Compact camera footprint for large area printed circuit board

Abstract

Folded Tele camera (FTC) systems, comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having an active PCB area; a folded Tele camera module comprising an image sensor, a lens having an optical axis perpendicular to a height axis and at least one lens motion axis, and an optical path folding element (OPFE); and a lens actuator, wherein the lens actuator is configured to move the lens along the at least one lens motion axis, and wherein an area occupied by the lens actuator overlaps along the height axis with an active PCB area to achieve a large active PCB area.

Description

[0001] COMPACT CAMERA FOOTPRINT FOR LARGE AREA PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Applications No. 63 / 505,487 filed June 1, 2023, and 63 / 510,370 filed June 27, 2023, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0004] FIELD

[0005] Embodiments disclosed herein relate in general to compact digital cameras, and in particular to electronically and mechanically integrating compact digital cameras into mobile electronic devices.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Multi-aperture cameras (or “multi-cameras”, of which a “dual-camera” having two cameras is an example) are now standard for handheld electronic mobile devices (or simply “mobile devices”, for example smartphones, tablets, laptops, earplugs etc.).

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a dual-camera (which may be part of a multi-camera with more than two cameras) known in the art and numbered 100 in a perspective view, see e.g. co-owned international patent application PCT / IB2015 / 056004. Dual-camera 100 comprises a folded Tele camera (or “FTC”) 102 and a Wide camera (“WC”) 104. A field-of-view (FOV) of WC 104 “FOVw” is wider (or larger) than a FOV of FTC 102 “FOVT”, i.e. FOVw > FOVT. FTC 102 comprises an optical path folding element (OPFE) 106, for example a prism or a mirror, a lens 108 that may include a plurality of lens elements (not seen in this representation) and having an optical axis 110 and an image sensor 112. WC 104 comprises a lens 114 having an optical axis 116, and an image sensor 118. As seen, optical axis 116 is oriented substantially perpendicular to optical axis 110. OPFE 106 folds the optical path from a first optical path 120 that is substantially parallel to optical axis 116 to a second optical path that is substantially parallel to optical axis 110. In general, a spatial resolution of FTC 102 is constant (or “fixed”) and may be for example 3, 5, or 10 times higher than the spatial resolution of WC 104. This is referred to as FTC 102 having a fixed “zoom factor” (ZF) of, respectively, 3, 5, or 10. FTC 102 is a folded camera, i.e. its optical path is folded. FTC 102 may have an effective focal length (“EFLT”) in the range of EFLT = 9mm - 50mm. In some examples, EFLT may be in the range EFLT = 10mm - 30mm. WC 104 is a regular camera, i.e. its optical path is not folded. WC 104 may have an EFLw in the range of 2.5mm - 15mm. In some examples, EFLw may be in the range of 2.5mm - 10mm.

[0009] FIG. 2A shows a known example of a FTC system 200 including a printed circuit board (PCB) 202 and a FTC 204 embedded in and fixedly coupled to PCB 202 in a top view. To embed FTC 204, PCB 202 has an opening (or “hole”) 203. FTC 204 has an aperture 206 and is surrounded by a FTC housing 208. FTC 204 and housing 208 have a rectangular shape. A width of sections of PCB 202 on both sides of opening 203 (from the opening to PCB edges 202a and 202b measured along the x-axis) is marked “W202”. Although marked on both sides with the same marking, the width sections on the two sides may or may not be identical. The PCB has an “active PCB area” which is proportional (in part) to the width of the PCB sections width W202. “Active PCB area” means here that this PCB area is operational to be used to integrate electronic components other than FTC 204 such as ICs (integrated circuits), IMUs (inertial measurement units), image sensor companion chips etc. as well as wiring. When referring to a “PCB area” in the following, we mean a PCB area that is oriented parallel to the x-z-coordinate system shown. In FTC system 200, the entire area of PCB 202 is an active PCB area.

[0010] In mobile devices, a relatively large active PCB area is desired for realizing compact mobile devices. A larger active PCB area is beneficial for example to allow mounting of a relatively larger number of electronic components other than a camera (such as ICs, IMUs, image sensor, companion chips, etc.) on the PCB, or to integrate more wiring into the PCB.

[0011] FIG. 2B shows a known FTC system 200 in a cross-sectional view. Marking “Section A” in FIG. 2A indicates a location of the shown cross-section.

[0012] Housing 208 has a top shield 209 and a bottom shield 210 and has a camera bottom 205 with respect to (or along, or relative to) the height axis (here the y-axis). Camera 204 has a lens 212 included in a lens barrel 214. The lowest point (or coordinate) and a center point of an optical area of lens 212 with respect to the y (height) axis is referred to as “lens bottom” 216 and “lens center” 242 respectively. The half optical height of lens 212 is marked “HL / 2”. Camera 204 further includes an image sensor (not shown), which may be static with respect to housing 208. In some examples and as shown here, lens barrel 214 is fixedly coupled to a lens carrier 217. Lens carrier 217 together with lens barrel 214 and lens 212 can be moved relative to housing 208 (and thus relative to the image sensor) for focusing and / or optical image stabilization (OIS) along a lens motion axis 215. In some examples, lens barrel 214 and lens carrier 217 are integrated into a single part. Lens motion axis 215 is oriented parallel to an optical axis of lens 212 and parallel to the z- axis, i.e. perpendicular to the x-y- coordinate system shown. The movement is actuated by a lens actuator. In FTC 204, the lens actuator includes two voice coil motors (“VCMs”), a first VCM 220 and a second VCM 230. In other examples, other actuators different from VCMs may be used for actuating the movement.

