Retractable lens barrel structure

Abstract

A lens barrel module includes, in a housing: a bending optical member (1) for bending light incident along a first optical axis on an object side in a direction of a second optical axis on an image side; the first lens group (2) is arranged on the first optical axis; the second lens group (3) is arranged on the second optical axis; means for retracting the curved optical member (1) and for retracting the first lens group (2) in the direction of the first optical axis. The mechanism for retracting the curved optical member (1) and for retracting the first lens group (2) in the direction of the first optical axis can reduce the number of components compared to a technique for retracting the lens group using a cam barrel driven by an actuator provided outside the barrel, which tends to increase product size and the number of components. Furthermore, the inclusion of the mechanism in the housing of the lens barrel module makes the overall size of the product comprising the mechanism for retracting the curved optical member (1) and the first lens group (2) smaller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application generally relate to camera modules, and more particularly to a lens barrel structure of a camera module used in a mobile device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has been proposed to adopt a folded optical axis for camera modules installed in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to reduce product thickness or height. A curved optical member is provided in a camera module having a folded optical axis to bend light incident along a first optical axis on the object side to a direction along a second optical axis on the image side.

[0003] The first lens group may be arranged on a first optical axis, and the second lens group may be arranged on a second optical axis. Light passing through the second lens group is incident on an imager (image sensor).

[0004] Even with such a folded optical axis, the thickness of the camera module may still be limited, which in turn limits the optical design. Therefore, a camera module with a lens barrel retraction mechanism is needed to enhance the flexibility of product design and present a low profile when the camera module is not used for imaging.

[0005] In a first possible technique for retracting the lens group, a curved optical member in the form of a prism is retracted to make room for accommodating the lens group, while a cam barrel (also called a cam ring) is driven by an actuator disposed outside the lens barrel. The movement of the cam barrel retracts the lens group in the direction of the first optical axis along the object side. The disadvantage of this technique is that the product size tends to be large. In addition, the number of components involved in this technique is relatively large, which may lead to increased costs or reduced performance due to assembly errors. In addition, the curved optical member in the form of a prism needs to be accommodated along the second optical axis on the image side, which increases the product size along the second optical axis.

[0006] In a second possible technique for retracting the lens group, a curved optical member in the form of a mirror is retracted to make room for accommodating the lens group, and a cam barrel is driven by an actuator disposed outside the lens barrel. The movement of the cam barrel retracts the lens group in the direction along the first optical axis on the object side. The disadvantage of this technique is also that the product size tends to be large. In addition, the number of components involved in this technique is relatively large, which may lead to increased costs or reduced performance due to assembly errors. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention is directed to providing a structure that solves one or more of the above problems.

[0008] According to an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, a lens barrel module is provided. The lens barrel module includes: a bending optical component in a housing, for bending light incident along a first optical axis on an object side to a direction along a second optical axis on an image side; a first lens group arranged on the first optical axis; a second lens group arranged on the second optical axis; and a mechanism for retracting the bending optical component and for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0009] Compared with a technique of retracting the lens group using a cam barrel driven by an actuator disposed outside the lens barrel, which tends to increase the product size and the number of components, the mechanism for retracting the curved optical member and for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis can reduce the number of components. In addition, including the mechanism in the housing of the lens barrel module makes the overall size of the product including the mechanism for retracting the curved optical member and the first lens group smaller.

[0010] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on the above-mentioned implementation of the first aspect of the present invention, the mechanism for retracting the curved optical member and for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis includes a cam plate and an actuator, wherein the cam plate is linearly driven by the actuator in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis and substantially parallel to the second optical axis to retract the curved optical member and the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0011] The linear motion of the actuator facilitates including a mechanism in the housing of the barrel module for retracting the curved optical member and the first lens group.

[0012] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any one of the above-mentioned suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, a feature portion for driving the curved optical component is arranged on an inner surface of the cam plate, and a feature portion for driving the first lens group is arranged on an outer surface of the cam plate.

