Camera module and electronic device

Abstract

This application discloses a camera module and an electronic device, belonging to the field of electronic device technology. In the camera module, the lens assembly is installed inside the housing. In the optical axis direction of the lens assembly, the lens assembly is movable relative to the housing. In the optical axis direction, a buffer is provided between the lens assembly and the housing. The buffer has elasticity in the optical axis direction. At least a portion of the buffer is a shape memory alloy structure. The shape memory alloy structure is configured to be controlled to be connected to a power source, so that the buffer switches between a compression avoidance state and an elastic buffer state. When the buffer is in the compression avoidance state, the dimension of the buffer in the optical axis direction is a first dimension. When the buffer is in the elastic buffer state, the dimension of the buffer in the optical axis direction is a second dimension, and the second dimension is larger than the first dimension.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Camera modules are a crucial component of mobile phones and other electronic devices. To enhance shooting performance, camera modules typically incorporate image stabilization, requiring the lens assembly to be mounted within the module in a movable state. However, in the aforementioned design, when the camera module is not in operation, the components driving the lens assembly's movement and hovering are also de-energized. This leaves the lens assembly uncontrolled, making it susceptible to impacts within the module during electronic device vibrations. This can cause noise and damage to the lens assembly, negatively impacting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a camera module and an electronic device to solve the problem that in current electronic devices, when the camera module is not in operation, the lens assembly will shake inside the module, which will cause abnormal noise and is also prone to damage to the lens assembly, thus adversely affecting the user experience of the electronic device.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application disclose a camera module, which includes a housing, a lens assembly, and a buffer, wherein... The lens assembly is installed inside the housing, and the lens assembly is movable relative to the housing in the optical axis direction. The buffer is provided between the lens assembly and the housing in the optical axis direction, and the buffer has elasticity in the optical axis direction. At least a portion of the buffer is a shape memory alloy structure, and the shape memory alloy structure is configured to be controlled to be connected to a power source so that the buffer switches between a compression avoidance state and an elastic buffer state. When the buffer is in the compressed avoidance state, the size of the buffer in the optical axis direction is a first size. When the buffer is in the elastic buffer state, the size of the buffer in the optical axis direction is a second size, and the second size is larger than the first size.

[0005] Secondly, embodiments of this application disclose an electronic device, which includes a frame and the aforementioned camera module, wherein the camera module is mounted on the frame.

[0006] This application discloses a camera module in which a lens assembly is movably mounted within a housing along its own optical axis. A buffer is provided between the lens assembly and the housing. At least a portion of the structure of the buffer is formed of a shape memory alloy. The buffer is controlled to be connected to a power source. By changing the power-on / off state of the buffer, the temperature of the buffer can be changed, thereby changing the structure and size of the buffer so that the state of the buffer corresponds to the working state of the camera module. Based on this, when the camera module is in operation, the buffer is in a compressed and avoidance state, which makes the size of the buffer in the optical axis direction (i.e., the first size) relatively small, ensuring that the buffer will not interfere with or hinder the movement of the lens assembly in its own optical axis direction. At the same time, when the camera module is not in operation, the buffer is in an elastic buffer state, which makes the size of the buffer in the optical axis direction (i.e., the second size) relatively large and gives the buffer elasticity. This allows the buffer to occupy the movement space of the lens assembly, thereby significantly reducing the space where the lens assembly can shake. Furthermore, even if the lens assembly still has slight shaking, the elasticity of the buffer can still provide a buffering effect for the lens assembly, preventing the lens assembly from making hard contact with the housing and other components, which could cause abnormal noises or even damage. This can improve the service life of the lens assembly and the camera module. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the camera module disclosed in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the camera module is shown; Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the buffer component in the camera module; Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shown illustrates the camera module in another state. Figure 5 This is an exploded view of another structure of the camera module disclosed in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the camera module is shown; Figure 7 for Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the buffer component in the camera module; Figure 8 and Figure 9 They are respectively Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of the buffer in different states; Figure 10 and Figure 11 They are respectively Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the camera module in different states; Figure 12 for Figure 5 The diagram shows a schematic of the structure of other parts of the camera module when the lens assembly is omitted.

[0008] Figure label: 100 - Housing, 110 - First body, 111 - Light inlet, 120 - Second body, 121 - Light outlet, 130 - First limiting part, 140 - Second limiting part 200-Lens Assembly 300-Buffer component, 311-Spiral structure, 312-Frame, 321-Drive line, 322-Compression spring, 323-Fixing plate. 410 - Prism, 420 - Photosensitive element, 430 - Ball bearing, 440 - Guide rod 510 - Drive magnet, 520 - Drive coil, 530 - Circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0009] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0010] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0011] like Figures 1-12 As shown in the figure, this application discloses a camera module and an electronic device. The camera module disclosed in this application can be applied to electronic devices.