[0013] Regarding the terms “first” and “second” as applied to VCMs and related features herein, note that these terms are just for reflecting that the two VCMs and related features are different entities. The terms “first” and “second” do not imply that these VCMs are identical or not identical.

[0014] First VCM 220 includes a first VCM coil 224 (fixedly coupled to housing 208) and a first VCM magnet 226 (fixedly coupled to lens carrier 217). The lowest point of first VCM 220 with respect to the height axis is referred to as “first VCM actuator bottom” and is numbered 222. Second VCM 230 includes a second VCM coil 234 (fixedly coupled to housing 208) and a second VCM magnet 236 (fixedly coupled to lens carrier 217). The lowest point of second VCM 230 with respect to the height axis is referred to as “second VCM actuator bottom” and is numbered 232. As shown, the position (or location) of first VCM actuator bottom 222 and the position of second VCM actuator bottom 232 are identical with respect to the height axis. In some examples, the lens actuator may include only one VCM, for example only VCM 220 or only VCM 230. In some examples, the locations of coil 224 and magnet 226 may be switched, i.e. coil 224 may be fixedly coupled to lens carrier 217 and magnet 226 may be fixedly coupled to housing 208.

[0015] First VCM 220 and second VCM 230 respectively each have a symmetry axis (or “motor symmetry axis”), marked respectively 236 and 238. As shown, both symmetry axis 236 and symmetry axis 238 are oriented parallel to the x-axis, i.e. they are oriented perpendicular to the height axis.

[0016] In known FTC system 200, lens bottom 216 is positioned (or located) at a lower position with respect to the height axis than first VCM actuator bottom 222 and second VCM actuator bottom 232. That is, along the positive height axis, lens bottom 216 is lower than the VCM actuator bottoms. The (height) difference or distance between lens bottom 216 and first VCM actuator bottom 222 and second VCM actuator bottom 232 is marked “AA-L”. As seen, in known FTC system 200, AA-L is relatively small, i.e. AA-L < HL / 2. In some examples, even AA-L < 0 may be realized, i.e. first VCM actuator bottom 222 and second VCM actuator bottom 232 may be positioned lower than lens bottom 216.

[0017] Alternatively, and for relating a position of first VCM 220 and second VCM 230 with a position of lens 212 along the height axis, one may state that first VCM actuator bottom 222 and second VCM actuator bottom 232 are located in a bottom half of lens 212. A bottom half of lens 212 with respect to the height axis represents a region below lens center 242, which extends as indicated by arrow 240 from lens bottom 216 upwards by HL / 2 to lens center 242.

[0018] A length, a width and a height of FTC system 200 are marked “L200”, “W200” and “H200” respectively, and may be in the ranges L200 = 5mm - 75mm, W200 = 2.5mm - 50mm and H200 = 2.5mm - 50mm. A length, a width and a height of FTC 204 is marked “L204” “W204” and “H204” respectively. In known FTC system 200, H200 = H204. The lengths, widths and heights of FTC 204 may be in ranges as follows: L204 = 5mm - 60mm; W204 = 2.5mm - 40mm; H200 = 2.5mm - 25mm, or H200 = 2.5mm - 12.5mm, or H200 = 2.5mm - 10mm, or even H200 = 2.5mm - 8mm. As shown, HL < H204. A relatively large HL is beneficial for collecting a relatively large amount of light. In general, HL is in a range of HL = H204 - 0.5mm to HL = H204 - 7.5mm, for example HL = H204 - 1mm or HL = H204 - 1.5mm or HL = H204 - 2mm. In other examples, L204 = 5mm - 50mm, or L204 = 5mm - 30mm. In other examples, W204 = 2.5mm - 50mm, or W204 = 2.5mm - 25mm. These values and value ranges may be valid for all FTCs disclosed herein.

[0019] FIG. 2C shows a known regular WC system 250 including a PCB 252 and a regular (nonfolded) camera 254 embedded in and fixedly coupled to PCB 252 in a cross-sectional view. In some examples, regular camera 254 may be a Wide camera (“WC”), thus referred to as WC 254. In other examples, regular camera 254 may be an ultra-Wide (UW) camera or a regular (nonfolded) Tele camera. To clarify, known regular WC system 250 may include an UW camera, a WC or a Tele camera. To embed WC 254, PCB 252 comprises an opening 253. Sections of PCB 252 on both sides of opening 253 (from the opening to PCB edges 252a and 252b measured along the x-axis) have a width marked “W252”. Although marked on both sides with the same marking, the widths on the two sides may or may not be identical. The PCB area in these sections is proportional to the PCB section width, i.e. to W252. PCB 252 has a PCB bottom 257. WC 254 is surrounded by a WC housing 258. Housing 258 includes a top shield 259 and a bottom shield 260. WC 254 includes a lens barrel 264 including a lens (not shown). Exemplarily, WC 254 and housing 258 have a rectangular shape. WC 254 has a WC bottom 255.

