CAMERA MODULE AND MOBILE TERMINAL

A camera module and a mobile terminal including a base, and a lifting camera lens that may slide relative to the base. Protrusion and retraction of the camera lens of the camera module are implemented through sliding between the base and the lifting camera lens. In addition, the camera module further includes a drive apparatus for driving the lifting camera lens to rise or fall. The drive apparatus includes: a rotating cylinder that may rotate relative to the base, where the rotating cylinder is sleeved outside the lifting camera lens and used to drive the lifting camera lens to rise or fall; and a drive mechanism for driving the rotating cylinder to rotate. When the foregoing structure is used, the rotating cylinder is sleeved outside the lifting camera lens, so that the drive apparatus partially overlaps with the lifting camera lens, thereby reducing a size of the camera module.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the field of mobile terminal technologies, and in particular, to a camera module and a mobile terminal.

BACKGROUND

Due to limitation on a size of a mobile terminal product, especially limitation in a thickness direction, a size of a camera module becomes smaller. To obtain better image quality, an optical size of an image sensor that matches a camera module of a mobile phone becomes larger, and accordingly, a height of a camera lens that matches the camera module becomes greater. Consequently, a height of the camera module becomes greater accordingly. However, a thickness of the mobile phone does not change or even becomes smaller. Therefore, a camera module for which a large optical size can be used and that can fit into a mobile terminal is required. In the conventional technology, a telescopic camera module is used. However, an existing telescopic camera module has a large size, and cannot adapt to miniaturization development of the mobile terminal.

SUMMARY

This application provides a camera module and a mobile terminal, to improve a size of the camera module and facilitate miniaturization development of the mobile terminal.

According to a first aspect, a camera module is provided. The camera module is applied to a mobile terminal. The camera module includes a base, and a lifting camera lens that may slide relative to the base. Protrusion and retraction of the camera lens of the camera module are implemented through sliding between the base and the lifting camera lens, thereby providing a good shooting effect. In addition, the camera module further includes a drive apparatus for driving the lifting camera lens to rise or fall. The drive apparatus includes: a rotating cylinder that may rotate relative to the base, where the rotating cylinder is sleeved outside the lifting camera lens and used to drive the lifting camera lens to rise or fall; and a drive mechanism for driving the rotating cylinder to rotate. In use, the drive mechanism is used to drive the rotating cylinder to rotate, and the rotating cylinder is used to drive the lifting camera lens to rise or fall, thereby improving a shooting effect of the camera module. In addition, when the foregoing structure is used, the rotating cylinder is sleeved outside the lifting camera lens, so that the drive apparatus partially overlaps with the lifting camera lens, thereby reducing a size of the camera module and facilitating miniaturization development of the mobile terminal.

In a specific implementable solution, the drive mechanism and the lifting camera lens are located on a same side of the base. The size of the camera module is reduced, and the miniaturization development of the mobile terminal is facilitated.

In a specific implementable solution, the drive mechanism includes a drive motor fastened to the base, a worm connected to the drive motor, and a gear ring disposed on an outer side wall of the rotating cylinder, and the worm is engaged with the gear ring.

In a specific implementable solution, a length direction of an output shaft of the drive motor is perpendicular to an axis around which the rotating cylinder is rotated. The size of the camera module can be further reduced.

In a specific implementable solution, the drive mechanism includes a drive motor fastened to the base, a gear connected to the drive motor, and a gear ring disposed on an outer side wall of the rotating cylinder, and the gear is engaged with the gear ring.

In a specific implementable solution, a groove body for accommodating the drive motor is disposed on the base. Fastening of the drive motor is facilitated.

In a specific implementable solution, the drive mechanism includes two drive motors that are disposed opposite to each other, a worm separately connected to the two motors, and a gear ring disposed on an outer side wall of the rotating cylinder, and the worm is engaged with the gear ring. Output torque of the drive mechanism is increased.

In a specific implementable solution, a spiral sliding groove is disposed on an inner side wall of the rotating cylinder, and the lifting camera lens is provided with a spiral slider that fits into the spiral sliding groove through sliding; or an internal thread is disposed on an inner side wall of the rotating cylinder, and the lifting camera lens is provided with an external thread that fits the internal thread. The threads fit into each other, to facilitate a rise and a fall.

In a specific implementable solution, at least one guide pillar is disposed on the base, and the lifting camera lens is assembled on the at least one guide pillar through sliding. The guide pillar is used to limit a sliding direction of the lifting camera lens.

In a specific implementable solution, there are two guide pillars, and the two guide pillars are symmetrically disposed. A sliding effect is ensured.

In a specific implementable solution, the lifting camera lens is provided with a magnetic component, and the at least one guide pillar is provided with a detection component for detecting the magnetic component; or the at least one guide pillar is provided with a magnetic component, and the lifting camera lens is provided with a detection component for detecting the magnetic component. The disposed magnetic component and the disposed detection component may be used to detect a location of the lifting camera lens.

