Camera module and electronic device

Abstract

The application relates to a camera module and an electronic device. The camera module comprises a shell, a light folding assembly, a first driving mechanism, a lens group and a photosensitive element. The light folding assembly comprises a first light folding element and a second light folding element. The first driving mechanism is used for driving the light folding assembly to translate along a first direction, so that the first light folding element is arranged in correspondence with a light inlet of the lens group, and light entering through a first light transmission part of the shell enters the photosensitive element through the first light folding element and the lens group in sequence. The first driving mechanism is used for driving the light folding assembly to translate along a second direction, so that the second light folding element is arranged in correspondence with the light inlet of the lens group, and light entering through a second light transmission part of the shell enters the photosensitive element through the second light folding element and the lens group in sequence. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. The application switches the front camera and the rear camera through the translation of the light folding element, and improves the performance of the front camera.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of shooting equipment technology, and in particular to a camera module and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology, camera modules are being used more and more widely. In recent years, the demand for photography in mobile phones and other electronic devices has been increasing, and major manufacturers have placed more stringent requirements on the imaging quality of camera modules. The performance of front-facing camera modules is constrained by space, resulting in significant limitations on their size and shooting capabilities, leading to less than ideal image quality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a camera module and an electronic device. The camera module of this application achieves switching between the front and rear cameras by shifting and switching the light folding element, thereby improving the performance of the front camera.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a camera module. The camera module includes a housing and a light folding assembly, a first driving mechanism, a lens assembly, and a photosensitive element located within the housing. The housing includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other. The first side has a first light-transmitting portion, and the second side has a second light-transmitting portion. The light folding assembly includes a first light folding element and a second light folding element. The first driving mechanism is used to drive the light folding assembly to translate along a first direction, so that the first light folding element is correspondingly disposed with the light inlet of the lens assembly, and the second light folding element is misaligned with the light inlet of the lens assembly. Light entering through the first light-transmitting portion passes sequentially through the first light folding element and the lens assembly and is incident on the photosensitive element, where the light is reflected within the first light folding element. The first driving mechanism is used to drive the light folding assembly to translate along the second direction so that the first light folding element is misaligned with the light inlet of the mirror group, the second light folding element is correspondingly arranged with the light inlet of the mirror group, the light entering through the second light-transmitting part passes through the second light folding element and the mirror group in sequence and is incident on the photosensitive element, the light is reflected in the first light folding element, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0005] This application embodiment uses a first driving mechanism to drive the light folding assembly to translate along a first or second direction, switching between the first and second light folding elements. This allows the front and rear cameras of the electronic device to share a lens group and photosensitive element, enabling the camera module to function as both a front and rear camera. This avoids the problems of small size and poor shooting performance of the front camera due to space constraints in electronic devices, effectively improving the shooting quality of the front camera. Sharing the lens group and photosensitive element between the front and rear cameras also helps reduce the number of internal structures in both cameras, simplifying their structure and contributing to cost reduction and miniaturization of the camera module. Understandably, camera modules are sensitive to the orientation of optical folding elements. By switching between the first and second optical folding elements through translation, their orientations remain unchanged after the switch. Therefore, switching the first and second optical folding elements through translation improves the switching accuracy, ensuring that their orientations remain constant after the switch, which in turn improves the image quality of the camera module. The unchanged orientation of the first and second optical folding elements means that they do not rotate.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the optical folding assembly includes a mounting frame, to which both the first and second optical folding elements are fixed. The first driving mechanism includes a first driving stator and a first driving mover. The first driving stator is fixed to the housing, and the first driving mover is fixed to the mounting frame. The first driving stator drives the first driving mover to move the optical folding assembly along the first direction or the second direction. The mounting frame assembles the first and second optical folding elements into a single unit, facilitating the overall translation of the first and second optical folding elements. The cooperation between the first driving stator and the first driving mover simplifies the structure of the first driving mechanism. This application does not limit the specific structure or position of the first driving mechanism; it can be configured as needed.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the camera module includes a guide member located between the mounting bracket and the housing, used to guide the light folding assembly to translate along a preset path, preventing the light folding assembly from shifting. The guide member can be a ball bearing. In other implementations, the guide member can also be a sliding shaft or other structure; this application does not limit the specific structure of the guide member. The number of guide members can be one or more.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the number of guide members is at least two. The housing has a first groove and a second groove spaced apart along a third direction on the side facing the mounting bracket. Both the first and second grooves are equipped with the guide members. The first groove has a triangular cross-section, and the second groove has a square cross-section. The third direction forms an angle with the first direction. This embodiment of the application, by providing the first and second grooves, with the first groove having a triangular cross-section and the second groove having a square cross-section, helps to improve the structural stability of the optical folding component during translation.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the mounting bracket includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion arranged and fixedly connected along a third direction. Both the first and second optical folding elements are fixed to the first mounting portion. The guide member is located between the second mounting portion and the housing. The third direction forms an angle with the first direction. By fixing both the first and second optical folding elements to the first mounting portion and placing the guide member between the second mounting portion and the housing, a reasonable layout of the first and second optical folding elements and the guide member is beneficial. Arranging the first and second mounting portions along a third direction helps reduce the size of the camera module in either the first or second direction, allowing for a more reasonable design of the camera module's size and preventing excessive space occupation due to unreasonable camera module dimensions.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the number of guide members is at least two. The distance between the centers of the two guide members arranged along the third direction is a first dimension, and the dimension of the second mounting part in the third direction is a second dimension. The ratio of the first dimension to the second dimension is greater than or equal to one-third. By setting the ratio of the first dimension to the second dimension to be greater than or equal to one-third, it is beneficial to increase the distance between the two guide members arranged along the third direction, which is beneficial to improve the structural stability of the optical folding assembly during translation.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the guide element is a ball bearing, and the second mounting portion has a protrusion surrounding the guide element. The protrusions surrounding a guide element can be one, two, three, or four, etc. By providing the protrusions, the guide element can be confined within the space formed by the protrusions. When the guide element is a ball bearing, the ball bearing can rotate within the space formed by the protrusions, which helps to reduce the friction between the guide element and the housing.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the second mounting part is a hollow structure, which is beneficial for achieving lightweighting of the camera module and the electronic device.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the camera module includes a first sensor and a second sensor spaced apart from each other. Both the first and second sensors are fixed to the housing to detect positional changes in the light folding assembly. By using the first and second sensors, the translation of the light folding assembly can be detected, which helps improve the detection accuracy. Understandably, if the detection data from the first and second sensors are consistent, the light folding assembly has translated along a preset path; if the data from the first and second sensors are inconsistent, the translation of the light folding assembly may have deviated, and the translation can be corrected based on the detection structure.