[0020] In some examples, WC 254 may include a lens carrier (not shown). The lens carrier may include a mechanism (not shown) for focusing the lens by moving lens barrel 264 along the height direction, and / or for OIS, by moving lens barrel 264 in the x-direction and / or the z-direction. In the following and for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that dimensions of lens barrel 264 represent exactly the dimensions of the lens included in lens barrel 264. A lowest point (or coordinate) and a center point of an optical area of the lens with respect to the height axis are referred to as lens bottom 266 and lens center 292 respectively. A half optical height of the lens is marked “HL / 2”. WC 254 includes an image sensor 262, which may be static with respect to housing 258.

[0021] Lens barrel 314 and the lens therein can be moved relative to housing 258 (and thus relative to image sensor 262) for focusing and / or OIS along a lens motion axis 265. Lens motion axis 265 is oriented parallel to an optical axis of the lens and parallel to the height axis. The movement is actuated by a first VCM 270 and (optionally) by a second VCM 280. Eirst VCM 270 includes a first VCM coil 274 (fixedly coupled to housing 258) and a first VCM magnet 276 (fixedly coupled to lens barrel 264). A lowest point of first VCM 270 with respect to the height axis is referred to as first VCM actuator bottom and is numbered 272. Second VCM 280 includes a second VCM coil 284 (fixedly coupled to housing 258) and a second VCM magnet 286 (fixedly coupled to lens barrel 264). A lowest point of second VCM 280 with respect to the height axis is referred to as second VCM actuator bottom and is numbered 282. As shown, a position (or location) of first VCM actuator bottom 272 and a position of second VCM actuator bottom 282 are identical with respect to the height axis.

[0022] Eirst VCM 270 and second VCM 280 have respectively symmetry axes 236 and 238. As shown, both symmetry axis 288 and symmetry axis 290 are oriented parallel to the x-axis, i.e. they are oriented perpendicular to the height axis.

[0023] In known WC system 250, lens bottom 266 is positioned at a lower position (along the height axis) than first VCM actuator bottom 272 and second VCM actuator bottom 282. As seen, lens bottom 266 is positioned lower than first VCM actuator bottom 272 and second VCM actuator bottom 282. As in the previous example, the difference (distances) between lens bottom 266 and first VCM actuator bottom 272 and second VCM actuator bottom 282 is marked “AA-L”. As seen, in known WC system 250, AA-L is relatively small, i.e. AA-L < HL / 2. In some examples, even AA-L < 0 may be realized.

[0024] Alternatively, and for relating a position of first VCM 270 and second VCM 280 with a position of lens barrel 264 along the height axis, one may state that first VCM actuator bottom 272 and second VCM actuator bottom 282 are located in a bottom half of lens barrel 264. A bottom half of lens barrel 264 with respect to the height axis represents a region below lens center 292, which extends as indicated by arrow 290 from lens bottom 266 upwards by HL / 2 to lens center 292.

[0025] A width and a height of WC system 250 are marked “W250” and “H250” respectively. They may be in the ranges W250 = 2.5mm - 50mm and H250 = 2.5mm - 20mm, or even H250 = 2.5mm - 17.5mm. A length L250 (measured along the z-axis) of WC system 250 may be in the range 2.5mm - 50mm. A width and a height of WC 254 is marked “W254” and “H254” respectively. In known WC system 250, H250 = H254. They may be in the ranges W254 = 5mm - 50mm or W254 = 5mm - 30mm, or even W254 = 5mm - 20mm and H254 = 2.5mm - 25mm or H254 = 2.5mm - 15mm, H254 = 2.5mm - 12.5mm, H254 = 2.5mm - 10mm or even H254 = 2.5mm - 8mm. A length L254 (measured along the z-axis) of WC 254 may be in the range 5mm - 50mm, or 5mm - 30mm, or even 5mm - 20mm. In general, L254 = W254. These values and value ranges may be valid for all WCs disclosed herein.

[0026] There is need for, and it would be beneficial to have camera systems with a relatively large active PCB area. Such camera systems are disclosed herein.

[0027] SUMMARY

[0028] In various exemplary embodiments there is provided a folded Tele camera (FTC) system, comprising a PCB having an active PCB area; a FTC module comprising an image sensor, a lens having an optical axis perpendicular to a height axis and at least one lens motion axis, and an OPFE; and a lens actuator, the lens actuator is configured to move the lens along the at least one lens motion axis, and an area occupied by the lens actuator overlaps along the height axis with an active PCB area to achieve a large active PCB area. In some examples, the FTC module has a non-rectangular shape in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0029] In some examples, the FTC module has a T-shape in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0030] In some examples, the lens actuator includes a first motor and a second motor, and, in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the first motor is located at a left side of the lens and the second motor is located at a right side of the lens.

[0031] In some examples, in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the first motor and the second motor each have a motor symmetry axis that is parallel to the height axis.

[0032] In some examples, the lens actuator has a lens actuator symmetry axis in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, and the lens actuator symmetry axis is parallel to the height axis.

[0033] In some examples, lens actuator includes a single motor.

[0034] In some examples, in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the single motor has a motor symmetry axis that is parallel to the height axis.

[0035] In some examples, the lens has a lens height HL and a lens bottom, the lens actuator has a lens actuator bottom, the HL, the lens bottom, and the lens actuator bottom are defined along the height axis, and the lens actuator bottom is distanced from the lens bottom by at least HL / 2.

[0036] In some examples, the lens motion axis is parallel to the optical axis, and the movement of the lens is for focusing.