[0012] As described above, in related technologies, when the camera module is not in operation, the devices used to drive and control the lens assembly 200 to maintain its hovering state stop working. This causes the lens assembly 200 to move uncontrollably within the module with the movement of the electronic device, resulting in abnormal noise and potentially damaging the lens assembly 200. Based on these problems, if... Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this application discloses a camera module, which includes a housing 100, a lens assembly 200 and a buffer 300.

[0013] The housing 100 is the external structure of the camera module. The lens assembly 200 and the buffer 300 can be directly or indirectly installed inside the housing 100. This allows the housing 100 to also protect the lens assembly 200 and other components. In addition, when the camera module is used in electronic devices, it can be assembled with the corresponding structure in the electronic device through the housing 100, so that the camera module can be stably installed in the electronic device.

[0014] Specifically, the housing 100 can be formed from rigid structural components such as plastic or metal. Of course, the specific shape and size of the housing 100 can be flexibly determined according to actual needs, and this article does not limit this. Furthermore, for ease of assembly, the housing 100 may include a first body 110 and a second body 120, wherein the first body 110 and the second body 120 are separately formed, and the two can be fixed together by means of adhesive or connectors. Accordingly, the first body 110 and the second body 120 can form a space for accommodating devices such as the lens assembly 200.

[0015] Furthermore, to ensure that external light can enter the camera module and that the light passing through the lens assembly 200 is received by the photosensitive element 420 used to form an image, a light inlet 111 and a light outlet 121 need to be provided at corresponding positions on the housing 100 during the design process. The light inlet 111 can be located on the first body 110, and the light outlet 121 can be located on the second body 120. During the operation of the camera module, external light can enter the housing 100 through the light inlet 111. Correspondingly, the light entering the housing 100, after passing through the lens assembly 200, can exit through the light outlet 121. By positioning the photosensitive element 420 at the light outlet 121 of the housing 100, the photosensitive chip can form the corresponding image.

[0016] It should be noted that in this application, the light inlet 111 and the light outlet 121 can face each other, that is, the axes of the light inlet 111 and the light outlet 121 are parallel to each other. In other embodiments of this application, the camera module can also include a device such as a prism 410 that changes the direction of light propagation. In this case, the axes of the light inlet 111 and the light outlet 121 can be in a non-parallel state, so that the light entering through the light inlet 111 can be acted upon by the prism 410 or other device to change the direction of light propagation and make the light propagate in the direction of the lens assembly 200 and the light outlet 121.

[0017] The lens assembly 200, within the camera module, is used to at least change the focal point of light convergence. The lens assembly 200 includes lenses, and to improve the shooting performance of the camera module, it may include multiple lenses. Additionally, the lens assembly 200 may include structures such as brackets, on which the lenses can be mounted. The bracket provides support and facilitates lens assembly, and when multiple lenses are used, the overall assembly difficulty can be significantly reduced. The number, type, and parameters of the lenses can be flexibly determined according to actual needs, and this document does not impose any limitations on this.

[0018] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 100 has a space for mounting the lens assembly 200, and in the optical axis direction of the lens assembly 200, the aforementioned space within the housing 100 is larger than the size of the lens assembly 200, to ensure that the lens assembly 200 can move within the housing 100 along the aforementioned optical axis direction according to shooting requirements. That is, in the camera module disclosed in the embodiments of this application, the lens assembly 200 can move relative to the housing 100 in the optical axis direction.

[0019] Of course, to improve the movement stability of the lens assembly 200, in one specific embodiment of this application, the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100 can be made to slide together via a guide rail or other structure. To reduce assembly difficulty, in another embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the camera module can also include a ball bearing 430. Correspondingly, both the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100 are provided with guide grooves extending along the optical axis, and the ball bearing 430 is installed in the guide grooves. This makes the relative movement process of the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100 in the optical axis direction more stable.

[0020] In yet another embodiment of this application, as Figure 5As shown, the camera module can also include a guide rod 440, which is fixed inside the housing 100. The lens assembly 200 has a guide groove extending along the optical axis. By fitting the guide groove outside the guide rod 440, the lens assembly 200 can utilize the guide rod 440 to improve the stability of its relative movement with the housing 100. The groove wall can be a closed annular structure.

[0021] Alternatively, the aforementioned guide groove can be an open structure, which can further reduce the installation difficulty of the lens assembly 200. In this case, in order to prevent the lens assembly 200 from separating from the ball bearing 430 (or guide rod 440), in this embodiment of the application, one of the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100 in the camera module can be provided with an adsorption magnet, and the other can be provided with an adsorption steel plate. The adsorption magnet and the adsorption steel plate attract each other, so that the lens assembly 200 can be attracted and installed on the side surface of the housing 100 where the ball bearing 430 (or guide rod 440) is provided, thereby ensuring that the lens assembly 200 and the ball bearing 430 (or guide rod 440) can maintain a stable mating relationship.

