Camera module and electronic device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of lens focusing, in particular to a camera module and an electronic device. The camera module comprises an imaging sensor, a lens and a focusing indication assembly. The imaging sensor is located in the light exit direction of the lens. The lens is mounted on the focusing indication assembly. The focusing indication assembly can generate an electrical signal by rotating relative to the lens. The electrical signal is used for indicating the distance between the lens and the imaging sensor. The application can improve the focusing effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lens focusing technology, and in particular to camera modules and electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] A camera module is a functional module equipped in an electronic device. It can guide external light to an imaging sensor through a lens to form an image and provide it to other functional modules.

[0003] A camera module typically includes a lens, a focusing module, and an imaging sensor. The focusing module can automatically capture the target based on the content of the image and adjust the distance between the lens and the imaging sensor to achieve focusing.

[0004] In related technologies, the focusing module's capture results are not completely accurate and sometimes deviate from the user's expectations, resulting in poor focusing performance. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, this application provides a camera module and electronic device to improve the focusing effect.

[0006] Specifically, the following technical solutions are included:

[0007] A first aspect of this application provides a camera module, the camera module including an imaging sensor, a lens, and a focus indicator assembly, wherein...

[0008] The imaging sensor is located in the light emission direction of the lens.

[0009] The lens is mounted on the focusing indicator assembly, which is capable of generating an electrical signal by rotating relative to the lens. The electrical signal is used to indicate the distance between the lens and the imaging sensor.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the focusing indicator assembly includes a support, a focusing ring, and an optical sensor. The lens is mounted on the support, the focusing ring surrounds the circumference of the support and is rotatable relative to the support, and the focusing ring can change the light entering the optical sensor by rotation. The optical sensor generates the electrical signal when the incoming light changes.

[0011] With the above arrangement, the annular focusing ring provides a point of force for the user to manipulate. The support structure supports the focusing ring and the lens, and facilitates the generating of an electrical signal by the rotation of the focusing ring in conjunction with the optical sensor. The optical sensor uses the electrical signal generated by light to take the user's focusing intention as a reference, thus improving the focusing effect.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the support has an annular groove extending circumferentially along the support, and the focusing ring is confined within the annular groove.

[0013] With the above arrangement, the annular groove can match the shape of the focusing ring, making the overall structure of the camera module relatively streamlined. The focusing ring is confined within the annular groove, which helps reduce the possibility of the focusing ring detaching from the support, thus facilitating the user to move the focusing ring and generate an electrical signal.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the orthographic projection of the focusing ring onto the projection plane at least partially coincides with the orthographic projection of the ring groove onto the projection plane, wherein the projection plane is a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the focusing ring.

[0015] With the above arrangement, when the focusing ring moves along the extension direction of its rotation axis, it will be interfered with by the wall of the ring groove. This can limit the focusing ring and reduce the possibility of the focusing ring detaching from the support.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the support includes a base and a decorative ring, the decorative ring being mounted on the base, the outer side of the decorative ring and one side of the base forming the annular groove.

[0017] The above arrangement simplifies the installation of the focusing ring. During assembly, the focusing ring can be placed on the base, and then the decorative ring can be attached to the base to complete the installation.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the focusing ring includes a force-receiving part and a plurality of feature parts. The force-receiving part is annular, and the plurality of feature parts are respectively connected to one side of the force-receiving part facing the annular groove. The force-receiving part can drive the feature parts to rotate to change the light entering the optical sensor.

[0019] With the above arrangement, the force-receiving part can be moved by the user to drive the feature part to rotate. When the rotating feature part changes the light entering the optical sensor, the optical sensor can generate an electrical signal.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the support includes a limiting groove located on the wall of the annular groove and communicating with the annular groove, and the feature portion extends into the limiting groove through the annular groove.

[0021] With the above arrangement, the limiting groove can improve the stability of the feature part and prevent the feature part from shaking and affecting the optical sensor. On the other hand, it can also improve the overall stability of the focusing ring, which is conducive to the focusing ring being rotated by the user and thus generating an electrical signal.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the support includes a light-transmitting hole that extends from the sidewall of the annular groove toward the optical sensor.

