Camera module and terminal equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a camera module and terminal equipment, and belongs to the technical field of optical imaging. The camera module comprises a shell, a prism, a first lens group, an image sensor and a first driving mechanism; the shell is provided with a clearance hole; the prism is located in the shell, the prism is provided with an object side face and an image side face which are perpendicular to each other, and the object side face is arranged opposite to the clearance hole; the first lens group is positioned on the light incident side of the object side surface; the image sensor is positioned on the light emitting side of the image side surface; and the first driving mechanism is in transmission connection with the first lens group and is used for driving the first lens group to move along the center line of the clearance hole so as to enable the first lens group to retract or extend out of the shell. By adopting the application, the lens group of the camera module can be prevented from being scratched in the daily use process, so that the camera module is ensured to have higher imaging quality all the time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical imaging technology, and in particular to a camera module and terminal device. Background Technology

[0002] In mobile phones and other terminal devices, periscope lenses are mostly used to meet consumers' needs for long-distance shooting.

[0003] The periscope lens includes a housing, a lens group, a prism, and an image sensor. The housing has a light-transmitting area, the lens group is located outside the housing and is arranged opposite to the light-transmitting area, part of the lens group protrudes from the back panel of the terminal device, and the prism is fixed inside the housing to deflect the incident light by 90° toward the image sensor.

[0004] However, with the above structure, since part of the lens group protrudes from the back panel of the terminal device, the lens group may be scratched, which will affect the imaging quality of the camera module. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a camera module and a terminal device, which can solve the technical problems existing in related technologies. The technical solutions of the camera module and the terminal device are as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a camera module, which includes a housing, a prism, a first lens group, an image sensor, and a first driving mechanism;

[0007] The housing has a vent hole;

[0008] The prism is located inside the housing, and the prism has an object-side side and an image-side side that are perpendicular to each other. The object-side side is arranged opposite to the clearance hole.

[0009] The first mirror group is located on the light-incident side of the object side;

[0010] The image sensor is located on the light-emitting side of the image side;

[0011] The first drive mechanism is connected to the first mirror assembly for transmission and is used to:

[0012] Drive the first mirror assembly to move along the centerline of the vent hole so that the first mirror assembly retracts or extends out of the housing.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the camera module further includes a second drive mechanism, which is connected to the prism drive mechanism and is used for:

[0014] Drive the prism to move along a first direction to provide space for the first mirror group to retract into the housing;

[0015] Alternatively, the prism can be driven to move along a second direction so that the first mirror group is located on the light-incident side of the object side, the second direction being the opposite of the first direction and perpendicular to the centerline of the clearance hole.

[0016] In some possible implementations, with the first mirror group retracted into the housing, the prism and the image sensor are distributed on both sides of the first mirror group.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the camera module further includes a protective cover fitted over the first lens group and slidably connected to the clearance hole.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the first drive mechanism is kinetically connected to the protective cover, for:

[0019] Drive the protective cover to slide along the centerline of the vent hole so that the protective cover retracts or extends out of the housing.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the first drive mechanism includes a first transmission rod, a first slider, and a second slider;

[0021] The first transmission rod is fixed inside the housing and is arranged coaxially with the center line of the clearance hole;

[0022] The first slider can slide along the first transmission rod and is connected to the first mirror assembly;

[0023] The second slider can slide along the first transmission rod and is connected to the protective cover.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the protective cover is bonded to the first lens group.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the image sensor is arranged opposite to the side of the object;

[0026] The camera module also includes a second lens group, which is located between the image side and the image sensor and is connected to the housing.

[0027] Secondly, this disclosure provides a terminal device, which includes the camera module described in the first aspect and its possible implementations.

[0028] In some possible embodiments, the terminal device further includes a control unit electrically connected to the first drive mechanism, for:

[0029] Upon receiving a shooting instruction, the first lens group is driven by the first driving mechanism to move along the center line of the clearance hole, so that the first lens group extends out of the housing;

[0030] Upon receiving a stop shooting command, the first lens group is driven by the first drive mechanism to move along the center line of the clearance hole, so that the first lens group retracts into the housing.