[0013] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any one of the above-mentioned suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, the characteristic portion for driving the curved optical component is a step arranged on the inner surface of the cam plate, and the characteristic portion for driving the first lens group is a cam groove arranged on the outer surface of the cam plate.

[0014] Such a cam plate allows a relatively simple mechanism to retract the curved optical member and the first lens group.

[0015] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any of the above suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, a leaf spring is connected to the cam plate, the leaf spring pushing the cam plate onto the actuator of the mechanism.

[0016] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any one of the above-mentioned suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, the leaf spring is connected to the cam plate by a screw, and the strength with which the leaf spring pushes the cam plate onto the actuator can be adjusted by the screw.

[0017] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any one of the above-mentioned suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, the cam plate is directly fixed on the actuator.

[0018] These provide specific embodiments for connecting the actuator to the cam plate.

[0019] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any one of the above-mentioned suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, the first lens group is mounted on a first lens barrel, and the first lens barrel has a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is guided along a cam groove provided on the outer surface of the cam plate through the linear movement of a cam plate, so that the first lens barrel moves toward a base frame constituting a part of the housing, causing the first lens group to retract in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0020] Guiding the protrusion provided on the first lens barrel along the cam groove provided on the surface of the cam plate provides a simple mechanism for driving the first lens group by the linear movement of the cam plate.

[0021] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any one of the above-mentioned suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, the lens barrel holding the first lens group is held by a guide pin parallel to the first optical axis and is used to move in a direction parallel to the guide pin.

[0022] In contrast to techniques that rely on a rotating mechanism, the linear motion caused by the actuator allows the use of guide pins. The guide pins improve the accuracy of the retention / positioning of the first lens group and the alignment of the optical axis of the first lens group.

[0023] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any of the above-mentioned suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, the guide pin is made of metal.

[0024] The guide pins are easily made of metal, which is advantageous in terms of durability, slidability, manufacturing tolerances and temperature variations.

[0025] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any of the above suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, the curved optical component includes a reflector rotatably connected to a mirror mount, wherein retracting the curved optical component includes rotating the reflector to an orientation closer to perpendicular to the first optical axis.

[0026] Retracting the reflector to make room for the first lens group is achieved by a simple movement of rotating the reflector, etc. This retraction method requires relatively little additional space to retract the reflector.

[0027] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any one of the above-mentioned suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, the reflector rotatably connected to the mirror mount includes a mirror frame connected to the reflector, wherein the mirror frame is rotatably connected to the mirror mount, and the mirror frame includes a protrusion, wherein the mechanism for retracting the curved optical component and for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis presses the protrusion through the linear movement of a cam plate using a feature portion provided on the surface of the cam plate, thereby rotating the reflector to an orientation closer to the orientation perpendicular to the first optical axis.

[0028] Using features provided on the surface of the cam plate to press against a projection on the mirror carrier to rotate the mirror provides a simple mechanism for retracting the mirror via linear movement of the cam plate.

[0029] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any of the above-mentioned suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, the reflector is pushed by a spring to press the protrusion of the mirror frame onto the feature portion of the cam plate.

[0030] The spring's push helps suppress creaking even when the mirror is not actuated.

[0031] In an implementation of the first aspect of the present invention based on any one of the above-mentioned suitable implementations of the first aspect of the present invention, the lens barrel also includes a base frame constituting a part of the shell, wherein a guide pin for guiding the first lens group is connected to the base frame, and the lens mount is formed integrally with the base frame.

[0032] The integrated formation of the mirror mount and the base frame reduces the number of components.

[0033] A second aspect of the present invention provides a camera module, comprising: a lens barrel module according to any one of the above implementations of the first aspect of the present invention; and an image sensor for capturing light that has passed through the second lens group arranged on the second optical axis.

