A camera module and a smart terminal

Abstract

The application discloses a camera module, which comprises a base and a prism arranged in the base and integrally formed with the base. The base has a top opening. The prism comprises a main optical surface and at least one auxiliary positioning surface arranged laterally or backward relative to the main optical surface. The main optical surface is exposed from the top opening. The at least one auxiliary positioning surface is embedded in the base. The base covers the at least one auxiliary positioning surface during the forming process, so that the limiting and fixing of the prism are realized. The application further discloses a smart terminal comprising the camera module.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the continuous upgrading of camera functions in smart terminal devices (such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices), higher requirements are placed on the integration, structural compactness, and imaging quality of camera modules. Especially in high-magnification zoom and periscope imaging systems, prisms with specific reflection angles are often used to change the direction of the light path to achieve telephoto shooting capabilities.

[0003] In related technologies, prism structures are typically fixed to the module base by means of bonding or dispensing. This method has the following drawbacks: Firstly, the dispensing process relies on manual or complex equipment control, which can easily introduce errors in adhesive dosage, air bubbles, or contamination, affecting optical path accuracy and optical performance. Secondly, bonded structures have poor mechanical stability and are prone to displacement or loosening due to external factors such as temperature and vibration, affecting imaging reliability and module lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a camera module that simplifies the module structure and assembly process.

[0005] This utility model provides a camera module, including a base and a prism disposed within the base and integrally formed with the base. The base has a top opening. The prism includes a main optical surface and at least one auxiliary positioning surface disposed laterally or backward relative to the main optical surface. The main optical surface is exposed from the top opening. The at least one auxiliary positioning surface is embedded in the base. The base covers the at least one auxiliary positioning surface during the forming process to limit and fix the prism.

[0006] In one embodiment, the auxiliary positioning surface includes two opposing first and second side surfaces along the length direction of the prism, and two inclined first and second reflective surfaces along the width direction of the prism, wherein the first and second reflective surfaces are arranged opposite to each other and their bottoms face the optical center of the prism.

[0007] In one embodiment, the main optical surface includes an incident surface and an exit surface located at both ends, wherein the incident surface and the exit surface are coplanar or approximately coplanar, forming an overall planar light-in and light-out structure.

[0008] In one embodiment, after the incident light enters the interior of the prism perpendicularly or obliquely from the incident surface, it first contacts the first reflecting surface, changes its propagation direction, and is reflected inside the prism to reach the second reflecting surface on the opposite side. It is then reflected by the second reflecting surface and finally exits from the exit surface.

[0009] In one embodiment, the base is provided with a plurality of positioning holes at a position close to the first side and the second side, the plurality of positioning holes being used for inserting a mold to position the prism during the molding of the base.

[0010] In one embodiment, the top surface of the prism has a recessed limiting step at the junction with the first side surface and the second side surface. Each limiting step includes a horizontal step surface integrally machined from the prism and a step sidewall adjacent to the horizontal step surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, a light-shielding groove is formed on the side of the prism near the base, and the molding material of the base extends into the light-shielding groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the camera module further includes a light-shielding layer disposed on the main optical surface, the light-shielding layer being disposed around the edge of the main optical surface for blocking ineffective light paths.

[0013] In one embodiment, the light-shielding layer is made of any one of the following materials: screen printing ink, black resin, metal oxide coating, or physical vapor deposition layer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the base is made of one of polycarbonate, polyimide, or liquid crystal polymer.

[0015] This utility model also provides a smart terminal, including a camera module as described in the above embodiments, wherein the main optical surface of the prism of the camera module is provided with a lens for light transmission and an image sensor for imaging.

[0016] This utility model provides a camera module that embeds at least one auxiliary positioning surface of a prism into the interior of a base. During the molding process, the base extends to cover the auxiliary positioning surface, forming a structural constraint and fixed connection for the prism. This allows the base and prism to be integrally molded, eliminating the need for UV dispensing and bonding curing processes, effectively avoiding potential contamination, warping, or positional misalignment issues during bonding. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for sealing operations such as flipping and applying Mylar, simplifying the module assembly process, shortening production cycle time, and facilitating mass production. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a camera module provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a camera module provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a prism provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of region A in the middle.