[0022] Of course, the camera module also includes a mechanism for driving the lens assembly 200 to move relative to the housing 100 in the aforementioned optical axis direction, such as... Figures 7-11 As shown, the aforementioned mechanism typically includes a driving magnet 510 and a driving coil 520. One of the driving magnet 510 and the driving coil 520 is connected to the lens assembly 200, and the other of the driving magnet 510 and the driving coil 520 is connected to the housing 100. The driving coil 520 is located in the magnetic field of the driving magnet 510, and when the driving coil 520 is energized, it can move under the Ampere force in the magnetic field. This causes an interaction force to be generated between the driving coil 520 and the driving magnet 510. Accordingly, by changing the parameters of the current flowing through the driving coil 520, the lens assembly 200 can be moved relative to the housing 100 along the aforementioned optical axis direction under the action of the aforementioned force.

[0023] Based on the above structure, when the camera module is in a non-working state (i.e., the electronic device is not in a shooting scene), the drive coil 520 is de-energized, thus preventing the interaction between the drive coil 520 and the drive magnet 510 from generating an Ampere force, which in turn causes the lens assembly 200 to shake uncontrollably within the housing 100. Therefore, as described above, the camera module disclosed in this application includes a buffer 300, and a buffer 300 is provided between the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100. The buffer 300 has elasticity in the optical axis direction to provide a buffering effect for the lens assembly 200, preventing the lens assembly 200 from shaking relative to the housing 100 due to the shaking of the electronic device when the camera module is in a non-working state. In order to prevent the buffer 300 from interfering with the normal operation of the lens assembly 200, the buffer 300 can be located outside the light-gathering area of ​​the lens of the lens assembly 200. For example, the buffer 300 can be sandwiched between the bracket and the housing 100 of the lens assembly 200. More specifically, the housing 100 can also include a first limiting part 130, wherein the first limiting part 130 protrudes from the inner wall of the first body 110 (or the second body 120), thereby providing the buffer 300 between the bracket and the first limiting part 130.

[0024] In order to ensure that the buffer 300 can provide a buffering effect for the lens assembly 200 when the camera module is not in operation, and can avoid the lens assembly 200 when the camera module is in operation, so as to minimize the space occupied by the buffer 300 in the moving direction of the lens assembly 200, in this application, at least a portion of the buffer 300 is a shape memory alloy structure, and the shape memory alloy structure is configured to be controlled to be connected to the power supply, so that the buffer 300 can switch between a compression avoidance state and an elastic buffer state.

[0025] Among them, the shape memory alloy structural component is a structural component formed by processing shape memory alloy material. When shape memory alloy is used to form at least part of the structure of the buffer component 300, the energy consumption of the buffer component 300 can also be reduced. At the same time, shape memory alloy has a relatively good elastic effect, which makes the buffer component 300 have a strong buffering capacity. Thus, when the camera module is not in working state, the shaking of the lens assembly 200 relative to the housing 100 can be greatly reduced or even eliminated, reducing the generation of abnormal noise and improving the service life of the lens assembly 200 and the entire camera module.

[0026] As described above, at least a portion of the buffer 300 is a shape memory alloy structure, and this shape memory alloy structure can be controlled to conduct electricity. Therefore, when the shape memory alloy structure is energized, its temperature can increase, causing it to return to its original shape and size. Conversely, when the shape memory alloy structure is disconnected from the power supply, its temperature decreases, causing it to revert from its original shape and size back to its actual shape and size. Of course, the original shape and size of the shape memory alloy structure may differ from its actual shape and size, and its specific parameters can be flexibly determined based on the specific dimensions of the lens assembly 200 and the size of the space within the housing 100, etc. This document does not impose any limitations on this.

[0027] That is, in the camera module disclosed in this application embodiment, the conduction state between the buffer 300 and the power supply is related to the working state of the camera module. Thus, when the camera module is in the working state, the buffer 300 is in a compressed avoidance state, which makes the size of the buffer 300 in the aforementioned optical axis direction (i.e., the space it occupies) relatively small, so as to provide avoidance space for the movement of the lens assembly 200. Correspondingly, when the camera module is not in the working state, the buffer 300 is in an elastic buffer state, which makes the size of the buffer 300 in the aforementioned optical axis direction (i.e., the space it occupies) relatively large, thereby reducing or even eliminating the shaking space of the lens assembly 200, thereby reducing or even eliminating the shaking of the lens assembly 200, reducing the generation of abnormal noise, and significantly improving the service life of the lens assembly 200.

[0028] Based on the above, in the camera module disclosed in this application embodiment, when the buffer 300 is in a compressed avoidance state, the size of the buffer 300 in the optical axis direction is a first size, thereby providing avoidance space for the movement of the lens assembly 200. Correspondingly, when the buffer 300 is in an elastic buffer state, the size of the buffer 300 in the optical axis direction is a second size, and the second size is larger than the first size. This allows the buffer 300 to occupy at least a portion of the movement space of the lens assembly 200, reducing or even eliminating the shaking space of the lens assembly 200. At the same time, the buffer 300 in at least the elastic buffer state has elasticity, so that when the electronic device shakes, even if the lens assembly 200 also shakes slightly, the buffer 300 can still provide a buffering effect for the lens assembly 200, preventing the lens assembly 200 from making hard contact with the housing 100 and other structures, thus preventing abnormal noise or even damage.