In a specific implementable solution, the detection component is a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor is used to detect the location of the lifting camera lens.

In a specific implementable solution, the lifting camera lens includes a lifting cylinder and a camera lens fastened to the lifting cylinder.

In a specific implementable solution, the camera module further includes a casing connected to the base in a fastened manner, where the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens are located inside the casing, and when the lifting camera lens protrudes, the lifting camera lens is exposed outside the casing. The casing and the base fit into each other, to form space for accommodating the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens.

In a specific implementable solution, an elastic sheet is disposed between the rotating cylinder and the base; or an elastic sheet is disposed between the casing and the rotating cylinder. The elastic sheet is used to reduce a gap inside the camera module.

In a specific implementable solution, the casing is provided with a first through hole through which the lifting camera lens passes, the lifting camera lens is exposed after passing through the first through hole, and the lifting camera lens is connected to the first through hole in a sealed manner. A waterproof effect of the camera module is improved.

In a specific implementable solution, a sealing ring is embedded in the first through hole, and an annular groove is disposed on a surface on which the sealing ring is in contact with the lifting camera lens. The annular groove is disposed, so that there are two contact parts between the sealing ring and the lifting camera lens, thereby improving a sealing effect.

In a specific implementable solution, a shoulder is disposed at one end that is of the lifting camera lens and that is exposed outside the casing, and the shoulder may be in contact with the sealing ring in a sealed manner. The sealing effect is further improved.

According to a second aspect, a camera module is provided. The camera module is applied to a mobile terminal. The camera module includes a base, a lifting camera lens that may slide relative to the base, and a drive apparatus. The drive apparatus includes: a drive block that may slide relative to the base and is used to drive the lifting camera lens to rise or fall; and a drive mechanism for driving the drive block to slide. The drive block and the lifting camera lens are located on a same side of the base, so that the drive apparatus partially overlaps with the lifting camera lens, thereby reducing a size of the camera module and facilitating miniaturization development of the mobile terminal.

In a specific implementable solution, the drive mechanism includes a drive motor fastened to the base and a lead screw connected to the drive motor, and the lead screw is threaded through the drive block and threaded with the drive block; and the drive block is provided with a linear sliding groove that inclines relative to a sliding direction of the lifting camera lens, and the lifting camera lens is provided with a slider that is assembled into the linear sliding groove through sliding. The linear sliding groove and the slider fit into each other, to drive the lifting camera lens to rise or fall.

In a specific implementable solution, at least one guide pillar is disposed on the base, and the lifting camera lens is assembled on the at least one guide pillar through sliding. The guide pillar is used to limit a sliding direction of the lifting camera lens.

In a specific implementable solution, there are two guide pillars, and the two guide pillars are symmetrically disposed. A sliding effect is ensured.

In a specific implementable solution, the lifting camera lens is provided with a magnetic component, and the at least one guide pillar is provided with a detection component for detecting the magnetic component; or the at least one guide pillar is provided with a magnetic component, and the lifting camera lens is provided with a detection component for detecting the magnetic component. The disposed magnetic component and the disposed detection component may be used to detect a location of the lifting camera lens.

In a specific implementable solution, the detection component is a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor is used to detect the location of the lifting camera lens.

In a specific implementable solution, the lifting camera lens includes a lifting cylinder and a camera lens fastened to the lifting cylinder.

In a specific implementable solution, the camera module further includes a casing connected to the base in a fastened manner, where the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens are located inside the casing, and when the lifting camera lens protrudes, the lifting camera lens is exposed outside the casing. The casing and the base fit into each other, to form space for accommodating the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens.

In a specific implementable solution, the casing is provided with a first through hole through which the lifting camera lens passes, the lifting camera lens is exposed after passing through the first through hole, and the lifting camera lens is connected to the first through hole in a sealed manner. A waterproof effect of the camera module is improved.

In a specific implementable solution, a sealing ring is embedded in the first through hole, and an annular groove is disposed on a surface on which the sealing ring is in contact with the lifting camera lens. The annular groove is disposed, so that there are two contact parts between the sealing ring and the lifting camera lens, thereby improving a sealing effect.

In a specific implementable solution, a shoulder is disposed at one end that is of the lifting camera lens and that is exposed outside the casing, and the shoulder may be in contact with the sealing ring in a sealed manner. The sealing effect is further improved.

According to a third aspect, a mobile terminal is provided. The mobile terminal includes a housing and the camera module according to any one of the foregoing implementable solutions. The base is fastened inside the housing, and a second through hole that fits the lifting camera lens is disposed on the housing; and when the lifting camera lens rises, the lifting camera lens is exposed after passing through the second through hole. In use, a drive mechanism is used to drive a rotating cylinder to rotate, and the rotating cylinder is used to drive the lifting camera lens to rise or fall, thereby improving a shooting effect of the camera module. In addition, when the foregoing structure is used, the rotating cylinder is sleeved outside the lifting camera lens, so that the drive apparatus partially overlaps with the lifting camera lens, thereby reducing a size of the camera module and facilitating miniaturization development of the mobile terminal.

