Camera modules and terminal equipment

Abstract

This application relates to a camera module and terminal device. The camera module includes a housing, a camera assembly, and a support member. The camera assembly includes a mounting bracket and at least one camera. The mounting bracket is disposed on the housing, and the camera is fixed to the mounting bracket and at least partially protrudes to the outside of the housing. The support member is disposed on the housing and abuts against the mounting bracket. In the camera module provided by this application, the camera is mounted on the housing via the mounting bracket, and the camera at least partially protrudes to the outside of the housing to capture external images. When the camera assembly is disposed on the housing, the support member abuts against the mounting bracket, and the support member supports the mounting bracket to improve the installation stability of the camera assembly on the housing, avoid adverse phenomena such as camera position deviation or collision with other components due to external forces, and improve the imaging quality of the camera module.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the advancement of technology and the development of electronic devices, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices have become indispensable products in people's lives. Electronic devices typically have shooting functions, such as having a camera on the back of the device, to meet users' interactive needs for video calls, image capture, and other functions.

[0003] Currently, cameras are usually embedded in electronic devices, which results in low camera stability. When subjected to external forces, the camera is prone to displacement due to shaking, collision with other components, and other adverse phenomena, which also affect the image quality of the camera. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a camera module and terminal device to address the technical problems of low camera stability in existing electronic devices, which are prone to collisions with other components and affect image quality.

[0005] A camera module, the camera module comprising:

[0006] case;

[0007] A camera assembly, comprising a mounting bracket and at least one camera, the mounting bracket being disposed on the housing, the camera being fixed to the mounting bracket and at least partially protruding to the outside of the housing;

[0008] A support member is disposed on the housing and abuts against the fixing frame.

[0009] In one embodiment, the fixing frame includes a fixing body and a stepped portion protruding from the fixing body, the stepped portion forming a snap-fit ​​groove with the fixing body;

[0010] The support member includes a support body and a snap-fit ​​portion protruding from the support body. The snap-fit ​​portion can be fitted into the snap-fit ​​groove and abuts against the fixed body and / or the step portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the snap-fit ​​portion has a first abutting surface and a second abutting surface, wherein the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are not coplanar;

[0012] When the snap-fit ​​part is engaged with the snap-fit ​​groove, the first abutting surface abuts against the fixed body, and the second abutting surface abuts against the stepped part.

[0013] In one embodiment, there are multiple stepped portions, which are spaced apart from the fixed body. The multiple stepped portions and the fixed body form the snap-fit ​​groove. When the snap-fit ​​portion engages with the snap-fit ​​groove, the snap-fit ​​portion simultaneously abuts against the multiple stepped portions.

[0014] In one embodiment, the stepped portion has a guide portion for guiding the snap-fit ​​portion to engage with the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0015] In one embodiment, the camera module further includes an adhesive backing disposed on the side of the mounting bracket away from the support member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the support is at least partially a flexible element.

[0017] In one embodiment, there are multiple cameras, and the array of multiple cameras is mounted on the mounting frame.

[0018] In one embodiment, the housing has a receiving groove, and the fixing bracket is embedded in the receiving groove.

[0019] A terminal device, the terminal device comprising:

[0020] The camera module as described in any of the above technical solutions; and

[0021] A power supply module is disposed within the housing and is communicatively connected to the power supply module. The camera module extends at least partially above the power supply module and has a gap between them.

[0022] In the aforementioned camera module and terminal device, the camera is mounted on the housing via a mounting bracket, and at least part of the camera protrudes to the outside of the housing to capture external images. When the camera assembly is mounted on the housing, the support member abuts against the mounting bracket, and the support member supports the mounting bracket to improve the installation stability of the camera assembly on the housing, avoid adverse phenomena such as camera position deviation or collision with other components due to external forces, and improve the imaging quality of the camera module. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal device provided in some embodiments.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view of the camera module provided in some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along the AA direction.

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the camera component provided in some embodiments.