[0029] As described above, at least a portion of the buffer 300 is a shape memory alloy structural component. Therefore, in one specific embodiment of this application, the buffer 300 as a whole can possess deformable and elastic cushioning capabilities. Alternatively, in other embodiments of this application, the buffer 300 can include multiple components, with one of these components being a shape memory alloy structural component to give that component deformability. For the other components of the buffer 300, their shape or structure can be designed to provide elastic cushioning capabilities. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the buffer 300 can also have other structural designs, which will not be described in detail here.

[0030] Alternatively, the power source may include a battery in the electronic device, or the camera module may also be equipped with a separate power source to power the buffer 300. In a further embodiment of this application, the camera module includes a circuit board 530, which is mounted on the housing 100. The buffer 300 and the photosensitive element 420 are both connected to the circuit board 530. The circuit board 530 is connected to the power source (such as a battery) of the electronic device to power the buffer 300 and the photosensitive element 420.

[0031] This application discloses a camera module in which the lens assembly 200 is movable relative to the housing 100 in its own optical axis direction, and a buffer 300 is provided between the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100. The buffer 300 has elasticity in the optical axis direction, and at least a portion of the buffer 300 is a shape memory alloy structure. The shape memory alloy structure is controlled to be connected to a power source, so that by changing the on and off state of the shape memory alloy structure, the temperature of the shape memory alloy structure can be changed, thereby changing the structure and size of the shape memory alloy structure, so that the state of the buffer 300 can correspond to the working state of the camera module.

[0032] Based on this, when the camera module is in operation, the buffer 300 is in a compressed and avoidance state, which makes the size of the buffer 300 in the optical axis direction (i.e., the first size) relatively small, ensuring that the buffer 300 will not interfere with or hinder the movement of the lens assembly 200 in its own optical axis direction. At the same time, when the camera module is not in operation, the buffer 300 is in an elastic buffer state, which makes the size of the buffer 300 in the optical axis direction (i.e., the second size) relatively large. This allows the buffer 300 to occupy the movement space of the lens assembly 200, thereby significantly reducing the space in which the lens assembly 200 can shake. Furthermore, even if the lens assembly 200 still has slight shaking, the elasticity of the buffer 300 can still provide a buffering effect for the lens assembly 200, preventing the lens assembly 200 from making hard contact with the housing 100 and other components, which could cause abnormal noise or even damage. This can improve the service life of the lens assembly 200 and the camera module.

[0033] As described above, in the camera module disclosed in the embodiments of this application, a buffer 300 is provided between the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100 in the optical axis direction of the lens assembly 200. In the aforementioned optical axis direction, the buffer 300 may be provided only between one end of the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100. For example, the first limiting part 130 may be provided only on the first body 110, and the buffer 300 may be provided between the first limiting part 130 and the lens assembly 200.

[0034] To further enhance the protection of the lens assembly 200, in another embodiment of this application, buffer members 300 are provided between the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100 at both opposite ends in the optical axis direction. That is, in this embodiment, the housing 100 may further include a second limiting portion 140, located on the side of the lens assembly 200 opposite to the first limiting portion 130. Buffer members 300 are provided between the first limiting portion 130 and the lens assembly 200, and between the second limiting portion 140 and the lens assembly 200. Of course, the first limiting portion 130 and the second limiting portion 140 may be provided in at least one of the first body 110 and the second body 120.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, multiple buffer members 300 can be provided between any end of the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100 to further enhance the buffering and protection effect of the lens assembly 200. Optionally, the multiple buffer members 300 located at the same end of the lens assembly 200 are distributed at intervals along the direction surrounding the optical axis of the lens assembly 200. In this case, the protection effect at different positions in the lens assembly 200 can be relatively better. Correspondingly, the first limiting part 130 and the second limiting part 140 can both be annular structures to provide abutment and limiting function for the multiple buffer members 300, respectively. Alternatively, there can be multiple first limiting parts 130 and second limiting parts 140, each corresponding to a multiple buffer member 300.

[0036] Of course, in order to ensure that all buffer members 300 can be stably assembled within the housing 100, in a specific embodiment of this application, one end of the buffer member 300 can be connected to the lens assembly 200 (the bracket), and the other end of the buffer member 300 can be separated from the housing 100. Thus, when the buffer member 300 is in a compressed avoidance state, the end of the buffer member 300 away from the lens assembly 200 can be spaced apart from the housing 100 to provide movement space for the lens assembly 200. Correspondingly, when the buffer member 300 is in an elastic buffering state, the end of the buffer member 300 away from the lens assembly 200 can be moved to a position close to (or even in contact with) the housing 100 by extension, so that the buffer member 300 can provide elastic buffering for the lens assembly 200.