In a specific implementable solution, when the camera module includes a casing, the casing and the housing are an integral structure. A sealing effect of the mobile terminal is improved.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

To facilitate understanding of a camera module provided in embodiments of this application, an application scenario of the camera module is first described. The camera module is applied to a mobile terminal, for example, a common mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a notebook computer.FIG. 1is a schematic diagram of a structure of a mobile phone. The mobile phone includes a housing200and a component disposed inside the housing200. The component includes a camera module300. During specific assembly, the camera module300is fastened inside the housing200, and a second through hole that fits the camera module300is disposed on the housing200, so that a camera lens of the camera module300is exposed. To make objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, refer toFIG. 2.FIG. 2shows a main structure of a camera module300according to an embodiment of this application. The camera module300mainly includes a base10and a casing20connected to the base10in a fastened manner. As shown inFIG. 2, the base10and the casing20are connected in a fastened manner, and form a receiving cavity. A lifting camera lens30of the camera module300is assembled into the receiving cavity, and the lifting camera lens30is partially exposed outside the casing20.

Refer to bothFIG. 2andFIG. 3.FIG. 3is a schematic exploded diagram of a camera module300. As shown inFIG. 3, the base10of the camera module300includes a rectangular support plate11. The support plate11has two opposite surfaces, and the two surfaces are respectively a first surface and a second surface. A printed circuit board90is disposed on one side of the second surface of the base10. An image sensor91is disposed on the printed circuit board90, and the image sensor91is electrically connected to the printed circuit board90. In addition, a hollow-out structure15is disposed on the support plate11, and a light filter80is embedded in the hollow-out structure15. During a connection, the support plate11is connected to the printed circuit board90in a fastened manner, and the light filter80covers the image sensor91. InFIG. 3, the hollow-out structure15and the light filter80are in a rectangular structure. However, it should be understood that shapes of the light filter80and the hollow-out structure15are not limited in this embodiment of this application. During production, structures of the hollow-out structure15and the light filter80may be adjusted based on an actual requirement, for example, may be in a circular shape, an oval shape, or another shape.

Still refer toFIG. 3. The camera module300provided in this embodiment of this application further includes a lifting camera lens30. The lifting camera lens30includes a lifting cylinder32and a camera lens33fastened to the lifting cylinder32. As shown inFIG. 3, the lifting cylinder32is a circular cylinder body, and both ends of the lifting cylinder32are open. Correspondingly, the camera lens33is a circular lens. During assembly, the camera lens33is embedded in the lifting cylinder32, and is located at one end of the lifting cylinder32. When the lifting cylinder32is assembled on the base10, the lifting camera lens30and the base10may slide relative to each other. For a specific structure, refer toFIG. 3. Two guide pillars12are located on one side of the first surface of the support plate11, and the two guide pillars12are symmetrically disposed. InFIG. 3, the two guide pillars12are disposed on two sides of the hollow-out structure15, and are symmetrical with respect to an axis of the hollow-out structure15. The lifting camera lens30is assembled on the two guide pillars12through sliding. During assembly, the lifting camera lens30is provided with two through holes (not shown in the figure), and the two guide pillars12are assembled in the two through holes in a one-to-one correspondence. When the lifting camera lens30is assembled on the base10through sliding, the lifting camera lens30may slide in a length direction of the guide pillar12. However, inFIG. 3, the length direction of the guide pillar12is perpendicular to the second surface of the support plate11. Therefore, when the lifting camera lens30slides in the length direction of the guide pillar12, the camera lens33may approach the image sensor91and be away from the image sensor. Certainly, it should be understood that, a quantity of guide pillars12provided in this embodiment of this application is not limited to two shown inFIG. 3, and may alternatively be a different quantity such as one, three, or four. When the lifting camera lens30is assembled on the guide pillar12, the camera lens33and an image processor are disposed coaxially, to ensure a shooting effect of a camera.

Still refer toFIG. 3. The camera module300provided in this embodiment of this application further includes a casing20. The casing20and the base10are connected in a fastened manner and form space for accommodating a drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens30. As shown inFIG. 3, the casing20is of a cuboid structure and has a hollow cavity. When the casing20is connected to the base10in a fastened manner, the casing20may be connected to the base10by using a threaded connection part such as a bolt or a screw, or may be connected to the base10through bonding or welding. In addition, the support plate11and the casing20enclose space for accommodating a lifting apparatus and the drive apparatus. In addition, the casing20is further provided with one first through hole21. When sliding between the lifting camera lens30and the base10, the lifting camera lens30may pass through the first through hole21and be exposed outside the casing20.

