application propose a technical approach for a retractable camera module, which has a completely different structural form and working mechanism from existing vertical camera modules and periscope camera modules.

[0061] Specifically, in this application, the optical lens of the retractable camera module is retractable relative to its photosensitive chip to switch between a working state and a non-working state. In the working state, the optical lens of the retractable camera module is extended for imaging, and in the non-working state, the optical lens of the retractable camera module is retracted to reduce the overall height of the retractable camera module.

[0062] In the development of the aforementioned retractable camera module, a key technical focus was on how to achieve the retractable movement of the optical lens relative to the photosensitive chip. In one feasible solution, the inventors of this application use a retractable sleeve assembly to move the optical lens, thereby achieving the retraction of the optical lens. Specifically, the retractable sleeve assembly comprises multiple sleeve units that are movably connected to each other, so that the movement between these multiple sleeve units moves the optical lens away from or towards the photosensitive chip.

[0063] To improve the telescopic control accuracy of the telescopic sleeve assembly, the technical solution of this application selects a piezoelectric actuator as the driving element to drive the individual sleeve units of the telescopic sleeve assembly to perform telescopic movements. Compared with traditional electromagnetic motors (e.g., voice coil motors, shape memory alloy motors), piezoelectric actuators have relatively better driving linearity. Therefore, selecting a piezoelectric actuator as the driver component can improve its telescopic accuracy of the telescopic sleeve assembly, thereby improving the focusing accuracy of the telescopic camera module.

[0064] After selecting a piezoelectric actuator as the driving element, the piezoelectric actuator can be mounted on each individual sleeve unit; that is, the physical mounting point of the piezoelectric actuator is set on each individual sleeve unit. It should be understood that the piezoelectric actuator requires power to operate. Since the piezoelectric actuator is not directly mounted on the circuit board, in the technical solution of this application, an electrical connection line needs to be established between the piezoelectric actuator and the circuit board to electrically connect the piezoelectric actuator mounted on each individual sleeve unit to the circuit board through the electrical connection line.

[0065] One feasible approach is to directly lay electrical connection lines between the piezoelectric actuator and the circuit board, for example, using a flexible circuit board or metal wires. However, while this approach achieves the electrical connection between the piezoelectric actuator and the circuit board, it is not very effective in practical applications.

[0066] Specifically, the piezoelectric actuator, partially mounted on the sleeve unit, moves along with the sleeve unit. Consequently, when the piezoelectric actuator is moved, the electrical connection between the piezoelectric actuator and the circuit board is stretched or compressed, meaning the electrical connection between the piezoelectric actuator and the circuit board is not stable.

[0067] Secondly, since the piezoelectric actuator is located inside the sleeve unit, most of the electrical connection lines are routed from top to bottom along the inside of the retractable sleeve assembly. Consequently, light from the outside is also transmitted from inside the retractable sleeve assembly to the photosensitive chip. That is, if the electrical connection lines are poorly routed, they can also affect the imaging performance of the camera module.

[0068] Furthermore, if there are a large number of piezoelectric actuators, a relatively large number of electrical connection lines are required, which can lead to crosstalk between these lines. Moreover, as the number of electrical connection lines increases, the complexity of the wiring also increases.

[0069] Therefore, the inventors of this application have chosen to optimize the electrical connection method of the piezoelectric actuator. Specifically, in the technical solution of this application, the electrical conduction lines of the piezoelectric actuator are integrated into the telescopic sleeve assembly to simplify wiring and avoid crosstalk between the lines. That is, in the embodiments of this application, the telescopic sleeve assembly itself is a conductive telescopic sleeve assembly, which is not only a telescopic structural support member, but also an electrically conductive element. In other words, the connection relationship between the individual support sleeves of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly includes not only movable physical connections but also conductive electrical connections.

[0070] Based on this, this application proposes a retractable camera module, comprising: a photosensitive assembly including: a circuit board and a photosensitive chip electrically connected to the circuit board; a conductive telescopic sleeve assembly; an optical lens, wherein the optical lens is mounted within the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly and held on the photosensitive path of the photosensitive chip; and a driving component for driving the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly to perform telescopic movement relative to the photosensitive chip; wherein, through the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly and the driving component, the optical lens is adapted to telescopically move relative to the photosensitive chip to switch between a first state and a second state, wherein, when in the first state, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly is driven to move upward relative to the photosensitive chip to drive the optical lens to move upward relative to the photosensitive chip. The optical lens is moved to increase the distance between the optical lens and the photosensitive chip. In the second state, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly is driven to move downward relative to the photosensitive chip, thereby moving the optical lens downward relative to the photosensitive chip to reduce the distance between the optical lens and the photosensitive chip. The conductive telescopic sleeve assembly includes at least one supporting sleeve unit, a lens carrier sleeve embedded in the supporting sleeve unit, and conductive lines formed in the at least one supporting sleeve unit. The optical lens is mounted in the lens carrier sleeve. The driving assembly includes at least one piezoelectric actuator for driving the supporting sleeve unit to move upward or downward. The piezoelectric actuator is electrically connected to the circuit board of the photosensitive assembly through the conductive lines.

[0071] After introducing the basic principles of this application, various non-limiting embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] Exemplary scalable camera module like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a retractable camera module based on an embodiment of this application is illustrated, wherein the retractable camera module 100 includes: a photosensitive component 10, an optical lens 20 held on the photosensitive path of the photosensitive component 10, and a telescopic component 30 for adjusting the relative positional relationship between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive component 10.