[0037] In some examples, an overlap area of the lens actuator and the active PCB area may be in the range of 2.5mm2to 1500mm2. In some examples, the overlap area may be in the range of 5mm2to 600mm2. In some examples, the overlap area may be in the range of 50mm2to 300mm2.

[0038] In some examples, the FTC module has a length L in the range of 5mm - 50mm measured along the optical axis. In some examples, L may be in the range of 5mm - 30mm.

[0039] In some examples, the FTC module has a width W in the range of 2.5mm - 50mm measured along an axis perpendicular to the optical axis and to the height axis. In some examples, W may be in the range of 2.5mm - 25mm.

[0040] In some examples, the FTC module has a height H in the range of 2.5mm - 25mm measured along the height axis. In some examples, H may be in the range of 2.5mm - 12.5mm. In some examples, H may be in the range of 2.5mm - 10mm. In some examples, H may be in the range of 2.5mm - 8mm.

[0041] In some examples, the lens has an effective focal length EFL in the range of 9mm - 50mm. In some examples, EFL may be in the range of 10mm - 30mm.

[0042] In some examples, the FTC system may be included in a mobile device. In some examples, the mobile device is a smartphone. In some examples, the mobile device is a tablet.

[0043] In various exemplary embodiments there is provided a camera system, comprising: a PCB having an active PCB area; a camera module comprising an image sensor, a lens having a optical axis parallel to a height axis and at least one lens motion axis; and a lens actuator, the lens actuator is configured to move the lens along the at least one lens motion axis, and an area occupied by the lens actuator overlaps along the height axis with a location of the active PCB to achieve a large active PCB area.

[0044] In some examples, the camera module has a non-rectangular shape in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0045] In some examples, the camera module has a T-shape in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0046] In some examples, the lens actuator includes a first motor and a second motor, and in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the first motor is located at a left side of the lens and the second motor is located at a right side of the lens.

[0047] In some examples, in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the first motor and the second motor each have a motor symmetry axis that is parallel to the height axis. In some examples, the lens actuator has a lens actuator symmetry axis in a cross-sectional view oriented parallel to the optical axis, and the lens actuator symmetry axis is parallel to the height axis.

[0048] In some examples, the lens actuator includes a single motor. In some examples, in a cross- sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the single motor has a motor symmetry axis that is parallel to the height axis.

[0049] In some examples, the lens has a lens height HL and a lens bottom, the lens actuator has a lens actuator bottom, the HL, the lens bottom, and the lens actuator bottom are defined along the height axis, and the lens actuator bottom is distanced from the lens bottom by at least HL / 2. In some examples, the lens motion axis is parallel to the optical axis, and the movement of the lens is for focusing.

[0050] In some examples, an overlap area of the lens actuator and the active PCB area may be in the range of 2.5mm2to 1500mm2. In some examples, the overlap area is in the range of 5mm2to 600mm2. In some examples, the overlap area is in the range of 50mm2to 300mm2.

[0051] In some examples, the camera module has a length L may be in the range of 5mm - 50mm. In some examples, L may be in the range of 5mm - 30mm. In some examples, L may be in the range of 5mm - 20mm.

[0052] In some examples, has a width W in the range of 5mm - 50mm. In some examples, W may be in the range of 5mm - 30mm. In some examples, W may be in the range of 5mm - 20mm.

[0053] In some examples, the camera module has a height H in the range of 2.5mm - 25mm. In some examples, H may be in the range of 5mm - 15mm. In some examples, H may be in the range of 5mm - 12.5mm. In some examples, H may be in the range of 2.5mm - 10mm. In some examples, H may be in the range of 2.5mm - 8mm.

[0054] In some examples, the lens has an effective focal length EFL in the range of EFL = 2.5mm - 15mm. In some examples, EFL may be in the range of 2.5mm - 10mm.

[0055] In some examples, the camera module is included in a mobile device. In some examples, the mobile device is a smartphone. In some examples, the mobile device is a tablet.

[0056] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Non-limiting examples of embodiments disclosed herein are described below with reference to figures attached hereto that are listed following this paragraph. The drawings and descriptions are meant to illuminate and clarify embodiments disclosed herein, and should not be considered limiting in any way. Like elements in different drawings may be indicated like numerals.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows a known example of a dual camera in a perspective view;

[0059] FIG. 2A shows a known example of a folded camera system including a printed circuit board and a folded Tele camera module in a top view;

[0060] FIG. 2B shows the known example of a folded camera system of FIG. 2A in a cross- sectional view; FIG. 2C shows a known example of a regular camera system including a printed circuit board and a regular camera module in a cross-sectional view;

[0061] FIG. 2D shows the known example of regular camera system of FIG. 2C in a top view;

[0062] FIG. 3A shows a folded camera system disclosed herein in a cross-sectional view;

[0063] FIG. 3B shows the folded camera system of FIG. 3A in a top view;

[0064] FIG. 3C shows another folded camera system disclosed herein in a cross-sectional view;

[0065] FIG. 3D shows the another folded camera system of FIG. 3C in a top view;

[0066] FIG. 3E shows yet another folded camera system disclosed herein in a cross-sectional view;

[0067] FIG. 3F shows the yet another folded camera system of FIG. 3E in a top view;

[0068] FIG. 4A shows a camera system disclosed herein in a cross-sectional view;

[0069] FIG. 4B shows the camera system of FIG. 4A in a top view;

[0070] FIG. 4C shows another camera system disclosed herein in a top view.

