Camera module, camera protection assembly and electronic device

Abstract

A camera module comprises a focusing structure, a camera and a camera protection assembly. A camera protection assembly is movably arranged at one end of a camera and comprises a light-transmitting cover body, an extension part and a driving mechanism. A driving mechanism of a camera protection assembly comprises a lifting mechanism (e.g., a half cam or a gear) and a driving device (e.g., a motor).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a camera module, in particular to a technology of a movable camera protection cover of the camera module. Background Art

[0002] Mobile electronic devices (e.g., smart phones or tablets) are equipped with camera modules to provide a camera function. As users have higher and higher requirements for the quality of photos taken by mobile electronic devices, the photosensitive elements of the camera modules are also made larger, thereby increasing the height of the camera modules of mobile electronic devices. However, most mobile electronic devices are designed to be thin. Due to the increase in the height of the camera module, the camera cover of the camera module must be protruded from the outside of the mobile electronic device housing in order to avoid the camera (e.g., telescopic camera) in the camera module to provide enough optical space for the camera to focus. This design is not only unsightly, but also easily damaged by collision.

[0003] In addition, in the related prior art, the camera module is set as a lifting structure. When taking pictures, the camera module is extended from the mobile electronic device through the lifting device. When not taking pictures, the camera module is retracted into the inside of the mobile electronic device through the lifting device to avoid the camera module protruding from the mobile electronic device and affecting the appearance of the mobile electronic device. However, if the camera module is frequently moved by the lifting device to extend out of the mobile electronic device housing, the accuracy of the camera module will be affected, resulting in the camera module The shooting performance is affected. Summary of the invention

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a camera protection assembly, comprising: a light-transmitting cover, an extension, and a driving mechanism. The light-transmitting cover is used to shield one end of the camera; the extension is connected to the outer wall of the light-transmitting cover; and the driving mechanism is connected to the extension to move the extension to drive the light-transmitting cover to move relative to the camera.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a camera module, comprising: a focus structure, a camera, and a camera protection assembly. The camera is arranged on the focus structure. The camera protection assembly is movably arranged at one end of the camera, and comprises: a light-transmitting cover, an extension portion, and a driving mechanism. The light-transmitting cover is used to shield one end of the camera; the extension portion is connected to the outer wall of the light-transmitting cover; and the driving mechanism is connected to the extension portion and used to move the extension portion to drive the light-transmitting cover to move relative to the camera.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device with a camera module, comprising: an electronic device housing and a camera protection assembly. The electronic device housing has a camera opening; the camera protection assembly is located in the electronic device housing and comprises: a light-transmitting cover body, which is inserted into the camera opening; an extension part, which is connected to the outer wall of the light-transmitting cover body; and a driving mechanism, which is connected to the extension part and is used to move the extension part relative to the electronic device housing.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a driving mechanism of a camera protection assembly, comprising: a half cam having an arc surface and a cut surface; and a driving device connected to the half cam to control the arc surface or the cut surface of the half cam to contact (or abut) the camera protection assembly to raise or lower the camera protection assembly.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a driving mechanism of a camera protection assembly, comprising: a gear and a driving device. The gear is meshed with the camera protection assembly; and the driving device is connected to the gear to drive the gear to rotate so as to screw the camera protection assembly out or in.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention provides a camera module, which can move a camera protection component through a lifting mechanism without moving the camera or the entire camera module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 6 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Wherein, the reference numerals are:

[0017] 1: Electronic device;

[0018] 11: bearing plate;

[0019] 12: photosensor;

[0020] 13: Circuit board;

[0021] 14: wire;

[0022] 15: bearing seat;

[0023] 16: filter;

[0024] 17: Central opening;

[0025] 2: Camera assembly;

[0026] 21: Focus structure;

[0027] 22: Camera;

[0028] 221: light-entering surface;

[0029] 23: variable aperture structure;

[0030] 2-2: hatching line;

[0031] 30: Camera protection component;

[0032] 31: light-transmitting cover;

[0033] 313: third thread;

[0034] 36: extension;

[0035] 363: first thread;

[0036] 37: lateral wall;

[0037] 41: half cam;

[0038] 411: cambered surface;

[0039] 412: section;

[0040] 42: gear;

[0041] 421: second thread;