[0014] In other embodiments, the camera module may also have one, three, or four sensors to detect the translation of the light folding assembly. The sensors may also be located outside the first drive stator. This application does not limit the location, number, or structure of the sensors.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the camera module includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member disposed opposite to each other along the first direction, and the light folding component is located between the first limiting member and the second limiting member to limit the position of the light folding component. This embodiment of the application, by providing the first limiting member and the second limiting member, facilitates limiting the position of the light folding component during translation and provides a buffering effect when the light folding component contacts the housing.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the camera module includes a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component. The first and second magnetic components are located on opposite sides of the light folding assembly, along with the first driving mechanism. The first magnetic component is fixed to the housing, and the second magnetic component is fixed to the light folding assembly. An attractive force exists between the first and second magnetic components. By creating an attractive force between the first and second magnetic components, the first driving stator and the second driving actuator are kept apart, with a gap between them. This helps prevent contact between the first driving stator and the second driving actuator due to gravity, increasing friction during the movement of the light folding assembly.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first optical folding element and the second optical folding element are spaced apart, which facilitates the assembly and calibration of the positions of the first and second optical folding elements.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the number of times the light is reflected in the first light folding element is different from the number of times the light is reflected in the second light folding element. This allows for the selection of the first and second light folding elements as needed, thereby improving the flexibility of the camera module setup.

[0019] Secondly, this application provides an electronic device, including a housing and a camera module as described in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the camera module is located within the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electronic device from one perspective.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electronic device from another perspective;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the electronic device shown.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a camera module in the electronic device shown.

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the camera module shown.

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of the part shown from another angle;

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the camera module shown along point AA;

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the camera module of the electronic device as a rear camera.

[0029] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the camera module of the electronic device as a front-facing camera.

[0030] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 An exploded view of the light folding component of the camera module shown.

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Another schematic diagram of the light folding component shown;

[0032] Figure 12 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first housing of the camera module shown;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of another type of camera module. Detailed Implementation

[0034] 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 embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0035] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are for distinguishing purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0036] In the description of this application, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, a mating connection, or an integral connection; those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electronic device 100 from one perspective. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device 100 shown from another perspective. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or other device with photo or video recording capabilities. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Taking a candybar phone as an example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can also be a foldable phone. Figure 1 The middle section is a structural diagram of the side where the mobile phone's display screen 13 is located. Figure 2The middle section is a structural diagram of the side where the back cover 12 of the mobile phone is located.

[0039] Electronic device 100 may include housing 10 and camera module 20. Camera module 20 is located inside housing 10. Camera module 20 can be used as a front-facing camera or a rear-facing camera, and can be used for selfies or for taking pictures of other objects.

[0040] The electronic device 100 may also include a display screen 13. The display screen 13 can be used to display images. The display screen 13 can be an organic light-emitting diode display screen or a quantum dot light-emitting diode display screen, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit it in this way.

[0041] The housing 10 may include a mid-frame 11 and a rear housing 12. The display screen 13 and the rear housing 12 are located on opposite sides of the mid-frame 11 and together with the mid-frame 11 form a receiving space 14. The camera module 20 is located within the receiving space 14. The receiving space 14 may also be used to house components of the electronic device 100, such as a motherboard, battery, receiver, or microphone.

[0042] For example, the display screen 13 may have a first light-transmitting structure 131, and the back cover 12 may have a second light-transmitting structure 121. Some light from outside the electronic device 100 can pass through the first light-transmitting structure 131 or the second light-transmitting structure 121 to enter the interior of the electronic device 100. The camera module 20 can collect the light entering the interior of the electronic device 100. The first light-transmitting structure 131 and the second light-transmitting structure 121 can be light-transmitting holes or transparent portions. This application does not specifically limit the specific structure of the first light-transmitting structure 131 and the second light-transmitting structure 121.