Still refer toFIG. 3. The camera module300provided in this embodiment of this application further includes the drive apparatus, and the drive apparatus is configured to drive the lifting camera lens30to slide. The drive apparatus includes two parts: a drive mechanism60and a rotating cylinder40. As shown inFIG. 3, the rotating cylinder40is a cylinder body41with two open ends, and the rotating cylinder40and the base10may rotate relative to each other. During specific assembly, two opposite arc-shaped protrusions16are disposed on the support plate11of the base10, and the rotating cylinder40is sleeved outside the arc-shaped protrusions16, to limit the rotating cylinder40in a radial direction, so that the rotating cylinder40can rotate around the arc-shaped protrusion16. When the arc-shaped protrusions16are specifically disposed, the two arc-shaped protrusions16are disposed oppositely on two sides of the hollow-out structure15, and inner concave directions of the arc-shaped protrusions16are opposite to each other. In addition, the arc-shaped protrusions16are located outside the guide pillar12. When the rotating cylinder40is assembled, the rotating cylinder40can be sleeved outside the lifting camera lens30. After nesting, the rotating cylinder40and the lifting camera lens30are coaxially disposed and spirally connected. As shown inFIG. 3, an inner side wall of the rotating cylinder40is provided with an internal thread, and the lifting camera lens30is provided with an external thread that fits the internal thread. When the external thread is disposed, as shown inFIG. 3, a shoulder31is disposed at one end that is of the lifting cylinder32of the lifting camera lens30and that is away from the camera lens33, and the external thread is disposed on the shoulder31. When the lifting camera lens30is assembled, the shoulder31of the lifting camera lens30is sleeved outside the guide pillar12in a direction toward the support plate11, and then is screwed into the rotating cylinder40, so that the internal thread of the rotating cylinder40fits the external thread. The rotating cylinder40is screwed to a location at which the rotating cylinder40is in contact with the support plate11, and in this case, the rotating cylinder40is sleeved outside the arc-shaped protrusions16. When the casing20is connected to the base10in a fastened manner, top and bottom ends of the rotating cylinder40respectively abut against the casing20and the support plate11, to ensure that the rotating cylinder40is limited in a radial direction. When the rotating cylinder40rotates, because the rotating cylinder40cannot move axially, the internal thread and the external thread fit into each other, to drive the lifting camera lens30to rise or fall. For example, when the rotating cylinder40rotates to the right, the lifting cylinder32may slide away from the support plate11, and when the rotating cylinder40rotates to the left, the lifting cylinder32may slide towards the support plate11. Certainly, in addition to the foregoing fitting between the internal thread and the external thread, in the camera module provided in this implementation of this application, another manner may alternatively be used to enable the rotating cylinder to drive the lifting camera lens. For example, the inner side wall of the rotating cylinder is provided with a spiral sliding groove, and the lifting camera lens is provided with a spiral slider that fits into the spiral sliding groove through sliding. More specifically, at least two spiral sliding grooves such as three or four spiral sliding grooves are disposed inside the rotating cylinder. During disposing, the spiral sliding grooves rise spirally along the inner side wall of the rotating cylinder, and are evenly distributed inside the rotating cylinder. A spiral slider that fits into each spiral sliding groove is also disposed inside the lifting cylinder of the corresponding lifting camera lens, and the spiral slider and the spiral sliding groove fit into each other, so that when the rotating cylinder rotates, the lifting camera lens is driven to rise or fall.

In addition, when the rotating cylinder40is assembled, an assembly gap is inevitably generated between the base10and the casing20. Therefore, to limit axial movement of the rotating cylinder40, an elastic sheet50is disposed between the rotating cylinder40and the base10, or an elastic sheet50is disposed between the casing20and the rotating cylinder40. Elastic force of the disposed elastic sheet50makes one end of the rotating cylinder40abut against the casing20or abut against the support plate11, thereby ensuring that the rotating cylinder40is limited in an axial direction. Stability is ensured when the lifting camera lens30is driven. In addition, the elastic sheet50is disposed on an end face of the rotating cylinder40, to reduce friction between the rotating cylinder40and the support plate11or the casing20, eliminate a gap between the rotating cylinder40and the support plate11or the casing20, and reduce a return difference. Certainly, two elastic sheets50may alternatively be disposed. In this case, the elastic sheet50is disposed between the casing20and the rotating cylinder40and between the rotating cylinder40and the support plate11, to achieve a same effect.

Still refer toFIG. 3. The drive apparatus provided in this embodiment of this application further includes a drive mechanism60, and the drive mechanism60is configured to drive the rotating cylinder40to rotate. As shown inFIG. 3, the drive mechanism60and the lifting camera lens30are located on a same side of the base10. A specific structure of the drive mechanism includes a drive motor61, a worm62connected to the drive motor61, and a gear ring42disposed on an outer side wall of the rotating cylinder40. The worm62is engaged with the gear ring42. Certainly, the drive motor may alternatively be used to connect to a gear reducer, and then connect to the worm through the gear reducer. A connection manner of the drive motor and the gear reducer is a common connection manner. Details are not described herein again.