[0073] More specifically, in this embodiment, the optical lens 20 includes a lens barrel 21 and at least one optical lens 22 mounted within the lens barrel 21. Those skilled in the art will understand that the resolving power of the optical lens 20 is proportional to the number of optical lenses within a certain range; that is, within a certain number of optical lenses 22, the more optical lenses there are, the higher the resolving power. Therefore, preferably, in this embodiment, the optical lens 20 includes multiple optical lenses 22, for example, 4, 5, or 6 optical lenses 22.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the optical lens 20 has a large effective focal length, enabling the retractable camera module 100 to be used as a telephoto camera module. More specifically, in this embodiment, the effective focal length of the optical lens 20 ranges from 19mm to 29mm. For example, when the retractable camera module 100 is used to achieve 5x optical zoom, the effective focal length of the optical lens 20 ranges from 19mm to 23mm, preferably from 20mm to 22mm. As another example, when the retractable camera module 100 is used to achieve 10x optical zoom, the effective focal length of the optical lens 20 ranges from 26mm to 30mm, preferably from 27mm to 29mm.

[0075] It is worth mentioning that, in this embodiment, the type of optical lens 20 is not limited to this application; it can be implemented as an integrated optical lens 20 or as a separate optical lens 20. Specifically, when the optical lens 20 is implemented as an integrated optical lens 20, the lens barrel 21 has an integrated structure, and multiple optical lenses 22 are assembled within the lens barrel 21. When the optical lens 20 is implemented as a separate lens, the lens barrel 21 includes at least two barrel units, and multiple optical lenses 22 are respectively assembled in the at least two barrel units to form multiple lens units. The multiple lens units are assembled together by active calibration to form the optical lens 20.

[0076] like Figures 1 to 3As shown in this embodiment, the photosensitive component 10 includes: a circuit board, a photosensitive chip, a bracket, and a filter element. In this embodiment, the photosensitive chip is electrically connected to the circuit board (e.g., the photosensitive chip is electrically connected to the circuit board via leads) so that the circuit board provides the control circuitry and power required for the operation of the photosensitive chip. The bracket is disposed on the circuit board to support other components, wherein the bracket has a light window corresponding to at least a photosensitive area of ​​the photosensitive chip. For example, in some specific examples of this application, the filter element may be mounted on the bracket so that the filter element is held in the photosensitive path of the photosensitive chip, thereby filtering stray light in the external light as it passes through the filter element to reach the photosensitive chip, thus improving image quality.

[0077] It is worth mentioning that, in other examples of this application, the filter element can also be mounted on the bracket in other ways. For example, a filter element bracket can be first set on the bracket, and then the filter element can be mounted on the filter element bracket. That is, in this example, the filter element can be indirectly mounted on the bracket through other support members. Of course, in other examples of this application, the filter element can also be mounted at other locations of the retractable camera module 100. For example, the filter element can be implemented as a filter film and attached to the surface of a certain optical lens 22 of the optical lens 20. This is not limited to this application.

[0078] To increase the bottom strength of the photosensitive component 10, in some examples of this application, the photosensitive component 10 further includes a reinforcing plate 15 disposed on the lower surface of the circuit board. For example, a steel plate may be disposed on the lower surface of the circuit board to strengthen the circuit board. Accordingly, the reinforcing plate 15 may be configured to have a shape and size consistent with the circuit board to strengthen the circuit board as a whole after being stacked on the lower surface of the circuit board. Of course, in some examples of this application, the size of the reinforcing plate 15 may be smaller than the circuit board to strengthen a local part of the circuit board. Of course, in other examples of this application, the size of the reinforcing plate 15 may be larger than the circuit board, so that after being stacked on the back of the circuit board, a portion of the reinforcing plate 15 protrudes from the side of the circuit board, wherein the portion of the reinforcing plate 15 protruding from the circuit board can be used as a mounting support.

[0079] like Figures 1 to 3As shown in this embodiment, the telescopic component 30 includes a conductive telescopic sleeve component 33 and a driving component 31. The optical lens 20 is installed inside the conductive telescopic sleeve component 33. The driving component 31 is used to drive the conductive telescopic sleeve component 33 to perform telescopic movement to drive the optical lens 20 to perform telescopic movement, so as to adjust the phase position relationship between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive component 10.

[0080] In one example of this application, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is mounted on the mounting area of ​​the photosensitive component 10, for example, it can be mounted on the circuit board, or it can be mounted on the area of ​​the reinforcing plate 15 that extends out of the circuit board. Preferably, in this embodiment, the lower end 332 of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is mounted on the area of ​​the reinforcing plate 15 that extends out of the circuit board, so that the reinforcing plate 15 provides a flat and sufficiently strong mounting base surface for the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33. Furthermore, when the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is mounted on the reinforcing plate 15, the central axis of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is preferably aligned with the central axis of the photosensitive chip, that is, preferably, after being mounted on the mounting substrate of the photosensitive component 10, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is also held on the photosensitive path of the photosensitive chip.

[0081] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in this embodiment of the application, the optical lens 20 is mounted within the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 to be held on the photosensitive path of the photosensitive chip. Specifically, in such... Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated example, the optical lens 20 is mounted on the upper end 331 of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33, such that when the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is driven to move telescopically relative to the photosensitive chip, the optical lens 20 mounted in the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 can follow the movement of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 to adjust the relative positional relationship between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive chip.

[0082] It is worth mentioning that, in other examples of this application, the optical lens 20 may be installed at other locations on the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33, for example, near its upper end 331, or in the middle of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33. This is not limited to this application. Furthermore, in some examples of this application, in order to reduce the lateral dimension of the telescopic camera module 100, the lens barrel 21 may not be configured for the optical lens 20; instead, the cylindrical body of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 may be used as the lens barrel 21 of the at least one optical lens 22. This is also not limited to this application.