[0071] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] FIG. 3A shows a folded Tele camera (“FTC”) system 300 as disclosed herein in a cross- sectional view. FIG. 3B shows FTC system 300 of FIG. 3 A in a top view.

[0073] FTC system 300 is similar to FTC system 200 in terms of the components it includes, as well as in the role and the functionality of these components. However, shapes and dimensions of some of the components included in FTC system 300 may be different from the components included in FTC system 200. In particular, the differences allow for a larger active PCB area in FTC system 300, which is beneficial for compact mobile devices such as smartphones. In the following, we use the same notation (or element numbering) as in camera system 200 for all components in FTC system 300 that are of same size and shape as those in FTC system 200. Components in FTC system 300 that are of different size and shape than in FTC system 200, are marked with a different notation than used in FTC system 200.

[0074] FTC system 300 includes a PCB 302 and a FTC 304. PCB 302 has an opening 303. With respect to the height axis, PCB 302 has a PCB height (HPCB) and a PCB bottom 307. PCB 302 has a relatively large active PCB area. In some examples, sections of PCB 302 on both sides of the opening and extending from the opening to a respective edge (302a and 302b) of the PCB along the x-axis have a width marked W302. Although marked on both sides with the same marking, the two widths may or may not be identical. As marked, W302 > W202, which allows for achieving a larger active PCB area. Specifically, W302 = W202 + AW, where AW may be in the range of 0.25mm - 15mm, or 0.5mm - 10mm. This means that, with respect to known FTC system 200 having identical dimensions, in FTC system 300 an active PCB area is increased by an additional area (“AA”) of about AA ~ 2 x AW x L204, which is beneficial. AA may be in the range of 2.5mm2to 1500mm2, 5mm2to 600mm2, or even in the range of 50mm2to 300mm2.

[0075] FTC 304 includes a lens carrier 306 that is fixedly coupled to lens barrel 214 and to lens 212 as well as to a FTC housing 308. FTC 304 has a camera bottom 305 along the height axis. Lens carrier 306 together with lens barrel 214 and lens 212 can be moved relative to housing 308 (and thus relative to the image sensor) for focusing along lens motion axis 215. This movement is actuated by a lens actuator. Here, the lens actuator includes a first VCM 320 and a second VCM 330, as described above. In other examples, lens 212 may be moved relative to housing 308 for OIS along one motion axis that is parallel to the x-axis, or along two motion axes that are both perpendicular to motion axis 215. A lowest (closest) point of first VCM 320 toward the PCB along the height axis is a first VCM actuator bottom 310, and a lowest point of second VCM 330 toward the PCB along the height axis is a second VCM actuator bottom 312. As shown, the position (or location) of first VCM actuator bottom 310 and the position of second VCM actuator bottom 312 are identical with respect to the height axis. In some embodiments, the lens actuator may include only one motor, for example only VCM 320 or only VCM 330.

[0076] With respect to the height axis, the locations of both first VCM 320 and second VCM 330 overlap along the height axis with the location of PCB 302, which is beneficial to achieve a large active PCB area. An overlap area between PCB 302 and first VCM 320 and second VCM 330 respectively is marked and numbered 314. Overlap area 314 is facilitated (or enabled) by a non- rectangular shape of FTC 304 in a cross-sectional view. In known FTC system 200 with known FTC 204 having a rectangular shape, no such overlap area exists. This holds for all FTC systems disclosed herein. In a cross-sectional view, FTC 304 has “T-shape”, meaning that FTC 304 has a larger width (measured along the x-axis) at a larger height coordinate (measured along the y-axis) and a smaller width at a smaller height coordinate.

[0077] First VCM 320 and second VCM 330 have respective symmetry axes 316 and 318. As shown, both symmetry axis 316 and symmetry axis 318 are oriented parallel to the height axis. This holds for all FTC systems disclosed hereinbelow. As shown, lens bottom 216 is positioned lower than first VCM actuator bottom 310 and second VCM actuator bottom 312 (i.e. closer to the PCB along the height axis). The difference (distance) between lens bottom 216 and first VCM actuator bottom 310 and second VCM actuator bottom 312 is marked “AA-L”. As seen, in FTC system 300, AA-L is relatively large, i.e. AA-L > HL / 2. This means that an actuator bottom is located higher (farther away from PCB 302 along the height axis) than lens bottom 216 by at least HL / 2. This allows for a relatively large active PCB area, which is desired for realizing compact mobile devices.

[0078] Alternatively, and for relating the position of first VCM 320 and second VCM 330 with the position of lens 212 along the height axis, one may state that first VCM actuator bottom 310 and second VCM actuator bottom 312 are located in a top half of lens 212. A top half of lens 212 with respect to the height axis represents a region above lens center 242, which extends as indicated by arrow 322 from lens center 242 upwards by HL / 2. This holds for all FTC systems disclosed hereinbelow.

[0079] In camera system 300, overlap area 314 extends along an entire length L304 of camera module 304.