[0023] With the above arrangement, the optical sensor can receive light from the annular groove through the light-transmitting hole, and the focusing ring can change the light passing through the light-transmitting hole by rotating. In this way, the optical sensor can generate an electrical signal related to the user's intention by rotating the focusing ring.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the optical sensor includes a receiver and a transmitter, the receiver being used to receive light emitted by the transmitter, wherein the optical sensor generates the electrical signal when the receiver does not receive light emitted by the transmitter, or the optical sensor generates the electrical signal when the receiver receives light emitted by the transmitter.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the support includes a mounting groove in which the lens is mounted, and the mounting groove and the focusing ring are located on opposite sides of the support.

[0026] With the above arrangement, the interference of the focusing ring on the light passing through the lens is reduced, which is beneficial for the camera module to obtain a complete image.

[0027] A second aspect of this application provides an electronic device, which includes a camera module as described in the above technical solutions.

[0028] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application embodiment include at least the following: the focus indicator component can be rotated by the user, and the distance indicated by the electrical signal generated by the rotating focus indicator component can serve as the user's focus intention, thereby providing a reference for the camera module when focusing, and thus improving the focus effect. Attached Figure Description

[0029] 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.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a full cross-sectional schematic diagram of a camera module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of a focusing ring provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] The reference numerals in the figure indicate:

[0034] 1. Imaging sensor;

[0035] 2. Lenses;

[0036] 3. Focusing indicator assembly; 31. Support body; 3101. Ring groove; 3102. Limiting groove; 3103. Light-transmitting hole; 3104. Mounting groove; 311. Base; 312. Decorative ring; 32. Focusing ring; 321. Force-bearing part; 322. Feature part; 33. Optical sensor.

[0037] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0038] 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, 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.

[0039] In the embodiments of this application, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," and "side" are generally used in the following ways: Figure 1 The relative positions shown are based on the given information, and these directional terms are used only to more clearly describe the relationships between structures, not to describe absolute positions. Positions may change when the product is placed in different orientations; for example, "up" and "down" may be interchanged.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used in the embodiments of this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0041] To make the 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.

[0042] The first aspect of this application provides a camera module, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the camera module includes an imaging sensor 1, a lens 2, and a focus indicator assembly 3, wherein,

[0043] Imaging sensor 1 is located in the direction of light emission from lens 2.

[0044] The lens 2 is mounted on the focusing indicator assembly 3, which can generate an electrical signal by rotating relative to the lens 2. The electrical signal is used to indicate the distance between the lens 2 and the imaging sensor 1.

[0045] With the above arrangement, the focus indicator component 3 can be rotated by the user. The distance indicated by the electrical signal generated by the rotating focus indicator component 3 can serve as the user's focus intention, which is beneficial for providing a reference for the camera module when focusing, thereby improving the focus effect.

[0046] In related technologies, compared to dedicated shooting electronic devices such as cameras, multifunctional electronic devices such as mobile phones, due to their inherent portability, often result in excessively large sizes when equipped with camera-specific lenses 2, contradicting their intended purpose. Multifunctional electronic devices typically rely on internal control modules for focusing, without user intervention, leading to focusing results that do not match user expectations. The camera module of this application utilizes a focusing indicator component 3 to convert the user's intention into an electrical signal, allowing the control module to adjust the distance between the lens 2 and the imaging sensor 1 based on the electrical signal, thereby improving the focusing effect.

[0047] In this embodiment, the imaging sensor 1 can be a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor.

[0048] In the embodiments of this application, each electrical signal can indicate a unit distance. The user generates an electrical signal by rotating the focus indicator component 3 multiple times, or by rotating it by a certain angle.

[0049] In this embodiment, the lens 2 can be mounted on the focusing indicator assembly 3 by means of bonding, snap-fitting, or other methods.

[0050] In this embodiment, the imaging sensor 1 is located in the light emission direction of the lens 2. This means that when the camera module is working, the light that the camera module needs to collect to generate the image enters from one side of the lens 2 and exits from the other side. The imaging sensor 1 is located on the emission side of the lens 2 so as to be able to receive the light emitted from the lens 2.