[0083] Accordingly, in the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, through the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 and the driving assembly 31, the optical lens 20 can be telescopically moved relative to the photosensitive chip to switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is driven by the driving assembly 31 to move upward relative to the photosensitive chip, thereby causing the optical lens 20 to move upward relative to the photosensitive chip, increasing the distance between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive chip. Figure 1 As shown. Figure 2 As shown, in the second state, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is driven by the driving assembly 31 to move downward relative to the photosensitive chip, thereby causing the optical lens 20 to move downward relative to the photosensitive chip, reducing the distance between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive chip. It should be understood that the first state is the working state of the telescopic camera module 100, and the second state is the non-working state of the telescopic camera module 100.

[0084] In other words, in this embodiment, compared to a traditional vertical camera module, the retractable camera module 100 has two states: a working state and a non-working state. When in the working state, the optical lens 20 extends upward as the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 extends, so that the distance between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive chip meets the shooting requirements (here, the shooting requirements mean that the total optical length between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive chip meets the shooting requirements). When in the non-working state, the optical lens 20 retracts downward as the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 retracts, so that the overall height of the retractable camera module 100 is reduced, thereby meeting the size requirements for assembling the retractable camera module 100 in a terminal device. That is, in both working and non-working states, the distance between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive chip is adjusted by the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 so that when in working state, the distance between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive chip meets the shooting requirements, while when in non-working state, the distance between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive chip is shortened as much as possible so that the overall height of the telescopic camera module 100 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0085] More specifically, when the retractable camera module 100 is in operation, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is driven to extend upwards away from the photosensitive chip. At this time, the overall height of the retractable camera module 100 gradually increases. Correspondingly, when the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is fully extended, the overall height of the retractable camera module 100 reaches its maximum value. Here, for ease of description, this maximum value is defined as the maximum height. Furthermore, the height of the retractable camera module 100 represents the distance between the top surface and the bottom surface of the retractable camera module 100.

[0086] Accordingly, when the retractable camera module 100 is in a non-working state, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is driven to retract downwards in a direction close to the photosensitive chip. At this time, the overall height of the retractable camera module 100 gradually decreases. Correspondingly, when the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is fully retracted, the overall height of the retractable camera module 100 reaches its minimum value. Here, for ease of description, this minimum value is defined as the minimum height dimension. Furthermore, the height dimension of the retractable camera module 100 represents the distance between the top surface and the bottom surface of the retractable camera module 100.

[0087] Specifically, when the retractable camera module 100 is configured as a rear camera module of a terminal device, that is, when the retractable camera module 100 is installed on the back of the terminal device, the minimum height dimension is substantially the same as the thickness dimension of the terminal device. Here, "substantially the minimum height dimension is the same as the thickness dimension of the terminal device" means that when the retractable camera module 100 is installed on the terminal device, its upper surface is flush with or slightly lower than the back of the terminal device. Of course, depending on actual needs, the upper surface of the retractable camera module 100 can also be higher than the back of the terminal device, but generally, for aesthetic reasons, the protruding height should not be too large, and is generally controlled between 0mm and 5mm.

[0088] Accordingly, when the retractable camera module 100 is configured as a rear camera module of a terminal device, in the working state, the optical lens 20 of the retractable camera module 100 is extended so that the distance between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive chip meets the requirements of the optical back focal value for zoom shooting, thereby ensuring image quality. Figure 1 As shown, when in operation, the height of the retractable camera module 100 is significantly greater than the thickness of the terminal device. It should be understood that, in specific implementations, the maximum and minimum height dimensions depend on the optical zoom ratio requirements of the terminal device.

[0089] Specifically, taking the retractable statue module for achieving 5x optical zoom as an example, the minimum height dimension ranges from 8mm to 11mm, preferably from 9mm to 10mm; the maximum height dimension ranges from 23mm to 26mm, preferably from 24mm to 25mm. Taking the retractable statue module for achieving 10x optical zoom as an example, the minimum height dimension ranges from 9mm to 12mm, preferably from 10mm to 11mm; the maximum height dimension ranges from 28mm to 32mm, preferably from 29mm to 31mm.

[0090] Furthermore, when in working condition, the retractable camera module 100 has the maximum optical back focal length, and when in non-working condition, the retractable camera module 100 has the minimum optical back focal length. More specifically, taking the retractable camera module 100 used for 5x optical zoom as an example, when in working condition, the optical back focal length of the retractable camera module 100 ranges from 13mm to 17mm, preferably from 14mm to 16mm; when in non-working condition, the optical back focal length of the retractable camera module 100 ranges from 1mm to 3mm, preferably from 1.5mm to 2.5mm.

[0091] Furthermore, when in operation, the mechanical back focal length of the retractable camera module 100 is at its maximum, and when not in operation, it is at its minimum. Here, the mechanical back focal length of the retractable camera module 100 represents the distance from the cross-section of the lower surface of the last optical lens 22 in the optical lens 20 to the image plane. The value of the mechanical back focal length is quite close to the optical back focal length of the retractable camera module 100, essentially decreasing by about 0.5mm.

[0092] Furthermore, it should be understood that when the retractable camera module 100 is in the working state, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is driven to extend upwards away from the photosensitive chip. At this time, the overall height of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 gradually increases, and correspondingly, when the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is fully extended, its overall height reaches its maximum value. Conversely, when the retractable camera module 100 is in the non-working state, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is driven to retract downwards towards the photosensitive chip. At this time, the overall height of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 gradually decreases, and correspondingly, when the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is fully retracted, its overall height reaches its minimum value. Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, the minimum height dimension of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 ranges from 6mm to 9mm, and the maximum height dimension of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 ranges from 18.6mm to 28.6mm.

