Patent Description:
Higher requirements of users are promoting continuous performance optimization of electronic devices. Notably, the shooting performance of current electronic devices keeps improving. In a shooting process of an electronic device, the shake of the electronic device caused by hand-holding of a user impairs the shooting quality. To solve this problem, a camera module in the electronic device in the related art provides an image stabilization function, and stabilizes an image through an OIS optical image stabilization technology. In a specific working process, the only way of image stabilization based on the OIS image stabilization technology is to move the camera module in three directions: an X-axis (a direction of an optical axis of the camera module), a Y-axis, and a Z-axis (a plane defined by the Y-axis and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis of the camera module). However, the OIS optical image stabilization technology incurs a problem of a poor effect of image stabilization, and results in poor quality of an image captured by the camera module.

<CIT> discloses a camera module, including a first support, a camera, a base, a first driving module and a second driving module. The camera is rotatably connected to the first support, and the first support is rotatably connected to the base. The first driving module drives, according to an inclination angle of the camera module, the camera to rotate around a first axis. The second driving module drives, according to the inclination angle, the first support to rotate around a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are intersected or non-coplanar.

This application discloses a camera module and an electronic device to solve the current problem that the only way of image stabilization is to move the camera.

To solve the above problem, this application discloses the following technical solutions:
According to a first aspect, this application discloses a camera module, which is defined in claim <NUM>.

According to a second aspect, this application discloses an electronic device, which is defined in claim <NUM>.

To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the following describes the technical solutions of the present invention clearly and thoroughly with reference to specific embodiments of the present invention and the corresponding drawings. Evidently, the described embodiments are merely a part of but not all of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative effort fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

With reference to drawings, the following describes in detail the technical solution disclosed in each embodiment of this application.

It is noted that only embodiments including an accommodation groove <NUM> that allows a first driving portion <NUM> to rotate around a second axis Z along with a first bracket <NUM>, wherein the first driving portion <NUM> moves into the first accommodation groove <NUM> or moves out of the first accommodation groove <NUM> through the opening of the first accommodation groove <NUM>, as demonstrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, fall under the claimed scope of protection.

In some embodiments, a camera module shown in <FIG> includes a camera <NUM>, a first bracket <NUM>, a second bracket <NUM>, a first driving portion <NUM>, and a second driving portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the camera <NUM> is disposed on the first bracket <NUM>. The first driving portion <NUM> is located on the second bracket <NUM> and connected to the camera <NUM>. The second driving portion <NUM> is connected to the first bracket <NUM>. The first bracket <NUM> is rotatably connected to the second bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in a further assembling solution, both the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> may be of a cover-like and shell-like structure. The second bracket <NUM> sheathes the first bracket <NUM>, the first bracket <NUM> sheathes the camera <NUM>, and a clearance is maintained between the second bracket and the first bracket, and between the first bracket and the camera to ensure smooth rotation.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in a process of shooting an image by using the camera module, the camera <NUM> may be driven by the first driving portion <NUM> so that the camera <NUM> rotates around a first axis Y relative to the first bracket <NUM>. By rotating around the first axis Y, the camera <NUM> implements image stabilization.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the process of shooting an image by using the camera module, the second driving portion <NUM> may be actuated so that the first bracket <NUM> and the camera <NUM> as a whole are driven by the second driving portion <NUM>. In this way, the first bracket <NUM> and the camera <NUM> rotate around a second axis Z relative to the second bracket <NUM>. By rotating around the second axis Z, the camera <NUM> implements image stabilization.

The first axis Y and the second axis Z are non-coplanar straight lines or intersecting straight lines. In this way, the camera <NUM> implements the image stabilization function by adjusting the rotation degree of freedom in two directions. During shooting, the camera <NUM> rotates around the first axis Y or the second axis Z to stabilize images during the shooting and ensure quality of final images. As an optional solution, the first axis Y is perpendicular to the second axis Z so that it is easier to control the rotation of the camera <NUM> to implement image stabilization.

More specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the camera <NUM> is used as an imaging component of the camera module. A main core component of the camera is a camera body <NUM>. The camera body <NUM> is sheathed in a camera cover <NUM> so that the camera cover <NUM> serves a shielding and protective function for the camera body <NUM>.