[0042] 51: housing;

[0043] 511: fourth thread;

[0044] 55: Camera opening;

[0045] 62: second buffer pad;

[0046] 63: first buffer pad;

[0047] 71: optical space;

[0048] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500: Camera module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 1 having a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device 1 includes a housing 51, a camera opening 55 and a transparent cover 31. The electronic device 1 opens a camera opening 55 on the housing 51 to set a camera module in the camera opening 55. The transparent cover 31 is inserted into the housing 51 to protect the camera module and avoid damage to the camera module due to collision, and has dustproof and waterproof functions. In addition, the transparent cover 31 can be moved by a driving mechanism to provide an optical space required for focusing of the camera module. In one embodiment, the electronic device 1 includes but is not limited to a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant, and a mobile device with a camera function. In one embodiment, the camera opening 55 can be opened on the front (for example, a side including a display screen) or the back (for example, a side including a back cover) of the electronic device 1. It can be understood that the structure illustrated in the embodiment of the present application does not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device 1.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a camera module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the camera module 100 along the section line 2-2 shows the camera module 100 in the activated state. Figure 2 As shown, it includes a carrier plate 11 (for example, a metal plate or a plastic plate), a photosensitive sensor 12 (for example, a CMOS sensor), a circuit board 13, a wire 14, a carrier seat 15, and a camera assembly 2. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the photosensitive sensor 12 and the circuit board 13 can be fixed on the carrier plate 11, and the photosensitive sensor 12 and the circuit board 13 are connected via a wire 14 (e.g., a gold wire) to transmit the signal of the photosensitive sensor 12 to the circuit board 13. A carrier 15 is provided on the circuit board 13, and the carrier 15 can be made by a mold. The central part of the carrier 15 has a central opening 17, and the filter 16 can be provided on the central opening 17 of the central part of the carrier 15 and cover the central opening 17. In addition, the upper part of the carrier 15 can fix the camera assembly 2.

[0051] In one embodiment, the camera module 100 may not need the carrier board 11 , and in this case, the light sensor 12 may be disposed on the circuit board 13 .

[0052] In one embodiment, the camera assembly 2 includes a focus structure 21, a camera 22, a camera protection assembly 30, a first buffer pad 63 and a second buffer pad 62. The focus structure 21 of the camera assembly 2 is fixed on the support seat 15, and the focus structure 21 includes a driving motor, which can drive the camera 22 to move along the optical axis direction via the driving motor for focusing. The camera 22 can be composed of a plurality of lenses or lenses, and the lenses or lenses can be glass or plastic. The camera protection assembly 30 is movably disposed at one end of the camera 22, so that the optical space 71 between the camera protection assembly 30 and the camera 22 can be adjusted to allow the camera 22 to have enough optical space 71 for focusing. That is to say, when the camera module 100 is in the activated state, the optical space 71 for focusing needs to be maintained; when the camera module 100 is in the non-activated state, the optical space 71 for focusing does not need to be maintained.

[0053] In one embodiment, the camera protection assembly 30 can cover the camera opening 55 to protect the camera assembly 2 disposed in the camera opening 55. The camera protection assembly 30 includes a transparent cover 31, an extension 36, and a half cam 41. The transparent cover 31 is disposed through the camera opening 55 to shield the camera 22, and is movably disposed on the optical axis at the end of the light incident surface 221 of the camera 22. The semi-cam 41 can drive the transparent cover 31 to move, so that a part of the transparent cover 31 is located outside the housing 51, so that there is an optical space 71 between the transparent cover 31 and the camera 22 for the camera 22 to focus. The outer side wall 37 of the transparent cover 31 is connected to the extension 36, and the extension 36 extends outward perpendicularly to the outer side wall 37, and the extension 36 is located inside the housing 51. A first buffer pad 63 is disposed between the extension 36 and the housing 51, and the first buffer pad 63 connects the extension 36 of the camera protection assembly 30 with the housing 51. A second buffer pad 62 is disposed between the outer wall 37 (or the extension 36) of the transparent cover 31 and the focusing structure 21, and the second buffer pad 62 connects the outer wall 37 (or the extension 36) of the camera protection assembly 30 and the focusing structure 21. The first buffer pad 63 and the second buffer pad 62 are elastic materials and can be dustproof and waterproof. The first buffer pad 63 and the second buffer pad 62 can be one or more of the following: rubber, silicone, sealing pad, waterproof and dustproof pad, and a combination of the above. The half cam 41 is disposed near the extension 36, and includes an arc surface 411 and a cut surface 412. The half cam 41 can be driven by the driving device (or driving motor) of the half cam 41 to move, so as to control the arc surface 411 of the half cam 41 to contact (or abut) the extension 36, so that the extension 36 moves a distance away from the camera 22, thereby compressing the first buffer pad 63 for a distance, and stretching the second buffer pad 62 for a distance. At this time, since the extension portion 36 moves a distance away from the camera 22, it will also drive the transparent cover 31 to move a distance outside the shell 51. In other words, the extension portion 36 drives the transparent cover 31 away from the camera 22 corresponding to the driving device (or driving motor) controlling the arc surface 411 to contact with the extension portion 36. The driving device (or driving motor) of the semi-cam 41 can be a servo motor, a stepping motor, a piezoelectric driver, etc. In addition, the driving device (or driving motor) of the semi-cam 41 can be set on the shell 51 or on the camera module, and can be connected to the semi-cam 41 through some mechanical structure to drive the semi-cam 41 to move.