[0031] The technical solution provided in this application includes at least the following beneficial effects:

[0032] This application provides a camera module in which a first driving mechanism is used to drive a first lens group to retract or extend from the housing. Thus, when the camera module is not in use, the first driving mechanism can control the first lens group to retract into the housing, preventing the first lens group from being scratched during daily use, thereby ensuring that the camera module always has high image quality.

[0033] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adapter shown in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the extended and retracted states of an adapter according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control component shown in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an adapter as shown in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a support frame shown in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Legend

[0041] 1. Shell;

[0042] 11. Clearance hole; 111. Centerline;

[0043] 2. Prism;

[0044] 201. Side view of an object; 202. Side view of an image;

[0045] 3. First lens group;

[0046] 4. Image sensor;

[0047] 5. First drive mechanism;

[0048] 501, First slide rail; 502, First drive motor;

[0049] 51. First transmission rod; 52. First slider; 53. Second slider;

[0050] 6. Second drive mechanism;

[0051] 601. Second slide rail; 602. Second drive motor;

[0052] 7. Protective cover;

[0053] 8. Second lens group;

[0054] 100. Camera module; 200. Control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] This application provides a camera module, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the camera module includes a housing 1, a prism 2, a first lens group 3, an image sensor 4, and a first drive mechanism 5.

[0057] The housing 1 has a clearance hole 11. A prism 2 is located inside the housing 1, and the prism 2 has a perpendicular object-side surface 201 and an image-side surface 202, with the object-side surface 201 arranged opposite to the clearance hole 11. A first mirror group 3 is located on the light-incident side of the object-side surface 201. An image sensor 4 is located on the light-outceasing side of the image-side surface 202. A first drive mechanism 5 is connected to the first mirror group 3 and is used to drive the first mirror group 3 to move along the centerline 111 of the clearance hole 11, so that the first mirror group 3 retracts or extends out of the housing 1.

[0058] See Figure 1The driving mechanism includes a first slide rail 501 and a first drive motor 502. The first slide rail 501 has a columnar structure, and its two ends are connected to the top and bottom walls of the housing 1, respectively. The first drive motor 502 is fitted around the first slide rail 501 and is fixedly connected to the first mirror assembly 3. In implementation, the first drive motor 502 is slidably connected to the first slide rail 501. When the first drive motor 502 slides along the first slide rail 501 toward the direction closer to the prism 2, the first mirror assembly 3 retracts into the housing 1. When the first drive motor 502 slides along the first slide rail 501 away from the prism 2, the first mirror assembly 3 extends out of the housing 1.

[0059] Using the technical solution provided in this embodiment, the first driving mechanism 5 can drive the first lens group 3 to retract or extend out of the housing 1, so that when the camera module is not in use, the first driving mechanism 5 can control the first lens group 3 to retract into the housing 1, avoiding scratches on the first lens group 3 due to friction during daily use, thereby ensuring that the camera module always has high imaging quality.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 1 is a cubic housing with a cavity inside. This cavity houses the prism 2, the first mirror assembly 3, the image sensor 4, and the first drive mechanism 5. A clearance hole 11 is located on the top wall of the housing 1 and communicates with this cavity. The prism 2 is disposed within the housing 1 and can be a triangular prism. See also... Figure 1 The prism 2 has a triangular prism structure, and the top face of the prism can be an isosceles right triangle. The two right-angled sides of this isosceles right triangle correspond to the object-side face 201 and the image-side face 202, respectively. The object-side face 201 is perpendicular to the center line 111 of the clearance hole 11, and the image-side face 202 is parallel to the center line 111 of the clearance hole 11. The prism 2 can be fixedly connected to the housing 1 or movably connected to the housing 1, which can be configured by technicians according to actual needs.

