An electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses an electronic device, comprising: a device body, a mainboard, a camera module and a connector assembly; wherein the mainboard, the camera module and the connector assembly are all arranged in the device body; a first opening hole is arranged on the device body and faces the camera module, a first end of the connector assembly is located in the first opening hole, and a second end of the connector assembly is electrically connected with the mainboard; wherein the first end of the connector assembly is used for electrically connecting with an external function module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic product technology, and more particularly to an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] To enhance the performance of electronic devices or improve a specific function, one approach is to use external functional modules. Taking photography as an example, external lenses can improve the photographic performance of electronic devices. Current communication methods between external functional modules and electronic devices include: connecting the external module to the device's USB interface, or using laser communication or wireless communication. Using a USB interface will occupy existing functions of the USB port (such as headphone or charging functions). As for using laser or wireless communication, taking an external camera module as an example, the resolution of the image data transmitted from the external lens to the electronic device is limited because of this communication. Compared to the camera deployed on the electronic device itself, the image resolution and clarity are relatively poor, resulting in inferior photo quality. This leads to a decrease in the performance of the electronic device's photography function. In other words, using laser or wireless communication may result in a reduction in the performance of the corresponding function of the electronic device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an electronic device to solve the problem that the limited connection methods of external functional modules in current electronic devices lead to reduced performance of the corresponding functions.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0005] This application provides an electronic device, including: a device body, a motherboard, a camera module, and a connector assembly; wherein,

[0006] The motherboard, the camera module, and the connector assembly are all located within the main body of the device.

[0007] The device body has a first opening opposite the camera module, the first end of the connector assembly is located in the first opening, and the second end of the connector assembly is electrically connected to the motherboard.

[0008] The first end of the connector assembly is used for electrical connection with an external functional module.

[0009] Thus, in the above-described solution of this application, by creating a first opening on the main body of the device directly opposite the camera module, one end of the connector assembly can be connected to the motherboard, and the other end can be positioned at the first opening as an interface for electrical connection with the external functional module. This achieves communication between the external functional module and the motherboard in the electronic device, located at the camera module's position. This achieves hardware connection between the external functional module and the electronic device while minimizing impact on the device's appearance, avoiding the performance degradation issues that might occur with laser or wireless communication methods, thereby improving the performance of the external functional module's functions and enhancing communication reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 One of the schematic diagrams illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0011] Figure 2 A second schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection between an electronic device and an external functional module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 4 express Figure 1 A sectional view along the A-A1 direction;

[0014] Figure 5 A top view showing the connector assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 6 A side view of the connector assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a front view of the connector assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the interface cover plate after being removed from the first lens cover plate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the assembly of the interface cover and the first lens cover according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a lens module according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present application may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art.

[0021] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this application embodiment provides an electronic device, including: device body 1, motherboard 2, camera module 3 and connector assembly 4.

[0022] The motherboard 2, the camera module 3, and the connector assembly 4 are all disposed within the device body 1; a first opening 101 is provided on the device body 1 opposite to the camera module 3, the first end of the connector assembly 4 is located within the first opening 101, and the second end of the connector assembly 4 is electrically connected to the motherboard 2.

[0023] The first end of the connector assembly 4 is used for electrical connection with the external functional module 5.

[0024] For example, the camera module 3 can be mounted on the motherboard 2, the motherboard can power the camera module 3, and the camera module 3 can transmit the captured image data to the processor on the motherboard 2 for processing.

[0025] Optionally, the connector assembly 4 can realize the electrical connection between the external functional module 5 and the motherboard, wherein the motherboard 2 can supply power to the external functional module 5 through the connector assembly 4, and the motherboard 2 can also communicate and / or transmit data with the external functional module 5 through the connector assembly 4, etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0026] Optionally, the external functional module 5 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: external headphones, external camera module, external speaker, external microphone, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0027] For example, the external camera module can be a camera module with any focal length, or a camera module with any structural form, or a camera module with any type of focusing, image stabilization, and closed-loop control, or a camera module using any type of image sensor, or a camera module using any connection method (such as a camera module connected to the decorative ring of the camera module set on the device body 1, or a camera module attached to the device body 1, etc.). The embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0028] Optionally, the device body 1 is provided with a method for accommodating the first end of the connector assembly 4, including but not limited to at least one of the following:

