Lens modules and electronic devices

Abstract

This application discloses a lens module and electronic device. The lens module includes an optical lens, a mirror assembly, and a photosensitive chip. The mirror assembly includes a first mirror and a second mirror. The first mirror is spaced apart from the optical lens along its axial direction. The photosensitive chip is spaced apart from the first mirror along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the optical lens. The second mirror is also spaced apart from both the first mirror and the photosensitive chip. Both the first and second mirrors are equipped with micromirror arrays for reflecting light. The micromirror array on the first mirror reflects light transmitted through the optical lens to the second mirror, and the micromirror array on the second mirror reflects light reflected from the first mirror to the photosensitive chip. This application allows for multiple folding of the optical path of incident light at different angles and fields of view using the lens module, achieving ultra-telephoto capabilities within a limited space and reducing the overall size and weight of the lens module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electronic technology, specifically relating to a lens module and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, users have increasingly higher requirements for the photography capabilities of electronic devices, leading to a growing demand for ultra-telephoto lenses. Existing technologies generally use prisms to fold the optical path, but to achieve ultra-telephoto capabilities, it is necessary to use larger prisms or to set up more prisms to achieve multiple folds of the optical path.

[0003] In the process of developing this application, the inventors discovered that the solutions used in the prior art have at least the following problems: if a super telephoto lens is to be achieved, using a larger prism or setting more prisms will result in a larger size and weight of the camera module, which is not conducive to its application in thin and light electronic products. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to provide a lens module and electronic device that at least solves one of the problems of large size and heavy weight of camera modules.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a lens module, including: an optical lens, a mirror group, and a photosensitive chip;

[0007] The mirror assembly includes a first mirror and a second mirror. The first mirror is spaced apart from the optical lens along the axial direction of the optical lens. The photosensitive chip is spaced apart from the first mirror along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the optical lens. The second mirror is spaced apart from both the first mirror and the photosensitive chip.

[0008] Both the first and second reflectors are provided with micro-mirror arrays for reflecting light. The micro-mirror array on the first reflector is used to reflect the light transmitted through the optical lens to the second reflector, and the micro-mirror array on the second reflector is used to reflect the light reflected by the first reflector to the photosensitive chip.

[0009] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device including a lens module, wherein the lens module is as described above.

[0010] In this embodiment, by setting a first reflector and a second reflector with a micro-mirror array, the first reflector receives light from the optical lens through the micro-mirror array and reflects the light to the second reflector. The second reflector receives light from the first reflector through the micro-mirror array and reflects the light to the photosensitive chip. This achieves multiple folding of the optical path for incident light from different fields of view and angles. This not only facilitates the flexible arrangement of the photosensitive chip, the first reflector, and the second reflector in a limited space to achieve ultra-long focal length, but also makes the reflector smaller and lighter than the prism in the prior art. This helps to reduce the overall size and weight of the lens module, and thus allows it to be applied in thinner and lighter electronic products.

[0011] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lens module described in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of the micromirror array of the lens module described in the embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the various components of the lens module described in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of one of the micromirrors of the micromirror array described in the embodiments of this application, along the radial direction of the substrate;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the micromirror array of the lens module described in the embodiments of this application along the radial direction of the substrate;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lens module described in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0021] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lens module described in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0022] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lens module described in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 ;

[0023] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lens module described in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 ;

[0024] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lens module described in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 .