[0061] In some possible embodiments, the prism 2 is movably connected within the housing 1.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the camera module also includes a second drive mechanism 6, which is connected to the prism 2 in a transmission manner. The second drive mechanism 6 is used to: drive the prism 2 to move in a first direction to provide space for the first lens group 3 to retract into the housing 1, or drive the prism 2 to move in a second direction so that the first lens group 3 is located on the light-incident side of the object side 201.

[0063] The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the center line 111 of the vent hole 11.

[0064] See Figure 2The second drive mechanism 6 includes a second slide rail 601 and a second drive motor 602. The second slide rail 601 has a columnar structure and extends along a first direction. Both ends of the second slide rail 601 are connected to the bottom wall of the housing 1. The second drive motor 602 is fitted outside the second slide rail 601 and is fixedly connected to the prism 2. In implementation, the second drive motor 602 is slidably connected to the second slide rail 601. When the second drive motor 602 slides along the first direction, the object side 201 of the prism 2 is not opposite to the clearance hole 11. The prism 2 provides space for the first mirror group 3 to retract into the housing 1. When the second drive motor 602 slides along the second direction, the object side 201 of the prism 2 is opposite to the clearance hole 11, so that the first mirror group 3 is located on the light-incident side of the object side 201.

[0065] For example, both the first drive motor 502 and the second drive motor 602 can be linear motors.

[0066] In one example, with the first mirror group 3 retracted into the housing 1, the prism 2 and the image sensor 4 are distributed on both sides of the first mirror group 3.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, the image sensor 4 is located to the right of the centerline 111 of the clearance hole 11. Inside the housing, to the left of the centerline 111 of the clearance hole 11, there is a receiving space for accommodating the prism 2. The first mirror assembly 3 moves along the centerline 111 of the clearance hole 11 under the drive of the first drive mechanism 5. Further, when the second drive motor 602 slides along the first direction, the second drive motor 602 drives the prism 2 to move to the left. At this time, the prism 2 enters the receiving space, so that the object side 201 of the prism 2 is not opposite to the clearance hole 11. Subsequently, the first mirror assembly 3 retracts into the housing 1 under the drive of the first drive mechanism 5, with the prism 2 and the image sensor 4 distributed on both sides of the first mirror assembly 3.

[0068] This reduces the thickness of the camera module, which is beneficial for miniaturization of the camera module, and also avoids interference between the prism 2 and the first lens group 3 during movement.

[0069] In some possible embodiments, the prism 2 is fixedly connected to the housing 1.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the prism 2 is located inside the housing 1. The object side 201 of the prism 2 is arranged opposite to the clearance hole 11, and there is a gap between the object side 201 and the clearance hole 11. This gap can provide space for the first mirror group 3 to retract into the housing 1.

[0071] This simplifies the internal structure of the camera module and reduces the cost of its placement.

[0072] The connection between the prism 2 and the housing 1 can be adhesive or snap-fit. Technicians can set it themselves according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit it.

[0073] In some possible embodiments, the camera module also includes a protective cover 7.

[0074] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the protective cover 7 is fitted outside the first mirror group 3 and is slidably connected to the vent hole 11.

[0075] In some examples, the protective cover 7 is connected to the first mirror group 3, and the protective cover 7 moves as the first mirror group 3 moves.

[0076] For example, the connection between the protective cover 7 and the first mirror group 3 can be adhesive. It should be noted that when the connection between the protective cover 7 and the first mirror group 3 is adhesive, the adhesive can be applied to the side wall of the first mirror group 3 to avoid the adhesive from blocking the optical path of the first mirror group 3.

[0077] In some examples, the first drive mechanism 5 is able to drive the protective cover 7 to move.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, the first drive mechanism 5 is connected to the protective cover 7 in a transmission manner. The first drive mechanism 5 drives the protective cover 7 to slide along the center line 111 of the clearance hole 11 so that the protective cover 7 retracts or extends out of the housing 1.