[0093] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown in a specific example of this application, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 has a multi-section structure. Specifically, the telescopic sleeve assembly 33 includes multiple sleeve units that are movably connected to each other. These multiple supporting sleeve units can interact with each other to extend or retract relative to the photosensitive chip after being driven by the driving component 31. Here, the interaction between the multiple sleeve units indicates that there is force transmission or direct contact between them. Preferably, in the embodiments of this application, adjacent supporting sleeve units are movably connected to each other, for example, arranged in a nested manner and movably connected through guide grooves to form the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33. Figures 1 to 3 As shown.

[0094] For ease of understanding and explanation, in this embodiment of the application, the sleeve unit used to mount the optical lens 20 among the multi-sleeve units is defined as the lens bearing sleeve 333, while the other sleeve units are defined as support sleeve units.

[0095] In such Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated example, the drive assembly 31 includes a plurality of drive elements to drive each of the support sleeve units to move, respectively. For example, in... Figures 1 to 3 In the example shown, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 includes a lens-carrying sleeve 333, a first support sleeve unit 334, and a second support sleeve unit 335 nested within each other. The lens-carrying sleeve 333 is used to mount the optical lens 20. Specifically, in this example, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 has three sleeve units: two support sleeve units and one lens-carrying sleeve 333. Correspondingly, in this example, the drive assembly 31 includes two drive elements: a first drive element and a second drive element. The first drive element drives the lens-carrying sleeve 333 to move linearly upwards or downwards relative to the first support sleeve unit 334; the second drive element drives the first support sleeve unit 334 to move linearly upwards or downwards relative to the second support sleeve unit 335.

[0096] More specifically, in this example, such as Figures 4A to 4F As shown, the first support sleeve unit 334 has a first peripheral wall 3341 and a first bottom wall 3342 extending inwardly from the lower end of the first peripheral wall 3341, wherein the first driving element is disposed on the first bottom wall 3342 and configured to drive the lens carrier sleeve 333 to retractably move to bring the optical lens 20 to retractably move relative to the photosensitive assembly 10. Figure 4C As shown, the second support sleeve unit 335 has a second peripheral wall 3351 and a second bottom wall 3352 extending inward from the lower end of the second peripheral wall 3351, wherein the second driving element is disposed on the second bottom wall 3352 and configured to drive the first support sleeve unit 334 to move telescopically.

[0097] Specifically, in this example, the first and second driving elements are implemented as piezoelectric actuators; that is, the first driving element is implemented as a first piezoelectric actuator 311, and the second driving element is implemented as a second piezoelectric actuator 312. Compared to conventional electromagnetic motors and shape memory alloy motors, the piezoelectric actuator can provide a relatively large driving force. Specifically, the piezoelectric actuator can provide a driving force of 0.6N to 2N, which is sufficient to drive components weighing more than 100mg.

[0098] Besides providing relatively large driving force, the piezoelectric actuator offers other advantages compared to traditional electromagnetic motors and shape memory alloy motors, including but not limited to: relatively small size (long and slender shape), better response accuracy, relatively simpler structure, simpler drive control, high product consistency, no electromagnetic interference, relatively larger stroke, shorter settling time, and relatively lighter weight. The piezoelectric actuator utilizes friction and inertia during vibration to propel the object to be moved at the micrometer level through frictional contact. Compared to the non-contact method of electromagnetic actuators that relies on electromagnetic force to counteract gravity and friction, it offers greater thrust, larger displacement, and lower power consumption, while also providing higher control precision and enabling high-precision continuous zoom. Furthermore, when multiple motor mechanisms are present, the piezoelectric actuator does not have a magnet coil structure, eliminating magnetic interference issues. Additionally, the piezoelectric actuator can self-lock using the friction between components, thus reducing shaking and noise during focusing of the retractable camera module.

[0099] It should be understood that by driving the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335 to the lens bearing sleeve 333 through the first piezoelectric actuator 311 and the second piezoelectric actuator 322, the control accuracy of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 can be improved, that is, the distance between the optical lens 20 and the photosensitive chip can be adjusted more precisely.

[0100] To further improve the telescopic control accuracy of the retractable camera module, such as Figure 4A to Figure 4FAs shown, in some examples of this application, a guide mechanism can be configured for the piezoelectric actuator to improve the smoothness and stability of the telescopic movement of each sleeve unit (including the lens-bearing sleeve 333, the first support sleeve unit 334, and the second support sleeve unit 335), and to prevent the sleeve units from tilting during telescopic movement. That is, in some examples of this application, the drive assembly 31 further includes a guide mechanism for optimizing the telescopic movement of the sleeve units.

[0101] Specifically, in some examples of this application, the drive assembly 31 includes at least one first guide mechanism 313, which and the first piezoelectric actuator 311 are uniformly arranged along the first bottom wall 3342 relative to the axis set by the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33. For example, in such Figures 4A to 4C In the illustrated example, the drive assembly 31 further includes two first guide mechanisms 313, wherein the two first guide mechanisms 313 and the first piezoelectric actuator 311 are uniformly arranged along the first bottom wall 3342 relative to the axis set by the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33. In this way, when the lens carrier sleeve 333 is driven by the first piezoelectric actuator 311 to extend upward or retract downward, the two first guide mechanisms 313 can guide the lens carrier sleeve 333 to move in a specific direction to avoid unnecessary tilting of the lens carrier sleeve 333 during the telescopic movement.