[0051] In this embodiment, the focusing indicator component 3 can generate an electrical signal by rotating relative to the lens 2. The electrical signal can be generated directly by rotation, or the energy signal generated during rotation can be converted into an electrical signal. For example, the focusing indicator component 3 can generate energy changes such as vibration, light, and magnetism when it rotates, and generate an electrical signal by capturing these changes. For instance, it can generate phenomena such as vibration, magnetic field changes, and changes in light intensity, and generate an electrical signal by capturing these phenomena with corresponding sensors.

[0052] In this embodiment, the focusing indicator component 3 can generate an electrical signal using an encoder. For example, the focusing component can change the light entering the encoder by rotating, causing the encoder to generate an electrical signal.

[0053] In this embodiment, the focusing indicator component 3 can generate an electrical signal by rotating a portion of its structure relative to the lens 2.

[0054] In the embodiments of this application, the electrical signal can be a voltage signal, a current signal, or other signals.

[0055] In this embodiment, the electrical signal provided by the camera component can be transmitted to other control structures of the electronic device, and through drive structures such as motors and coils, the distance between the lens 2 and the imaging sensor 1 can be adjusted according to the content indicated by the electrical signal. This can match the user's expected focusing effect, thereby improving the focusing effect. The above-mentioned control structure belongs to the prior art and is not the purpose of this application. The purpose of this application is to provide users with electrical signals that can be used as a reference for the above structure.

[0056] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the focusing indicator assembly 3 includes a support 31, a focusing ring 32, and an optical sensor 33. The lens 2 is mounted on the support 31. The focusing ring 32 surrounds the support 31 and can rotate relative to the support 31. The focusing ring 32 can change the light entering the optical sensor 33 by rotating. The optical sensor 33 generates an electrical signal when the light entering changes.

[0057] With the above arrangement, the annular focusing ring 32 provides a point of force for the user to manipulate. The support 31 supports the focusing ring 32 and the lens 2, and facilitates the generating of an electrical signal by the rotation of the focusing ring 32 in conjunction with the optical sensor 33. The optical sensor 33 uses the electrical signal generated by light to take the user's focusing intention as a reference for focusing, thus improving the focusing effect.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the optical sensor 33 does not generate an electrical signal, it can cooperate with the focusing ring 32 to form an optical loop with the optical sensor 33 as the starting point and the ending point. When the focusing ring 32 rotates, the light intensity, illuminance and other parameters on the optical loop change. The optical sensor 33 receives the light with the changed parameters and can convert it into an electrical signal for the focusing module to reference.

[0059] It should be explained that how to use electrical signals to adjust the distance between the lens 2 and the imaging sensor 1 is existing technology and is not the main purpose of this application. The purpose of this application is to provide an electrical signal that can reflect the user's focusing intention, thereby improving the focusing effect.

[0060] In this embodiment, the optical sensor 33 may or may not be mounted on the support 31, as long as the received light can be changed by the rotation of the focusing ring 32.

[0061] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the support 31 has an annular groove 3101 that extends circumferentially along the support 31, and the focusing ring 32 is confined within the annular groove 3101.

[0062] With the above arrangement, the annular groove 3101 can match the shape of the focusing ring 32, making the overall structure of the camera module relatively streamlined. The focusing ring 32 is confined within the annular groove 3101, which helps to reduce the possibility of the focusing ring 32 detaching from the support 31, thus facilitating the user to move the focusing ring 32 to generate an electrical signal.

[0063] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the orthographic projection of the focusing ring 32 onto the projection plane at least partially coincides with the orthographic projection of the ring groove 3101 onto the projection plane, and the projection plane is a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the focusing ring 32.

[0064] With the above arrangement, when the focusing ring 32 moves along the extension direction of its rotation axis, it will be interfered with by the wall of the ring groove 3101, which can limit the focusing ring 32 and reduce the possibility of the focusing ring 32 detaching from the support 31.

[0065] In this embodiment, the focusing ring 32 can be an elastic structure that enters the ring groove 3101 through a certain degree of deformation during assembly and is subjected to interference from the wall of the ring groove 3101.

[0066] In this embodiment of the application, the projection plane is in Figure 1 The middle part is a straight line shape.

[0067] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the support 31 includes a base 311 and a decorative ring 312. The decorative ring 312 is mounted on the base 311, and the outer side of the decorative ring 312 and one side of the base 311 form an annular groove 3101.