[0025] Reference numerals: 100-Optical lens; 200-Reflector group; 201-First reflector; 202-Second reflector; 300-Photosensitive chip; 400-Micro-mirror array; 401-Reflection center; 402-Micro-mirror; 4020-Substrate; 4021-Reflective surface; 4022-Non-reflective surface. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] The following is combined Figures 1 to 12 This invention describes a lens module and electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the lens module may specifically include: an optical lens 100, a mirror group 200, and a photosensitive chip 300. The mirror group 200 includes at least a first mirror 201 and a second mirror 202. The first mirror 201 is spaced apart from the optical lens 100 along the axial direction of the optical lens 100. The photosensitive chip 300 is spaced apart from the first mirror 201 along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the optical lens 100. The second mirror 202 is spaced apart from both the first mirror 201 and the photosensitive chip 300. The axial direction of the optical lens 100 is as follows: Figure 1 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ab is the radial direction of the optical lens 100 as follows: Figure 1 The direction indicated by the middle arrow cd; both the first reflector 201 and the second reflector 202 are provided with micro-reflector arrays 400 for reflecting light. The micro-reflector array 400 on the first reflector 201 is used to reflect the light transmitted through the optical lens 100 to the second reflector 201, and the micro-reflector array 400 on the second reflector 202 is used to reflect the light reflected by the first reflector 201 to the photosensitive chip 300.

[0032] According to the lens module of the present invention, by setting a first reflector 201 and a second reflector 202 with a micro-reflector array 400, the first reflector 201 receives light from the optical lens 100 through the micro-reflector array 400 and reflects the light to the second reflector 202. The second reflector 202 receives light from the first reflector 201 through the micro-reflector array 400 and reflects the light to the photosensitive chip 300. This achieves multiple folding of the optical path for incident light at different angles and fields of view. This not only facilitates the flexible arrangement of the photosensitive chip 300 and the first and second reflectors 201 and 202 in a limited space to achieve a super telephoto effect, but also, compared with the prism in the prior art, the reflector is smaller and lighter, which helps to reduce the overall size and weight of the lens module, and thus can be applied to thinner and lighter electronic products.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first reflector 201 and the second reflector 202 may be circular or rectangular, and this application does not limit them.

[0034] Optionally, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the micromirror array 400 has a reflection center 401 and includes multiple annular micromirrors 402 arranged sequentially outward from the reflection center 401, i.e., the multiple micromirrors 402 are arranged in concentric rings with the reflection center 401 as the center. Specifically, the reflection center 401 of the micromirror array 400 on the first reflector 201 is located at the geometric center of the first reflector 201, and the reflection center 402 of the micromirror array 400 on the second reflector 202 is located at the geometric center of the second reflector 202. This arrangement allows the micromirror array 400 to control the folding of the optical path of incident light rays at different angles and fields of view. This allows the first reflector 201 to reflect the light transmitted through the optical lens 100 to the second reflector 202 through the multiple micromirrors 402, and the second reflector 202 to reflect the light reflected by the first reflector 201 to the photosensitive chip 300 through the multiple micromirrors 402.

[0035] Optionally, the micromirror 402 includes an annular substrate 4020 and a reflecting surface 4021 and a non-reflecting surface 4022 disposed on the substrate 4020. The reflecting surface 4021 and the non-reflecting surface 4022 of the micromirror array 400 are arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the substrate 4020, wherein the reflecting surface 4021 and the non-reflecting surface 4022 are curved surfaces. Further, as... Figure 6As shown, taking a micromirror 402 as an example, a cross-sectional view of the micromirror 402 along the radial direction of the substrate 4020 is shown. The tangential direction of the reflecting surface 4021 is set at an angle to the tangential direction of the non-reflecting surface 4022, specifically at a first angle θ1. The tangential directions of the reflecting surface 4021 and the non-reflecting surface 4022 are respectively set at angles to the planar direction of the substrate 4020. The planar direction of the substrate 4020 is as follows: Figure 6 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ef. By setting the angle of the reflective surface 4021 and the non-reflective surface 4022 relative to the substrate 4020, the non-reflective surface 4022 of the micromirror 402 can avoid incident light and will not reflect the incident light, while the reflective surface 4021 of the micromirror 402 can reflect the incident light.

[0036] Optionally, the tangential direction of the reflective surface 4021 is set at a second angle θ2 with the planar direction of the substrate 4020, and the tangential direction of the non-reflective surface 4022 is set at a third angle θ3 with the planar direction of the substrate 4020. The second angle θ2 and the third angle θ3 are not equal, so that the non-reflective surface 4022 avoids incident light as much as possible and does not interfere with the reflection surface 4022 reflecting incident light at different angles.