During specific assembly, as shown inFIG. 3, the drive motor61is fastened on the base10, a specific support plate11is provided with an arc-shaped mounting groove13, and the drive motor61is horizontally positioned in the mounting groove13and is connected to the mounting groove13in a fastened manner. Specifically, the drive motor61may be fastened in the mounting groove13by using an adhesive connection part or a threaded connection part (a bolt or a screw). In this case, a length direction of an output shaft of the drive motor61is perpendicular to an axis around which the rotating cylinder40rotates. In other words, the output shaft of the drive motor61is perpendicular to a sliding direction of the lifting camera lens30. The output shaft of the drive motor61is connected to a worm62, a gear ring42is correspondingly disposed on the outer side wall of the rotating cylinder40, and the gear ring42is engaged with the worm62. When the drive motor61rotates, the worm62and the gear ring42fit into each other to convert horizontal rotation into vertical rotation, to drive the rotating cylinder40to rotate, and then drive, through rotation of the rotating cylinder40, the lifting camera lens30to rise or fall. Certainly, the drive motor may alternatively be used to connect to a gear reducer, and then connect to the worm through the gear reducer. A connection manner of the drive motor and the gear reducer is a common connection manner. Details are not described herein again.

It can be learned from the foregoing structure that in this embodiment of this application, the lifting camera lens30protrudes from the structure, the guide pillar12passes through the base10, and the drive apparatus is disposed on a periphery of the lifting camera lens30, to minimize a size of a protrusion part. In addition, the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens30are located on a same side of the support plate11, and the drive apparatus may further partially overlap with the lifting camera lens30in a height direction. In comparison with the conventional technology in which the lifting camera lens30and the drive apparatus separately occupy space, space occupied by the camera module300may be reduced, thereby facilitating miniaturization development of the mobile terminal.

Still refer toFIG. 3. When the drive motor61is connected to the base10in a fastened manner, a motor drive IC100is disposed on the printed circuit board90. The motor drive IC100is connected to the drive motor61, and the motor drive IC100may be used to drive the drive motor61to rotate forward or reversely, to drive the lifting camera lens30to rise or fall. On the mobile terminal, when the camera module300does not perform shooting, the lifting camera lens30is retracted into the mobile terminal, without affecting an overall thickness of the mobile terminal. During shooting, the lifting camera lens30protrudes from a body of the mobile terminal, to increase available optical space and achieve high-quality image shooting.

In addition, to detect a location of the lifting camera lens30, a magnetic component may be disposed on the lifting camera lens30. When there is at least one guide pillar, a detection component for detecting the magnetic element may be disposed on one guide pillar12, or a detection component may be disposed on some or all guide pillars12. When there is at least one guide pillar, a magnetic component may be disposed on one guide pillar12, or a detection component may be disposed on some or all guide pillars12. The lifting camera lens30is provided with the detection component for detecting the magnetic component. The magnetic component may be a magnet72, and the detection component may be a Hall sensor71. As shown inFIG. 3, the Hall sensor71may be mounted on one of the guide pillars12, and the magnet72is mounted on the lifting cylinder32and is parallel and opposite to the Hall sensor71. When the lifting cylinder32and the camera lens33move up and down, the magnet72is driven to move, and the Hall sensor71determines location information of the camera lens33by sensing a change in a magnetic field. In addition, the printed circuit board90is connected to the Hall sensor71, to receive a signal from the Hall sensor71, and further obtain location information of the lifting camera lens30. It can be learned from the foregoing description that the guide pillar12protruding from the base10can be used to ensure that the lifting cylinder32makes rectilinear motion, and be further used to implement closed-loop control of mounting and fastening of the Hall sensor71, thereby reducing a size and costs.

When the lifting camera lens30passes through the first through hole of the casing and then is exposed, a gap exists between the lifting camera lens30and the casing, to improve a sealing effect of the lifting camera lens30. The lifting camera lens30is connected to the first through hole in a sealed manner. Through sealing between the lifting camera lens30and the first through hole, external liquid or moisture is prevented from entering into the camera module. As shown inFIG. 4, a sealing ring22is embedded in the first through hole, and an annular groove222is disposed on a surface on which the sealing ring22is in contact with the lifting camera lens30. Specifically, the sealing ring22is embedded on a side wall of the first through hole, and the sealing ring22has a mounting groove that is sleeved on the side wall of the first through hole. Two side walls of the mounting groove are respectively clamped on two end faces of the side wall of the first through hole. An annular groove222is also disposed on a surface that is of the sealing ring22and that faces the lifting camera lens30, and the annular groove222cuts, into two parts, one end that is of the sealing ring22and that is in contact with the lifting camera lens30. For ease of description, the two parts are named a first contact part221and a second contact part223. The first contact part221and the second contact part223are separately in contact with the lifting cylinder of the lifting camera lens30in a sealed manner. During sealing, both the first contact part221and the second contact part223are deformed, so that the sealing ring22forms double-layer sealing on the lifting camera lens30, thereby improving a sealing effect.