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the prism structure provided for a preferred embodiment of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the prism structure provided for a preferred embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Figure label: 1. Base; 2. Prism; 3. Light-shielding layer; 11. Positioning hole; 21. Main optical surface; 22. Light-shielding groove; 23. Limiting step; 24. First reflecting surface; 25. Second reflecting surface; 26. First side surface; 27. Second side surface; 211. Incident surface; 212. Exit surface; 231. Horizontal step surface; 232. Step sidewall. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the description of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," and "connect," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0028] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used merely to distinguish elements with similar properties, not to indicate or imply relative importance or a specific order.

[0029] The terms “include,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which includes not only the elements listed but also other elements not expressly listed.

[0030] Please refer to Figures 1 to 2 This embodiment of the invention provides a camera module, including a base 1 and a prism 2. The base 1 has a top opening for light to pass through and expose the main optical surface 21 of the prism 2. The prism 2 is disposed within the base 1 and includes the main optical surface 21 and multiple auxiliary positioning surfaces arranged laterally or backward relative to the main optical surface 21. The main optical surface 21 is located at the top of the prism 2 and is exposed towards the top opening of the base 1, for realizing the incident and emitted light. Multiple auxiliary positioning surfaces are embedded inside the base 1, and the structural material of the base 1 extends to cover the multiple auxiliary positioning surfaces during the molding process to form a structural limit and fixed connection for the prism 2.

[0031] like Figure 5-6As shown, the auxiliary positioning surfaces of prism 2 include two opposing first side surfaces 26 and second side surfaces 27 along the length direction, and two inclined reflecting surfaces along the width direction, namely a first reflecting surface 24 and a second reflecting surface 25, which are arranged opposite each other with their bottoms facing the optical center of prism 2. A main optical surface 21 is provided at the top of prism 2. The main optical surface 21 includes an incident surface 211 and an exit surface 212 located at both ends. The two surfaces are coplanar or approximately coplanar, forming an overall planar light-entry and light-exit structure. Incident light enters the interior of prism 2 perpendicularly or obliquely from the incident surface 211 at one end of the main optical surface 21. It first contacts the first reflecting surface 24, changes its propagation direction, and is reflected inside the prism to reach the second reflecting surface 25 on the opposite side. It is then reflected again by the second reflecting surface 25 and finally exits from the exit surface 212 at the other end of the main optical surface 21.

[0032] Specifically, after the prefabricated prism 2 is positioned in a predetermined location within the mold, a thermoplastic material (such as polycarbonate, polyimide, or liquid crystal polymer material) is injected into the mold to form a base 1. The molten thermoplastic material then covers and embeds the auxiliary positioning surface of the prism 2 during the cooling process, thereby achieving an integrated molding structure between the base 1 and the prism 2. The camera module of this application eliminates the need for UV dispensing and bonding curing processes, effectively avoiding potential contamination, warping, or positional misalignment issues that may occur during the bonding and fixing of the prism and base in existing technologies. Simultaneously, it eliminates the need for sealing operations such as flipping and applying Mylar, simplifying the module assembly process, shortening the production cycle, and facilitating mass production.

[0033] Specifically, the base 1 has positioning holes 11 located on the first side 26 and the second side 27 of the prism 2. The shape of the positioning holes 11 is adapted to the positioning pins or positioning needles of the mold, and is used to allow the positioning pins or positioning needles of the mold to be inserted before injection molding to limit and align the prism 1 in a lateral position, so that the position of the prism 1 in the mold remains stable and does not shift under the pressure of the molding material flowing through the base 1. During the molding stage, the prism 2 is first precisely positioned by inserting the positioning pins of the mold into the positioning holes 11. Then the material of the base 1 is injected into the mold cavity. After molding is completed, the positioning pins of the mold are removed from the positioning holes 11, eliminating the need for secondary positioning through bonding or adjustment tools and avoiding additional assembly steps.