In addition, it is hereby pointed out that both the first driving portion <NUM> and the second driving portion <NUM> may be of a motor structure. During actual assembling, a motor shaft of the first driving portion <NUM> may be connected to the camera <NUM> along the first axis Y by means of shaft bossing, and a motor shaft of the second driving portion <NUM> may be connected to the first bracket <NUM> along the second axis Z by means of shaft bossing.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the second bracket <NUM> may include a first accommodation groove <NUM>. The first driving portion <NUM> is located in the first accommodation groove <NUM> and connected to the camera <NUM>. Specifically, the first accommodation groove <NUM> may be opened along the first axis Y. The first driving portion <NUM> is accommodated in the first accommodation groove <NUM> along the first axis Y through the opening.

When the camera <NUM> performs image stabilization by rotating around the first axis Y, the first accommodation groove <NUM> constrains the degree of freedom of the first driving portion <NUM> to prevent the first driving portion <NUM> from rotating around the first axis Y, from moving in a plane perpendicular to the first axis Y, and from incurring other circumstances. In this way, the first driving portion <NUM> in a stationary state drives the camera <NUM> to rotate around the first axis Y.

When the camera <NUM> performs image stabilization by rotating around the second axis Z, the second driving portion <NUM> drives the first bracket <NUM> to rotate together with the camera <NUM>. At this time, the first accommodation groove <NUM> allows the first driving portion <NUM> to rotate around the second axis Z along with the first bracket <NUM>, and the first driving portion <NUM> moves into the first accommodation groove <NUM> or moves out of the first accommodation groove <NUM> through the opening of the first accommodation groove <NUM>.

To sum up, the first accommodation groove <NUM> is opened along the first axis Y, and the first driving portion <NUM> is accommodated in the first accommodation groove <NUM>. Under such design, the first driving portion <NUM> may serve as a driver to drive, in a stationary state, the camera <NUM> to rotate around the first axis Y; and the first driving portion <NUM> may serve as a follower to, in a moving state, rotate around the second axis Z along with the camera <NUM>. In this way, the driving manner of the first driving portion <NUM> and the second driving portion <NUM> to drive the camera <NUM> is more reasonable and effective, and makes the structure more compact.

It is hereby noted that, as an alternative, in order to implement the first driving portion <NUM> and the above functions, the first driving portion <NUM> may be hinged on the second bracket <NUM>, and a hinge shaft between the first driving portion and the second bracket is in the same direction as the second axis Z. In this way, the following effect is achieved: the first driving portion <NUM> is stationary when serving as a driver and is moving when serving as a follower. As another alternative, the first accommodation groove <NUM> may be replaced by two barrier strips spaced apart along the second axis Z. The first driving portion <NUM> is disposed between the two barrier strips, thereby also achieving the above effect.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the camera <NUM> may be rotatably in fit with the first bracket <NUM> through a connecting block <NUM>. The connecting block <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a first hinge shaft <NUM>. The base <NUM> is mounted on the camera <NUM>. The first hinge shaft <NUM> is disposed on the base <NUM>. The first bracket <NUM> is provided with a first connecting hole <NUM>. The first hinge shaft <NUM> is rotatably in fit with the first connecting hole <NUM>, and connected to the first driving portion <NUM> by passing through the first connecting hole <NUM>. In this way, the first driving portion <NUM> drives, through the first hinge shaft <NUM>, the camera <NUM> to rotate around the first axis Y, and the driving manner is more reasonable.

Further, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first bracket <NUM> may be provided with an arcuate hole <NUM>. The connecting block <NUM> may further include a second hinge shaft <NUM>. The second hinge shaft <NUM> is fixed onto the base <NUM>. The second hinge shaft <NUM> is slidably in fit with the arcuate hole <NUM>. The second hinge shaft <NUM> is in limiting fit with two ends of the arcuate hole <NUM>. With the position limited by the arcuate hole <NUM>, the stroke of the second hinge shaft <NUM> is controlled. Further, an angle by which the camera <NUM> rotates around the first axis Y is controlled by the connecting block <NUM>, so as to avoid excessive rotation.

More specifically, the arcuate hole <NUM> is an arc segment formed by gyrating around the first axis Y. A circle center of the first connecting hole <NUM> is located on the first axis Y. In this way, the arcuate hole <NUM> may fit with the first connecting hole <NUM> to constrain the motion of the connecting block <NUM>. Therefore, a trajectory of the camera <NUM> rotating around the first axis Y is more circular, the gyration of the camera <NUM> is controlled more effectively, and the precision of rotation control is improved.