As shown inFIG. 5, to further improve the sealing effect, a shoulder321is disposed at one end that is of the lifting camera lens30and that is exposed outside the casing, and the shoulder321may be in contact with the sealing ring22in a sealed manner. When the lifting camera lens30is retracted to an initial location, the shoulder321abuts against an end face of the sealing ring22, to form sealing between the shoulder321and the sealing ring22in both axial and radial directions. In an implementable solution, an annular protrusion may be further disposed on a surface that is of the sealing ring22and that faces the shoulder321, and the shoulder321extrudes the protrusion to cause a deformation. Alternatively, an annular groove that fit the protrusion may be further disposed on the shoulder321, and sealing of the lifting camera lens30is implemented through fitting between the protrusion and the groove.

FIG. 6is a schematic exploded diagram of another camera module300according to an embodiment of this application. For a same reference numeral inFIG. 6, refer to the same reference numeral inFIG. 3.FIG. 6differs fromFIG. 3in a drive mechanism60. InFIG. 6, the drive mechanism60and a lifting camera lens30are located on a same side of a base10. The drive mechanism60includes a drive motor61fastened to the base10, a gear63connected to the drive motor61, and a gear ring42disposed on an outer side wall of the rotating cylinder40. The gear63is engaged with a gear ring42. Certainly, the drive motor may alternatively be used to connect to a gear reducer, and then connect to the gear through the gear reducer. A connection manner of the drive motor and the gear reducer is a common connection manner. Details are not described herein again.

Still refer toFIG. 6. When the drive motor61is fastened, a circular mounting groove14is disposed on a support plate11. The drive motor61may be fastened in the mounting groove14by using an adhesive connection part or a screw connection part (a bolt or a screw). In this case, a length direction of an output shaft of the drive motor61is parallel to an axis around which the rotating cylinder40rotates. In other words, the output shaft of the drive motor61is parallel to a sliding direction of the lifting camera lens30. The output shaft of the drive motor61is connected to a gear63, a gear ring42is correspondingly disposed on the outer side wall of the rotating cylinder40, and the gear ring42is engaged with the gear63. When the drive motor61rotates, the gear63and the gear ring42fit into each other, to drive the rotating cylinder40to rotate, and then drive, through rotation of the rotating cylinder40, the lifting camera lens30to rise or fall.

For sealing of the camera module shown inFIG. 6, refer to sealing structures shown inFIG. 6andFIG. 5. Details are not described herein again.

It can be learned from the foregoing structure that in this embodiment of this application, the lifting camera lens30protrudes from the structure, a guide pillar12passes through the base10, and a drive apparatus is disposed on a periphery of the lifting camera lens30, to minimize a size of a protrusion part. In addition, the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens30are located on a same side of the support plate11, and the drive apparatus may further partially overlap with the lifting camera lens30in a height direction. In comparison with the conventional technology in which the lifting camera lens30and the drive apparatus separately occupy space, space occupied by the camera module300may be reduced, thereby facilitating miniaturization development of a mobile terminal.

FIG. 7is a schematic exploded diagram of another camera module300according to an embodiment of this application. For a same reference numeral inFIG. 7, refer to the same reference numeral inFIG. 3.FIG. 7differs fromFIG. 3in a drive mechanism60. InFIG. 7, the drive mechanism60and a lifting camera lens30are located on a same side of a base10. A specific structure of the drive mechanism includes two drive motors61that are disposed opposite to each other, a worm62that is separately connected to the two motors, and a gear ring42disposed on an outer side wall of the rotating cylinder40. The worm62is engaged with the gear ring42. Certainly, the drive motor may alternatively be used to connect to a gear reducer, and then connect to the worm through the gear reducer. A connection manner of the drive motor and the gear reducer is a common connection manner. Details are not described herein again.

During specific assembly, as shown inFIG. 7, the drive motor61is fastened on the base10, a specific support plate11is provided with an arc-shaped mounting groove13, and the drive motor61is horizontally positioned in the mounting groove13and is connected to the mounting groove13in a fastened manner. Specifically, the drive motor61may be fastened in the mounting groove13by using an adhesive connection part or a threaded connection part (a bolt or a screw). Output shafts of the two drive motors61are disposed opposite to each other. A length direction of the output shaft of the drive motor61is perpendicular to an axis around which the rotating cylinder40rotates. In other words, the output shaft of the drive motor61is perpendicular to a sliding direction of the lifting camera lens30. The two output shafts of the drive motors61are respectively connected to two ends of the worm62, and the two drive motors61and the worm62are coaxially disposed. The outer side wall of the rotating cylinder40is provided with a gear ring42, and the gear ring42is engaged with the worm62. When the drive motors61rotate, the two drive motors61simultaneously drive the worm62to rotate, and the worm62and the gear ring42fit into each other to convert horizontal rotation into vertical rotation, to drive the rotating cylinder40to rotate, and then drive, through rotation of the rotating cylinder40, the lifting camera lens30to rise or fall.