[0037] Considering that the buffer 300 needs to be connected to a power source when switching between the compression avoidance state and the elastic buffer state, in order to reduce the difficulty of connecting the buffer 300 to power and minimize the adverse effects of the buffer 300 and its associated devices on the movement accuracy of the lens assembly 200, in a specific embodiment of this application, one end of the buffer 300 can be fixed to the housing 100, and the other end of the buffer 300 can be separated from the lens assembly 200, so as to provide movement space S for the lens assembly 200 when the buffer 300 is in the compression avoidance state. Specifically, the buffer 300 can be fixed to the housing 100 as a whole by means of bonding or welding.

[0038] As described above, at least a portion of the buffer 300 is a shape memory alloy structural component, and since the same structure (such as a shape memory alloy structural component) in the buffer 300 can simultaneously possess both deformation and elastic cushioning functions, therefore, in a specific embodiment of this application, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the buffer 300 can include a spiral structure 311, which is formed by spiral extension and is a shape memory alloy structure. As the name suggests, the spiral structure 311 is formed by spirally winding a long strip of shape memory alloy (i.e., shape memory alloy wire), allowing the outer edge of the spiral structure 311 to move relative to the spiral center in the optical axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spiral structure 311 is configured to be controlled to be connected to a power source, enabling it to switch between two states when the connection state with the power source changes.

[0039] More specifically, the spiral structure 311 can be a single-strand structure, with a single wire spirally extending from the outer periphery towards the spiral center to form the spiral structure 311. To achieve conductivity, the spiral center and outer edge of the spiral structure 311 can be connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply, respectively. Alternatively, after the wire is wound from the outer edge to the spiral center, it can be extended further in the opposite direction along the optical axis, so that both ends of the shape memory alloy wire are located at the same end of the spiral structure 311, facilitating power connection. Alternatively, in other embodiments of this application, the spiral structure 311 can also be a single-wire folded structure. In this case, the spiral structure 311 can also be spirally wound from the outer periphery towards the spiral center to form the spiral structure 311. In this case, both ends of the shape memory alloy wire are also located at the same end of the spiral structure 311. By connecting both ends of the single-wire folded structure at the outer edge of the spiral structure 311 to the power supply, a reliable conductive relationship between the spiral structure 311 and the power supply can be ensured.

[0040] Based on the above structure of the buffer 300, in this application, as Figure 3 As shown, when the buffer 300 is in a compressed and avoidance state, the maximum distance between the helix center of the helical structure 311 and the outer edge of the helical structure 311 is the first dimension; as Figure 4 As shown, when the buffer 300 is in an elastic buffer state, the spiral center of the spiral structure 311 protrudes outward along the optical axis, and the maximum distance between the spiral center of the spiral structure 311 and the outer edge of the spiral structure 311 is the second dimension.

[0041] More specifically, in this embodiment, when the spiral structure 311 is connected to the power supply, the buffer 300 is in an elastic buffer state. The spiral center of the spiral structure 311 protrudes relative to the outer edge of the spiral structure 311 along the optical axis direction, and the distance between the spiral center and the outer edge of the spiral structure 311 in the optical axis direction is the second dimension, so as to ensure that the spiral structure 311 has good elasticity and thus provide a buffering effect for the lens assembly 200. Correspondingly, when the spiral structure 311 is disconnected from the power supply, the buffer 300 is in a compressed avoidance state, and the temperature of the spiral structure 311 drops, so that the spiral structure 311 can return to its original state, that is, the distance between the spiral center and the outer edge of the spiral structure 311 in the optical axis direction is the first dimension, so as to provide a larger avoidance space for the lens assembly 200.

[0042] As described above, when the spiral structure 311 of the buffer 300 disclosed in this application is in an elastic buffering state, its dimension in the optical axis direction is relatively large, and it is in a state of outward convexity at the spiral center. Under the action of the inherent characteristics of the spiral structure 311, the elasticity of the spiral structure 311 is relatively strong. Correspondingly, when the spiral structure 311 is in a compression and avoidance state, its dimension in the optical axis direction is relatively small, so as to provide a larger avoidance space for the movement of the lens assembly 200. Furthermore, when the spiral structure 311 is in a compression and avoidance state, the spiral structure 311 can be made to be sheet-like as a whole, that is, each spiral in the spiral structure 311 can be located or substantially located in the same plane, so as to further reduce the space occupied by the spiral structure 311 in the optical axis direction when it is in a compression and avoidance state.

[0043] As described above, one end of the buffer 300 can be fixedly connected to the housing 100 to reduce the adverse effects of the buffer 300 on the performance of the lens assembly 200, and to reduce the difficulty of connecting the buffer 300 to power. Based on this, when the buffer 300 includes the aforementioned spiral structure 311, such as Figure 2 As shown, the outer edge of the spiral structure 311 can be fixedly connected to the housing 100. Furthermore, when the spiral structure 311 is disconnected from the power supply, the spiral center of the spiral structure 311 and the lens assembly 200 are spaced apart in the optical axis direction. Correspondingly, when the spiral structure 311 is connected to the power supply, the spiral center of the spiral structure 311 is abutted against the lens assembly 200.