[0034] The third aspect of the present invention provides a camera, comprising: a lens barrel module according to any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the first aspect of the present invention; an image sensor for capturing light that has passed through the second lens group arranged on the second optical axis; a controller; and a memory module.

[0035] The fourth aspect of the present invention provides a terminal device, comprising: a processor; a memory; a lens barrel module according to any one of the above-mentioned implementation methods of the first aspect of the present invention; and an image sensor for capturing light that has passed through the second lens group arranged on the second optical axis.

[0036] In one implementation, the terminal device may be a mobile phone or a smart phone.

[0037] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method for retracting a first lens group in a lens barrel module, wherein the lens barrel module includes: a curved optical member for bending light incident along a first optical axis on an object side to a direction along a second optical axis on an image side; the first lens group disposed on the first optical axis; and a second lens group disposed on the second optical axis. The method includes: an actuator disposed in a housing of the lens barrel module linearly drives a cam plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis and substantially parallel to the second optical axis; a feature portion disposed on one surface of the cam plate presses a protrusion disposed on a bracket of the curved optical member so that the curved optical member is closer to an orientation perpendicular to the first optical axis, thereby leaving a space to accommodate the first lens group; and a feature portion disposed on another surface of the cam plate guides a protrusion disposed on a lens barrel holding the first lens group so that the first lens group moves into the space.

[0038] Various features including those described above for the lens barrel module are also applicable to the method embodiment. They are not described in detail here. Since the advantages of the embodiment according to this aspect are similar to those of the first embodiment, they are not described in detail here for simplicity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals may identify the same or similar elements throughout the drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lens barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention when it is in two positions (a use position and a storage position);

[0041] Figure 2 is an exploded view of some components of a lens barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3is a top view of a lens barrel module and its internal structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 A mechanism for retracting a reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein (A) shows a spring for pushing the mirror frame, (B) shows an arrangement when in use, and (C) shows a cam plate for rotating the mirror frame (seen from the inside);

[0044] Figure 5 A mechanism for retracting a first lens group according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein (A) shows a cam plate viewed from the inside, and (B) shows the cam plate viewed from the outside;

[0045] Figure 6 An electronic device (eg, a smart phone) is shown in which a lens barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be used;

[0046] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a method for retracting a first lens group in a barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below.

[0048] Today, typical mobile phones are equipped with cameras. Autofocus in typical camera modules requires the lens unit to move along the optical axis to change the optical path length from the lens unit to the image sensor of the camera, which in turn requires a certain range of axial movement. However, considering the slim form factor of typical mobile phones, the range of axial movement is limited.

[0049] Recently, this limitation of axial movement has been alleviated by using an optical system with a folded optical axis. Light entering the aperture of a mobile phone camera module and passing through a first lens group is reflected by a curved optical member (e.g., a reflector) to a direction substantially perpendicular to the incident direction, and the reflected light passes through a second lens group and is received by an image sensor. The folded optical axis in such an optical system can reduce the optical path length before the curved optical member, and thus can reduce product thickness or height. (The optical axis before the curved optical member can be referred to as a first optical axis on the object side, and the optical axis after the curved optical member can be referred to as a second optical axis on the image side. The first lens group can be disposed on the first optical axis, and the second lens group can be disposed on the second optical axis.)

[0050] Even with this folded optical axis, the thickness of the camera module may still be limited, which in turn limits the optical design. Therefore, a camera module with a lens barrel retraction mechanism is needed to achieve a low profile when the camera module is not used for imaging. Such a mechanism can enhance the flexibility of product design.

[0051] However, the disadvantage of the technology of retracting the lens group using a cam barrel driven by an actuator disposed outside the lens barrel is that the product size tends to be large. In addition, the number of components involved in this technology is relatively large, which may lead to increased costs or reduced performance due to assembly errors. In addition, the space required to retract the curved optical member should be as small as possible.