For sealing of the camera module shown inFIG. 7, refer to sealing structures shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 5. Details are not described herein again.

It can be learned from the foregoing structure that in this embodiment of this application, the lifting camera lens30protrudes from the structure, a guide pillar12passes through the base10, and a drive apparatus is disposed on a periphery of the lifting camera lens30, to minimize a size of a protrusion part. In addition, the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens30are located on a same side of the support plate11, and the drive apparatus may further partially overlap with the lifting camera lens30in a height direction. In comparison with the conventional technology in which the lifting camera lens30and the drive apparatus separately occupy space, space occupied by the camera module300may be reduced, thereby facilitating miniaturization development of a mobile terminal. In addition, in the structure shown inFIG. 7, the two drive motors61are used. Therefore, large output torque can be provided, and a driving effect can be improved. In addition, the two drive motors61can be used to reduce load of each drive motor61, thereby increasing a service life of the drive motor61.

FIG. 8shows a fourth camera module according to an embodiment of this application. A base10of a camera module300includes a rectangular support plate11. The support plate11has two opposite surfaces, and the two surfaces are respectively a first surface and a second surface. A printed circuit board90is disposed on one side of the second surface of the base10. An image sensor91is disposed on the printed circuit board90, and the image sensor91is electrically connected to the printed circuit board90. In addition, a hollow-out structure15is disposed on the support plate11, and a light filter80is embedded in the hollow-out structure15. During a connection, the support plate11is connected to the printed circuit board90in a fastened manner, and the light filter80covers the image sensor91. InFIG. 8, the hollow-out structure15and the light filter80are in a rectangular structure. However, it should be understood that shapes of the light filter80and the hollow-out structure15are not limited in this embodiment of this application. During production, structures of the hollow-out structure15and the light filter80may be adjusted based on an actual requirement, for example, may be in a circular shape, an oval shape, or another shape.

Still refer toFIG. 8. The camera module300provided in this embodiment of this application further includes a lifting camera lens30. The lifting camera lens30includes a lifting cylinder32and a camera lens33fastened to the lifting cylinder32. As shown inFIG. 8, the lifting cylinder32is a circular cylinder body, and both ends of the lifting cylinder32are open. Correspondingly, the camera lens33is a circular lens. During assembly, the camera lens33is embedded in the lifting cylinder32, and is located at one end of the lifting cylinder32. When the lifting cylinder32is assembled on the base10, the lifting camera lens30and the base10may slide relative to each other. For a specific structure, refer toFIG. 8. Two guide pillars12are located on one side of the first surface of the support plate11, and the two guide pillars12are symmetrically disposed. InFIG. 8, the two guide pillars12are disposed on two sides of the hollow-out structure15, and are symmetrical along an axis of the hollow-out structure15. The lifting camera lens30is assembled on the two guide pillars12through sliding. During assembly, the lifting camera lens30is provided with two through holes (not shown in the figure), and the two guide pillars12are assembled in the two through holes in a one-to-one correspondence. When the lifting camera lens30is assembled on the base10through sliding, the lifting camera lens30may slide in a length direction of the guide pillar12. However, inFIG. 8, the length direction of the guide pillar12is perpendicular to the second surface of the support plate11. Therefore, when the lifting camera lens30slides in the length direction of the guide pillar12, the camera lens33may approach the image sensor91and be away from the image sensor. Certainly, it should be understood that, a quantity of guide pillars12provided in this embodiment of this application is not limited to two shown inFIG. 8, and may alternatively be a different quantity such as one, three, or four. When the lifting camera lens30is assembled on the guide pillar12, the camera lens33and an image processor are disposed coaxially, to ensure a shooting effect of a camera.

Still refer toFIG. 8. The camera module300provided in this embodiment of this application further includes a casing20. The casing20and the base10are connected in a fastened manner and form space for accommodating the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens30. As shown inFIG. 8, the casing20is of a cuboid structure and has a hollow cavity. When the casing20is connected to the base10in a fastened manner, the casing20may be connected to the base10by using a threaded connection part such as a bolt or a screw, or may be connected through bonding or welding. In addition, the support plate11and the casing20enclose space for accommodating a lifting apparatus and the drive apparatus. In addition, the casing20is further provided with one first through hole21. When sliding between the lifting camera lens30and base10, the lifting camera lens30may pass through the first through hole21and be exposed outside the casing20.