[0068] The above arrangement simplifies the installation of the focusing ring 32. During assembly, the focusing ring 32 can be placed on the base 311, and then the decorative ring 312 can be assembled with the base 311, thus completing the installation of the focusing ring 32.

[0069] In this embodiment, the decorative ring 312 and the base 311 can be connected by means of adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, bolt connection, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the focusing ring 32 includes a force-receiving part 321 and a plurality of feature parts 322. The force-receiving part 321 is annular, and the plurality of feature parts 322 are respectively connected to the side of the force-receiving part 321 facing the annular groove 3101. The force-receiving part 321 can drive the feature parts 322 to rotate to change the light entering the optical sensor 33.

[0071] With the above arrangement, the force-receiving part 321 can be moved by the user to drive the feature part 322 to rotate. When the rotating feature part 322 changes the light entering the optical sensor 33, the optical sensor 33 can generate an electrical signal.

[0072] In this embodiment of the application, the feature 322 can be a protrusion, and the optical sensor 33 includes a transmitter and a receiver. The light emitted from the transmitter is received by the receiver. When the feature 322 is rotated between the transmitter and the receiver, the light emitted from the transmitter is blocked, and the receiver cannot receive the light from the transmitter, thereby generating an electrical signal.

[0073] In this embodiment, the feature portion 322 can be a through hole, and the optical sensor 33 includes a transmitter and a receiver. When the light emitted from the transmitter is received by the receiver, an electrical signal can be generated. When the feature portion 322 is rotated between the transmitter and the receiver, the light emitted from the transmitter is received by the receiver, thereby generating an electrical signal.

[0074] In this embodiment, the feature portion 322 can be a ring structure with two roughnesses. The optical sensor 33 can emit and receive light reflected by the feature portion 322, and generate an electrical signal when it receives light reflected from one of the roughnesses of the feature portion 322.

[0075] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1As shown, the support body 31 includes a limiting groove 3102, which is located on the wall of the annular groove 3101 and communicates with the annular groove 3101. The feature part 322 extends into the limiting groove 3102 through the annular groove 3101.

[0076] With the above arrangement, the limiting groove 3102 can improve the stability of the feature part 322 on the one hand, and prevent the feature part 322 from shaking and affecting the optical sensor 33. On the other hand, it can also improve the overall stability of the focusing ring 32, which is conducive to the focusing ring 32 being rotated by the user, thereby generating an electrical signal.

[0077] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the support 31 includes a light-transmitting hole 3103, which extends from the side wall of the annular groove 3101 toward the optical sensor 33.

[0078] With the above arrangement, the optical sensor 33 can receive light from the annular groove 3101 through the light-transmitting hole 3103, and the focusing ring 32 can change the light passing through the light-transmitting hole 3103 by rotating. In this way, the optical sensor 33 can generate an electrical signal related to the user's intention under the rotation of the focusing ring 32.

[0079] In some embodiments of this application, the optical sensor 33 includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is used to receive light emitted by the transmitter. The optical sensor 33 generates an electrical signal when the receiver does not receive light emitted by the transmitter.

[0080] With the above arrangement, the receiver can generate changes in current and voltage when it does not receive light emitted by the transmitter. These changes can serve as an electrical signal or form the basis for an electrical signal, thereby realizing the conversion of the user's intention.

[0081] In this embodiment, the receiving end and the transmitting end can be located on the same side of the focusing ring 32. When the focusing ring 32 rotates, it can switch between reflecting light from the transmitting end to the receiving end and not reflecting light from the transmitting end to the receiving end, which is beneficial for the optical sensor 33 to generate electrical signals.

[0082] In this embodiment, the receiver and transmitter can be located on opposite sides of the focusing ring 32. When the focusing ring 32 rotates, it can switch between reflecting light from the transmitter to the receiver and not reflecting light from the transmitter to the receiver, which is beneficial for the optical sensor 33 to generate electrical signals.

[0083] In some embodiments of this application, the optical sensor 33 includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is used to receive light emitted by the transmitter. The optical sensor 33 generates an electrical signal when the receiver receives light emitted by the transmitter.