[0043] Figures 1 to 3 The installation position of the camera module 20 is merely illustrative, and this application does not strictly limit the installation position of the camera module 20. In some other embodiments, the camera module 20 may also be installed in other positions of the electronic device 100, such as the upper left corner or the upper right corner of the electronic device 100.

[0044] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The electronic device 100 in this application is only schematic; its size, shape, structure, etc., can be customized as needed. This application does not limit the specific structure of the electronic device 100.

[0045] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of a camera module 20 in the electronic device 100. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The exploded view of the camera module 20 is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The camera module 20 shown is configured with the second light folding element 222 corresponding to the lens group 24, and is used as a rear camera. Understandably, it can also be moved. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The light folding assembly 22 is used to make the first light folding element 221 correspond to the lens group 24, and the camera module 20 serves as a front-facing camera.

[0046] It is understood that, for ease of description, the camera module 20 is exemplarily defined in the following text as having a length direction X, a width direction Y, and a height direction Z, wherein the length direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z are different from each other. For example, the length direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z can be perpendicular to each other. In other embodiments, the coordinate system of the camera module 20 can be flexibly set according to specific actual needs, and the length direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z can also be other directions. This application embodiment does not limit the dimensions of the camera module 20 in the length direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z.

[0047] The camera module 20 includes a housing 21, an optical folding assembly 22, a first driving mechanism 23, a lens group 24, and a photosensitive element 25. The optical folding assembly 22, the first driving mechanism 23, the lens group 24, and the photosensitive element 25 are all located inside the housing 21.

[0048] The housing 21 may include a first side 211 and a second side 212 disposed opposite to each other. The first side 211 is provided with a first light-transmitting portion 213, and the second side 212 is provided with a second light-transmitting portion 214. Light can pass through the first light-transmitting portion 213 and the second light-transmitting portion 214 to enter the interior of the camera module 20. The first light-transmitting portion 213 and the second light-transmitting portion 214 can be light-transmitting holes or transparent portions. This application does not specifically limit the specific structure of the first light-transmitting portion 213 or the second light-transmitting portion 214. The first light-transmitting portion 213 and the second light-transmitting portion 214 can be arranged correspondingly, which is beneficial to the appearance symmetry of the camera module 20.

[0049] The housing 21 may include a first housing portion 215 and a second housing portion 216. The first housing portion 215 and the second housing portion 216 may be separate structures, which facilitates the installation of the light folding assembly 22, the first drive mechanism 23, the lens group 24, and the photosensitive element 25 inside the housing 21. The first housing portion 215 and the second housing portion 216 may be assembled and fixed by means of adhesive bonding, welding, snap-fitting, or riveting. The first light-transmitting portion 213 is located in the first housing portion 215, and the second light-transmitting portion 214 is located in the second housing portion 216.

[0050] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure from another angle of the part shown. Figure 6 The structure in is Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the light folding component 22 after it has been flipped and is facing the side where the second housing portion 216 is located. The light folding component 22 may include a first light folding element 221 and a second light folding element 222. The first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 may be arranged at intervals, which facilitates assembly and calibration of the positions of the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222. In other embodiments, there may be no gap between the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222; for example, the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 may be integrally formed. The first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 can be used to change the propagation direction of light, and the light may be reflected by the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222. For example, the light may be reflected once, twice, or three times in the first light folding element 221, and the light may be reflected once, twice, or three times in the second light folding element 222. The first light folding element 221 can be a prism, such as a triangular or quadrangular prism, or other elements capable of providing light folding functionality. The first light folding element 221 can also be a reflector. This application does not limit the specific structure of the first light folding element 221. The second light folding element 222 can also be a prism, such as a triangular or quadrangular prism, or other elements capable of providing light folding functionality. The second light folding element 222 can also be a reflector. This application does not limit the specific structure of the second light folding element 222.

[0051] In some embodiments, the number of times light is reflected within the first optical folding element 221 differs from the number of times light is reflected within the second optical folding element 222. For example, the number of times light is reflected within the first optical folding element 221 may be greater or less than the number of times light is reflected within the second optical folding element 222. This allows for the flexible configuration of the first and second optical folding elements 221 and 222 as needed. In other embodiments, the number of times light is reflected within the first and second optical folding elements 221 may be the same as the number of times light is reflected within the second optical folding element 222. For example, both the first and second optical folding elements 221 and 222 may be triangular prisms or quadrangular prisms, or the first optical folding element 221 may be a triangular prism and the second optical folding element 222 a quadrangular prism, or the first optical folding element 221 may be a quadrangular prism and the second optical folding element 222 a triangular prism.

[0052] In some embodiments, the light folding assembly 22 may include a mounting frame 223, to which both the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 are fixed. The mounting frame 223 assembles the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 into a whole, facilitating the overall translation of the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222.