[0080] In other examples, an overlap area such as 314 may be located only on one side of PCB 302. For example, the overlap area may be located only on a side of edge 302a or only on a side of edge 302b. In yet other examples, an overlap area such as 314 may not extend along the entire length of a camera module such as camera module 304. For example, the overlap area may extend along a first part of a length of the camera module, but it there may be no overlap area present along a second part of a length of the camera module. For example, the second part of the length of the camera module may include an aperture such as aperture 206, which may allow the positioning of a relatively large optical element into this part to enable a relatively large aperture. A relatively large aperture is desired to collect (or harvest) a relatively large amount of light with the camera module. The large optical element may be an OPFE or one or more lens elements of a lens included in the camera module.

[0081] FIG. 3C shows another FTC system 340 as disclosed herein in a cross-sectional view. FIG. 3D shows FTC system 340 of FIG. 3C in a top view. All components in FTC system 340 that are of same size and shape as in FTC system 300 are marked with the same numerals or markings. Components in FTC system 340 that are of different size and shape than in FTC system 300, are marked with a different notation than used in FTC system 300. FTC system 340 also allows for a large active PCB area. FTC system 340 includes a PCB 342 and a FTC 344. In comparison with FTC system 300, PCB 342 of FTC system 340 does not include a PCB opening such as opening 303, but PCB 342 includes a lowered PCB area marked 346. Lowered PCB area 346 fulfills a similar function as opening 303, namely to enable integration of FTC 304 into FTC system 300. Lowered PCB area 346 represents an “inactive PCB area”. “Inactive PCB area” means here that this PCB area cannot be used to integrate electronic components other than FTC 344, such as ICs, IMUs, image sensor companion chips etc. as well as wiring. Consequentially, increasing an inactive PCB area does not represent an increase in active PCB as discussed above. To clarify, when referring herein to an “active PCB area” different from an “inactive PCB area”, we refer to a PCB area that can be used to integrate electronic components other than FTC 344. With respect to known FTC system 200 having identical dimensions, in FTC system 340 an active PCB area is increased by an additional active PCB area (“AA”) of about AA ~ 2 x AW x L344. Values and ranges of or AW and AA are as given above for FTC system 300.

[0082] FIG. 3E shows yet another FTC system 360 as disclosed herein in a cross-sectional view. FIG. 3F shows FTC system 360 of FIG. 3E in a top view. All components in FTC system 360 that are of same size and shape as in FTC system 300 and FTC system 340 respectively are marked with the same numerals or markings. Components in FTC system 360 that are of different size and shape than in WC system 250, are marked with a different notation than used in FTC system 300 and FTC system 340 respectively. FTC system 360 also allows for a large active PCB area. FTC system 360 includes a PCB 362 and a FTC 364. In comparison with FTC system 300 and FTC system 340 respectively, PCB 362 of FTC system 360 does not include a PCB opening such as opening 303 or a lowered PCB area such as lowered PCB area 346. Instead, PCB 362 includes an inactive PCB area 366, as shown. With respect to known FTC system 200 having identical dimensions, in FTC system 360 an active PCB area is increased by an additional PCB area (“AA”) of about AA ~ 2 x AW x L364. Values and ranges of or AW and AA are as given above for FTC system 300.

[0083] FIG. 4A shows a camera system 400 as disclosed herein in a cross-sectional view. FIG. 4B shows camera system 400 of FIG. 4A in a top view. Camera system 400 is similar to WC system 250 in terms of the components it includes as well as the role and the functionality of these components. However, shapes and dimensions of some of the components included in camera system 400 may be different from the components included in WC system 250. In particular, the differences may allow for a larger active PCB area in camera system 400, which is beneficial for compact mobile devices. In the following, all components in camera system 400 that are of same size and shape as in WC system 250 are marked with the same numerals or markings. Components in camera system 400 that are of different size and shape than in WC system 250, are marked with a different notation than used in WC system 250.

[0084] Camera system 400 includes a PCB 402 having an opening 403 and a PCB bottom 407. PCB 402 has a relatively large PCB area. Sections of PCB 402 on both sides of opening 403 and extending from the opening to a respective edge (252a and 252b) of the PCB along the x-axis have a width marked W402 measured along the x-axis have a width marked “W402”. Although marked on both sides with the same marking, this width may or may not be identical. As marked, W402 > W252, which allows for achieving a relatively large PCB area. Specifically, W402 = W252 + AW, wherein AW may be in the range of AW = 0.25mm - 15mm, or AW = 0.5mm - 10mm. This means that, with respect to known WC system 250 having identical dimensions, a PCB area is increased by an additional PCB area (“AA”) which is proportional to AW, i.e. AA ~ 2 x L404, which is beneficial. AA may be in the range of 2.5mm2to 1500mm2, or in the range of 5mm2to 600mm2, or even in the range of 50mm2to 300mm2.

[0085] Camera system 400 includes a WC 404 that has a WC housing 408 and lens barrel 264 including a lens (not shown). WC 404 has a WC bottom 405 with respect to the height axis. In the following, for the sake of simplicity it is assumed that dimensions of lens barrel 264 exactly represent the dimensions of the lens included in lens barrel 264. For example, a position of “lens bottom” and a position of “lens barrel bottom” are identical, a location of a “top half of the lens” and a “top half of the lens barrel” is identical. Lens barrel 264 together with the lens can be moved relative to housing 258 (and thus relative to image sensor 262) for focusing along a lens motion axis 265. For OIS in one or two directions, lens barrel 264 may be moved by a lens actuator relative to housing 258 in one or two directions that are each perpendicular to lens motion axis 265. In WC 404, the lens actuator includes two VCMs, a first VCM 410 and a second VCM 420, as described above. A lowest point of first VCM 410 with respect to the height axis is first VCM actuator bottom 412, and a lowest point of second VCM 420 with respect to the height axis is second VCM actuator bottom 414. As shown, a position (or location) of first VCM actuator bottom 412 and a position of second VCM actuator bottom 414 are identical with respect to the height axis. In some embodiments, the lens actuator includes only one motor, for example first VCM 410 may be omitted or second VCM 420 may be omitted.