[0084] With the above arrangement, when the receiver receives the light emitted by the transmitter, it can generate changes in current and voltage. These changes can serve as an electrical signal or form the basis for an electrical signal, thereby realizing the conversion of the user's intention.

[0085] In this embodiment, the receiving end and the transmitting end can be located on the same side of the focusing ring 32. When the focusing ring 32 rotates, it can switch between reflecting light from the transmitting end to the receiving end and not reflecting light from the transmitting end to the receiving end, which is beneficial for the optical sensor 33 to generate electrical signals.

[0086] In this embodiment, the receiver and transmitter can be located on opposite sides of the focusing ring 32. When the focusing ring 32 rotates, it can switch between reflecting light from the transmitter to the receiver and not reflecting light from the transmitter to the receiver, which is beneficial for the optical sensor 33 to generate electrical signals.

[0087] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the support body 31 includes a mounting groove 3104, the lens 2 is mounted in the mounting groove 3104, and the mounting groove 3104 and the focusing ring 32 are located on opposite sides of the support body 31.

[0088] With the above arrangement, the interference of the focusing ring 32 on the light passing through the lens 2 is reduced, which is beneficial for the camera module to obtain a complete image.

[0089] In this embodiment, the mounting groove 3104 may be located inside the support 31, and the focusing ring 32 may be located outside the support 31.

[0090] A second aspect of this application provides an electronic device, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the electronic device includes a camera module as described in the above embodiments.

[0091] It is understood that, due to the use of the camera module in the above embodiments, the electronic device of this application has the same technical effects as the above embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0092] In the embodiments of this application, the electronic device may be a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, smartwatch, or other similar product.

[0093] In this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0094] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only.

[0095] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure 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 application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module includes an imaging sensor (1), a lens (2), and a focus indicator assembly (3), wherein, The imaging sensor (1) is located in the light emission direction of the lens (2); The lens (2) is mounted on the focusing indicator assembly (3), which is capable of generating an electrical signal by rotating relative to the lens (2), the electrical signal being used to indicate the distance between the lens (2) and the imaging sensor (1).

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The focusing indicator assembly (3) includes a support (31), a focusing ring (32), and an optical sensor (33). The lens (2) is mounted on the support (31). The focusing ring (32) surrounds the support (31) circumferentially and can rotate relative to the support (31). The focusing ring (32) can change the light entering the optical sensor (33) by rotating. The optical sensor (33) generates the electrical signal when the light entering changes.

3. The camera module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support (31) has an annular groove (3101) that extends circumferentially along the support (31), and the focusing ring (32) is confined within the annular groove (3101).

4. The camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the focusing ring (32) onto the projection plane at least partially coincides with the orthographic projection of the ring groove (3101) onto the projection plane, wherein the projection plane is a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the focusing ring (32).

5. The camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support (31) includes a base (311) and a decorative ring (312). The decorative ring (312) is mounted on the base (311), and the outer side of the decorative ring (312) and one side of the base (311) form the annular groove (3101).

6. The camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The focusing ring (32) includes a force-receiving part (321) and a plurality of feature parts (322). The force-receiving part (321) is annular, and the plurality of feature parts (322) are respectively connected to the side of the force-receiving part (321) facing the annular groove (3101). The force-receiving part (321) can drive the feature parts (322) to rotate to change the light entering the optical sensor (33).

7. The camera module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support (31) includes a limiting groove (3102), which is located on the wall of the annular groove (3101) and communicates with the annular groove (3101). The feature part (322) extends into the limiting groove (3102) through the annular groove (3101).

8. The camera module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support (31) includes a light-transmitting hole (3103) that extends from the sidewall of the annular groove (3101) toward the optical sensor (33).

9. The camera module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical sensor (33) includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is used to receive light emitted by the transmitter. The optical sensor (33) generates the electrical signal when the receiver does not receive light emitted by the transmitter. or, The optical sensor (33) generates the electrical signal when the receiving end receives the light emitted by the transmitting end.

10. The camera module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support (31) includes a mounting groove (3104), the lens (2) is mounted in the mounting groove (3104), and the mounting groove (3104) and the focusing ring (32) are located on opposite sides of the support (31).

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a camera module as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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