[0053] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first driving mechanism 23 is used to drive the light folding assembly 22 to translate. In some embodiments, the first driving mechanism 23 may include a first driving stator 231 and a first driving actuator 232. The first driving stator 231 is fixed to the housing 21, and the first driving actuator 232 is fixed to the mounting bracket 223. Exemplarily, the first driving stator 231 may be fixed to the second housing portion 216, and the first driving actuator 232 may be fixed to the side of the mounting bracket 223 facing the second housing portion 216; or, the first driving stator 231 may be fixed to the first housing portion 215, and the first driving actuator 232 may be fixed to the side of the mounting bracket 223 facing the first housing portion 215. The first driving stator 231 may be fixed to the housing 21 by adhesive or snap-fit, and the first driving actuator 232 may be fixed to the mounting bracket 223 by adhesive or snap-fit. The first driving stator 231 may be a coil, and the first driving actuator 232 may be a magnet. The first drive stator 231 and the first drive mover 232 cooperate to simplify the structure of the first drive mechanism 23. This application embodiment does not limit the specific structure or position of the first drive mechanism 23; it can be configured as needed.

[0054] The lens group 24 may include a lens barrel and lenses located within the lens barrel. There may be one or more lenses in the lens group 24, and "multiple" can be understood as two or more. Multiple lenses are arranged sequentially along the optical axis. Multiple lenses may be a single unit or may be divided into at least two lens groups. The lens groups may be fixed or movable.

[0055] The photosensitive element 25 can be used for imaging. The electronic device 100 may also include a circuit board 26, which is fixed to the housing 21. The photosensitive element 25 is fixed to and electrically connected to the circuit board 26.

[0056] See Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the camera module 20 along point AA. Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the camera module 20 of the electronic device 100 as a rear camera. Figure 3 The solid lines represent the first optical folding element 221 and the second optical folding element 222. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The central camera module 20 is configured as a rear camera. The first drive mechanism 23 is used to drive the light folding assembly 22 along... Figure 3 The second direction A2 is shifted so that the first light folding element 221 is misaligned with the light inlet 241 of the lens group 24, and the second light folding element 222 is correspondingly aligned with the light inlet 241 of the lens group 24. Light can pass through the second light-transmitting structure 121 into the interior of the electronic device 100, and light can also pass through the second light-transmitting part 214 into the interior of the camera module 20. The light entering through the second light-transmitting part 214 passes sequentially through the second light folding element 222 and the lens group 24 and is incident on the photosensitive element 25. It can be understood that when light enters the interior of the camera module 20 through the second light-transmitting part 214, the camera module 20 is in rear camera mode, the first light-transmitting part 213 is blocked, and light cannot enter the interior of the camera module 20 through the first light-transmitting part 213, thus avoiding interference with the imaging of the camera module 20 in rear camera mode by the light entering the interior of the camera module 20 through the first light-transmitting part 213. In other embodiments, the first light-transmitting structure 131 can be covered to prevent light entering the camera module 20 through the first light-transmitting structure 131 from interfering with the imaging of the camera module 20 in the rear camera mode.

[0057] See Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 , Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the camera module 20 of the electronic device 100 as a front-facing camera. Figure 3 The dashed lines represent the first optical folding element 221 and the second optical folding element 222. Figure 9The camera module 20 is configured as a front-facing camera. The first driving mechanism 23 drives the light folding assembly 22 to translate along the first direction A1, so that the first light folding element 221 corresponds to the light inlet 241 of the lens group 24, and the second light folding element 222 is misaligned with the light inlet 241 of the lens group 24. Light can pass through the first light-transmitting structure 131 into the interior of the electronic device 100, and light can also pass through the first light-transmitting part 213 into the interior of the camera module 20. Light passing through the first light-transmitting part 213 sequentially passes through the first light folding element 221, the lens group 24, and is incident on the photosensitive element 25. The first direction A1 and the second direction A2 are opposite directions. For example, both the first direction A1 and the second direction A2 can be parallel to the width direction Y. Understandably, when light enters the camera module 20 through the first light-transmitting part 213, the camera module 20 is in front-facing camera mode. The second light-transmitting part 214 is covered, preventing light from entering the camera module 20 through it, thus avoiding interference with the imaging of the camera module 20 in front-facing camera mode. In other embodiments, the second light-transmitting structure 121 can also be covered to prevent interference with the imaging of the camera module 20 in front-facing camera mode.

[0058] Understandably, the first driving mechanism 23 drives the light folding assembly 22 to translate. For example, the first driving stator 231 is used to drive the first driving mover 232 to move the light folding assembly 22 along the first direction A1 or the second direction A2. The first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 are arranged along the first direction A1, which can also be understood as the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 being arranged along the second direction A2.

[0059] This embodiment of the application sets up a first driving mechanism 23 to drive the light folding assembly 22 to translate along the first direction A1 or the second direction A2, thereby switching the translation of the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222. This allows the front-facing camera and the rear-facing camera of the electronic device 100 to share the lens group 24 and the photosensitive element 25, enabling the camera module 20 to function as both a front-facing camera and a rear-facing camera. This helps avoid the problem of small size and poor shooting performance of the front-facing camera due to space limitations of the electronic device 100, effectively improving the shooting quality of the front-facing camera. By sharing the lens group 24 and the photosensitive element 25 between the front-facing and rear-facing cameras, it is also beneficial to reduce the number of internal structures of the front-facing and rear-facing cameras, simplify their structure, and reduce costs and miniaturize the camera module 20. Understandably, the camera module 20 is sensitive to the orientation of the light folding elements. By switching between the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 through translation, the orientation of the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 remains unchanged after the translation switch. Therefore, switching the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 through translation helps improve the switching accuracy, ensuring that the orientation of the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 remains unchanged after the switch, which helps improve the shooting quality of the camera module 20. The unchanged orientation of the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 means that the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 do not rotate.