[0102] Specifically, in such Figures 4A to 4F In the illustrated example, the first guiding mechanism 313 includes a guide rod 3131 mounted on the first bottom wall 3342 and a guide head 3132 disposed on the outer side of the lens carrier sleeve 333. The guide head 3132 has a guide hole through which the guide rod 3131 passes. In this way, when the first piezoelectric actuator 311 drives the lens carrier sleeve 333 to move upward or downward, the first guiding mechanism 313 is adapted to guide the lens carrier sleeve 333 to move along the direction of movement defined by the guide rod 3131 and the guide hole.

[0103] In a specific implementation, the guide head 3132 can be integrally formed on the outer side of the lens support sleeve 333, that is, the guide head 3132 is part of the lens support sleeve 333. Of course, in other examples of this application, the guide head 3132 can also be a separate component installed on the outer side of the second support sleeve unit 335, which is not limited to this application.

[0104] Correspondingly, the telescopic movement of the first support sleeve unit 334 can also be optimized through a guiding structure. For example, in a specific example of this application, the drive assembly 31 includes at least one second guiding mechanism 314, the at least one second guiding mechanism 314 and the at least one second piezoelectric actuator 312 being uniformly arranged along the second bottom wall 3352 relative to the axis set by the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33, such as... Figures 4A to 4F As shown. In this example, the second guiding mechanism 314 includes a guide rod 3131 mounted on the second bottom wall 3352 and a guide head 3132 disposed on the outer side of the first support sleeve unit 334. The guide head 3132 has a guide hole through which the guide rod 3131 passes. In this way, when the second piezoelectric actuator 312 drives the first support sleeve unit 334 to move upward or downward, the second guiding mechanism 314 is adapted to guide the first support sleeve unit 334 to move along the direction of movement defined by the guide rod 3131 and the guide hole. In particular, the guide head 3132 is integrally formed on the outer side of the first support sleeve unit 334.

[0105] It is worth mentioning that, in other examples of this application, the telescopic movement of the first support sleeve unit 334 and the lens carrier sleeve 333 can be optimized in other ways. For example, in some other examples of this application, the drive assembly 31 includes a greater number of piezoelectric actuators. For instance, the drive assembly 31 includes at least two first piezoelectric actuators 311, which are uniformly arranged along the first bottom wall 3342 relative to the axis set by the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33. This allows the lens carrier sleeve 333 to be driven simultaneously by the at least two first piezoelectric actuators 311, resulting in a smoother and more stable telescopic movement of the lens carrier sleeve 333. Of course, the telescopic movement of the first support sleeve unit 334 can also be optimized in this way, i.e., the drive assembly 31 includes at least two second piezoelectric actuators 312, which are uniformly arranged along the second bottom wall 3352 relative to the axis set by the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33.

[0106] After arranging the first piezoelectric actuator 311 and the second piezoelectric actuator 312 on the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335 of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33, it should be understood that the first piezoelectric actuator 311 and the second piezoelectric actuator 312 require power to operate. Since the first piezoelectric actuator 311 and the second piezoelectric actuator 312 are not directly mounted on the circuit board, in the technical solution of this application, it is necessary to establish an electrical connection line between the first piezoelectric actuator 311 and the second piezoelectric actuator 312 and the circuit board, so as to electrically connect the first piezoelectric actuator 311 and the second piezoelectric actuator 312 mounted on the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335 to the circuit board through the electrical connection line.

[0107] Specifically, such as Figures 4A to 4F As shown in this embodiment, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 further includes conductive lines 336 formed on the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335, wherein the conductive lines 336 formed on the first support sleeve unit 334 are electrically connected to the conductive lines 336 formed on the second support sleeve unit 335 to form an electrically conductive line 337. Accordingly, the first piezoelectric actuator 311 and the second piezoelectric actuator 312 arranged on the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 are electrically connected to the circuit board through the electrically conductive line 337, so that electrical energy from the circuit board can be conducted to the first piezoelectric actuator 311 and the second piezoelectric actuator 312 through the electrically conductive line 337.

[0108] Specifically, in this embodiment, the conductive line 336 is integrally formed on the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335. That is, in the technical solution of this application, the conductive line 336 of the piezoelectric actuator is integrally integrated into the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 to simplify wiring and avoid crosstalk between the lines. In other words, in this embodiment, the connection relationship between the support sleeve units of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 includes not only movable physical connections but also conductive electrical connections. In other words, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is not only a telescopic structural support but also an electrically conductive element.

[0109] More specifically, in this embodiment, the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335 are made of laser-activated plastic, that is, the material of the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335 is a laser-activated plastic of a metal composition. In the manufacturing process, the laser-activated plastic material is first formed into a sleeve shape through an integral molding process (e.g., injection molding); then, after the sleeve is formed, it undergoes further laser activation processing so that the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335 themselves achieve electrical conductivity. That is, the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335 are both structural components and can also be considered as electrical components.

[0110] The laser activation process refers to the process where, under laser irradiation of a certain intensity, the metal compounds in the materials used to make the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335 (i.e., plastic containing dopants) are separated to expose metal atoms, thereby integrally forming a conductive line 336 on the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335. In other words, in this embodiment, without electroplating or other means, and without adding additional materials, the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335 form the conductive line 336 with a width of 5-10 μm along the laser irradiation path.

[0111] Accordingly, conductive lines 336 that meet preset requirements can be formed by varying the laser irradiation path. Specifically, for example... Figures 4A to 4F As shown in this embodiment, the conductive line 336 formed on the first support sleeve unit 334 passes through the upper surface of the first bottom wall 3342 and the first peripheral wall 3341. The conductive line 336 forms at least one first electrical connection terminal 3371 on the upper surface of the first bottom wall 3342, and the first piezoelectric actuator 311 is electrically connected to the first electrical connection terminal 3371. Furthermore, the portion of the conductive line 336 extending on the outer surface of the first peripheral wall 3341 forms an electrical connector 3372.