[0034] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, a light-shielding groove 22 is provided on the side of the prism 2 near the base 1. The light-shielding groove 22 is a recessed structure integrally formed during the molding of the prism 2. A light-shielding film can be pre-set inside the light-shielding groove 22 to block stray light from the bottom or side of the prism from entering the imaging optical path, further improving the imaging contrast and image purity of the camera module. In other embodiments, the light-shielding groove 22 can also be used to provide structural constraints during assembly or molding. During the integral molding process of the base 1 and the prism 2, the molding material (i.e., thermoplastic material) of the base 1 enters the interior of the light-shielding groove during the flow and filling stage. After the thermoplastic material comes into contact with the inner wall of the light-shielding groove 22, an interlocking structure is formed during the cooling and solidification process. In addition, the thermoplastic material will also spread along the first side surface 26 and the second side surface 27, and spread and closely adhere to the non-optical areas of the bottom surface of the prism 2 and the first reflective surface 24 and the second reflective surface 25, so that the prism 2 and the base 1 form a multi-faceted contact bonding structure after cooling and solidification.

[0035] Optionally, the cross-section of the light-shielding groove 22 can be rectangular, semi-circular, or dovetail-shaped. When the cross-section of the light-shielding groove 22 is rectangular, it is easy to process and fill with injection molding material, and the structure is simple, making it suitable for scenarios where the bonding strength requirement is not particularly high but rapid molding is required. When the cross-section of the light-shielding groove 22 is semi-circular, it can form a better sliding-in covering effect, and the injection molding material is filled more evenly, which is suitable for improving positioning accuracy and reducing stress concentration, and reducing the risk of edge cracking of the prism 2. When the cross-section of the light-shielding groove 22 is dovetail-shaped, its bottom is wider than the opening, which can achieve a mechanical locking effect and prevent the prism 2 from loosening from the base 1 after injection molding, making it particularly suitable for module scenarios with high requirements for pull-out force and vibration resistance.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the top surface of prism 2 forms a recessed limiting step 23 at the junction with the first side surface 26 and the second side surface 27. Each limiting step 23 includes a horizontal step surface 231 integrally machined from prism 2 and a step sidewall 232 adjacent to the horizontal step surface 231. The horizontal step surface 231 is recessed downward relative to the main optical surface, forming a height difference. Its plane faces the opening direction at the top of the base 1 and can serve as a stop surface for the upward movement of prism 2, preventing prism 2 from dislodging from the upper opening of the base 1. Since the horizontal step surface 231 itself does not bear downward support, the downward limiting of prism 2 is achieved by the non-optical areas of its bottom surface and the inclined first reflecting surface 24 and second reflecting surface 25 being covered by the material of the base 1 during the molding process.

[0037] During the integral molding process, the prism 12 is pre-placed in the mold. After the thermoplastic material is injected, a covering structure is formed on the outside of the step sidewall 232. The contact surface between the step sidewall 232 and the base 1 constitutes the lateral auxiliary positioning area of ​​the prism 2. Together with the bottom covering structure, it provides stable constraints in three-dimensional direction, thereby ensuring that the prism maintains positioning accuracy in both vertical and horizontal directions.

[0038] In this embodiment, the camera module also includes a light-shielding layer 3 disposed at the edge region of the main optical surface 21 of the prism 2. The light-shielding layer 3 is continuously disposed along the edge of the main optical surface 21, forming a closed or semi-closed shielding area around the incident surface 211 and the exit surface 212, which is used to block the ineffective light path entering the edge of the main optical surface 21 and prevent stray light from entering the interior of the prism 2 and causing interference or reflection ghosting.

[0039] Optionally, the light-shielding layer 3 is made of a material with good light-shielding performance and adhesion stability, such as screen printing ink, black resin, metal oxide coating or film formed by physical vapor deposition (PVD).