[0060] See Figure 5 The camera module 20 may include a first sensor 271 and a second sensor 272 spaced apart. Both the first sensor 271 and the second sensor 272 are fixed to the housing 21 to detect positional changes in the light folding assembly 22. Exemplarily, the first sensor 271 and the second sensor 272 may be fixed to the housing 21 by adhesive or clips. Both the first sensor 271 and the second sensor 272 may be located within the first drive stator 231, that is, both the first sensor 271 and the second sensor 272 are located within the space formed by the conductors surrounding the first drive stator 231.

[0061] By setting the first sensor 271 and the second sensor 272, the translation of the light folding component 22 can be detected, which helps to improve the detection accuracy of the translation of the light folding component 22. It can be understood that if the detection data of the first sensor 271 and the second sensor 272 are consistent, then the light folding component 22 is translating along a preset path. If the detection data of the first sensor 271 and the second sensor 272 are inconsistent, then the translation of the light folding component 22 may have deviated, and the translation of the light folding component 22 can be corrected according to the detection structure.

[0062] In other embodiments, the camera module 20 may include a first sensor 271 but not a second sensor 272, or the camera module 20 may not include the first sensor 271 but include the second sensor 272, or the camera module 20 may have three or four sensors to detect the translation of the light folding assembly 22. The sensors may also be located outside the first drive stator 231. This application does not limit the location, number, or structure of the sensors.

[0063] like Figure 5 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, Figure 10 yes Figure 5 An exploded view of the light folding component 22 of the camera module 20 is shown. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Another angle view of the light folding component 22 shown. Figure 11 Will Figure 10 The light folding assembly 22 shown has been flipped. The mounting bracket 223 may include a first mounting portion 224 and a second mounting portion 225 fixedly connected, arranged along a third direction A3. The third direction A3 is angled to the first direction A1. Understandably, the third direction A3 is also angled to the second direction A2. Exemplarily, the third direction A3 is perpendicular to the first direction A1 and perpendicular to the second direction A2. Exemplarily, the third direction A3 may be parallel to the length direction X.

[0064] Both the first light folding element 221 and the second light folding element 222 are fixed to the first mounting portion 224. Exemplarily, the first mounting portion 224 has a first mounting space 2241 and a second mounting space 2242. The first light folding element 221 is fixed to the first mounting space 2241, and the second light folding element 222 is fixed to the second mounting space 2242. The first mounting space 2241 and the second mounting space 2242 may or may not be interconnected; for example, a partition may be provided between the first mounting space 2241 and the second mounting space 2242. Understandably, the first mounting space 2241 has a first opening 2243, and the second mounting space 2242 has a second opening 2244. When the camera module 20 is used as a front-facing camera, the first opening 2243 corresponds to the first light-transmitting portion 213; when the camera module 20 is used as a rear-facing camera, the second opening 2244 corresponds to the second light-transmitting portion 214.

[0065] See Figure 5 and Figure 10The camera module 20 may include a guide member 28, which is located between the mounting bracket 223 and the housing 21. The guide member 28 and the first driving mechanism 23 may be located on opposite sides of the light folding assembly 22. The guide member 28 is used to guide the translation of the light folding assembly 22, so that the light folding assembly 22 translates along a preset path and avoids the light folding assembly 22 from deviating. Exemplarily, the guide member 28 may be located between the second mounting part 225 and the housing 21. The guide member 28 may be a ball bearing. In other embodiments, the guide member 28 may also be a sliding shaft or other structure. The specific structure of the guide member 28 is not limited in this application embodiment. The number of guide members 28 may be one or more.

[0066] By fixing both the first optical folding element 221 and the second optical folding element 222 to the first mounting portion 224, and with the guide member 28 located between the second mounting portion 225 and the housing 21, a reasonable layout of the first optical folding element 221, the second optical folding element 222, and the guide member 28 is facilitated. By arranging the first mounting portion 224 and the second mounting portion 225 along the third direction A3, the size of the camera module 20 in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2 is reduced, allowing for a more reasonable design of the camera module 20's size and preventing excessive space occupation by an unreasonable size setting of the camera module 20.

[0067] See Figure 5 and Figure 10 The second mounting part 225 may be provided with a first mounting slot 2251 and a second mounting slot 2252. The number of first mounting slots 2251 may be one or more. When there are multiple first mounting slots 2251, the multiple first mounting slots 2251 are arranged at intervals. The number of second mounting slots 2252 may be one or more. When there are multiple second mounting slots 2252, the multiple second mounting slots 2252 are arranged at intervals. Figure 5 and Figure 10 Taking an example where there are two first mounting slots 2251, two second mounting slots 2252, and four guide members 28, the two first mounting slots 2251 can be spaced apart along a first direction A1, and the two second mounting slots 2252 can be spaced apart along the first direction A1. The first mounting slots 2251 and the second mounting slots 2252 are correspondingly arranged along a third direction A3. Two guide members 28 are arranged one-to-one with the two first mounting slots 2251, and the other two guide members 28 are arranged one-to-one with the two second mounting slots 2252.