[0052] The present invention is directed to a solution to one or more of the above problems.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a lens barrel module includes in a housing: a bending optical component for bending light incident along a first optical axis on an object side to a direction along a second optical axis on an image side; a first lens group arranged on the first optical axis; a second lens group arranged on the second optical axis; and a mechanism for retracting the bending optical component and for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0054] In some embodiments, the mechanism for retracting the bent optical member and for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis includes a cam plate driven by an actuator, and linear movement of the cam plate drives the bent optical member and the first lens group.

[0055] Although specific embodiments are described below, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments.

[0056] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention in two positions (a use position and a storage position) is shown. The barrel module includes a curved optical component 1 (e.g., a reflector), a first lens group 2, and a second lens group 3 in a housing. The optical axes of the first lens group and the second lens group are indicated by dotted lines. It can be seen that the curved optical component provides a folded optical axis by bending light incident along the optical axis of the first lens group (also referred to as the first optical axis on the object side) to a direction along the optical axis of the second lens group (also referred to as the second optical axis on the image side).

[0057] When the camera module including the lens barrel module is in use, the first lens group 2 protrudes from the main body of the lens barrel module to provide an optical path length required for imaging. When the camera module is not in use, the first lens group 2 is retracted to reduce the thickness of the lens barrel module. A space for accommodating the first lens group 2 is reserved by rotating the curved optical member 1 so that the curved optical member 1 is closer to an orientation perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens group.

[0058] The curved optical member 1 generates such movement to make room for retracting the first lens group 2, which can also be referred to as retracting the curved optical member 1. Retracting the curved optical member 1 simply by rotating it is advantageous because it does not require space for the curved optical member 1 to translate into.

[0059] In some embodiments, the mechanism for retracting the curved optical member (e.g., by rotation) and for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis includes a cam plate driven by an actuator, and the linear movement of the cam plate drives the curved optical member and the first lens group.

[0060] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of some components of a lens barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a curved optical member (eg, Figure 1 The curved optical member 1) includes a reflector 6 held by a mirror holder 7, which is rotatably connected to a mirror mount 9 and is pushed by a preload spring (also referred to as a preload spring) 8. The preload spring 8 is used to position the reflector to bend light and prevent the reflector from creaking when it is not driven back by a cam plate 13. These components form a reflector assembly 10 connected to a base frame 18. The base frame 18 can be a part of the housing of the lens barrel module. In some embodiments, the mirror mount 9 and the base frame 18 can be an integrated unit.

[0061] The lens 4 in the first lens group is held by the first lens barrel 5. The lens barrel 5 can be guided by a guide pin 11 connected to the base frame 18 to move linearly in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the first lens group. A preload spring 12 is arranged around the guide pin 11. The preload spring 12 is used to position the first lens barrel 5 and prevent the first lens barrel 5 from creaking when it is not retracted. The guide pin can be made of metal.

[0062] The cam plate (also called cam plate) 13 is used to rotate the mirror holder 7 (as shown below in combination with Figure 4 Detailed description) and for moving the lens barrel 5 along the guide pin (as shown below in combination Figure 5 The cam plate 13 is linearly moved by the actuator 16. In the embodiment shown, the actuator 16 is connected to the cam plate 13 by a leaf spring 15 via a receiver 14. The strength with which the actuator is connected to the cam plate 13 can be adjusted by a screw 17. Alternatively, the cam plate 13 can be fixed directly to the actuator 16.

[0063] Typically, the actuator uses a piezoelectric element such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT). However, any suitable actuator, including an actuator based on electromagnetic interaction between a coil and a magnet, may also be used to provide linear motion according to the present invention. The actuator may be controlled by a controller (not shown), such as a processor programmed with a computer program.

