Retractable lens barrel structure

Abstract

A lens barrel module comprising in a housing: a bending optical member (1) for bending light incident along a first optical axis on an object side in a direction along a second optical axis on an image side; a first lens group (2) disposed on the first optical axis; a second lens group (3) disposed on the second optical axis; a mechanism for retracting the bending optical member (1) and for retracting the first lens group (2) in the direction of the first optical axis. The mechanism for retracting the bending 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 of retracting a 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. Furthermore, including the mechanism in the housing of the lens barrel module makes the total size of the product including the mechanism for retracting the bending optical member (1) and the first lens group (2) smaller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to camera modules, and more particularly to lens barrel structures for camera modules in mobile devices. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, some have proposed using folded optical axes in camera modules installed on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to reduce product thickness or height. A camera module with a folded optical axis incorporates a bent optical component 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 can be set on the first optical axis, and the second lens group can be set on the second optical axis. Light passing through the second lens group is incident on the imager (image sensor).

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

[0005] In a first possible technique for retracting the lens assembly, a prism-shaped curved optical component retracts to make room for the lens assembly, while a cam cylinder (also called a cam ring) is driven by an actuator located outside the lens barrel. The movement of the cam cylinder causes the lens assembly to retract in a direction along a first optical axis on the object side. A disadvantage of this technique is that the product size tends to be large. Furthermore, the relatively large number of components involved can lead to increased costs or performance degradation due to assembly errors. Additionally, the prism-shaped curved optical component needs to be accommodated along a 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 assembly, a curved optical component in the form of a mirror retracts to make room for the lens assembly, while a cam cylinder is driven by an actuator located outside the lens barrel. The movement of the cam cylinder causes the lens assembly to retract in a direction along a first optical axis on the object side. A disadvantage of this technique is that the product size tends to be large. Furthermore, the relatively large number of components involved can lead to increased costs or performance degradation due to assembly errors. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a structure that solves one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] According to one implementation of a first aspect of the present invention, a lens barrel module is provided. The lens barrel module includes, within a housing: a curved 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 disposed on the first optical axis; a second lens group disposed on the second optical axis; a mechanism for retracting the curved optical member; and a mechanism for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0009] Compared to techniques that use a cam tube driven by an actuator located outside the lens barrel to retract the lens assembly (which often increases product size and component count), the mechanism for retracting the curved optical component and the mechanism for retracting the first lens assembly in the direction of the first optical axis reduces the number of components. Furthermore, including the mechanism within the housing of the lens barrel module results in a smaller overall product size, including the mechanism for retracting the curved optical component and the first lens assembly.

[0010] In one implementation of the first aspect of the invention based on the above-described implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the mechanism for retracting the curved optical component and for retracting the first lens assembly 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 component and the first lens assembly in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0011] The linear movement of the actuator facilitates the inclusion of mechanisms for retracting and bending optical components and the first lens assembly within the housing of the lens barrel module.

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

[0013] In one implementation of the first aspect of the invention based on any of the suitable implementations described above, the feature for driving the curved optical component 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.

[0014] This cam plate allows for a relatively simple mechanism to retract and bend the optical components and the first lens assembly.

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

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

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

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

[0019] In one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, based on any of the suitable implementations described above, the first lens assembly is mounted on a first lens barrel having a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is guided by a cam groove disposed on the outer surface of the cam plate by a linear movement of the cam plate, such that the first lens barrel moves toward a base frame constituting part of the housing, causing the first lens assembly to retract in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0020] A cam groove on the surface of the cam plate guides a protrusion on the first lens barrel, providing a simple mechanism for driving the first lens assembly by the linear movement of the cam plate.

[0021] In one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, based on any of the suitable implementations described above, the lens barrel of 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 technologies that rely on rotating mechanisms, the linear motion induced by the actuator allows for the use of guide pins. Guide pins improve the accuracy of holding / positioning the first lens group and the alignment of the optical axis of the first lens group.

[0023] In one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, based on any of the suitable implementations described above, the guide pin is made of metal.

[0024] Guide pins are easy to manufacture from metal. This is advantageous for durability, sliding ability, manufacturing tolerances, and temperature variations.

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

[0026] The retraction of the reflector to make room for the first lens assembly is achieved through simple movements such as rotating the reflector. This retraction method requires relatively little additional space to retract the reflector.

[0027] In one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, based on any of the suitable implementations described above, the mirror rotatably connected to the lens mount includes a frame connected to the mirror, wherein the frame is rotatably connected to the lens mount and includes a protrusion, wherein the mechanism for retracting the curved optical member and for retracting the first lens assembly in the direction of the first optical axis rotates the mirror closer to the orientation perpendicular to the first optical axis by pressing the protrusion with a feature provided on the surface of the cam plate through linear movement of the cam plate.