[0029] A pop-out interface is provided; for example, in the first state, the first end of the connector assembly 4 is retracted into the first opening 101; in the second state, it can pop out of the first opening 101 under the action of external force, so that the first end of the connector assembly 4 can be exposed to the device body 1. Optionally, the pop-out method can be a spring, a spring or other elastic structure, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0030] Built-in interface is reserved; for example, the first end of the connector assembly 4 is built into the first opening 101, and the external functional module 5 can be plugged into the first opening 101 to be electrically connected to the first end of the connector assembly 4, etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0031] A cover-type interface is provided; for example, an interface cover 6 can be separately installed. When the external functional module 5 is not needed, the interface cover 6 can be fastened to the position of the first opening 101. When the external functional module 5 is needed, the interface cover 6 can be opened so that the first end of the connector assembly 4 can be exposed to the main body 1 of the device, so that the external functional module 5 can be electrically connected to the first end of the connector assembly 4. This can provide dustproof and waterproof protection for the connector assembly 4.

[0032] In this embodiment, by creating a first opening 101 on the device body 1 directly opposite the camera module 3, one end of the connector assembly 4 can be connected to the motherboard 2, while the other end is exposed on the device body 1 through the first opening 101, serving as an interface for electrical connection with the external functional module 5. This enables the external functional module 5 to connect and communicate with the motherboard 2 in the electronic device at the location of the camera module 3. This achieves hardware connection between the external functional module 5 and the electronic device while minimizing impact on the device's appearance, avoiding the performance degradation issues that might occur with laser or wireless communication methods. This improves the performance of the external functional module 5 and enhances communication reliability.

[0033] Optionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first end of the connector assembly 4, the camera module 3, and the motherboard 2 are stacked sequentially.

[0034] For example, the camera module 3 can be mounted on the motherboard 2, and the first end of the connector assembly 4 can be mounted on the camera module 3. That is, the camera module 3 can be located between the first end of the connector assembly 4 and the motherboard 2, which makes it easier to position the first end of the connector assembly 4 at the position of the first opening 101.

[0035] Optionally, the connector assembly 4 can adopt a flexible structure, which makes it easier to set the second end of the connector assembly 4 to bypass the camera module 3 from the side and be electrically connected to the motherboard 2.

[0036] In this embodiment, taking the external functional module 5 as an external camera module as an example, a camera hardware interface can be added to the motherboard 2. The second end of the connector assembly 4 is connected to the camera hardware interface, and the connector assembly 4 adopts a flexible structure. That is, the camera hardware interface on the motherboard 2 can be extended to the top of the camera module 3 through the connector assembly 4. The first end of the connector assembly 4 is set at the position of the first opening 101 on the device body 1, which serves as a hardware interface for electrical connection with the external functional module 5. This realizes the hardware connection between the external functional module 5 and the motherboard 2, ensures the reliability of communication, and improves the performance of the corresponding functions.

[0037] Optionally, the first end of the connector assembly 4 is bonded to the camera module 3.

[0038] See further Figure 4 As shown, the first end of the connector assembly 4 can be bonded to the camera module 3 with glue 9, cotton wool, or other materials to ensure the connection reliability of the connector assembly 4.

[0039] For example, the first end of the connector assembly 4 is bonded to a surface of the camera module 3 facing the first opening 101. Specifically, the first surface of the connector assembly 4 can be bonded to a surface of the camera module 3 facing the first opening 101, such that the second surface of the connector assembly 4 faces the first opening 101, for electrical connection with the external functional module 5. This ensures the stability of the connector assembly 4 within the electronic device and the reliability of the electrical connection between the connector assembly 4 and the external functional module 5. The first and second surfaces are arranged opposite to each other.

[0040] Optionally, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the connector assembly 4 includes: a first connector 401, a flexible circuit board 402, and a second connector 403;

[0041] The first connector 401 is disposed at the first end of the flexible circuit board 402, and the first connector 401 is used to electrically connect with the external functional module 5.

[0042] The second connector 403 is disposed at the second end of the flexible circuit board 402 and is electrically connected to the motherboard 2.