[0037] Optionally, such as Figure 7 As shown, the tangential direction of the non-reflective surface 4022 is perpendicular to the plane direction of the substrate 4020, that is, the third angle θ3 is 90°, and at this time, the non-reflective surface 4022 is a cylindrical surface. When the tangential direction of the non-reflective surface 4022 is perpendicular to the plane direction of the substrate 4020, the non-reflective surface 4022 has the best effect in avoiding incident light rays.

[0038] Optionally, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, along the radial direction of the substrate 4020, the angle between the tangential direction of the reflecting surface 4021 of the multiple micromirrors and the planar direction of the substrate 4020 increases or decreases sequentially. The planar direction of the substrate 4020 is as follows: Figure 6 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ef, the radial direction of the substrate 4020 can be understood as the direction from the reflection center 401 toward the edge of the micro-reflection array 400. By varying the angles of the reflective surfaces 4021 of the multiple micro-reflectors 402, the reflective surfaces 4021 of the multiple micro-reflectors 402 on the first reflector 201 can reflect the light transmitted through the optical lens 100 onto the reflective surfaces 4021 of the multiple micro-reflectors 402 on the second reflector 202, and at the same time, the reflective surfaces 4021 of the multiple micro-reflectors 402 on the second reflector 202 can reflect the light reflected by the reflective surfaces 4021 of the multiple micro-reflectors 402 on the first reflector 201 onto the photosensitive chip 300.

[0039] Optionally, the angle between the tangential direction of the reflective surface 4021 and the planar direction of the substrate 4020 corresponds to the chief ray angle of the optical lens 100 and the photosensitive chip 300. That is, the surface angle of the reflective surface 4021 of the micromirror 402 in this embodiment needs to be determined based on the chief ray angle (CRA) of the optical lens 100 and the photosensitive chip 300, thereby improving the arrangement freedom of the micromirror array 400 and improving the internal space utilization of the lens module, thus achieving a super telephoto effect in a small space. Therefore, the reflective surface 4021 in this embodiment can be a conical surface, or the reflective surface 4021 can be a curved surface that undulates along the circumferential direction of the annular substrate 4020. This embodiment does not limit the specific angle of the undulation of the reflective surface 4021 along the circumferential direction of the substrate 4020.

[0040] Optionally, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the mirror surface of the first reflecting mirror 201 is perpendicular to the plane containing the axial direction of the optical lens 100, and the mirror surface of the second reflecting mirror 202 is set at an angle to the mirror surface of the first reflecting mirror 201. The axial direction of the optical lens 100 is as follows: Figure 8 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ab. By correcting the direction of light through the micro-mirror array 400, the positional freedom of the first mirror 201 and the second mirror 202 is greatly improved. The second mirror 202 can be tilted at a certain angle, and the mirror group 200 can be flexibly arranged in a limited space, which is beneficial to improving the internal space utilization of the lens module.

[0041] Optionally, such as Figure 10 As shown, the mirror surface of the second reflector 202 is perpendicular to the plane containing the axial direction of the optical lens 100, and the mirror surface of the first reflector 202 and the mirror surface of the second reflector 202 are set at an angle. The axial direction of the optical lens 100 is as follows: Figure 10 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ab. By correcting the direction of light through the micro-mirror array 400, the positional freedom of the first mirror 201 and the second mirror 202 is greatly improved. The first mirror 202 can be tilted at a certain angle, and the mirror group 200 can be flexibly arranged in a limited space, which is beneficial to improving the internal space utilization of the lens module.

[0042] Optionally, in this embodiment, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, by correcting the direction of light through the micro-mirror array 400, the distance between the first mirror 201 and the optical lens 100 in the axial direction of the optical lens 100 can be set more flexibly, as can the distance between the second mirror 202 and the photosensitive chip 300.