[0068] See Figure 10 and Figure 11The second mounting portion 225 is provided with a support portion 2254. The support portion 2254 protrudes from the inner surface of the second mounting portion 225. The first mounting groove 2251 and the second mounting groove 2252 are provided in the support portion 2254 to ensure that the first mounting groove 2251 and the second mounting groove 2252 are deep enough to accommodate the guide member 28. This avoids the difficulty in forming the required first mounting groove 2251 and the second mounting groove 2252 due to the thickness of the second mounting portion 225 being too thin.

[0069] In some embodiments, the second mounting portion 225 may have a protrusion 2253 surrounding the guide member 28. The protrusion 2253 surrounding a guide member 28 may be one, two, three, or four, etc. When there are two protrusions 2253 surrounding a guide member 28, the two protrusions 2253 are arranged opposite to each other. By providing the protrusions 2253, the guide member 28 can be confined within the space formed by the protrusions 2253. Since the guide member 28 is a ball bearing, the ball bearing can rotate within the space formed by the protrusions 2253, which helps to reduce the friction between the guide member 28 and the housing 21. (See also...) Figure 7 In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 223 includes a reinforcing plate 2231, which is fixed inside the mounting bracket 223 to increase the structural strength of the mounting bracket 223.

[0070] See Figure 10 In some embodiments, the second mounting portion 225 can be a hollow structure, which is beneficial for achieving a lightweight camera module 20 and for the lightweighting of electronic devices.

[0071] In other embodiments, the mounting bracket 223 may not have the second mounting part 225, and the guide member 28 may be provided in the first mounting part 224. The specific configuration can be determined as needed. The specific structure of the mounting bracket 223 is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0072] like Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of the first housing portion 215 of the camera module 20. The housing 21 has a first groove 2171 and a second groove 2172 on the side facing the mounting bracket 223, and the first groove 2171 and the second groove 2172 are spaced apart along a third direction A3. The first groove 2171 extends along a first direction A1, which can also be understood as the first groove 2171 extending along a second direction A2, and the second groove 2172 extends along the first direction A1, which can also be understood as the second groove 2172 extending along the second direction A2. For example, the housing 21 has a boss 2173 on the side facing the mounting bracket 223, and the first groove 2171 and the second groove 2172 are located on the boss 2173.

[0073] The first groove 2171 is correspondingly provided with the first mounting groove 2251, and the second groove 2172 is correspondingly provided with the second mounting groove 2252. Both the first groove 2171 and the second groove 2172 are provided with guide members 28. Understandably, taking a guide member 28 located in both the first groove 2171 and the first mounting groove 2251 as an example, part of the guide member 28 is located within the first groove 2171, and part of the guide member 28 is located within the first mounting groove 2251. Similarly, taking a guide member 28 located in both the second groove 2172 and the second mounting groove 2252 as an example, part of the guide member 28 is located within the second groove 2172, and part of the guide member 28 is located within the second mounting groove 2252.

[0074] When the first driving mechanism 23 drives the light folding assembly 22 to translate along the first direction A1, the guide member 28 translates along the first direction A1 within the first groove 2171 and the second groove 2172, and the guide member 28 can rotate, which helps to reduce the friction between the guide member 28 and the housing 21. When the first driving mechanism 23 drives the light folding assembly 22 to translate along the second direction A2, the guide member 28 translates along the second direction A2 within the first groove 2171 and the second groove 2172, and the guide member 28 can rotate, which helps to reduce the friction between the guide member 28 and the housing 21. The first groove 2171 and the second groove 2172 define the translation path of the light folding assembly 22.

[0075] See Figure 7 and Figure 12 In some embodiments, the first groove 2171 has a triangular cross-section, and the second groove 2172 has a square cross-section. The square can be a rectangle or a square. Understandably, both the first groove 2171 and the second groove 2172 have openings on the side facing the mounting bracket 223. The cross-sections of the first groove 2171 and the second groove 2172 refer to... Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shown depicts the planar shapes representing the first groove 2171 and the second groove 2172. The first groove 2171 can limit the guide member 28 in the third direction A3 and the thickness direction, while the second groove 2172 can limit the guide member 28 in the thickness direction, which is perpendicular to the third direction A3 and perpendicular to the first direction A1. In this embodiment, by setting the cross-section of the first groove 2171 to be triangular and the cross-section of the second groove 2172 to be square, it is beneficial to improve the structural stability of the light folding assembly 22 during translation.

[0076] Figure 7 The first groove 2171 shown is closer to the first mounting portion 224 than the second groove 2172. In other embodiments, the first groove 2171 may be further away from the first mounting portion 224 than the second groove 2172.

[0077] See Figure 7 The distance between the centers of the two guide members 28 arranged along the third direction A3 is a first dimension L1, and the dimension of the second mounting part 225 on the third direction A3 is a second dimension L2. The ratio of the first dimension L1 to the second dimension L2 is greater than or equal to one-third. For example, the ratio of the first dimension L1 to the second dimension L2 can be one-half or two-thirds, etc. By setting the ratio of the first dimension L1 to the second dimension L2 to be greater than or equal to one-third, it is beneficial to increase the distance between the two guide members 28 arranged along the third direction A3, which is beneficial to improve the structural stability of the light folding assembly 22 during translation. In other embodiments, the ratio of the first dimension L1 to the second dimension L2 can also be less than one-third. Understandably, taking the guide member 28 as a ball bearing as an example, the distance between the centers of the two guide members 28 arranged along the third direction A3 is the distance between the centers of the two balls arranged along the third direction A3.