[0028] By using a feature set on the surface of the cam plate to press a protruding rotating mirror on the mirror holder, a simple mechanism is provided for retracting the mirror through the linear movement of the cam plate.

[0029] In one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, based on any of the suitable implementations described above, the reflector is actuated by a spring, thereby pressing the protrusion of the mirror frame against the feature portion of the cam plate.

[0030] Even when the reflector is not driven, the spring's pushing action helps suppress creaking.

[0031] In one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, based on any of the suitable implementations described above, the lens barrel further includes a base frame forming part of the housing, wherein a guide pin for guiding the first lens assembly is connected to the base frame, and the lens mount is integrally formed with the base frame.

[0032] The integrated design of the mirror mount and base 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 of the above-described implementations of the first aspect of the present invention; and an image sensor for capturing light that has passed through the second lens group disposed on the second optical axis.

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

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

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

[0037] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method for retracting a first lens group in a lens barrel module, wherein the lens barrel module includes: 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 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 driving 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 support of the bending optical member to bring the bending optical member closer to an orientation perpendicular to the first optical axis, thereby creating space to accommodate the first lens group; and a feature disposed on another surface of the cam plate guiding a protrusion disposed on a lens barrel holding the first lens group to move the first lens group into the space.

[0038] The various features, including those described above for the lens barrel module, are also applicable to the method embodiments. They will not be repeated here. Since the advantages of the embodiments according to this aspect are similar to those of the first embodiment, they will not be repeated here for simplicity. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To gain a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is now made to the following drawings, wherein the same reference numerals may identify the same or similar elements in all the drawings.

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

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

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

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

[0045] Figure 6 An electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) is shown in which a lens barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for retracting a first lens group in a lens barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below.

[0048] Today, typical mobile phones are equipped with cameras. Autofocus in a typical camera module 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 this axial movement to have a certain range. However, given the slim profile of typical mobile phones, this range of axial movement is limited.

[0049] Recently, this limitation of axial movement has been mitigated 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 element (e.g., a mirror) to a direction substantially perpendicular to the incident direction. This reflected light passes through a second lens group and is received by an image sensor. The folded optical axis in this optical system reduces the optical path length before the curved optical element, thus allowing for a reduction in product thickness or height. (The optical axis before the curved optical element can be referred to as the first optical axis on the object side, while the optical axis after the curved optical element can be referred to as the second optical axis on the image side. The first lens group can be positioned on the first optical axis, and the second lens group can be positioned on the second optical axis.)

[0050] Even with this folded optical axis, the thickness of the camera module may still be limited, thus restricting 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. This mechanism can enhance the flexibility of product design.

[0051] However, a drawback of using a cam tube driven by an actuator located outside the lens barrel to retract the lens assembly is that the product size tends to be larger. Furthermore, the relatively large number of components involved can lead to increased costs or performance degradation due to assembly errors. Additionally, the space required for retracting the curved optical components should be as small as possible.

[0052] This invention relates to solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lens barrel module includes, within a 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 disposed on the first optical axis; a second lens group disposed on the second optical axis; a mechanism for retracting the bending optical member; and a mechanism for retracting the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0054] In some embodiments, the mechanism for retracting the bending optical component and for retracting the first lens assembly in the direction of the first optical axis includes a cam plate driven by an actuator, the linear motion of which drives the bending optical component and the first lens assembly.

[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 Cross-sectional views of a lens barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown in two positions (use position and storage position). The lens barrel module includes a curved optical component 1 (e.g., a mirror), a first lens group 2, and a second lens group 3 within a housing. The optical axes of the first and second lens groups 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 body of the lens barrel module to provide the optical path length required for imaging. When the camera module is not in use, the first lens group 2 retracts to reduce the thickness of the lens barrel module. Space is made to accommodate the first lens group 2 by rotating the curved optical component 1 to bring it closer to an orientation perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens group.

[0058] The bending optical component 1 produces this movement, making room for the retraction of the first lens group 2, which can also be referred to as retracting the bending optical component 1. It is advantageous to simply retract the bending optical component 1 by rotation, as this does not require space for the bending optical component 1 to translate into it.

[0059] In some embodiments, the mechanism for retracting the bending optical component (e.g., by rotation) and for retracting the first lens assembly in the direction of the first optical axis includes a cam plate driven by an actuator, the linear motion of which drives the bending optical component and the first lens assembly.

[0060] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of some components of a lens barrel module according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, curved optical components (e.g., Figure 1 The bending optical component 1) includes a mirror 6 held by a lens mount 7, the mirror 6 being rotatably connected to a lens base 9 and actuated by a preload spring (also called a preload spring) 8. The preload spring 8 is used to position the mirror to bend light and to prevent the mirror from creaking when it is not driven back by the cam plate 13. These components form a mirror assembly 10 connected to a base 18. The base 18 may be part of the housing of the lens barrel module. In some embodiments, the lens base 9 and the base 18 may be an integral unit.