[0112] In particular, such as Figure 5As shown, the first electrical connection terminal 3371 is a circular region, and the portion of the conductive line 336 extending from the first electrical connection terminal 3371 is tangent to the outer peripheral surface of the first electrical connection terminal 3371. In a specific implementation, the first electrical connection terminal 3371, which is circular in shape, can be formed on the upper surface of the first bottom wall 3342 by a laser activation process. For example, the first electrical connection terminal 3371 with a circular structure can be formed by drawing multiple inwardly contracting circles with a center on a small circular surface. Furthermore, after the activation of the first electrical connection terminal 3371 is completed, a metal layer extends outward from the outer peripheral edge of the first electrical connection terminal 3371. The metal layer smoothly extends along the arc of the first electrical connection terminal 3371, avoiding sharp turns (such as right angles, large turning angles, etc.).

[0113] In one specific example of this application, the conductive line 336 extends from the outer side of the first peripheral wall 3341 to the lower surface of the first bottom wall 3342, and then extends from the lower surface of the first bottom wall 3342 to the upper surface of the first bottom wall 3342. Of course, in other examples of this application, the conductive line 336 formed on the first support sleeve unit 334 can also be routed in other ways. For example, the conductive line 336 can extend from the outer side of the first peripheral wall 3341 to the inner side of the first peripheral wall 3341, and then extend from the inner side of the first peripheral wall 3341 to the upper surface of the first bottom wall 3342, as long as the condition that the conductive line 336 formed on the first support sleeve unit 334 passes through the upper surface of the first bottom wall 3342 and the first peripheral wall 3341 is met.

[0114] Furthermore, such as Figures 4A to 4F As shown, the conductive line 336 formed on the second support sleeve unit 335 passes through the upper surface of the second bottom wall 3352, the outer side of the second peripheral wall 3351, and the inner side of the second peripheral wall 3351 of the second support sleeve unit 335. The portion of the conductive line 336 extending on the upper surface of the second bottom wall 3352 forms at least one second electrical connection terminal 3373, and the second piezoelectric actuator 312 is electrically connected to the second electrical connection terminal 3373.

[0115] Similarly, in this embodiment, the second electrical connection terminal 3373 can also be implemented as a circular region, and the portion of the conductive line 336 extending from the second electrical connection terminal 3373 is tangent to the outer peripheral surface of the second electrical connection terminal 3373. In a specific embodiment, the second electrical connection terminal 3373 with a circular shape can be formed on the upper surface of the first bottom wall 3342 by a laser activation process. For example, the second electrical connection terminal 3373 with a circular structure can be formed by drawing multiple inwardly contracting circles with a center on a small circular surface. Further, after the activation of the second electrical connection terminal 3373 is completed, a metal layer extends outward from the outer peripheral edge of the second electrical connection terminal 3373. The metal layer is smoothly led out along the arc of the second electrical connection terminal 3373 to avoid abrupt turns (such as right angles, large turning angles, etc.).

[0116] It should be noted that when the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 is driven by the first piezoelectric actuator 311 and the second piezoelectric actuator 312, relative movement occurs between the second support sleeve unit 335 and the first support sleeve unit 334, that is, the first support sleeve unit 334 telescopically moves relative to the second support sleeve unit 335. At this time, the relative position between the conductive lines formed on the first support sleeve unit 334 and the conductive lines 336 formed on the second support sleeve unit 335 changes. To ensure that the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335 maintain electrical connection during movement, in this embodiment, the portion of the conductive line 336 extending on the outer surface of the second peripheral wall 3351 forms an electrical connection segment 3374, and the electrical connector 3372 is electrically connected to the electrical connection segment 3374.

[0117] Accordingly, in order to ensure that the electrical connector 3372 is always electrically connected to the electrical connection segment 3374, in this embodiment, the length of the electrical connection segment 3374 is greater than or equal to the upward stroke of the first support sleeve unit 334. Thus, in the first state, the electrical connector 3372 moves upward along the electrical connection segment 3374 in a manner electrically connected to the electrical connection segment 3374; and in the second state, the electrical connector 3372 moves downward along the electrical connection segment 3374 in a manner electrically connected to the electrical connection segment 3374.

[0118] More specifically, in one specific example of this application, the conductive line 336 formed on the second support sleeve unit 335 is routed as follows: the conductive line 336 extends from the upper surface of the second bottom wall 3352 to the inner side of the second peripheral wall 3351, and then extends from the inner side of the second peripheral wall 3351 to the outer side of the second peripheral wall 3351. Of course, in other examples of this application, the conductive line 336 extends from the outer side of the second peripheral wall 3351 to the inner side of the second peripheral wall 3351, and then extends from the inner side of the second peripheral wall 3351 to the upper surface of the second bottom wall 3352, provided that the conductive line 336 formed on the second support sleeve unit 335 passes through the upper surface of the second bottom wall 3352, the outer side of the second peripheral wall 3351, and the inner side of the second peripheral wall 3351 of the second support sleeve unit 335.

[0119] Figure 7A The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a modified embodiment of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 7A As shown, in this embodiment, the electrical connector 3372 is formed protrudingly on the outer side of the first peripheral wall 3341, and the electrical connection end is formed recessedly on the inner side of the second peripheral wall 3351. When the first support sleeve unit 334 is fitted into the second support sleeve unit 335, the electrical connector 3372 is fitted into the electrical connection segment 3374 to ensure that when the relative positions of the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve unit 335 change, the electrical connector 3372 is always in contact with and electrically connected to the electrical connection segment 3374.