[0043] For example, the model of the first connector 401 and the second connector 403 can be determined based on the external function to be configured. For example, if the external function to be configured is a camera function, a connector related to the camera device can be selected; or if the function to be configured is a light-emitting function, a connector related to the light-emitting device can be selected; or if the function to be configured is an earphone, a connector related to the earphone can be selected, etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0044] Specifically, taking the external functional module 5 as an external camera module as an example, the first connector 401 and the second connector 403 can adopt the same data transmission protocol as the camera module 3, such as the Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) protocol, to avoid problems such as delay, data error, and power consumption caused by data conversion, thereby ensuring the imaging effect.

[0045] In this embodiment, the connector assembly 4 uses the MIPI protocol to realize communication between the external camera module and the motherboard 2. Compared with the traditional use of USB interface as the interface of external camera module, it avoids the data format conversion process, that is, reduces the chip settings required for data format conversion, thereby avoiding the increase of the number of chips on the motherboard 2, avoiding the increase of power consumption of the motherboard 2, and improving the transmission quality.

[0046] Optionally, an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device may also be provided on the connector assembly 4 for ESD protection. Furthermore, grounding electrical settings may be implemented on the external functional module 5 to achieve ESD protection; however, this embodiment does not specifically limit this aspect.

[0047] Optionally, the first connector 401 is disposed on the first surface of the flexible circuit board 402, and the second connector 403 is disposed on the second surface of the flexible circuit board 402; wherein the first surface and the second surface are disposed opposite to each other.

[0048] See further Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first connector 401 and the second connector 403 are disposed on two opposite surfaces of the flexible circuit board 402, so that the first connector 401 is exposed through the first opening 101 for electrical connection with the external functional module 5, while ensuring a reliable connection between the second connector 403 and the motherboard and avoiding additional space occupation.

[0049] See further Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the electronic device further includes an interface cover 6; the interface cover 6 is disposed at the position of the first opening 101, and the interface cover 6 is detachably connected to the device body 1.

[0050] Optionally, the detachable connection includes, but is not limited to, threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection, or elastic connection, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0051] In this embodiment, by providing a removable interface cover 6 to cover the first opening 101, when an external functional module 5 needs to be connected, the interface cover 6 can be opened to expose the first connector 401 to the main body of the device, thereby connecting the external functional module 5 to the first connector 401 and ensuring communication between the external functional module 5 and the electronic device. Figure 8 As shown, the interface cover 6 is open; when the external functional module 5 is not needed, the interface cover 6 is closed, which can waterproof and dustproof the first connector 401, preventing damage to the first connector 401 due to exposure to the device body 1. Figure 9 As shown, this indicates that the interface cover 6 is closed.

[0052] Optionally, the interface cover 6 can be a glass cover, or it can be made of the same material as the second lens cover 8 of the camera module 3, so that its appearance is consistent with the second lens cover 8 of the camera module 3, thereby reducing changes to the appearance of the electronic device.

[0053] Optionally, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the outer surface of the main body 1 of the device is provided with a first lens cover plate 7, which is directly opposite to the camera module 3; the first lens cover plate 7 is provided with a second opening 701 that is directly opposite to the first opening 101, and the interface cover plate 6 is disposed in the second opening 701 and is detachably connected to the first lens cover plate 7.

[0054] For example, the first lens cover 7 may be made of glass, high-transparency plastic, or other materials, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0055] Optionally, the first lens cover 7 can be disposed on the camera decorative ring on the device body 1, which is used to cover the camera module. For example, the device body 1 can have an opening for mounting the lens assembly of the camera module 3, ensuring that external light can shine onto the lens assembly. The camera decorative ring can cover the opening and / or the camera module 3, serving a decorative and protective function. The first lens cover 7 can be disposed on the outside of the device body 1 and cover the camera decorative ring; however, this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0056] Optionally, the interface cover 6 is threadedly connected to the first lens cover 7, or the interface cover 6 is snap-fitted to the first lens cover 7.

[0057] See further Figure 4 As shown, the interface cover 6 can be locked to the first lens cover 7 using a screw thread locking method; when the interface cover 6 is unscrewed, the first connector 401 is exposed, which serves as the hardware interface of the external camera module; the external camera module achieves electrical connection and data transmission with the motherboard 2 through this exposed hardware interface, thereby realizing the shooting function of the external camera.