[0061] Lens 4 in the first lens assembly is held by a first lens barrel 5. The lens barrel 5 can be guided by a guide pin 11 connected to the base frame 18 for linear movement in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the first lens assembly. A preload spring 12 is disposed around the guide pin 11. The preload spring 12 is used to position the first lens barrel 5 and prevent creaking when the first lens barrel 5 is not retracted. The guide pin can be made of metal.

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

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

[0064] Figure 3This is a top view of the lens barrel module and its internal structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any absolute direction.) The strip actuator is marked with an ellipse. It can be seen that the actuator operates within the housing of the lens barrel module. This is possible because the actuator performs linear motion. Providing the actuator within the housing of the lens barrel module reduces the size of the lens module. In other words, the linear motion driving the cam plate of the present invention, in contrast to the rotational motion of the cam barrel, makes the design of the lens barrel module relatively simple and smaller. In contrast, techniques using a cam barrel driven by an actuator located outside the lens barrel to retract the lens assembly often increase 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) shows a spring 8 used to push the frame 7. The spring is used to position the frame and prevent a creaking sound when the frame retracts without being driven by the cam plate. Furthermore, the preloaded spring 8 presses the protrusion 7b of the frame 7 against a feature (e.g., a step) on the cam plate, as shown below. Figure 4 As described in (B) of the document.

[0066] Figure 4 Figure (B) shows the arrangement of the lens barrel module in use, with the spring-driven frame 7 positioned in an orientation for directing light from the first lens group to the second lens group. It can be seen that the frame 7 is rotatably connected to the lens mount 9 (see also...). Figure 2 (Exploded view in the figure). The frame 7 has a protrusion 7b on its side. A plate 13b with a sloping bottom edge contacts the protrusion 7b. When the plate 13b moves forward (to the left in the figure), the plate 13b presses against the protrusion 7b, causing the frame 7 to rotate to be more perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 4 in the first lens group.

[0067] Having such Figure 4 The plate 13b with its inclined bottom edge shown in (B) is part of the cam plate 13 (e.g., plate 13b may be a layer of the cam plate 13) and forms a step on the inner surface of the cam plate 13. This can be seen from... Figure 4 As can be seen in (C) of the text. Figure 4 (C) shows the cam plate 13 as viewed from the inside. (Here, "inside" refers to the side closer to the optical axis of the lens 4 in the first lens group.) Geometric features (e.g., steps) formed on the cam plate 13 press against protrusions 7b on the side of the frame 7 to rotate the frame 7.

[0068] It is advantageous to simply retract the reflector by rotating it, as this eliminates the need for space to translate the reflector into place. Furthermore, the cam plate 13 provides a simple mechanism for retracting the reflector.

[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 Image (A) shows portion 13c of the cam plate 13 (specifically, the feature or layer on the outer surface of the cam plate 13 that drives the lens barrel movement) 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 As shown, the cam plate 13 and its main body make layer 13c visible. It should be noted that the description of the three layers of the cam plate 13 herein as including layer 13c on the outer surface of the main body and layer 13b on the inner surface of the main body is for illustrative purposes only. The cam plate 13, including one or two features of 13b and 13c, can be formed as a single unit.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown in (A), layer 13c of cam plate 13 has an opening or groove 13d, into which protrusion 5b of lens barrel 5 is inserted. It should be noted that... Figure 5 (A) 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. Figure 5 As shown in (B) in the diagram. It can be seen that when the cam plate 13 moves forward (i.e. towards...), Figure 5 To the left of (B) in the middle or Figure 5 When the right side of (A) moves, the geometric feature of the groove 5 guides the protrusion 5b downward (i.e., toward the base frame 18), thereby lowering the mirror barrel 5. Therefore, the retraction of the mirror barrel 5 is achieved by a simple mechanism of the cam plate 13. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the same movement of the cam plate 13 is used to retract the reflecting mirror (…). Figure 4 ) and retractable lens tube ( Figure 5 ).

[0071] As discussed above, according to some embodiments of the invention, the mechanism for retracting the curved optical component (or mirror 6) and for retracting the first lens group (or 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 light reflected by mirror 6 passes). The linear movement of the cam plate results in the retraction of the curved optical component and the retraction of the first lens group in the direction of the first optical axis.