[0028] Figure label:

[0029] 100. Camera module;

[0030] 110. Housing; 120. Camera assembly; 121. Mounting bracket; 122. Camera; 123. Mounting body; 124. Stepped portion; 125. Snap-fit ​​groove; 126. Guide portion; 130. Support member; 131. Supporting body; 132. Snap-fit ​​portion; 133. First abutment surface; 134. Second abutment surface; 140. Adhesive backing;

[0031] 200. Terminal equipment;

[0032] 210. Power supply module. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0035] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0039] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] See Figures 1-3 As shown, this application provides a camera module 100, which includes a housing 110, a camera assembly 120, and a support 130. The camera module 100 is used for image acquisition operations such as video calls and taking photos. For example, as in this embodiment, the camera module 100 is configured in a smartphone, tablet, or similar device to meet the user's interactive needs for image acquisition.

[0041] The camera assembly 120 includes a mounting bracket 121 and at least one camera 122. The mounting bracket 121 is disposed on the housing 110, and is connected to the housing 110 by means of screws, snap-fit, or other methods to achieve the installation and fixation of the camera assembly 120 on the housing 110. The camera 122 is fixed to the mounting bracket 121, and is indirectly disposed on the housing 110 through the mounting bracket 121. The camera 122 protrudes at least partially to the outside of the housing 110, and is capable of capturing external images. Since the camera 122 extends to the outside of the housing 110, the housing 110 does not interfere with the field of view of the camera 122, thereby expanding the field of view of the camera 122 and improving the imaging quality of the camera module 100.

[0042] A support member 130 is disposed on the housing 110. The support member 130 is connected to the housing 110 by means of screws, snap-fits, or other methods to achieve installation and fixation of the support member 130 to the housing 110. The support member 130 can abut against the fixing bracket 121, supporting the fixing bracket 121 to improve the installation stability of the camera assembly 120 on the housing 110, preventing the camera 122 from deviating from its position or colliding with other components due to external forces. Furthermore, due to the improved installation stability of the camera assembly 120, the camera module 100 can be designed in a larger size without affecting other components.

[0043] In one embodiment, see further. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the fixing frame 121 includes a fixing body 123 and a stepped portion 124. The stepped portion 124 protrudes from the fixing body 123. Preferably, the stepped portion 124 is integrally formed onto the fixing body 123 by injection molding, extrusion, or other methods to simplify the molding process of the fixing frame 121 and improve the structural strength of the fixing frame 121. A snap-fit ​​groove 125 is formed between the stepped portion 124 and the fixing body 123. The support member 130 includes a support body 131 and a snap-fit ​​portion 132. The snap-fit ​​portion 132 protrudes from the support body 131. Preferably, the snap-fit ​​portion 132 is integrally formed onto the support body 131 by injection molding, extrusion, or other methods to simplify the molding process of the support member 130 and improve the structural strength of the support member 130. The snap-fit ​​portion 132 can be fitted into the snap-fit ​​groove 125, and the snap-fit ​​portion 132 abuts against the fixing body 123 and / or the stepped portion 124.

[0044] For example, the snap-fit ​​portion 132 is accommodated in the snap-fit ​​groove 125 by means of plugging or snapping, and when the snap-fit ​​portion 132 is engaged in the snap-fit ​​groove 125, the snap-fit ​​portion 132 abuts against the fixing body 123 and / or the step portion 124. The snap-fit ​​portion 132 supports the fixing frame 121 to improve the installation stability of the camera assembly 120 on the housing 110 and avoid adverse phenomena such as position deviation or collision with other components caused by external forces.

[0045] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the snap-fit ​​portion 132 has a first abutting surface 133 and a second abutting surface 134. The first abutting surface 133 and the second abutting surface 134 are not coplanar. For example, see [reference needed]. Figure 4 As shown, the first abutting surface 133 is perpendicular to the X direction, and the second abutting surface 134 is perpendicular to the Z direction. The first abutting surface 133 and the second abutting surface 134 are perpendicular to each other. When the snap-fit ​​portion 132 is engaged with the snap-fit ​​groove 125, the first abutting surface 133 abuts against the fixed body 123, such that the first abutting surface 133 is in contact with the fixed body 123, and the second abutting surface 134 abuts against the stepped portion 124, such that the second abutting surface 134 is in contact with the stepped portion 124.

[0046] Thus, by restricting the movement of the fixing frame 121 in the X direction by the first abutment surface 133 and restricting the movement of the fixing frame 121 in the Z direction by the second abutment surface 134, the multi-directional displacement of the fixing frame 121 is restricted, thereby further improving the installation stability of the camera assembly 120.