[0043] Optionally, it should be noted that the tilt angle of the reflective surface 4021 of the micromirror 402 relative to the planar direction of the substrate 4020 in this embodiment needs to be determined based on the CRA of the optical lens 100 and the photosensitive chip 300, and also needs to take into account the specific positions of the first reflector 201, the second reflector 202 and the photosensitive chip 300. This application does not limit the specific value of the angle between the reflective surface 4021 of the micromirror 402 and the planar direction of the substrate 4020.

[0044] Optionally, the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip 300 is perpendicular to the plane containing the axial direction of the optical lens 100. Since the axial direction of the optical lens 100 is parallel to the thickness direction of the electronic device, setting the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip 300 perpendicular to the plane containing the axial direction of the optical lens 100 helps to reduce the space occupied by the photosensitive chip 300 in the thickness direction of the electronic device, thus contributing to the thinner and lighter design of the electronic device.

[0045] It should be noted that, depending on the configuration of the mirror group 200 and the design of the micromirror array 400, the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip 300 can also be configured to form an acute angle with the plane containing the axial direction of the optical lens 100, or to be parallel to the plane containing the axial direction of the optical lens 100.

[0046] Optionally, the photosensitive chip 300 has a plurality of pixel units arranged at intervals. Each micromirror 402 includes a plurality of reflective microstructures arranged continuously along its circumference. The reflective microstructures are correspondingly arranged with respect to the pixel units, and the number of pixel units on the photosensitive chip 300 is no greater than the number of reflective microstructures on the micromirror array 400. Each reflective microstructure has a substrate 4020 located at a corresponding position, and a reflective surface 4021 and a non-reflective surface 4022 on the substrate 4020. This ensures that all pixel units in the photosensitive chip 300 can receive the corresponding light, which helps to ensure image quality.

[0047] Optionally, the photosensitive chip 300 has a rectangular photosensitive area, with multiple pixel units arranged at intervals within the photosensitive area. Both the first reflector 201 and the second reflector 202 have effective reflective areas, the shape of which is the same as the shape of the photosensitive area. These effective reflective areas can be understood as the areas on the reflector that participate in light reflection, and these areas are covered with a micromirror array 400. The micromirror array 400 on the first reflector 201, located within the effective reflective area, reflects light transmitted through the optical lens 100 onto the micromirror array 400 on the second reflector 202. The micromirror array 400 on the second reflector 202, located within the effective reflective area, reflects light reflected from the effective reflective area of ​​the first reflector 201 onto the photosensitive area of ​​the photosensitive chip 300. Furthermore, the effective reflective area is divided into smaller reflective areas with the same number of pixel units. The more reflective microstructures contained in each micromirror 402, the more smaller reflective areas the effective reflective area is divided into. One reflective microstructure corresponds to one pixel unit, which can improve the imaging quality.

[0048] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first reflector 201 or the second reflector 202 can be set to be circular or rectangular. Therefore, it should be noted that in order to ensure the imaging quality of the photosensitive chip 300, regardless of the shape of the first reflector 201 or the second reflector 202, the effective reflective area on the first reflector 201 and the second reflector 202 needs to be divided into small reflective areas with the same number of pixel units. It should be noted that the aforementioned limitation that the number of pixel units on the photosensitive chip 300 should not exceed the number of reflective microstructures on the micromirror array 400 is to ensure that when the first mirror 201 or the second mirror 202 is rectangular, its shape matches the shape of the rectangular photosensitive area on the photosensitive chip 300, thus ensuring that the number of pixel units on the photosensitive chip 300 does not exceed the number of reflective microstructures on the micromirror array 400. Conversely, when the first mirror 201 or the second mirror 202 is circular, its shape does not match the shape of the rectangular photosensitive area on the photosensitive chip 300, thus ensuring that the number of pixel units on the photosensitive chip 300 is less than the number of reflective microstructures on the micromirror array 400. This ensures that regardless of whether the first mirror 201 or the second mirror 202 is rectangular or circular, the pixel units in the photosensitive chip 300 can receive the corresponding light, thereby ensuring image quality.