[0078] See Figure 5 and Figure 12 The camera module 20 includes a first limiting member 2181 and a second limiting member 2182 disposed opposite to each other along a first direction A1. The light folding assembly 22 is located between the first limiting member 2181 and the second limiting member 2182 to define the position of the light folding assembly 22. Exemplarily, the first limiting member 2181 can be fixed to the inner wall of the housing 21, and the second limiting member 2182 can be fixed to the inner wall of the housing 21. Alternatively, the first limiting member 2181 and the second limiting member 2182 can also be fixed to the light folding assembly 22. The number of first limiting members 2181 can be one or more. When there are multiple first limiting members 2181, the multiple first limiting members 2181 are spaced apart along a third direction A3. The number of second limiting members 2182 can be one or more. When there are multiple second limiting members 2182, the multiple second limiting members 2182 are spaced apart along a third direction A3. The first limiting member 2181 and the second limiting member 2182 can be made of materials such as soft rubber.

[0079] This embodiment of the application, by setting a first limiting member 2181 and a second limiting member 2182, facilitates the limiting of the light folding component 22 during translation and provides a buffering effect when the light folding component 22 comes into contact with the housing 21. Understandably, the housing 21 has low dimensional accuracy, making it difficult to accurately limit the light folding component 22. By setting the high-precision first limiting member 2181 and second limiting member 2182, the light folding component 22 can be accurately limited.

[0080] See Figure 5 and Figure 12The camera module 20 may include a second driving mechanism 29. The second driving mechanism 29 is used to drive the lens assembly 24 to move towards or away from the light folding assembly 22 along a third direction A3 to achieve focusing. The second driving mechanism 29 may include a second driving stator 291 and a second driving actuator 292. The second driving stator 291 is fixed to the housing 21, and the second driving actuator 292 is fixed to the lens assembly 24. For example, the second driving stator 291 may be fixed to the first housing portion 215, and the second driving actuator 292 may be fixed to the side of the lens assembly 24 facing the first housing portion 215. The second driving stator 291 may be fixed to the housing 21 by adhesive or snap-fit, and the second driving actuator 292 may be fixed to the lens assembly 24 by adhesive or snap-fit. The second driving stator 291 may be a coil, and the second driving actuator 292 may be a magnet. The cooperation between the second driving stator 291 and the second driving actuator 292 simplifies the structure of the second driving mechanism 29. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific structure, position, etc. of the second drive mechanism 29, and can be set as needed.

[0081] See Figure 5 and Figure 12 In some embodiments, the housing 21 may be provided with a limiting boss 2194, which is located between the light folding assembly 22 and the lens group 24, and is used to limit the movement position of the lens group 24.

[0082] See Figure 5 and Figure 12 In some embodiments, the housing 21 may be provided with a mounting boss 2195, and the circuit board 26 is fixed to the mounting boss 2195. Exemplarily, the circuit board 26 is fixed to the side of the mounting boss 2195 away from the mirror assembly 24. The circuit board 26 may also be mounted in other locations, which are not limited in this embodiment.

[0083] A guide may be provided between the lens assembly 24 and the housing 21. The setting of the guide between the lens assembly 24 and the housing 21 is the same as the setting of the guide between the light folding assembly 22 and the housing 21 mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0084] See Figure 5 and Figure 12 The housing 21 is provided with a third groove 2174 and a fourth groove 2175. The third groove 2174 extends along a third direction A3, and the fourth groove 2175 extends along a third direction A3, with the third groove 2174 and the fourth groove 2175 spaced apart. There can be multiple guide members between the lens assembly 24 and the housing 21, with some guide members located in the third groove 2174 and others located in the fourth groove 2175.

[0085] When the second drive mechanism 29 drives the lens group 24 to translate for focusing, the guide member 28 translates within the third groove 2174 and the fourth groove 2175, and the guide member can rotate, which helps to reduce the friction between the guide member and the housing. The third groove 2174 and the fourth groove 2175 define the translation path of the lens group 24.

[0086] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the third groove 2174 is triangular, and the cross-section of the fourth groove 2175 is square. The square can be rectangular or square. Understandably, the third groove 2174 and the fourth groove 2175 have openings on the side facing the mounting frame lens assembly 24. By setting the cross-section of the third groove 2174 to be triangular and the cross-section of the fourth groove 2175 to be square, this embodiment of the application helps to improve the structural stability of the lens assembly 24 during translation.

[0087] like Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another type of camera module 20. The camera module 20 may include a first magnetic element 2191 and a second magnetic element 2192. The first magnetic element 2191 and the second magnetic element 2192 are located on opposite sides of the light folding assembly 22 along with the first driving mechanism 23. The first magnetic element 2191 is fixed to the housing 21, and the second magnetic element 2192 is fixed to the light folding assembly 22. There is an attractive force between the first magnetic element 2191 and the second magnetic element 2192.

[0088] By setting an attractive force between the first magnetic element 2191 and the second magnetic element 2192, the first driving stator 231 and the first driving mover 232 are kept away from each other and there is a gap between the first driving stator 231 and the first driving mover 232. This helps to avoid the first driving stator 231 and the first driving mover 232 from contacting each other due to gravity, and increases the friction force during the movement of the light folding assembly 22.