[0047] It should be noted that the first abutting surface 133 and the second abutting surface 134 are not limited to the perpendicular relationship provided above. For example, the first abutting surface 133 and the second abutting surface 134 can also form an angle between each other, and the angle between the first abutting surface 133 and the second abutting surface 134 can be an acute angle or an obtuse angle. This application does not limit the specific angular relationship of the angle formed between the first abutting surface 133 and the second abutting surface 134.

[0048] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, there are multiple stepped portions 124, which are spaced apart from the fixed body 123, and the multiple stepped portions 124 and the fixed body 123 form a snap-fit ​​groove 125. For example, see [reference needed]. Figure 5 As shown, there are three steps 124, which are spaced apart from the fixed body 123, and the three steps 124 can form three snap-fit ​​grooves 125 with the fixed body 123. Of course, in other feasible embodiments, the number of steps 124 can be two, four or other numbers. This application does not limit the specific number of steps 124.

[0049] When the latching part 132 engages with the latching groove 125, the latching part 132 simultaneously abuts against multiple stepped parts 124. In this way, by having the latching part 132 simultaneously abut against multiple stepped parts 124, the contact reliability between the latching part 132 and the fixing frame 121 can be improved, and the installation stability of the camera assembly 120 on the housing 110 can be further improved.

[0050] Further, see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the stepped portion 124 has a guide portion 126, which is used for guiding the engagement of the snap-fit ​​portion 132 and the snap-fit ​​groove 125. For example, the guide portion 126 may be a guide bevel or a guide fillet provided on the stepped portion 124, and the guide portion 126 extends toward the interior of the stepped portion 124.

[0051] Thus, during the installation of the fixing frame 121 and the support member 130, the guide portion 126 can guide the engaging portion 132 at the engaging groove 125, and the guide portion 126 extends toward the interior of the step portion 124. The guide portion 126 can increase the assembly operation space of the support member 130, thereby simplifying the assembly difficulty of the fixing frame 121 and the support member 130 and improving the assembly accuracy between the fixing frame 121 and the support member 130.

[0052] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the camera module 100 also includes an adhesive backing 140. The adhesive backing 140 can bond components such as the camera assembly 120 to the frame, preventing the camera 122 from being misaligned or colliding with other components due to external forces, and preventing the camera 122 from blurring or malfunctioning due to assembly misalignment, thereby improving the imaging quality of the camera module 100.

[0053] The adhesive backing 140 is located on the side of the mounting bracket 121 opposite to the support member 130. Since the support member 130 and the adhesive backing 140 are located on opposite sides of the mounting bracket 121, when the support member 130 supports the mounting bracket 121, the support member 130 can make the mounting bracket 121 as close as possible to or even adhere to the surface of the adhesive backing 140, avoiding gaps between the mounting bracket 121 and the adhesive backing 140, that is, preventing the occurrence of poor adhesion between the mounting bracket 121 and the adhesive backing 140, so as to ensure the consistency of the bonding position of the adhesive backing 140 to components such as the camera assembly 120.

[0054] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the support member 130 is at least partially flexible. Since the support member 130 abuts against the fixing frame 121, when the camera module 120 is subjected to external forces such as falling or collision, the fixing frame 121 transmits the external force to the support member 130. The support member 130 offsets the external force through its own deformation, avoiding the adverse phenomenon of vibration of the camera module 100 caused by external forces, thereby ensuring that the components inside the housing 110 will not shift due to external forces.

[0055] It should be noted that the support member 130 is at least partially a flexible component. For example, the entire structure of the support member 130 may be made of flexible materials such as silicone or plastic, or only a portion of the support member 130 may be made of flexible materials such as silicone or plastic. This application does not impose any restrictions on the specific material and flexible portion of the support member 130.

[0056] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, there are multiple cameras 122, and an array of multiple cameras 122 is mounted on a mounting bracket 121. For example, see [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, there are three cameras 122, arranged in an array on the mounting bracket 121, forming a triangle or a triangular or triangular-like arrangement. Of course, in other feasible embodiments, there can be two, four, or other numbers of cameras 122. For example, when there are two cameras 122, they can be arranged vertically or horizontally. Similarly, when there are four cameras 122, they can be arranged in a rectangle or a rectangular or rectangular-like arrangement. This application does not limit the specific number or array position of the cameras 122.