[0044] More specifically, the outer edge of the spiral structure 311 can be fixedly connected to the side surface of the first limiting part 130 (or the second limiting part 140) facing the lens assembly 200.

[0045] When the above technical solution is adopted, the lens assembly 200 can come into contact with the spiral center of the spiral structure 311 when it shakes. Due to the characteristics of the spiral structure 311, the collision force can be dispersed from the spiral center of the spiral structure 311 to the outside of the center of the spiral structure 311, which can greatly improve the elastic buffering effect of the spiral structure 311. Furthermore, when the above technical solution is adopted, the connection area between the buffer 300 and the housing 100 is relatively large, thereby making the installation stability of the buffer 300 relatively high.

[0046] To further enhance the overall support capacity of the spiral structure 311, and thus enable the spiral structure 311 to provide good elastic cushioning when the lens assembly 200 compresses it, in a specific embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the buffer 300 may further include a skeleton 312, wherein the skeleton 312 extends radially along the helical structure 311, and the helical center and outer edge of the helical structure 311 are connected to the skeleton 312. Simultaneously, at least one of the plurality of spirals of the helical structure 311 is connected to the skeleton 312. More specifically, within the span of the skeleton 312, each spiral of the helical structure 311 may be connected to the skeleton 312.

[0047] Clearly, the skeleton 312 enhances the overall support of the spiral structure 311. Furthermore, the number of skeletons 312 can be multiple, with each skeleton 312 extending radially along the spiral structure 311. Simultaneously, the multiple skeletons 312 are distributed circumferentially along the spiral structure 311. In this configuration, the support capacity at any point within the spiral structure 311 is relatively strong, thereby further improving the elastic buffering performance of the spiral structure 311.

[0048] Specifically, the skeleton 312 is generally a filamentary or strip-like structure, and the skeleton 312 can be formed of an elastic material with a certain strength. For example, by reducing the diameter, the metal material can have a certain elasticity, and the metal material itself also has relatively good strength. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, other materials can also be used to form the skeleton 312.

[0049] It should be noted that, in order to prevent short circuits, when the skeleton 312 is made of conductive materials such as metal, the skeleton 312 and the spiral structure 311 need to be mutually insulated.

[0050] The above embodiments describe a specific structure of the buffer 300. In another embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the buffer 300 can also include a drive wire 321 and a compression spring 322, wherein the drive wire 321 is a shape memory alloy structural component and is configured to be controlled to be connected to the power supply. In this case, the structure and size of the drive wire 321 can be changed by changing the energizing and de-energizing state of the drive wire 321.

[0051] Meanwhile, in the camera module disclosed in this application embodiment, in the optical axis direction, a compression spring 322 is sandwiched between the housing 100 and the lens assembly 200, and a drive line 321 spans between the opposite ends of the compression spring 322. That is, the opposite ends of the drive line 321 are respectively located at the positions of the two ends of the compression spring 322, thereby enabling the drive line 321 to drive the compression spring 322 to contract. Wherein, as... Figure 5 As shown, and in combination Figure 7In this embodiment, one end of the drive line 321 is connected to one end of the compression spring 322, and the other end of the drive line 321 is connected to the housing 100 or the lens assembly 200. That is, if one end of the drive line 321 is connected to the lens assembly 200, then the other end of the drive line 321 is connected to the end of the compression spring 322 that is away from the lens assembly 200, and vice versa.

[0052] Based on the structure disclosed in the embodiments of this application, when the drive line 321 is connected to the power supply, the buffer 300 is in a compressed avoidance state, and the dimension of the drive line 321 in the optical axis direction is a first dimension. Correspondingly, one of the housing 100 and the lens assembly 200 is in contact with one end of the compression spring 322, and the other of the housing 100 and the lens assembly 200 is spaced apart from the other end of the compression spring 322 in the optical axis direction, so that the buffer 300 can provide an avoidance function for the lens assembly 200, and the lens assembly 200 can move relative to the housing 100 within its own movement space.

[0053] Correspondingly, when the drive line 321 is disconnected from the power supply, the buffer 300 is in an elastic buffer state. The dimension of the drive line 321 in the optical axis direction is the second dimension. One of the housing 100 and the lens assembly 200 abuts against one end of the compression spring 322, and the other of the housing 100 and the lens assembly 200 abuts against the other end of the compression spring 322. Thus, the buffer 300 occupies the movement space of the lens assembly 200 and restricts the lens assembly 200 from shaking uncontrollably. Furthermore, even if the lens assembly 200 still shakes slightly, the compression spring 322 can provide elastic buffering for the lens assembly 200, preventing the lens assembly 200 from making hard contact with the housing 100.