In addition, it is hereby pointed out that, as an alternative, the arcuate hole <NUM> may be replaced by two symmetrically arranged limiting blocks located on the inner wall of the first bracket <NUM>. The second hinge shaft <NUM> is located between the two limiting blocks. The position limiting performed by the two limiting blocks on the second hinge shaft <NUM> can also control the angle by which the camera <NUM> rotates around the first axis Y.

In a more specific implementation solution, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first bracket <NUM> is further provided with a second connecting hole <NUM>. The second connecting hole <NUM> is coaxial with the first connecting hole <NUM>. The camera <NUM> is provided with a third connecting hole <NUM>. The camera <NUM> includes a third hinge shaft <NUM>. The third hinge shaft <NUM> and the first hinge shaft <NUM> are located on two opposite sides of the camera <NUM> respectively. The third hinge shaft <NUM> passes through the second connecting hole <NUM> and the third connecting hole <NUM>, and is coaxial with the first hinge shaft <NUM>. The first bracket <NUM> is rotatably in fit with the camera <NUM> through the third hinge shaft <NUM>.

In this way, the third hinge shaft <NUM> and the first hinge shaft <NUM> is equivalent to a combined shaft that runs through the camera <NUM> and that is disposed along the first axis Y. The combined shaft is integrated with the camera <NUM> to form a whole. In this way, the camera <NUM> hangs on the first bracket <NUM> and is rotatably in fit with the second connecting hole <NUM> through the third hinge shaft <NUM>, and is rotatably in fit with the first connecting hole <NUM> through the first hinge shaft <NUM>. In this way, the camera <NUM> can rotate more smoothly around the first axis Y relative to the first bracket <NUM>, and the camera <NUM> is supported more uniformly.

More preferably, the third hinge shaft <NUM> is detachably connected to the camera <NUM>, and is plugged and fixed onto the camera <NUM> by passing through the second connecting hole <NUM> and the third connecting hole <NUM>, so as to facilitate disassembly and assembly of the camera <NUM> on the first bracket <NUM>. In addition, as an optional solution of this application, the third hinge shaft <NUM> may be formed on the camera <NUM> in one piece.

The first connecting hole <NUM> and the second connecting hole <NUM> are round holes in this application. As an alternative, the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole may be U-shaped holes. Open ends of the U-shaped holes are located at the top of the first bracket <NUM>. During assembling, the third hinge shaft <NUM> and the first hinge shaft <NUM> may be placed into the U-shaped holes through the open ends of the corresponding U-shaped holes, so that the camera <NUM> is positioned in the first bracket <NUM>.

Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, the camera <NUM> may be provided with a mounting hole <NUM>. The base <NUM> is fixed in the mounting hole <NUM> so that the connecting block <NUM> is fixed to the camera <NUM> more firmly. As an alternative, the mounting hole <NUM> may be replaced by two barrier strips or blocks spaced apart on the camera <NUM> along the second axis Z, and the base <NUM> is fixed between the two barrier strips or blocks spaced apart, thereby also enhancing the effect of fixing between the connecting block <NUM> and the camera <NUM>.

In a more specific implementation solution, as shown in <FIG>, the mounting hole <NUM> and the third connecting hole <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other in the camera cover <NUM>. The third hinge shaft <NUM> passes through the third connecting hole <NUM>, and is fixed onto the camera body <NUM>. The base <NUM> passes through the mounting hole <NUM>, and is also fixed onto the camera body <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the second driving portion <NUM> includes a first driving motor <NUM>, a first connecting shaft <NUM>, and an I-shaped bracket <NUM>. The first driving motor <NUM> is connected to the first connecting shaft <NUM>. The I-shaped bracket <NUM> is fixed onto the first connecting shaft <NUM>, and is connected to the bottom of the first bracket <NUM>. For example, the I-shaped bracket <NUM> is fixedly disposed at the bottom of the first bracket <NUM> by bonding, welding, and the like. Alternatively, the I-shaped bracket <NUM> is fixed to the first connecting shaft <NUM>, and closely fits with the first bracket <NUM>. In this way, by actuating the second driving portion <NUM>, a torque output by the second driving portion <NUM> is transmitted to the I-shaped bracket <NUM> through the first connecting shaft <NUM>. Anchor plates on two wings of the I-shaped bracket <NUM> enable the I-shaped bracket <NUM> to output a torque to the first bracket <NUM>, thereby driving the first bracket <NUM> to rotate around the second axis Z.