[0064] Figure 3: is a top view of a lens barrel module and its internal structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. (It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the terms "up", "down", "left" and "right" are used herein for illustrative purposes only, and these terms do not imply any absolute directions.) The bar actuator is marked with an ellipse. It can be seen that the actuator works within the housing of the lens barrel module. This is possible because the actuator performs linear motion. The arrangement of the actuator within the housing of the lens barrel module can reduce the size of the lens module. In other words, in contrast to the rotational motion of the cam barrel, the linear motion of the cam plate of the present invention drives the design of the lens barrel module to be relatively simple and small in size. In contrast, the technology of retracting the lens group using a cam barrel driven by an actuator disposed outside the lens barrel tends to increase the product size and the number of components.

[0065] Figure 4 Some components of a mechanism for retracting a reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. Figure 4 (A) in FIG. 1 shows a spring 8 for pushing the frame 7. The spring is used to position the frame and prevent the frame from making a creaking sound when it is not retracted by the cam plate. In addition, the preload spring 8 presses the protrusion 7b of the frame 7 onto the feature portion (e.g., step) of the cam plate, as shown below in conjunction with Figure 4 As described in (B) .

[0066] Figure 4 (B) in FIG. 1 shows the arrangement of the lens barrel module when it is in use, wherein the lens holder 7 pushed by the spring is in an orientation for directing light from the first lens group to the second lens group. It can be seen that the lens holder 7 is rotatably connected to the lens mount 9 (see also FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ). The frame 7 has a protrusion 7b on the side. A plate 13b having an inclined bottom edge contacts the protrusion 7b. When the plate 13b moves forward (to the left in the figure), the plate 13b presses the protrusion 7b, causing the frame 7 to rotate to a direction closer to being perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 4 in the first lens group.

[0067] With Figure 4 The plate 13b with the inclined bottom edge shown in (B) is a part of the cam plate 13 (for example, the plate 13b may be a layer of the cam plate 13) and forms a step on the inner surface of the cam plate 13. Figure 4 This can be seen in (C). Figure 4 (C) in the figure shows the cam plate 13 as seen from the inside. (Here, "inside" refers to the side closer to the optical axis of the lens 4 in the first lens group.) A geometric feature (e.g., a step) formed on the cam plate 13 presses a protrusion 7b on the side of the lens frame 7 to rotate the lens frame 7.

[0068] Retracting the mirror simply by rotation is advantageous as this does not require space for the mirror to translate into. Furthermore, the cam plate 13 provides a simple mechanism for retracting the mirror.

[0069] Figure 5 Some components of a mechanism for retracting the lens barrel 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. Figure 5 (A) in FIG. 1 shows a portion 13c of the cam plate 13 (particularly, a feature or layer on the outer surface of the cam plate 13 that drives the movement of the lens barrel) as seen from the inside. Here, "inside" refers to the side closer to the optical axis of the lens 4 in the first lens group. Figure 5 In (A), layer 13b is omitted (e.g. Figure 4 13c is visible. It should be noted that the three layers of the cam plate 13 are described herein as including layer 13c located on the outer surface of the main plate and layer 13b located on the inner surface of the main plate for illustrative purposes only. The cam plate 13 including one or both of the features 13b and 13c may be formed as an integral unit.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown in (A) in FIG. 1 , the layer 13c of the cam plate 13 has an opening or a groove 13d, and the protrusion 5b of the lens barrel 5 is inserted into the opening or the groove 13d. It should be noted that Figure 5 (A) in FIG. 1 shows only a portion of the lens barrel 5. The groove 13d of the cam plate 13 and the protrusion 5b of the lens barrel 5 are viewed from the outside, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in (B) in FIG. 1 , it can be seen that when the cam plate 13 moves forward (i.e., Figure 5 The left side of (B) or Figure 5 When the lens barrel 5 moves to the right side of (A) in the figure, the geometric feature of the groove 5 guides the protrusion 5b downward (i.e., toward the base frame 18), thereby lowering the lens barrel 5. Therefore, the retraction of the lens barrel 5 is achieved by a simple mechanism of the cam plate 13. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the same movement of the cam plate 13 is used to retract the reflector ( Figure 4 ) and retract the lens tube ( Figure 5 ).