[0054] More specifically, in this embodiment, when the drive line 321 is connected to the power supply, the buffer 300 is in a compressed avoidance state, so that the drive line 321 pulls the compression spring 322 and switches the compression spring 322 to a compressed state, thereby making the overall size of the buffer 300 smaller in the axial direction and avoiding the lens assembly 200, ensuring that the lens assembly 200 can move normally relative to the housing 100; correspondingly, when the drive line 321 is disconnected from the power supply, the temperature of the drive line 321 drops, and under the action of the elastic force of the compression spring 322, the length of the drive line 321 increases, thereby making the buffer 300 in an elastic buffering state. Under the action of the compression spring 322, the buffer 300 can occupy the moving space of the lens assembly 200 and provide elastic buffering for the lens assembly 200.

[0055] Optionally, in this embodiment, when the buffer 300 is in an elastic buffer state, the compression spring 322 can be restored to its natural length, and the opposite ends of the compression spring 322 can be in contact with the housing 100 and the lens assembly 200 respectively (or still spaced apart from each other).

[0056] To further improve the buffering effect of the buffer 300 on the lens assembly 200 disclosed in this application embodiment, optionally, as follows: Figure 12 As shown, in the optical axis direction, the gap between the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100 can be made smaller than the length of the compression spring 322 at its natural length, so that when the buffer 300 is in an elastic buffer state, the compression spring 322 and the lens assembly 200 are in an elastic compression state.

[0057] In other words, such as Figure 12 As shown, when the lens assembly 200 of the camera module is omitted and the drive line 321 in the buffer 300 is de-energized, the compression spring 322 returns to its natural state under its own elasticity. At this time, in the optical axis direction, the distance between the compression spring 322 and the housing 100 is smaller than the size of the lens assembly 200. Then, after the lens assembly 200 is installed, the lens assembly 200 compresses the compression spring 322.

[0058] Of course, in the above embodiments, buffer members 300 can be provided on both opposite sides of the lens assembly 200. In this case, the sum of the natural lengths of the compression springs 322 of each of the buffer members 300 distributed along the optical axis can be greater than the length of the interval between the lens assembly 200 and the housing 100. Accordingly, as shown in the figure... Figure 12 As shown, the size of the remaining space between the two buffers 300 spaced apart in the optical axis direction and their respective compression springs 322 in their natural state is smaller than the size of the lens assembly 200.

[0059] When the above technical solution is adopted, after the camera module is installed and the buffer 300 is in an elastic buffer state, the buffer 300 can provide pre-pressure to the lens assembly 200, thereby providing a reaction force for the impact process of the lens assembly 200, so as to further reduce the shaking amplitude of the lens assembly 200.

[0060] As described above, one end of the buffer 300 can be mounted on the housing 100 to minimize interference and obstruction to the normal operation of the lens assembly 200. Therefore, in this embodiment, one end of the drive line 321 can be fixedly connected to the housing 100, and correspondingly, the other end of the drive line 321 is connected to the end of the compression spring 322 near the lens assembly 200. Based on this, to improve the driving effect of the drive line 321 on the compression spring 322, in a specific embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the buffer 300 may also include a fixing plate 323, wherein the compression spring 322 is provided with a fixing plate 323 at one end facing the lens assembly 200, the fixing plate 323 abuts against the compression spring 322, and the other end of the drive line 321 is connected to the fixing plate 323.

[0061] With the above technical solution, the fixing plate 323 can abut against the outer edge of the compression spring 322. Thus, during the process of the drive line 321 pulling the fixing plate 323, the fixing plate 323 can apply force to different positions in the circumference of the compression spring 322. This can improve the driving effect of the drive line 321 on the compression elasticity and prevent the compression spring 322 from bending or deforming, thereby improving the reliability of the buffer 300.

[0062] Specifically, the fixing plate 323 can be made of metal, and the drive wire 321 can be fixedly connected to the spiral center of the fixing plate 323. In this case, the fixing plate 323 can be connected to the power supply, thereby reducing the difficulty of connecting the drive wire 321. Of course, in this case, the fixing plate 323 and the compression spring 322 can also be insulated to prevent short circuits in the drive wire 321. More specifically, the diameter of the fixing plate 323 can be slightly larger than the diameter of the compression spring 322. In this case, it can be ensured that the fixing plate 323 can provide driving force to different positions on the outer edge of the compression spring 322.

[0063] In another embodiment of this application, to improve the reliability of the contact between the compression spring 322 and the housing 100, another fixing plate 323 can be provided on the side of the compression spring 322 away from the lens assembly 200, and the fixing plate 323 and the compression spring 322 can also form a contacting relationship. Of course, in this embodiment of the application, if the drive line 321 passes through the inside of the compression spring 322, a through hole can be provided on the fixing plate 323 on the side of the compression spring 322 away from the lens assembly 200, and the drive line 321 can be connected to the housing 100 and the power supply through the aforementioned through hole. Alternatively, the drive line 321 can be fixedly connected between the two fixing plates 323, and the two fixing plates 323 can be connected to the power supply, which can also enable the drive plate to have the ability to drive the compression spring 322.