[0086] With respect to the height axis, locations of both first VCM 410 and second VCM 420 overlap along the height axis with a location of PCB 402, which is beneficial to achieve a large active PCB area. An overlap area between first VCM 410 and second VCM 420 respectively with PCB 402 is marked and numbered 416. Overlap area 416 is facilitated (or enabled) by a non- rectangular shape of WC 404 in a cross-sectional view. No such overlap area exists in known WC system 250 in which known WC 204 has a rectangular shape.

[0087] First VCM 410 and second VCM 420 respectively have a symmetry axis 422 and 424 respectively. As shown, both symmetry axis 422 and symmetry axis 424 are oriented parallel to the height axis.

[0088] As seen, lens bottom 266 is positioned lower than first VCM actuator bottom 412 and second VCM actuator bottom 414. A difference between lens bottom 266 and first VCM actuator bottom 412 and second VCM actuator bottom 414 is marked “AA-L”. As seen, in WC system 400, AA-L is relatively large, i.e. AA-L > HL / 2. This means that an actuator bottom is located higher than a lens bottom by at least HL / 2. This allows for a relatively large PCB area, which is desired for realizing compact mobile devices.

[0089] Alternatively, and for relating a position of first VCM 410 and second VCM 420 with a position of lens barrel 264 along the height axis, one may state that first VCM actuator bottom 412 and second VCM actuator bottom 414 are located in a top half of lens barrel 264. A top half of lens barrel 264 with respect to the height axis represents a region above lens center 292, which extends as indicated by arrow 418 from lens center 292 upwards by HL / 2.

[0090] FIG. 4C shows another WC system 450 disclosed herein including a PCB 452 in a top view. In a cross-sectional view such as shown in FIG. 4A, WC system 450 may be identical to WC system 400. However, in a cross-sectional view when rotating WC system 400 and WC system 450 respectively by 90 degrees around the y-axis, they are different. WC system 450 includes, in addition to overlap area 416, another overlap area numbered 456. Overlap area 456 is located at both sides of PCB 452, i.e. at a PCB side 454c and at a PCB side 454d of PCB 452. In other examples, an overlap area such as 456 may be located only on one of the two PCB sides. That is, the overlap area may be located only on PCB side 454c, or only on PCB side 454d. Qne or more additional actuators may be located in overlap area 456. The one or more additional actuators may be VCMs, and they may be operational to perform OIS. Specifically, W402 = W252 + AW and L402 = L252 + AL respectively, where AW and AL may be in the range of 0.5mm - 10mm. This means that, in comparison with known WC system 250 having identical dimensions, an active PCB area is increased by an additional PCB area (“AA”) which is proportional to AW and to AL, i.e. AA = 2 x AW x L404 and AA = 2 x AL x W404. AA may be in the range of 2.5mm2to 2500mm2, or in the range of 10mm2to 1000mm2, or even in the range of 50mm2to 500mm2.

[0091] While this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of the embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0092] Unless otherwise stated, the use of the expression “and / or” between the last two members of a list of options for selection indicates that a selection of one or more of the listed options is appropriate and may be made.

[0093] It should be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not to be construed as there being only one of that element.

[0094] Furthermore, for the sake of clarity the term "substantially" is used herein to imply the possibility of variations in values within an acceptable range. According to one example, the term "substantially" used herein should be interpreted to imply possible variation of up to 10% over or under any specified value. According to another example, the term "substantially" used herein should be interpreted to imply possible variation of up to 5% over or under any specified value. According to a further example, the term "substantially" used herein should be interpreted to imply possible variation of up to 2.5% over or under any specified value.

[0095] All references mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual reference was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A folded Tele camera (FTC) system, comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having an active PCB area; a folded Tele camera module comprising an image sensor, a lens having an optical axis perpendicular to a height axis and at least one lens motion axis, and an optical path folding element (OPFE); and a lens actuator, wherein the lens actuator is configured to move the lens along the at least one lens motion axis, and wherein an area occupied by the lens actuator overlaps along the height axis with the active PCB area to achieve a large active PCB area.

2. The FTC system of claim 1, wherein the FTC module has a non-rectangular shape in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis.

3. The FTC system of claim 1, wherein the FTC module has a T-shape in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis.

4. The FTC system of any of the claims 1-3, wherein the lens actuator includes a first motor and a second motor, and wherein in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the first motor is located at a left side of the lens and the second motor is located at a right side of the lens.

5. The FTC system of claim 4, wherein in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the first motor and the second motor each have a motor symmetry axis that is parallel to the height axis.

6. The FTC system of any of the claims 1-5, wherein the lens actuator has a lens actuator symmetry axis in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, and wherein the lens actuator symmetry axis is parallel to the height axis.