Still refer toFIG. 8. The camera module300provided in this embodiment of this application further includes the drive apparatus, and the drive apparatus is configured to drive the lifting camera lens30to slide. The drive apparatus includes a drive block66that may slide relative to the base10and is used to drive the lifting camera lens to rise or fall; and a drive mechanism for driving the drive block66to slide. As shown inFIG. 8, the drive mechanism includes a drive motor fastened to the base and a lead screw62connected to the drive motor, and the lead screw62is threaded through the drive block66and threaded with the drive block66. The drive block66is assembled on the first surface of the support plate11through sliding. As shown inFIG. 8, a groove (not shown in the figure) for mounting the drive motor61and a sliding groove (not shown in the figure) for assembling the drive block66through sliding are separately disposed on the first surface of the base10. When the drive motor61rotates, the drive block is driven to slide in the sliding groove. In addition, when the drive block is connected to the lifting camera lens30, the drive block66is provided with a linear sliding groove65that inclines relative to a sliding direction of the lifting camera lens30, and the lifting camera lens30is provided with a slider34that is assembled into the linear sliding groove65through sliding. When the drive block66slides horizontally, the linear sliding groove65and the slider34fit into each other to convert horizontal sliding of the drive block66into vertical movement of the lifting camera lens30. Certainly, the drive motor may alternatively be used to connect to a gear reducer, and then connect to the lead screw through the gear reducer. A connection manner of the drive motor and the gear reducer is a common connection manner. Details are not described herein again.

It can be learned from the foregoing structure that in this embodiment of this application, the lifting camera lens30protrudes from the structure, a guide pillar12passes through the base10, and a drive apparatus is disposed on a periphery of the lifting camera lens30, to minimize a size of a protrusion part. In addition, the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens30are located on a same side of the support plate11, and the drive apparatus may further partially overlap with the lifting camera lens30in a height direction. In comparison with the conventional technology in which the lifting camera lens and the drive apparatus separately occupy space, space occupied by the camera module300may be reduced, thereby facilitating miniaturization development of a mobile terminal.

Still refer toFIG. 8. When the drive motor61is connected to the base10in a fastened manner, a motor drive IC100is disposed on the printed circuit board90. The motor drive IC100is connected to the drive motor61, and the motor drive IC100may be used to drive the drive motor61to rotate forward or reversely, to drive the lifting camera lens30to rise or fall. On the mobile terminal, when the camera module300does not perform shooting, the lifting camera lens30is retracted into the mobile terminal, without affecting an overall thickness of the mobile terminal. During shooting, the lifting camera lens30protrudes from a body of the mobile terminal, to increase available optical space and achieve high-quality image shooting.

In addition, to detect a location of the lifting camera lens30, a magnetic component may be disposed on the lifting camera lens30. When there is at least one guide pillar, a detection component for detecting the magnetic element may be disposed on one guide pillar12, or a detection component may be disposed on some or all guide pillars12. When there is at least one guide pillar, a magnetic component may be disposed on one guide pillar12, or a detection component may be disposed on some or all guide pillars12. The lifting camera lens30is provided with the detection component for detecting the magnetic component. The magnetic component may be a magnet, and the detection component may be a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor may be mounted on one of the guide pillars12, the magnet is mounted on the lifting cylinder32and is parallel and opposite to the Hall sensor. When the lifting cylinder32and the camera lens33move up and down, the magnet is driven to move, and the Hall sensor determines location information of the camera lens33by sensing a change in a magnetic field. In addition, the printed circuit board90is connected to the Hall sensor, to receive a signal from the Hall sensor, and further obtain location information of the lifting camera lens30. It can be learned from the foregoing description that the guide pillar12protruding from the base10can be used to ensure that the lifting cylinder32makes rectilinear motion, and be further used to implement closed-loop control of mounting and fastening of the Hall sensor, thereby reducing a size and costs.

When the lifting camera lens passes through the first through hole of the casing and then is exposed, a gap exists between the lifting camera lens and the casing, to improve a sealing effect of the lifting camera lens. The lifting camera lens is connected to the first through hole in a sealed manner. Through sealing between the lifting camera lens and the first through hole, external liquid or moisture is prevented from entering into the camera module. For a specific sealing structure, refer to related descriptions inFIG. 4andFIG. 5.

An embodiment of this application further provides a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a housing and any one of the foregoing camera modules, and a base of the camera module is fastened inside the housing. For example, the terminal device may be a common mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a notebook computer.FIG. 1is a schematic diagram of a structure of a mobile phone. The mobile phone includes a housing200and a component disposed inside the housing200. The component includes a camera module300. During specific assembly, the base10of the camera module300is fastened inside the housing200, and the housing200is provided with a second through hole that fits a lifting camera lens of the camera module300. When the lifting camera lens rises, the lifting camera lens passes through the second through hole, so that the camera lens of the camera module is exposed. In use, a drive mechanism is used to drive a rotating cylinder to rotate, and the rotating cylinder is used to drive the lifting camera lens to rise or fall, thereby improving a shooting effect of the camera module. In addition, when the foregoing structure is used, the rotating cylinder is sleeved outside the lifting camera lens, so that the drive apparatus partially overlaps with the lifting camera lens, thereby reducing a size of the camera module and facilitating miniaturization development of the mobile terminal.

In a more specific implementation solution, the housing and a casing may be an integral structure. In this case, the lifting camera lens is connected to a housing of the mobile terminal in a sealed manner, thereby enhancing a sealing effect of the entire mobile terminal.