[0054] In one embodiment, the half cam 41 in the camera protection assembly 30 can be replaced by other mechanisms, for example, a lifting mechanism with linear motion.

[0055] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a camera module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the camera module 200 along the section line 2-2 shows the camera module 200 in a non-activated state. Figure 3 As shown, the difference between the camera module 200 and the camera module 100 is that the light-transmitting cover 31 can be driven to move by the half cam 41, so that the light-transmitting cover 31 is located inside the shell 51 or on the same plane as the shell 51, so that there is no optical space 71 between the light-transmitting cover 31 and the camera 22 for the camera 22 to focus (that is, the light-transmitting cover 31 is in contact with the camera 22) or there is only a small optical space 71 (that is, the light-transmitting cover 31 is close to the camera 22).

[0056] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the difference between the camera module 200 and the camera module 100 also includes that the half cam 41 can be driven to move by the driving device (or driving motor) of the half cam 41 to control the cut surface 412 of the half cam 41 to contact (or abut) the extension 36, so that the extension 36 moves a distance in the direction close to the camera, thereby stretching the first buffer pad 63 for a distance, and compressing the second buffer pad 62 for a distance. At this time, since the extension 36 moves a distance in the direction close to the camera 22, it will also drive the transparent cover body 31 to move a distance into the shell 51, so that the transparent cover body 31 is located in the shell 51 or on the same plane as the shell 51. In other words, corresponding to the driving device (or driving motor) controlling the cut surface 412 to contact the extension 36, the extension 36 drives the transparent cover body 31 to approach the camera 22.

[0057] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a camera module 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the camera module 300 along the section line 2-2 shows the camera module 300 in the activated state. Figure 4 As shown, the difference between the camera module 300 and the camera module 100 is that the camera assembly 2 of the camera module 300 further includes a variable aperture structure 23, which is disposed at one end of the light incident surface 221 of the camera 22, so that the overall height of the camera module 300 is increased, causing the light-transmitting cover 31 to protrude further from the housing 51. In this case, the problem of the light-transmitting cover 31 protruding from the housing 51 can be solved by the driving mechanism of the camera protection assembly 30.

[0058] In one embodiment, the driving mechanism of the camera protection assembly 30 includes: a half cam 41 and a driving device. The half cam 41 has a curved surface 411 and a cut surface 412; and the driving device is connected to the half cam 41 to control the curved surface 411 or the cut surface 412 of the half cam 41 to contact (or abut) the camera protection assembly 30, so as to raise or lower the camera protection assembly 30.

[0059] In one embodiment, the driving mechanism of the camera protection assembly 30 includes a gear 42 and a driving device. The gear 42 is meshed with the camera protection assembly 30; and the driving device is connected to the gear 42 to drive the gear 42 to rotate so as to screw the camera protection assembly 30 out or in.

[0060] In one embodiment, the camera module 300 can move only the camera protection assembly 30 through a driving mechanism (eg, a half cam 41 , a gear 42 , or a lifting mechanism) without moving the camera 22 or the entire camera module 300 .