[0072] In some embodiments, a feature for driving the bending optical component is disposed on the inner surface of the cam plate. This feature may be a geometric feature, for example, made of… Figure 4 The step formed by layer 13b of the cam plate 13 shown in (C) is illustrated. A feature for driving the first lens assembly is disposed on the outer surface of the cam plate. This feature can be a geometric feature, for example... Figure 5 The groove 13d shown in (B) is shown in the figure.

[0073] The lens module according to any of the above embodiments can be used in a camera module. The camera module may include such a lens module and an image sensor for capturing light transmitted 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 transmitted through a second lens group disposed on a second optical axis; a controller; and a memory module.

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

[0076] Figure 6 A terminal device or electronic device is illustrated, in which a lens module according to embodiments of the present invention may be used. The electronic device can be any suitable device, including but not limited to smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that the illustrated embodiments are not limiting.

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

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

[0079] While various embodiments have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described or illustrated. Features described with respect to one embodiment of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with features described with respect to another embodiment of the invention, unless such combination is impossible or expressly stated to be excluded. Those skilled in the art will recognize other objects or advantages besides those described above.

[0080] The unit division disclosed in the embodiments of this application is not limiting, and other component divisions can be configured in the embodiments.

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

[0082] The above description is merely an illustration of various embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any variations that can be readily conceived by those skilled in the art based on this invention are within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A lens barrel module characterized by comprising: Including those in the housing: A bending optical component is used 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; A first lens group positioned on the first optical axis; A second lens group positioned on the second optical axis; Mechanisms for retracting the curved optical component and for retracting the first lens assembly in the direction of the first optical axis; The mechanism for retracting the curved optical component and for retracting the first lens assembly 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 rotate and retract the curved optical component and retract the first lens assembly in the direction of the first optical axis. The first lens assembly is mounted on a first lens barrel, the first lens barrel having a protrusion, and the frame of the curved optical component includes a protrusion, wherein... The first lens barrel protrusion is guided along the geometric feature portion provided on the outer surface of the cam plate by the linear movement of the cam plate, so that the first lens barrel moves toward the base frame that constitutes part of the housing, causing the first lens group to retract in the direction of the first optical axis. By using the linear movement of the cam plate, the geometric features on the inner surface of the cam plate press against the protrusions on the frame of the curved optical component, thereby rotating the curved optical component to an orientation closer to being perpendicular to the first optical axis.

2. The lens barrel module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The geometric feature for driving the curved optical component is a step provided on the inner surface of the cam plate, and the geometric feature for driving the first lens group is a cam groove provided on the outer surface of the cam plate.

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

4. The lens barrel module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The leaf spring is connected to the cam plate by a screw, and the force by which the leaf spring pushes the cam plate onto the actuator is adjusted by the screw.

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

6. The lens barrel module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lens barrel of 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.

7. The lens barrel module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide pin is made of metal.

8. The lens barrel module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The curved optical component includes a mirror rotatably connected to a mount, wherein retracting the curved optical component includes rotating the mirror to a direction closer to being perpendicular to the first optical axis.

9. The lens barrel module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The frame of the curved optical component includes a frame connected to the mirror, wherein the frame is rotatably connected to the lens mount.

10. The lens barrel module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The reflector is pushed by a spring, thereby pressing the protrusion of the mirror frame against the geometric feature of the cam plate.

11. The lens barrel module according to claim 9, characterized in that, Guide pins for guiding the first lens assembly are connected to the base frame, and the lens mount is integrally formed with the base frame.

12. A camera module, characterized in that, include: Lens tube module according to any one of claims 1 to 11; An image sensor is used to capture light that has passed through the second lens group positioned on the second optical axis.

13. A camera, characterized in that, include: Lens tube module according to any one of claims 1 to 11; An image sensor is used to capture light that has passed through the second lens group positioned on the second optical axis; Controller; Memory module.

14. A terminal device, characterized in that, include: processor; Memory; Lens tube module according to any one of claims 1 to 11; An image sensor is used to capture light that has passed through the second lens group positioned on the second optical axis.

15. The terminal device according to claim 14, characterized in that, Including mobile phones.

16. The terminal device according to claim 14, characterized in that, Including smartphones.

17. A method for retracting a first lens group in a lens barrel module, characterized in that, The lens barrel module includes: A bending optical component is used 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; The first lens group is positioned on the first optical axis; A second lens group positioned on the second optical axis; The method includes: An actuator disposed in the housing of the lens module linearly drives the cam plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis and substantially parallel to the second optical axis. The geometric feature portion provided on the inner surface of the cam plate presses against the protrusion provided on the frame of the curved optical component, so that the curved optical component rotates toward an orientation closer to the first optical axis, thereby making room to accommodate the first lens group. Geometric features disposed on the outer surface of the cam plate guide the protrusion disposed on the first lens barrel holding the first lens group, so that the first lens group moves into the space in the direction of the first optical axis.

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