It is hereby pointed out that the rotation shaft of the first driving motor <NUM> is a fourth axis Z'. Therefore, the fourth axis Z' needs to remain stationary along with the first driving motor <NUM>. Other components of the second driving portion <NUM> such as the first connecting shaft <NUM> and the I-shaped bracket <NUM> will rotate around the second axis Z along with the first bracket <NUM>. Therefore, the first driving motor <NUM> is connected by transmission to the first connecting shaft <NUM>. The specific form of the driving connection may be: as shown in <FIG>, the fourth axis Z' is coaxial with the second axis Z, and an adapter disc is disposed at an output end of the first driving motor <NUM>. At a circle center of the adapter disc, the adapter disc is connected to the output shaft of the first driving motor <NUM>. At a position near the edge on the adapter disc, the adapter disc is connected to the first connecting shaft <NUM>. In this way, the first driving motor <NUM> can transmit the torque to the first connecting shaft <NUM> through the adapter disc, and make the first connecting shaft <NUM> rotate around the second axis Z along with the first bracket <NUM>. Alternatively, the adapter disc may be replaced by an adapter shaft. Two ends of the adapter shaft are connected to the output shaft of the first driving motor <NUM> and the first connecting shaft <NUM> respectively, thereby also making the first connecting shaft <NUM> rotate around the second axis Z. In this case, a gyroradius of the first connecting shaft <NUM> is a length dimension of the adapter shaft.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the camera module may further include a third bracket <NUM> and a third driving portion <NUM>. The second bracket <NUM> is disposed on the third bracket <NUM>. The third driving portion <NUM> is connected to the second bracket <NUM>. The third driving portion <NUM> drives the second bracket <NUM> to rotate around the third axis X relative to the third bracket <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may rotate around the third axis X along with the second bracket <NUM>. Every two of the first axis Y, the second axis Z, or the third axis X are non-coplanar straight lines or intersecting straight lines. In this way, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the camera <NUM> can implement image stabilization by adjusting the rotation degree of freedom in the three different directions. The image stabilization is more effective, and the shooting quality of images captured by a camera device according to this application is higher.

Furthermore, as an optional layout solution, the third axis X is coaxial with the optical axis of the camera <NUM>, and every two of the first axis Y, the second axis Z, or the third axis X are perpendicular to each other, so that the image stabilization manner of the camera <NUM> is more reasonable.

More specifically, the third driving portion <NUM> may be a motor. An output shaft of the motor is connected to the second bracket <NUM> by means of shaft bossing, so as to enable the second bracket <NUM> to rotate around the third axis X. Alternatively, the third driving portion <NUM> may be a plurality of rollers powered by a motor mounted in the third bracket <NUM>. The periphery of the rollers closely fits with the outer periphery of the second bracket <NUM>. The rotation of the rollers drives the second bracket <NUM> to rotate around the third axis X.

In a further implementation solution, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, at least two rolling bodies <NUM> may be disposed between the third bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>. The second bracket <NUM> is rotatably connected to the third bracket <NUM> through the at least two rolling bodies <NUM>. In this way, the rolling bodies <NUM> serve as a rolling medium between the second bracket and the third bracket, thereby making the second bracket <NUM> rotate more smoothly around the third axis X relative to the third bracket <NUM>, and alleviating abrasion. More specifically, the rolling bodies <NUM> may be designed as balls and rollers, or may be bearings.

Further, the second bracket <NUM> or the third bracket <NUM> is provided with at least two second accommodation grooves <NUM>. Each of the rolling bodies <NUM> is disposed in one of the second accommodation grooves <NUM>.

More specifically, both the third bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM> are of a box structure, and four angular corners of the box are filleted. The second accommodation groove <NUM> is disposed on the fillet of the third bracket <NUM> or the second bracket <NUM>. There are a total of four rolling bodies <NUM> that are arranged annularly around the third axis X. One rolling body is disposed on each second accommodation groove <NUM>. This structure ensures that the space between the camera modules is more compact in a case of fitting with each other by rolling.