[0061] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a camera module 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the camera module 400 along the section line 2-2 shows the camera module 400 in the activated state. Figure 5 As shown, the difference between the camera module 400 and the camera module 300 is that the focus structure 21 of the camera assembly 2 of the camera module 400 is not fixed on the support seat 15, but fixed on the main board. Therefore, the circuit board 13 is provided with the support seat 15 and the focus structure 21, and the focus structure 21 is arranged on the periphery of the support seat 15. The focus structure 21 can be fixedly connected by bonding or gluing or surface mounting technology (Surface Mount Technology, SMT). The support seat 15 no longer needs to support the camera module 400, and the overall height of the camera module 400 can be reduced by designing a support seat 15 with lower strength and height.

[0062] In one embodiment, since the camera assembly 2 is disposed on the main board, the support base 15 is no longer needed to support the camera assembly 2. Therefore, the overall height of the camera module 400 can be reduced by designing the support base 15 with lower strength and lower height.

[0063] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of a camera module 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 for Figure 1The cross-sectional view of the camera module 500 along the section line 2-2 shows the camera module 500 in the activated state. Figure 6 As shown, the camera protection assembly 30 of the camera assembly 2 of the camera module 500 includes a transparent cover 31, an extension 36 and a gear 42. The transparent cover 31 is inserted into the camera opening 55 to shield the camera 22, and is movably arranged on the optical axis of one end of the light incident surface 221 of the camera 22. The transparent cover 31 is driven to move by the gear 42, so that a part of the transparent cover 31 is located outside the housing 51, so that there is an optical space 71 between the transparent cover 31 and the camera 22 for the camera 22 to focus. In one embodiment, the outer wall 37 of the transparent cover 31 is connected to the extension 36, the extension 36 extends outward perpendicular to the outer wall 37, and the extension 36 is located inside the housing 51. The extension 36 is provided with a first thread 363. The gear 42 is provided with a second thread 421, and the second thread 421 on the gear 42 is meshed with the first thread 363 on the extension 36. The gear 42 can be driven by a driving device (or a driving motor) of the gear 42 to control the number of rotations and the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) of the second thread 421 of the gear 42, thereby driving the first thread 363 of the extension portion 36 to screw in or out of the second thread 421 of the gear 42, thereby causing the light-transmitting cover body 31 and the extension portion 36 to move together along the axial direction (or along the optical axis direction) of the first thread 363 itself.

[0064] In one embodiment, the extension 36 drives the light-transmitting cover 31 away from the camera 22 in response to the driving device (or driving motor) controlling the gear 42 to rotate in a first direction, and the extension 36 drives the light-transmitting cover 31 toward the camera 22 in response to the driving device (or driving motor) controlling the gear 42 to rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction. In one embodiment, the first direction may be clockwise. In another embodiment, the first direction may be counterclockwise.

[0065] In one embodiment, the gear 42 can drive the transparent cover 31 and the extension portion 36 to move a distance along the axial direction of the first thread 363 itself (or along the optical axis) in a direction away from the camera 22, thereby compressing the first buffer pad 63 for a distance and stretching the second buffer pad 62 for a distance.

[0066] In one embodiment, the gear 42 can drive the transparent cover 31 and the extension portion 36 to move a distance along the axial direction of the first thread 363 itself (or along the optical axis) toward the camera 22, thereby extending the first buffer pad 63 for a distance and compressing the second buffer pad 62 for a distance.

[0067] In one embodiment, the driving device (or driving motor) of the gear 42 may be a servo motor, a stepping motor, a micro gear system, a piezoelectric driver, an electromagnetic driver, etc. In addition, the driving device (or driving motor) of the gear 42 may be disposed on the housing 51 or on the camera module, and may be connected to the gear 42 through some mechanical structure to drive the gear 42 to move.

[0068] In one embodiment, optionally, a third thread 313 is provided on a portion of the outer wall 37 of the light-transmitting cover 31 , a fourth thread 511 is provided on the shell 51 , and the third thread 313 of the light-transmitting cover 31 is engaged with the fourth thread 511 on the shell 51 .