7. The FTC system of any of the claims 1-3, wherein the lens actuator includes a single motor.

8. The FTC system of claim 7, wherein in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the single motor has a motor symmetry axis that is parallel to the height axis.

9. The FTC system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lens has a lens height HL and a lens bottom, wherein the lens actuator has a lens actuator bottom, wherein the HL, the lens bottom, and the lens actuator bottom are defined along the height axis, and wherein the lens actuator bottom is distanced from the lens bottom by at least HL / 2.

10. The FTC system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lens motion axis is parallel to the optical axis, and wherein the movement of the lens is for focusing.

11. The FTC system of any of the preceding claims, wherein an overlap area of the lens actuator and the active PCB area is in the range of 2.5mm2to 1500mm2.

12. The FTC system of claim 11, wherein the overlap area is in the range of 5mm2to 600mm2.

13. The FTC system of claim 11, wherein the overlap area is in the range of 50mm2to 300mm2.

14. The FTC system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the FTC module has a length L = 5mm - 50mm measured along the optical axis.

15. The FTC system of claim 14, wherein L = 5mm - 30mm.

16. The FTC system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the FTC module has a width W= 2.5mm - 50mm measured along an axis perpendicular to the optical axis and to the height axis.

17. The FTC system of claim 16, wherein W = 2.5mm - 25mm.18 The FTC system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the FTC module has a height H= 2.5mm - 25mm measured along the height axis.

19. The FTC system of claim 18, wherein H = 2.5mm - 12.5mm.

20. The FTC system of claim 18, wherein H = 2.5mm - 10mm.

21. The FTC system of claim 18, wherein H = 2.5mm - 8mm.

22. The FTC system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lens has an effective focal length EFL in the range of EFL = 9mm - 50mm.

23. The FTC system of claim 22, wherein EFL = 10mm - 30mm.

24. The FTC system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the FTC system is included in a mobile device.

25. The FTC system of claim 24, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone.

26. The FTC system of claim 24, wherein the mobile device is a tablet.

27. A camera system, comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB) having an active PCB area; a camera module comprising an image sensor, a lens having a optical axis parallel to a height axis and at least one lens motion axis; and a lens actuator, wherein the lens actuator is configured to move the lens along the at least one lens motion axis, and wherein an area occupied by the lens actuator overlaps along the height axis with a location of the active PCB to achieve a large active PCB area.

28. The camera system of claim 27, wherein the camera module has a non-rectangular shape in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis.

29. The camera system of claim 27, wherein the camera module has a T-shape in a cross- sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis.

30. The camera system of any of the claims 27-29, wherein the lens actuator includes a first motor and a second motor, and wherein in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the first motor is located at a left side of the lens and the second motor is located at a right side of the lens.

31. The camera system of claim 30, wherein in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the first motor and the second motor each have a motor symmetry axis that is parallel to the height axis.

32. The folded camera system of any of the claims 27-31, wherein the lens actuator has a lens actuator symmetry axis in a cross-sectional view oriented parallel to the optical axis, and wherein the lens actuator symmetry axis is parallel to the height axis.

33. The camera system of any of the claims 27-29, wherein the lens actuator includes a single motor.

34. The camera system of claim 33, wherein in a cross-sectional view oriented perpendicular to the optical axis, the single motor has a motor symmetry axis that is parallel to the height axis.

35. The camera system of any of the claims 27-34, wherein the lens has a lens height HL and a lens bottom, wherein the lens actuator has a lens actuator bottom, wherein the H, the lens bottom, and the lens actuator bottom are defined along the height axis, and wherein the lens actuator bottom is distanced from the lens bottom by at least HL / 2.

36. The camera system of any of the claims 27-35, wherein the lens motion axis is parallel to the optical axis, and wherein the movement of the lens is for focusing.

37. The folded camera system of any of the claims 27-36, wherein an overlap area of the lens actuator and the active PCB area is in the range of 2.5mm2to 1500mm2.

38. The folded camera system of claim 37, wherein the overlap area is in the range of 5mm2to 600mm2.

39. The folded camera system of claim 37, wherein the overlap area is in the range of 50mm2to 300mm2.

40. The camera system of any of the claims 27-39, wherein the camera module has a length L = 5mm - 50mm.

41. The camera system of claim 40, wherein L = 5mm - 30mm.

42. The camera system of claim 40, wherein L = 5mm - 20mm.

43. The camera system of any of the claims 27-42, wherein the camera module has a width W = 5mm - 50mm.

44. The camera system of claim 43, wherein W = 5mm - 30mm.

45. The camera system of claim 43, wherein W = 5 mm - 20mm.

46. The camera system of any of the claims 27-45, wherein the camera module has a height H = 2.5mm - 25mm.

47. The camera system of claim 46, wherein H = 5mm - 15mm.

48. The camera system of claim 46, wherein H = 5mm - 12.5mm.

49. The camera system of claim 46, wherein H = 2.5mm - 10mm.

50. The camera system of claim 46, wherein H = 2.5mm - 8mm.

51. The camera system of any of the claims 27-50, wherein the lens has an effective focal length EFL in the range of EFL = 2.5mm - 15mm.

52. The camera system of claim 51 , wherein EFL = 2.5mm - 10mm.

53. The camera system of any of the claims 27-52, wherein the camera module is included in a mobile device.

54. The camera system of claim 53, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone.

55. The folded camera system of claim 53, wherein the mobile device is a tablet.

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