[0079] Specifically, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first driving mechanism 5 includes a first transmission rod 51, a first slider 52, and a second slider 53. The first transmission rod 51 is fixed inside the housing 1 and is coaxially arranged with the center line 111 of the clearance hole 11. The first slider 52 can slide along the first transmission rod 51 and is connected to the first mirror assembly 3. The second slider 53 can slide along the first transmission rod 51 and is connected to the protective cover 7.

[0080] In one example, the outer wall of the first transmission rod 51 is provided with external threads. The two ends of the first transmission rod 51 are rotatably connected to the top and bottom walls of the housing 1, respectively, allowing the first transmission rod 51 to rotate relative to the housing 1 about its axis. The first slider 52 and the second slider 53 are respectively fitted onto the outside of the first transmission rod 51 and are threadedly connected to it. The first mirror assembly 3 is fixedly connected to the end of the first slider 52, and the protective cover 7 is fitted onto the outside of the first mirror assembly 3 and fixedly connected to the end of the second slider 53. The first mirror assembly 3 and the protective cover 7 are at least partially located within the clearance hole 11. In implementation, the first transmission rod 51 rotates relative to the housing 1. Since the first mirror assembly 3 and the protective cover 7 are at least partially located within the clearance hole 11, the clearance hole 11 restricts the rotation of the first mirror assembly 3 and the protective cover 7 around the first transmission rod 51. Correspondingly, the circumferential rotation of the first slider 52 and the second slider 53 is restricted. Therefore, the circumferential rotation of the first slider 52 and the second slider 53 is converted into sliding in the axial direction of the first transmission rod 51.

[0081] Optionally, the first drive mechanism 5 may include two first transmission rods 51, which are arranged in parallel and parallel to the center line 111 of the clearance hole 11. A first slider 52 is fitted over one of the first transmission rods 51, and a second slider 53 is fitted over the other first transmission rod 51. In this way, the first drive mechanism 5 can drive the protective cover 7 and the first mirror assembly 3 respectively.

[0082] In this optional example, the thread pitch of the external thread on the first transmission rod where the second slider 53 is located can be greater than the thread pitch of the external thread on the first transmission rod where the first slider 52 is located. This allows the travel distance of the protective cover 7 to be greater than the travel distance of the first mirror assembly 3, thus preventing interference between the protective cover 7 and the first mirror assembly 3 during movement.

[0083] It is understandable that the protective cover 7 and the first mirror group 3 can also be connected to the first drive mechanism 5 by the cooperation between the linear motor and the slide rail. For the specific structure, please refer to the above introduction, which will not be repeated here.

[0084] In some possible embodiments, the camera module also includes a second lens group 8.

[0085] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the image sensor 4 is arranged opposite to the object side 201, and the second mirror group 8 is located between the image side 202 and the image sensor 4, and is connected to the housing 1.

[0086] Among them, the second lens group 8 is a positive lens group.

[0087] See Figure 1 and Figure 2The second mirror group 8 includes a plurality of spaced convex lenses whose optical axes are arranged coaxially, and the optical axis of the second mirror group 8 is arranged coaxially with the optical axis of the image side 202.

[0088] In this way, by setting a second lens group 8 between the image side 202 and the image sensor 4, the optical path between the image side 202 and the image sensor 4 can be increased, thereby increasing the overall focal length of the camera module.

[0089] The technical solutions provided in this application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0090] This application provides a camera module in which a first driving mechanism 5 can drive the first lens group 3 to retract or extend out of the housing 1. Thus, when the camera module is not in use, the first driving mechanism 5 can control the first lens group 3 to retract into the housing 1, avoiding scratches on the first lens group 3 due to friction during daily use, thereby ensuring that the camera module always has high imaging quality.

[0091] This disclosure also provides a terminal device, which includes the camera module described above.

[0092] In some possible embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the terminal device also includes a control unit 200, which is electrically connected to the first drive mechanism 5 in the camera module 100. The control unit 200 is used to: upon receiving a shooting command, drive the first lens group 3 along the center line 111 of the clearance hole 11 via the first drive mechanism 5, so that the first lens group 3 extends out of the housing 1. Correspondingly, upon receiving a stop shooting command, drive the first lens group 3 along the center line 111 of the clearance hole 11 via the first drive mechanism 5, so that the first lens group 3 retracts into the housing 1.