[0120] Figure 7B The illustration shows a schematic diagram of another modified embodiment of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 7B As shown, in this embodiment, the electrical connector 3372 is recessed on the outer side of the first peripheral wall 3341, and the electrical connection segment 3374 is protruding on the inner side of the second peripheral wall 3351. When the first support sleeve unit 334 is fitted into the second support sleeve unit 335, the electrical connection segment 3374 is fitted into the electrical connector 3372 to ensure that the electrical connector 3372 is always in contact with and electrically connected to the electrical connection segment 3374 when the relative positions of the first support sleeve unit 334 and the second support sleeve change.

[0121] To truly achieve the electrical connection between the piezoelectric actuator and the circuit board, such as Figures 4A to 4CAs shown, in this embodiment, the conductive line 336 forms a third electrical connection terminal 3375 on the outer side of the first peripheral wall 3341. Further, in this embodiment, the retractable camera module further includes a housing 40 for encapsulating the optical lens 20, the conductive retractable sleeve assembly 33, and the photosensitive assembly 10, and a connection line 338 formed on the inner surface of the housing 40 (e.g., the connection line 338 can also be formed by a laser activation process). The third electrical connection terminal 3375 is electrically connected to the connection line 338, and the connection line 338 is electrically connected to the circuit board of the photosensitive assembly 10, thereby electrically connecting the at least one piezoelectric actuator to the circuit board.

[0122] Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the piezoelectric actuator can also be electrically connected to the circuit board in other ways. For example, in another example of this application, the photosensitive component 10 further includes a flexible board connection plate (not shown in the figure) extending between the third electrical connection terminal 3375 and the circuit board, so as to electrically connect the at least one piezoelectric actuator to the circuit board through the flexible board connection plate and the electrical conduction line 337.

[0123] In summary, a retractable camera module based on the embodiments of this application is explained. The optical lens 20 of the retractable camera module can be retractably moved relative to its photosensitive chip via the drive assembly 31 and the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33. This resolves the technical contradiction between the overall height and large effective focal length inherent in traditional vertical camera modules. Specifically, the drive assembly 31 uses a piezoelectric actuator as the driving element to drive the individual sleeve units of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 to perform telescopic movements, thereby improving the accuracy of telescopic control. Furthermore, in this application, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly 33 itself forms an electrically conductive element, simplifying the circuit layout for connecting the drive assembly 31.

[0124] Exemplary electronic devices According to another aspect of this application, an electronic device is also provided.

[0125] Figure 8 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment of this application includes an electronic device body 210 and a retractable camera module 100 as described above, assembled on the electronic device body 210. Specifically, the minimum height dimension of the conductive retractable sleeve assembly 33 is less than or equal to the thickness dimension of the electronic device 200.

[0126] In a specific implementation, the retractable camera module 100 can be deployed on the back of the electronic device body 210 as a rear camera module. Alternatively, it can be positioned at the front of the electronic device body 210 as a front camera module. The specific installation location of the retractable camera module 100 on the electronic device body 210 is not limited by this application.

[0127] In particular, compared to conventional upright camera modules, the retractable camera module 100, in its working state, can extend its optical lens 20 to increase its total optical length until it meets the shooting requirements.

[0128] Figure 9 Another schematic diagram of an electronic device 200 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 9 As shown, the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment of this application includes an electronic device body 210, a retractable camera module 100 assembled on the electronic device body 210 as described above, and a second camera module 220 assembled on the electronic device body 210. In particular, compared to the retractable camera module 100, the second camera module 220 has a relatively smaller effective focal length.

[0129] That is, in such Figure 9 In the illustrated electronic device 200, the electronic device 200 is configured with a multi-camera module, that is, the retractable camera module 100 is used together with an existing short-focus camera module as the image sensor of the electronic device 200. During operation, the retractable camera module 100 and the second camera module 220 can cooperate with each other to provide richer imaging functions.

[0130] Figure 10 The diagram shows Figure 9 Another schematic diagram of the illustrated electronic device 200. (See diagram below.) Figure 10 As shown, during operation, the retractable camera module 100 can extend its optical lens 20 to increase its total optical length until it meets the shooting requirements.

[0131] 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 modifications or variations of the embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the stated principles.

Claims

1. A retractable camera module, characterized in that, include: A photosensitive component includes: a circuit board and a photosensitive chip electrically connected to the circuit board; A conductive telescopic sleeve assembly, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly comprising inner and outer nested lens carrier sleeves and at least one support sleeve unit; An optical lens, wherein the optical lens is held on the photosensitive path of the photosensitive chip in such a way that it is mounted on the lens support sleeve of the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly; A drive component for driving the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly to extend or retract relative to the photosensitive chip; The optical lens is adapted to be retractably movable relative to the photosensitive chip via the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly and the driving assembly to switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly is driven to move upward relative to the photosensitive chip, thereby increasing the distance between the optical lens and the photosensitive chip. In the second state, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly is driven to move downward relative to the photosensitive chip, thereby decreasing the distance between the optical lens and the photosensitive chip. The conductive telescopic sleeve assembly further includes conductive lines formed on the supporting sleeve unit; the driving assembly includes at least one piezoelectric actuator for driving the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly to move telescopically, wherein the at least one piezoelectric actuator is electrically connected to the circuit board of the photosensitive assembly through the conductive lines. The at least one support sleeve unit includes a first support sleeve unit and a second support sleeve unit nested together. The lens carrier sleeve is embedded in the first support sleeve unit. The conductive lines formed in the first support sleeve unit are electrically connected to the conductive lines formed in the second support sleeve unit to form an electrical conduction circuit. The at least one piezoelectric actuator is electrically connected to the circuit board of the photosensitive component through the electrical conduction circuit.