[0071] As discussed above, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a mechanism for retracting the curved optical member (or the reflector 6) and for retracting the first lens group (or the lens barrel 5) in the direction of the first optical axis (e.g., along the optical axis of the first lens group) includes a cam plate and an actuator. The cam plate is linearly driven by the actuator in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis and substantially parallel to the second optical axis (e.g., the optical axis through which the light reflected by the reflector 6 passes through the second lens group). The linear movement of the cam plate results in retracting the curved optical member and retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0072] In some embodiments, a feature for driving the bent optical member is disposed on the inner surface of the cam plate. The feature may be a geometric feature, such as a Figure 4 The step formed by the layer 13b of the cam plate 13 shown in (C) in FIG. A feature for driving the first lens group is provided on the outer surface of the cam plate. The feature may be a geometric feature, such as Figure 5 The groove 13d shown in (B) in FIG.

[0073] The lens barrel module according to any of the above embodiments may be used in a camera module, which may include such a lens module and an image sensor, wherein the image sensor is used to capture light passing through a second lens group disposed on a second optical axis.

[0074] The lens barrel module according to any of the above embodiments can be used in a camera. The camera may include such a lens barrel module; an image sensor for capturing light passing through a second lens group arranged on a second optical axis; a controller; and a memory module.

[0075] The lens barrel module according to any of the above embodiments can be used in a terminal device or an electronic device. The terminal device or the electronic device may include such a lens barrel module; a processor; a memory; and an image sensor for capturing light passing through a second lens group arranged on a second optical axis.

[0076] Figure 6 A terminal device or electronic device is shown, in which the lens barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used. The electronic device can be any suitable device, including but not limited to a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the illustrated embodiments are not restrictive.

[0077] Figure 7 7 is a flowchart showing a method (700) for retracting a first lens group in a barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention. The barrel module may be the barrel module described in any of the above embodiments. The method includes: step (710), that is, an actuator disposed in a housing of the barrel module linearly drives a cam plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to a first optical axis (e.g., an optical axis of the first lens group) and substantially parallel to a second optical axis (e.g., an optical axis of the second lens group, through which light reflected by a reflector passes); step (720), that is, a feature disposed on one surface of the cam plate presses a protrusion disposed on a bracket of a curved optical member (e.g., a reflector) to bring the curved optical member closer to an orientation perpendicular to the first optical axis, thereby leaving space to accommodate the first lens group; step (730), that is, a feature disposed on another surface of the cam plate guides a protrusion disposed on a barrel holding the first lens group to move the first lens group into the space.

[0078] It should be noted that the steps do not need to be performed in the order described. For example, it should be noted that steps 720 and 730 can be performed by the same linear motion of the cam plate.

[0079] Although various embodiments are described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described or shown. Features described for one embodiment of the present invention may be combined with features described for another embodiment of the present invention in any suitable manner, unless such combination is impossible or explicitly stated to be excluded. A skilled person may recognize other objects or advantages in addition to the above objects or advantages.

[0080] The unit division disclosed in the embodiments of the present application is not restrictive, and the embodiments may be configured with other component divisions.

[0081] Where appropriate, some functions (e.g., controlling the movement of the cam plate) may be implemented in the form of a computer program for causing a processor or computing device to perform one or more functions. For example, various signal processing and control functions may be implemented as a computer program. The computer program may be embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be any medium that can store a computer program, such as a solid-state memory such as a USB drive, a flash drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a magnetic storage medium such as a removable or non-removable hard disk, or an optical storage medium such as a compact disk.

[0082] The above description is only an illustration of various embodiments of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any changes that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A lens barrel module, characterized in that: Included in the housing: a bending optical member for bending light incident along a first optical axis on the object side to a direction along a second optical axis on the image side; a first lens group arranged on the first optical axis; a second lens group arranged on the second optical axis; A mechanism for retracting the curved optical member and for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis.