[0058] It should be noted that the interface cover 6 and the first lens cover 7 can also be connected by a pop-up connection, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0059] Optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, the camera module 3 includes at least one camera component 301; the device body 1 is provided with a third opening 102 that is directly opposite to each camera component 301, and the first opening 101 and the third opening 102 are arranged according to a preset rule.

[0060] Optionally, the preset rules include, but are not limited to, one of the following: single-row arrangement, single-column arrangement, matrix arrangement, staggered arrangement, circular arrangement, floral arrangement, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0061] For example, when the camera module 3 includes one camera component, the first opening 101 and the third opening 102 can be arranged in a single row, a single column, or diagonally (or staggered); when the camera module 3 includes two camera components, the first opening 101 and the third opening 102 can be arranged in an alternating or patterned manner, such as in a triangular arrangement; when the camera module 3 includes two or more camera components, the first opening 101 and the third opening 102 can be arranged in a matrix, an alternating, circular, or patterned manner to ensure the aesthetics of the electronic device. This application embodiment is not limited to these arrangements.

[0062] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first opening 101 and the third opening 102 are the same shape and size.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first opening 101 and the third opening 102 are of the same shape and size, which makes the interface cover 6 corresponding to the first opening 101 and the second lens cover 8 corresponding to the third opening 102 of the same shape and size. This makes the appearance of the lens module of the electronic device more symmetrical and neat, and avoids damaging the original appearance design of the electronic device. Furthermore, when the external functional module 5 adopts an external camera module, it can also avoid changing the user's shooting posture, thus ensuring that the addition of the external camera component will not change the user's shooting habits, and also ensuring dustproof and waterproof functions.

[0064] For example, see Figure 10 The number of camera components in the camera module 3 can be 1, 2, 3, or other numbers. For example, the camera module 3 may include at least one of the following camera components: telephoto camera component 301, wide-angle camera component 301A, main camera component 301B, etc. This application embodiment is not limited to this.

[0065] As one implementation method, this application embodiment can consider the usage frequency of the camera, retain the main camera that is used most frequently in the electronic device, and remove the light-inlet holes of some secondary cameras to reserve the position for the hardware interface of the external expansion camera, so as to provide the installation control of the external camera, thereby providing users with the expansion space for innovative experience, and providing a series of modular camera hardware solutions; this design optimizes the design experience of the electronic device itself, such as weight, appearance, battery life, performance and grip, so that users can use it as a plug and play device; after use, the plug can be removed and stored.

[0066] It should be noted that the electronic devices in the embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices, or other electronic devices equipped with camera functions, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0067] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0068] Although preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0069] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device 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 terminal device. 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 terminal device that includes said element.

[0070] The above describes the preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications without departing from the principles described in this application, and these improvements and modifications are also within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The device body, motherboard, camera module, and connector assembly; among them, The motherboard, the camera module, and the connector assembly are all housed within the main body of the device. The device body has a first opening opposite the camera module, the first end of the connector assembly is located in the first opening, and the second end of the connector assembly is electrically connected to the motherboard. The first end of the connector assembly is used for electrical connection with an external functional module.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the connector assembly, the camera module, and the motherboard are stacked sequentially.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the connector assembly is bonded to the camera module.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector assembly includes: a first connector, a flexible circuit board, and a second connector; The first connector is disposed at the first end of the flexible circuit board and is used for electrical connection with the external functional module; The second connector is disposed at the second end of the flexible circuit board and is electrically connected to the motherboard.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connector is disposed on the first surface of the flexible circuit board, and the second connector is disposed on the second surface of the flexible circuit board; wherein the first surface and the second surface are disposed opposite to each other.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Interface cover; The interface cover is located at the first opening, and the interface cover is detachably connected to the main body of the device.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer surface of the main body of the device is provided with a first lens cover plate, which is positioned directly opposite the camera module. The first lens cover plate has a second opening that is directly opposite to the first opening. The interface cover plate is disposed in the second opening and is detachably connected to the first lens cover plate.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The interface cover is threadedly connected to the first lens cover, or the interface cover is snap-fitted to the first lens cover.

9. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The camera module includes: at least one camera component; The main body of the device is provided with a third opening that is directly opposite each camera component, and the first opening and the third opening are arranged according to a preset rule.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first opening and the third opening are the same shape and size.

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