[0089] In some embodiments, the winding method of the first drive stator 231 can be configured to enable the first drive stator 231 to both drive the optical folding assembly 22 to translate along the first direction A1 or the second direction A2, and to provide the first drive mover 232 and the optical folding assembly 22 with a force that moves them away from the first drive stator 231. This will keep the first drive stator 231 and the first drive mover 232 away from each other and create a gap between them. This will help avoid contact between the first drive stator 231 and the first drive mover 232 due to gravity and increase the friction during the movement of the optical folding assembly 22.

[0090] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A camera module (20), characterized in that, It includes a housing (21) and a light folding assembly (22), a first drive mechanism (23), a lens group (24), and a photosensitive element (25) located within the housing (21); The housing (21) includes a first side (211) and a second side (212) disposed opposite to each other. The first side (211) is provided with a first light-transmitting part (213), and the second side (212) is provided with a second light-transmitting part (214). The optical folding assembly (22) includes a first optical folding element (221) and a second optical folding element (222); The first driving mechanism (23) is used to drive the light folding assembly (22) to translate along the first direction (A1) so that the first light folding element (221) is correspondingly arranged with the light inlet (241) of the mirror group (24), and the second light folding element (222) is misaligned with the light inlet (241) of the mirror group (24). The light entering through the first light-transmitting part (213) passes through the first light folding element (221) and the mirror group (24) in sequence and is incident on the photosensitive element (25). The light is reflected in the first light folding element (221). The first driving mechanism (23) is used to drive the light folding assembly (22) to translate along the second direction (A2) so that the first light folding element (221) is misaligned with the light inlet (241) of the mirror group (24), the second light folding element (222) is correspondingly arranged with the light inlet (241) of the mirror group (24), and the light entering through the second light-transmitting part (214) passes through the second light folding element (222) and the mirror group (24) in sequence and is incident on the photosensitive element (25). The light is reflected in the second light folding element (222), and the second direction (A2) is opposite to the first direction (A1).

2. The camera module (20) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light folding assembly (22) includes a mounting frame (223), and the first light folding element (221) and the second light folding element (222) are both fixed to the mounting frame (223); The first driving mechanism (23) includes a first driving stator (231) and a first driving mover (232). The first driving stator (231) is fixed to the housing (21), and the first driving mover (232) is fixed to the mounting bracket (223). The first driving stator (231) is used to drive the first driving mover (232) to move the light folding assembly (22) along the first direction (A1) or the second direction (A2).

3. The camera module (20) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The camera module (20) includes a guide (28) located between the mounting bracket (223) and the housing (21) to guide the light folding assembly (22) to translate.

4. The camera module (20) as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The number of guide members (28) is at least two. The housing (21) facing the mounting bracket (223) is provided with a first groove (2171) and a second groove (2172) arranged at intervals along a third direction (A3). The first groove (2171) and the second groove (2172) are both provided with the guide members (28). The cross section of the first groove (2171) is triangular, and the cross section of the second groove (2172) is square. The third direction (A3) is set at an angle to the first direction (A1).

5. The camera module (20) as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (223) includes a first mounting part (224) and a second mounting part (225) arranged and fixedly connected along a third direction (A3). The first light folding element (221) and the second light folding element (222) are both fixed to the first mounting part (224). The guide (28) is located between the second mounting part (225) and the housing (21). The third direction (A3) is set at an angle to the first direction (A1).

6. The camera module (20) as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The number of guide members (28) is at least two, the distance between the centers of the two guide members (28) arranged along the third direction (A3) is a first dimension (L1), the dimension of the second mounting part (225) on the third direction (A3) is a second dimension (L2), and the ratio of the first dimension (L1) to the second dimension (L2) is greater than or equal to one-third.

7. The camera module (20) as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The guide member (28) is a ball bearing, and the second mounting part (225) is provided with a protrusion (2253), which surrounds the guide member (28).

8. The camera module (20) as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The camera module (20) includes a first sensor (271) and a second sensor (272) spaced apart. The first sensor (271) and the second sensor (272) are both fixed to the housing (21) to detect position changes of the light folding assembly (22).

9. The camera module (20) as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The camera module (20) includes a first limiting member (2181) and a second limiting member (2182) disposed opposite to each other along the first direction (A1), and the light folding component (22) is located between the first limiting member (2181) and the second limiting member (2182) to limit the position of the light folding component (22).

10. The camera module (20) as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The camera module (20) includes a first magnetic element (2191) and a second magnetic element (2192). The first magnetic element (2191) and the second magnetic element (2192) are located on opposite sides of the light folding assembly (22) along with the first driving mechanism (23). The first magnetic element (2191) is fixed to the housing (21), and the second magnetic element (2192) is fixed to the light folding assembly (22). There is an attractive force between the first magnetic element (2191) and the second magnetic element (2192).

11. The camera module (20) as described in any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first optical folding element (221) and the second optical folding element (222) are spaced apart.

12. The camera module (20) as described in any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The number of times the light is reflected in the first light folding element (221) is different from the number of times the light is reflected in the second light folding element (222).

13. An electronic device (100), characterized in that, It includes a housing (10) and a camera module (20) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the camera module (20) is located within the housing (10).

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