2. The retractable camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive lines are integrally formed onto the corresponding support sleeve unit using laser direct forming technology.

3. The retractable camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The support sleeve unit is made of laser-activated plastic, wherein the conductive lines are processed by laser direct forming technology after the support sleeve unit is formed.

4. The retractable camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one piezoelectric actuator includes a first piezoelectric actuator disposed on the first support sleeve unit and used to drive the lens carrier sleeve to move retractably, and a second piezoelectric actuator disposed on the second support sleeve unit and used to drive the first support sleeve unit to move retractably.

5. The retractable camera module according to claim 4, wherein, The first support sleeve unit has a first peripheral wall and a first bottom wall extending inward from the lower end of the first peripheral wall, and the second support sleeve unit has a second peripheral wall and a second bottom wall extending inward from the lower end of the second peripheral wall, wherein the first piezoelectric actuator is disposed on the first bottom wall and configured to drive the lens carrier sleeve to move telescopically, and the second piezoelectric actuator is disposed on the second bottom wall and configured to drive the first support sleeve unit to move telescopically.

6. The retractable camera module according to claim 5, wherein, The conductive lines formed in the first support sleeve unit pass through the upper surface of the first bottom wall and the first peripheral wall.

7. The retractable camera module according to claim 6, wherein, The conductive line forms at least one first electrical connection terminal on the upper surface of the first bottom wall, and the first piezoelectric actuator is electrically connected to the first electrical connection terminal.

8. The retractable camera module according to claim 7, wherein, The first electrical connection terminal is a circular area.

9. The retractable camera module according to claim 8, wherein, The portion of the conductive line extending from the first electrical connection end is tangent to the outer peripheral surface of the first electrical connection end.

10. The retractable camera module according to claim 7, wherein, The conductive line extends from the outer side of the first peripheral wall to the lower surface of the first bottom wall, and then from the lower surface of the first bottom wall to the upper surface of the first bottom wall.

11. The retractable camera module according to claim 7, wherein, The conductive line extends from the outer side of the first peripheral wall to the inner side of the first peripheral wall, and then from the inner side of the first peripheral wall to the upper surface of the first bottom wall.

12. The retractable camera module according to claim 7, wherein, The portion of the conductive line extending on the outer surface of the first peripheral wall forms an electrical connector.

13. The retractable camera module according to claim 12, wherein, The conductive line formed on the second support sleeve unit passes through the upper surface of the second bottom wall of the second support sleeve unit, the outer side of the second peripheral wall, and the inner side of the second peripheral wall, wherein the portion of the conductive line extending on the outer side of the second peripheral wall forms an electrical connection segment, and the electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical connection segment.

14. The retractable camera module according to claim 13, wherein, The length of the electrical connection segment is greater than or equal to the stroke of the first support sleeve unit as it moves upward.

15. The retractable camera module according to claim 14, wherein, When in the first state, the electrical connector slides upward along the electrical connection segment in a manner electrically connected to the electrical connection segment; when in the second state, the electrical connector moves downward along the electrical connection segment in a manner electrically connected to the electrical connection segment.

16. The retractable camera module according to claim 15, wherein, The electrical connector is formed protrudingly on the outer side of the first peripheral wall, and the electrical connection segment is formed recessedly on the inner side of the second peripheral wall.

17. The retractable camera module according to claim 16, wherein, The electrical connector and the electrical connection segment have matching width dimensions.

18. The retractable camera module according to claim 13, wherein, The portion of the conductive line extending on the upper surface of the second bottom wall forms at least one second electrical connection terminal, and the second piezoelectric actuator is electrically connected to the second electrical connection terminal.

19. The retractable camera module according to claim 18, wherein, The second electrical connection terminal is a circular area.

20. The retractable camera module according to claim 19, wherein, The portion of the conductive line extending from the second electrical connection terminal is tangent to the outer peripheral surface of the second electrical connection terminal.

21. The retractable camera module according to claim 18, wherein, The conductive line extends from the upper surface of the second bottom wall to the inner side of the second peripheral wall, and then from the inner side of the second peripheral wall to the outer side of the second peripheral wall.

22. The retractable camera module according to claim 18, wherein, The conductive line extends from the outer side of the second peripheral wall to the inner side of the second peripheral wall, and then from the inner side of the second peripheral wall to the upper surface of the second bottom wall.

23. The retractable camera module according to claim 22, wherein, The portion of the conductive line extending on the outer surface of the second peripheral wall forms a third electrical connection terminal, and the photosensitive component further includes a flexible board connecting plate extending between the third electrical connection terminal and the circuit board, so as to electrically connect the at least one piezoelectric actuator to the circuit board through the flexible board connecting plate and the electrical conduction line.

24. The retractable camera module according to claim 22, wherein, The portion of the conductive line extending on the outer side of the second peripheral wall forms a third electrical connection terminal. The retractable camera module further includes a housing for encapsulating the optical lens, the conductive telescopic sleeve assembly, and the photosensitive assembly, as well as a connection line formed on the inner surface of the housing. The third electrical connection terminal is electrically connected to the connection line, and the connection line is electrically connected to the circuit board of the photosensitive assembly to electrically connect the at least one piezoelectric actuator to the circuit board.

25. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The retractable camera module as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

Images