[0040] Among them, screen printing ink is suitable for large-area mass production, and the coating process is mature, making it easy to form a patterned light-shielding boundary on the top of prism 2; black resin has a certain degree of flexibility and can achieve edge light shielding by spraying or dripping, making it suitable for use in combination with other packaging structures; metal oxide coatings such as chromium oxide and titanium oxide can provide stable optical absorption effects and have good weather resistance; PVD film is suitable for precision light-shielding areas, and has the advantages of strong adhesion, controllable thickness, and high process repeatability, and is often used in high-end camera modules.

[0041] In this embodiment, the base 1 is made of one of polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), or liquid crystal polymer (LCP). These materials have good injection molding performance, dimensional stability, and optical module structure compatibility, making them suitable for integral molding with the prism 2 within a mold.

[0042] Among them, polycarbonate has high toughness and transparency, is easy to process, and is suitable for module structures with certain impact resistance requirements; polyimide has excellent heat resistance and chemical stability, and is suitable for electronic modules working in high-temperature environments; liquid crystal polymer materials have extremely low moisture absorption and excellent dimensional stability, and are especially suitable for the carrier structure of high-precision, miniaturized optical components.

[0043] This utility model embodiment also provides a smart terminal, including a camera module as described in the above embodiment. The main optical surface 21 of the prism 2 of the camera module is provided with a lens for light transmission and an image sensor for imaging.

[0044] It should be noted that 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.

[0045] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that, The prism (2) includes a base (1) and a prism (2) disposed within the base (1) and integrally formed with the base (1). The base (1) has a top opening. The prism (2) includes a main optical surface (21) and at least one auxiliary positioning surface disposed laterally or backward relative to the main optical surface (21). The main optical surface (21) is exposed from the top opening. The at least one auxiliary positioning surface is embedded in the base (1). The base (1) covers the at least one auxiliary positioning surface during the forming process to limit and fix the prism (2).

2. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary positioning surface includes two opposing first side surfaces (26) and second side surfaces (27) along the length direction of the prism (2), and two inclined first reflective surfaces (24) and second reflective surfaces (25) along the width direction of the prism (2). The first reflective surfaces (24) and the second reflective surfaces (25) are arranged opposite to each other and their bottoms face the optical center of the prism (2).

3. The camera module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The main optical surface (21) includes an incident surface (211) and an exit surface (212) located at both ends. The incident surface (211) and the exit surface (212) are coplanar or approximately coplanar, forming an overall planar light-in and light-out structure.

4. The camera module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, After the incident light enters the interior of the prism (2) perpendicularly or obliquely from the incident surface (211), it first contacts the first reflecting surface (24), changes its propagation direction, and is reflected inside the prism (2) to reach the second reflecting surface (25) on the opposite side. Then it is reflected by the second reflecting surface (25) and finally exits from the exit surface (212).

5. The camera module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The base (1) has a plurality of positioning holes (11) located close to the first side (26) and the second side (27). The plurality of positioning holes (11) are used for inserting a mold to position the prism (2) when the base (1) is formed.

6. The camera module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The top surface of the prism (2) has a recessed limiting step (23) formed at the junction with the first side surface (26) and the second side surface (27). Each limiting step (23) includes a horizontal step surface (231) integrally processed from the prism (2) and a step sidewall (232) adjacent to the horizontal step surface (231).

7. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The prism (2) has a light-shielding groove (22) on the side near the base (1), and the base (1) extends into the light-shielding groove (22) during the molding process.

8. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module also includes a light-shielding layer (3) disposed on the main optical surface (21). The light-shielding layer (3) is disposed around the edge of the main optical surface (21) and is used to block non-effective light paths.

9. The camera module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base (1) is made of one of polycarbonate, polyimide or liquid crystal polymer material.

10. A smart terminal, characterized in that, The camera module includes a camera module as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the main optical surface (21) of the prism (2) of the camera module is provided with a lens for light transmission and an image sensor for imaging.

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