[0057] The aforementioned camera module 100 captures external images through multiple cameras 122, expanding the field of view of the camera module 100, better meeting the user's extended interactive needs for image acquisition, and improving the user experience.

[0058] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the housing 110 has a receiving groove (not shown). Preferably, the receiving groove extends through the housing 110 along its thickness direction, and is integrally formed into the housing 110 by injection molding, extrusion, or other methods to simplify the molding process of setting the receiving groove in the housing 110. The fixing bracket 121 is embedded in the receiving groove to realize the installation and fixing of the camera component 120 in the housing 110.

[0059] Preferably, the receiving groove is a contoured groove, that is, the groove wall of the receiving groove is consistent with the outer contour of the fixing frame 121, so as to ensure the tight fit between the fixing frame 121 and the housing 110, further improve the installation stability of the camera component 120 on the housing 110, and prevent external dust from falling into the housing 110 through the receiving groove, thus ensuring the stability of the working environment of each component inside the housing 110.

[0060] Additionally, see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, this application also provides a terminal device 200, which includes a power supply module 210 and a camera module 100 as described above. The power supply module 210 is disposed within the housing 110 and is communicatively connected to the camera module 100. If the power supply module 210 and the camera module 100 are communicatively connected via wires, the power supply module 210 can supply power to the camera module 100 to drive it to perform electrical image acquisition operations. The camera module 100 extends at least partially above the power supply module 210, meaning that a portion of the camera module 100 is suspended above the power supply module 210, and there is a gap between the camera module 100 and the power supply module 210. The terminal device 200 can be a smartphone, tablet computer, etc., and this application does not limit the specific component types of the terminal device 200.

[0061] In the aforementioned terminal device 200, the camera 122 is mounted on the housing 110 via a mounting bracket 121, and the camera 122 at least partially protrudes to the outside of the housing 110 to capture external images. When the camera assembly 120 is mounted on the housing 110, the support member 130 abuts against the mounting bracket 121, and the support member 130 supports the mounting bracket 121 to improve the installation stability of the camera assembly 120 on the housing 110, and avoid adverse phenomena such as position deviation of the camera 122 or collision with the power supply module 210 caused by external forces. Furthermore, due to the high stability of the camera assembly 120, the camera module 100 can be designed with a larger size without the adverse phenomenon of collision with the power supply module 210.

[0062] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0063] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module includes: case; A camera assembly, comprising a mounting bracket and at least one camera, the mounting bracket being disposed on the housing, the camera being fixed to the mounting bracket and at least partially protruding to the outside of the housing; A support member is disposed on the housing and abuts against the fixing frame.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing frame includes a fixing body and a stepped portion protruding from the fixing body, and the stepped portion and the fixing body form a snap-fit ​​groove; The support member includes a support body and a snap-fit ​​portion protruding from the support body. The snap-fit ​​portion can be fitted into the snap-fit ​​groove and abuts against the fixed body and / or the step portion.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​portion has a first abutting surface and a second abutting surface, wherein the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are not coplanar; When the snap-fit ​​part is engaged with the snap-fit ​​groove, the first abutting surface abuts against the fixed body, and the second abutting surface abuts against the stepped part.

4. The camera module according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that, The stepped portion is multiple, and the multiple stepped portions are spaced apart from the fixed body. The multiple stepped portions and the fixed body form the snap-fit ​​groove. When the snap-fit ​​portion engages with the snap-fit ​​groove, the snap-fit ​​portion simultaneously abuts against the multiple stepped portions.

5. The camera module according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that, The stepped portion has a guide portion, which is used to guide the snap-fit ​​portion to cooperate with the snap-fit ​​groove.

6. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module also includes an adhesive backing, which is located on the side of the mounting bracket away from the support member.

7. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member is at least partially flexible.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple cameras, and the array of multiple cameras is mounted on the fixed frame.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a receiving groove, and the fixing bracket is embedded in the receiving groove.

10. A terminal device, characterized in that, The terminal device includes: The camera module as described in any one of claims 1-9; and A power supply module is disposed within the housing and is communicatively connected to the power supply module. The camera module extends at least partially above the power supply module and has a gap between them.

Images