[0049] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the first reflector 201 and the second reflector 202, the reflector group 200 described in the embodiments of this application may also include a plurality of other reflectors. Each of the plurality of reflectors is provided with a micro-reflector array for reflecting light. The plurality of reflectors are arranged at intervals and cooperate with the first reflector 201 and the second reflector 202. The plurality of reflectors and the first reflector 201 and the second reflector 202 are arranged in the reflected light path to realize that the light transmitted through the optical lens 100 is folded and reflected multiple times to the photosensitive chip 300.

[0050] Secondly, embodiments of this application also disclose an electronic device, which may specifically include the aforementioned lens module.

[0051] The electronic devices described in the embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablet computers, and laptop computers.

[0052] The electronic device described in this application has at least the following advantages:

[0053] In the embodiments of this application, by applying the above-mentioned lens module in an electronic device, the electronic device can be equipped with a super telephoto scene function in terms of photography, and at the same time, the weight of the electronic device can be reduced, which is conducive to making the electronic device thinner and lighter.

[0054] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0055] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lens module, characterized in that, It includes an optical lens (100), a mirror assembly (200), and a photosensitive chip (300); The mirror assembly (200) includes a first mirror (201) and a second mirror (202). The first mirror (201) is spaced apart from the optical lens (100) along the axial direction of the optical lens (100). The photosensitive chip (300) is spaced apart from the first mirror (201) along the axial direction perpendicular to the optical lens (100). The second mirror (202) is spaced apart from both the first mirror (201) and the photosensitive chip (300). Both the first reflector (201) and the second reflector (202) are provided with micro-mirror arrays (400) for reflecting light. The micro-mirror array (400) on the first reflector (201) is used to reflect the light transmitted through the optical lens (100) to the second reflector (202), and the micro-mirror array (400) on the second reflector (202) is used to reflect the light reflected by the first reflector (201) to the photosensitive chip (300).

2. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The micromirror array (400) has a reflection center (401), and the micromirror array (400) includes a plurality of annular micromirrors (402) arranged sequentially outward from the reflection center (401).

3. The lens module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The micromirror (402) includes an annular substrate (4020) and a reflective surface (4021) and a non-reflective surface (4022) disposed on the substrate (4020). The reflective surface (4021) and the non-reflective surface (4022) are arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the substrate (4020). The reflective surface (4021) and the non-reflective surface (4022) are curved surfaces. The tangential direction of the reflective surface (4021) is set at an angle to the tangential direction of the non-reflective surface (4022). The tangential directions of the reflective surface (4021) and the non-reflective surface (4022) are respectively set at an angle to the planar direction of the substrate (4020).

4. The lens module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The angle between the tangential direction of the reflective surface (4021) and the planar direction of the substrate (4020) corresponds to the principal ray angle of the optical lens (100) and the photosensitive chip (300).

5. The lens module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tangential direction of the non-reflective surface (4022) is perpendicular to the planar direction of the substrate (4020).

6. The lens module according to claim 3, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the substrate (4020), the angle between the tangential direction of the reflective surface (4021) of the plurality of micromirrors and the planar direction of the substrate (4020) increases or decreases sequentially.

7. The lens module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The photosensitive chip (300) has a plurality of pixel units arranged at intervals, and each micromirror (402) includes a plurality of reflective microstructures arranged continuously along its circumference, the reflective microstructures being disposed corresponding to the pixel units; The number of pixel units disposed on the photosensitive chip (300) is no greater than the number of reflective microstructures disposed on the micromirror array (400).

8. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mirror surface of the first reflector (201) is perpendicular to the plane containing the axial direction of the optical lens (100), and the mirror surface of the second reflector (202) is set at an angle to the mirror surface of the first reflector (201).

9. The lens module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mirror surface of the second reflector (202) is perpendicular to the plane containing the axial direction of the optical lens (100), and the mirror surface of the first reflector (201) is set at an angle to the mirror surface of the second reflector (202).

10. The lens module according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The photosensitive surface of the photosensitive chip (300) is perpendicular to the plane containing the axial direction of the optical lens (100).

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a lens module, which is the lens module according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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