[0069] In one embodiment, optionally, the third thread 313 of the light-transmitting cover 31 can be tightly engaged with the fourth thread 511 on the shell 51, thereby having both dustproof and waterproof functions. In this case, the camera assembly 2 may not need to include the first buffer pad 63 and the second buffer pad 62.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that: Include: Focus structure; A camera is arranged on the focusing structure; as well as A camera protection assembly is movably disposed at one end of the camera, and comprises: A light-transmitting cover body, shielding the one end of the camera; an extension portion connected to the outer side wall of the light-transmitting cover; and The driving mechanism is connected to the extension part and is used for moving the extension part to drive the light-transmitting cover to move relative to the camera.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises: A half cam having a curved surface and a cut surface; and A driving device is connected to the half cam and is used to control the arc surface or the cut surface to contact with the extension portion.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, characterized in that: Corresponding to the driving device controlling the arc surface to contact with the extension part, the extension part drives the transparent cover body away from the camera; and corresponding to the driving device controlling the cut surface to contact with the extension part, the extension part drives the transparent cover body to approach the camera.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises: a gear meshing with the extension; and A driving device is connected to the gear and is used to drive the gear to rotate so as to screw the extension part out or in.

5. The camera module according to claim 4, characterized in that: Corresponding to the driving device controlling the gear to rotate in a first direction, the extension portion drives the transparent cover body away from the camera; and corresponding to the driving device controlling the gear to rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction, the extension portion drives the transparent cover body close to the camera.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A bearing seat, located at the other end of the camera relative to the camera protection assembly and having a central opening aligned with the camera; and A filter, disposed on the supporting seat and covering the central opening; Wherein, the focusing structure is fixed on the supporting seat.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A circuit board, located at the other end of the camera relative to the camera protection assembly; Wherein, the focusing structure is fixed on the circuit board.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The first buffer pad is arranged between the camera protection component and the electronic device housing and connects the camera protection component and the electronic device housing.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The second buffer pad is arranged between the camera protection component and the focusing structure and connects the camera protection component and the focusing structure.

10. A camera protection assembly, characterized in that: Include: A light-transmitting cover body, used to shield one end of the camera; an extension portion connected to the outer side wall of the light-transmitting cover; and The driving mechanism is connected to the extension part and is used for moving the extension part to drive the light-transmitting cover to move relative to the camera.

11. The camera protection assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises: A half cam having a curved surface and a cut surface; and A driving device is connected to the half cam and is used to control the arc surface or the cut surface to contact with the extension portion.

12. The camera protection assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: Corresponding to the driving device controlling the arc surface to contact with the extension part, the extension part drives the transparent cover body away from the camera; and corresponding to the driving device controlling the cut surface to contact with the extension part, the extension part drives the transparent cover body to approach the camera.

13. The camera protection assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises: a gear meshing with the extension; and A driving device is connected to the gear and is used to drive the gear to rotate so as to screw the extension part out or in.

14. The camera protection assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: Corresponding to the driving device controlling the gear to rotate in a first direction, the extension portion drives the transparent cover body away from the camera; and corresponding to the driving device controlling the gear to rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction, the extension portion drives the transparent cover body close to the camera.

15. An electronic device having a camera module, comprising: An electronic device housing having a camera opening; and A camera protection assembly, located in the electronic device housing, comprises: A light-transmitting cover body is arranged in the camera opening; an extension portion connected to the outer side wall of the light-transmitting cover; and The driving mechanism is connected to the extension part and is used to move the extension part relative to the housing of the electronic device.

16. The electronic device with a camera module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises: A half cam having a curved surface and a cut surface; and A driving device is connected to the half cam and is used to control the arc surface or the cut surface to contact with the extension portion.

17. The electronic device with a camera module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises: a gear meshing with the extension; and The driving device is connected to the gear and is used for driving the gear to rotate so as to screw the extension part out or in.

18. The electronic device with a camera module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The electronic device housing is engaged with the light-transmitting cover at the side of the camera opening.

19. The electronic device with a camera module according to claim 15, characterized in that: Also includes: The first buffer pad is arranged between the camera protection component and the electronic device housing and connects the camera protection component and the electronic device housing.

20. The electronic device with a camera module according to claim 15, characterized in that: Also includes: The second buffer pad is arranged between the camera protection component and the focusing structure and connects the camera protection component and the focusing structure.

Images