[0064] Based on the camera module disclosed in any of the above embodiments, this application also discloses an electronic device that includes the camera module disclosed in any of the above embodiments. Of course, the electronic device may also include other components or mechanisms such as a frame and a battery, with both the battery and the camera module mounted on the frame.

[0065] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0066] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, Includes a housing (100), a lens assembly (200), and a buffer (300), wherein, The lens assembly (200) is installed inside the housing (100), and the lens assembly (200) is movable relative to the housing (100) in the optical axis direction. In the optical axis direction, the buffer (300) is provided between the lens assembly (200) and the housing (100), and the buffer (300) has elasticity in the optical axis direction. At least a portion of the buffer (300) is a shape memory alloy structure, and the shape memory alloy structure is configured to be controlled to be connected to a power source so that the buffer (300) switches between a compression avoidance state and an elastic buffer state. When the buffer (300) is in the compression avoidance state, the size of the buffer (300) in the optical axis direction is a first size. When the buffer (300) is in the elastic buffer state, the size of the buffer (300) in the optical axis direction is a second size, and the second size is greater than the first size.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the optical axis direction, the buffer (300) is provided between the opposite ends of the lens assembly (200) and the housing (100).

3. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer (300) includes a spiral structure (311), which is formed by spiral extension, and the outer edge of the spiral structure (311) and the spiral center can move relative to each other in the direction of the optical axis. The spiral structure (311) is a shape memory alloy structure and is configured to be controlled to be connected to the power supply. When the spiral structure (311) is disconnected from the power supply, the buffer (300) is in the compression avoidance state, and the distance between the spiral center of the spiral structure (311) and the outer edge of the spiral structure (311) in the optical axis direction is the first dimension; When the spiral structure (311) is connected to the power supply, the buffer (300) is in the elastic buffer state. The spiral center of the spiral structure (311) protrudes from the outer edge of the spiral structure (311) along the optical axis direction, and the distance between the spiral center of the spiral structure (311) and the outer edge of the spiral structure (311) in the optical axis direction is the second dimension.

4. The camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer edge of the spiral structure (311) is fixedly connected to the shell (100). When the spiral structure (311) is disconnected from the power supply, the spiral center of the spiral structure (311) and the lens assembly (200) are spaced apart in the optical axis direction; When the spiral structure (311) is connected to the power source, the spiral center of the spiral structure (311) is abutted against the lens assembly (200).

5. The camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The buffer (300) further includes a skeleton (312) that extends radially along the helical structure (311), the helical center and outer edge of the helical structure (311) being connected to the skeleton (312), and at least one of the plurality of helices of the helical structure (311) being connected to the skeleton (312).

6. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer (300) includes a drive line (321) and a compression spring (322), the drive line (321) being a shape memory alloy structure and configured to be controlled to be connected to a power source; In the optical axis direction, the compression spring (322) is sandwiched between the housing (100) and the lens assembly (200), and the drive line (321) spans between the opposite ends of the compression spring (322). One end of the drive line (321) is connected to one end of the compression spring (322), and the other end of the drive line (321) is connected to the housing (100) or the lens assembly (200). When the drive line (321) is connected to the power supply, the buffer (300) is in the compression avoidance state, and the dimension of the drive line (321) in the optical axis direction is the first dimension. One of the housing (100) and the lens assembly (200) is in contact with one end of the compression spring (322), and the other of the housing (100) and the lens assembly (200) is spaced apart from the other end of the compression spring (322) in the optical axis direction. When the drive line (321) is disconnected from the power supply, the buffer (300) is in the elastic buffer state, and the dimension of the drive line (321) in the optical axis direction is the second dimension. One of the housing (100) and the lens assembly (200) abuts against one end of the compression spring (322), and the other of the housing (100) and the lens assembly (200) abuts against the other end of the compression spring (322).

7. The camera module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The buffer (300) also includes a fixing plate (323), one end of the drive line (321) is fixedly connected to the housing (100), the compression spring (322) is provided with a fixing plate (323) at one end facing the lens assembly (200), the fixing plate (323) abuts against the compression spring (322), and the other end of the drive line (321) is connected to the fixing plate (323).

8. The camera module according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the optical axis direction, the gap between the lens assembly (200) and the housing (100) is less than the length of the compression spring (322) in its natural state. When the buffer (300) is in the elastic buffer state, the compression spring (322) and the lens assembly (200) are in an elastic compression state.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module includes a ball bearing (430), and both the lens assembly (200) and the housing (100) are provided with guide grooves extending along the optical axis, in which the ball bearing (430) is installed. Alternatively, the camera module includes a guide rod (440) fixed inside the housing (100), and the lens assembly (200) is provided with a guide groove extending along the optical axis, the guide groove being sleeved outside the guide rod (440).

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The system includes a frame and a camera module as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the camera module is mounted on the frame.

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