[0093] For example, the control unit 200 may be an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) chip.

[0094] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the terminal device can be an electronic device with communication functions such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or laptop computer. This disclosure does not specifically limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0095] In the description of this specification, the references to the terms "certain embodiments", "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments or examples that are included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure.

[0096] It is understood that in this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. The singular forms "a," "the," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0097] It is further understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various types of information, but this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another, and do not indicate a specific order or degree of importance. In fact, the expressions "first," "second," etc., are completely interchangeable. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information can also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information can also be referred to as first information.

[0098] It is further understood that the terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “front,” “rear,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this embodiment 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.

[0099] It is further understood that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral molding; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between the two components; they can refer to a direct connection between two components without the presence of other components, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0100] It is further understood that although operations are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this disclosure, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order or serial order shown, or requiring all of the shown operations to be performed to obtain the desired result. In certain environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0101] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the solutions disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following scope of claims.

[0102] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module includes a housing (1), a prism (2), a first lens group (3), an image sensor (4), and a first drive mechanism (5); The housing (1) has a vent hole (11); The prism (2) is located inside the housing (1). The prism (2) has an object side (201) and an image side (202) that are perpendicular to each other. The object side (201) is arranged opposite to the clearance hole (11). The first mirror group (3) is located on the light-incident side of the object side surface (201); The image sensor (4) is located on the light-emitting side of the image side surface (202); The first drive mechanism (5) is connected to the first mirror assembly (3) for transmission and is used to: Drive the first mirror assembly (3) to move along the centerline (111) of the vent hole (11) so that the first mirror assembly (3) retracts or extends out of the housing (1).

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module further includes a second drive mechanism (6), which is connected to the prism (2) for: Drive the prism (2) to move along the first direction to provide space for the first mirror group (3) to retract into the housing (1); Alternatively, the prism (2) can be driven to move along a second direction so that the first mirror group (3) is located on the light-incident side of the object side surface (201), the second direction being the opposite of the first direction and perpendicular to the center line (111) of the vent hole (11).

3. The camera module according to claim 2, characterized in that, With the first mirror group (3) retracted into the housing (1), the prism (2) and the image sensor (4) are distributed on both sides of the first mirror group (3).

4. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module also includes a protective cover (7) fitted over the first lens group (3) and slidably connected to the vent hole (11).

5. The camera module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first drive mechanism (5) is connected to the protective cover (7) for transmission and is used to: Drive the protective cover (7) to slide along the center line (111) of the vent hole (11) so that the protective cover (7) retracts or extends out of the housing (1).

6. The camera module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first driving mechanism (5) includes a first transmission rod (51), a first slider (52), and a second slider (53); The first transmission rod (51) is fixed inside the housing (1) and is arranged coaxially with the center line (111) of the clearance hole (11); The first slider (52) can slide along the first transmission rod (51) and is connected to the first mirror group (3); The second slider (53) can slide along the first transmission rod (51) and is connected to the protective cover (7).

7. The camera module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protective cover (7) is bonded to the first mirror group (3).

8. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image sensor (4) is arranged opposite to the object side (201); The camera module also includes a second lens group (8), which is located between the image side (202) and the image sensor (4) and is connected to the housing (1).

9. A terminal device, characterized in that, The terminal device includes the camera module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The terminal device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The terminal device further includes a control unit (200), which is electrically connected to the first drive mechanism (5) and is used for: Upon receiving a shooting instruction, the first lens group (3) is driven by the first drive mechanism (5) to move along the center line (111) of the clearance hole (11) so that the first lens group (3) extends out of the housing (1); Upon receiving a stop shooting command, the first lens group (3) is driven by the first drive mechanism (5) to move along the center line (111) of the clearance hole (11) so that the first lens group (3) retracts into the housing (1).

Images