2. The lens barrel module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanism for retracting the curved optical member and for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis includes a cam plate and an actuator, wherein the cam plate is linearly driven by the actuator in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis and substantially parallel to the second optical axis to retract the curved optical member and the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis.

3. The lens barrel module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Features for driving the curved optical member are disposed on an inner surface of the cam plate, and features for driving the first lens group are disposed on an outer surface of the cam plate.

4. The lens barrel module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The feature for driving the curved optical member is a step provided on the inner surface of the cam plate, and the feature for driving the first lens group is a cam groove provided on the outer surface of the cam plate.

5. The lens barrel module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A leaf spring is connected to the cam plate, which pushes the cam plate onto the actuator of the mechanism.

6. The lens barrel module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The leaf spring is connected to the cam plate by a screw, and the strength with which the leaf spring pushes the cam plate onto the actuator can be adjusted by the screw.

7. The lens barrel module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cam plate is directly fixed to the actuator.

8. The lens barrel module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first lens group is mounted on a first lens barrel, and the first lens barrel has a protrusion, wherein, The projection is guided along a cam groove provided on the outer surface of the cam plate by linear movement of the cam plate, so that the first lens barrel moves toward a base frame constituting a part of the housing, causing the first lens group to retract in the direction of the first optical axis.

9. The lens barrel module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lens barrel holding the first lens group is held by guide pins parallel to the first optical axis and is adapted to move in a direction parallel to the guide pins.

10. The lens barrel module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The guide pin is made of metal.

11. The lens barrel module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The curved optical member includes a mirror rotatably connected to a mirror mount, wherein retracting the curved optical member includes rotating the mirror to an orientation closer to perpendicular to the first optical axis.

12. The lens barrel module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The reflector rotatably connected to the mirror seat comprises a mirror frame connected to the reflector, wherein the mirror frame is rotatably connected to the mirror seat, the mirror frame comprises a protrusion, wherein, The mechanism for retracting the curved optical member and for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis presses the protrusion using a feature portion provided on the surface of the cam plate through linear movement of the cam plate, thereby rotating the reflector to an orientation closer to the perpendicular orientation to the first optical axis.

13. The lens barrel module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The reflector is urged by a spring so as to press the protrusion of the mirror frame onto the feature of the cam plate.

14. The lens barrel module according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a base frame constituting a part of the housing, wherein a guide pin for guiding the first lens group is connected to the base frame, and the lens mount is formed integrally with the base frame.

15. A camera module, characterized in that: include: The lens barrel module according to any one of claims 1 to 14; An image sensor is used to capture light that has passed through the second lens group disposed on the second optical axis.

16. A camera, characterized in that: include: The lens barrel module according to any one of claims 1 to 14; an image sensor for capturing light having passed through the second lens group disposed on the second optical axis; Controller; Memory module.

17. A terminal device, characterized in that: include: processor; Memory; The lens barrel module according to any one of claims 1 to 14; An image sensor is used to capture light that has passed through the second lens group disposed on the second optical axis.

18. The terminal device according to claim 17, characterized in that: This includes mobile phones or smartphones.

19. A method for retracting a first lens group in a lens barrel module, characterized in that: The lens barrel module comprises: a bending optical member for bending light incident along a first optical axis on the object side to a direction along a second optical axis on the image side; The first lens group is arranged on the first optical axis; a second lens group arranged on the second optical axis; The method comprises: an actuator disposed in a housing of the barrel module to linearly drive a cam plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis and substantially parallel to the second optical axis; a feature disposed on one surface of the cam plate pressing a protrusion disposed on a bracket of the curved optical member to bring the curved optical member closer to an orientation perpendicular to the first optical axis, thereby leaving space to accommodate the first lens group; A feature provided on the other surface of the cam plate guides a protrusion provided on a lens barrel holding the first lens group so that the first lens group moves into the space.

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