In a further implementation solution, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the camera module further includes a fixing base <NUM>. The third bracket <NUM> is mounted on the fixing base <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first driving motor <NUM> is connected by transmission to the first connecting shaft <NUM> by a hinge <NUM>. A hinge shaft of the hinge <NUM> is parallel to the optical axis direction of the camera <NUM>, that is, the third axis X. The first driving motor <NUM> is fixed onto the fixing base <NUM>, and is located outside the third bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the third bracket <NUM> is provided with a first strip-shaped avoidance hole <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> passes through the first strip-shaped avoidance hole <NUM>, and is connected to the first connecting shaft <NUM> located in the third bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first driving motor <NUM> together with the first connecting shaft <NUM> may be disposed at the bottom of the first bracket <NUM>. The second axis Z and the fourth axis Z' are parallel but not coaxial. In this way, when the first driving motor <NUM> is actuated, by virtue of the characteristic that the hinge shaft of the hinge <NUM> is parallel to the third axis X, the hinge <NUM> is caused to be rigid in a direction parallel to the third axis X, and in turn, the driving motor <NUM> can transmit a torque to the first connecting shaft <NUM> through the hinge <NUM>. At the same time, the hinge <NUM> is flexible in a direction perpendicular to the second axis Z. In this way, in a case that the driving motor <NUM> keeps stationary, the driving motor drives the first connecting shaft <NUM> to rotate around the second axis Z, and in turn, causes the first bracket <NUM> to rotate around the second axis Z. In this case, the hinge <NUM> may deform along with the rotation of the first bracket <NUM>, so as to change the relative position between the driving motor <NUM> and the first connecting shaft <NUM>.

In addition, it is hereby pointed out that, by virtue of the flexibility of the hinge <NUM>, when the third driving portion <NUM> is actuated, the second bracket <NUM> rotates around the optical axis of the camera <NUM>, that is, the third axis X. In this case, the hinge <NUM> may deform along with the rotation of the second bracket <NUM>, so as to change the relative position between the driving motor <NUM> and the first connecting shaft <NUM>. It is hereby noted that the first strip-shaped avoidance hole <NUM> is made for the purpose of reserving sufficient space for deformation of the hinge <NUM>, and enabling the hinge to deform sufficiently.

In a further implementation solution, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the fixing base <NUM> is a housing structure. The fixing base <NUM> includes a first housing portion <NUM> and a second housing portion <NUM>. The first housing portion <NUM> is docked to the second housing portion <NUM> to form an accommodation cavity. The third bracket <NUM> is located in the accommodation cavity. The second bracket <NUM> is located in the third bracket <NUM>. The first bracket <NUM> is located in the second bracket <NUM>. The camera <NUM> is located in the first bracket <NUM>. In this way, the fixing base <NUM> can shield and protect internal parts and serve a dustproof and waterproof function.

In addition, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first housing portion <NUM> may be provided with a second strip-shaped avoidance hole <NUM>. A supporting platform <NUM> may be disposed on an outer side of the first housing portion <NUM>. The supporting platform <NUM> is covered with a protective cover <NUM>. The first driving motor <NUM> is located inside the protective cover <NUM> to shield and protect the first driving motor <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> passes through the second strip-shaped avoidance hole <NUM> and the first strip-shaped avoidance hole <NUM> sequentially to get connected to the first connecting shaft <NUM>. In this way, enough space is reserved in both the second strip-shaped avoidance hole <NUM> and the first strip-shaped avoidance hole <NUM> to enable the hinge <NUM> to deform sufficiently.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the third driving portion <NUM> includes a second driving motor <NUM>, a second connecting shaft <NUM>, and a gear mechanism <NUM>. The gear mechanism <NUM> includes a first bevel gear <NUM>, a second bevel gear <NUM>, and a third gear <NUM>. The first bevel gear <NUM> is disposed on the second connecting shaft <NUM>. A third connecting shaft <NUM> coaxial with the third axis X is rotatably disposed on the fixing base <NUM>. The second connecting shaft <NUM> is perpendicular to the third connecting shaft <NUM>.

The second bevel gear <NUM> and the third gear <NUM> are fixed to each other, and are both rotatably connected to the third connecting shaft <NUM>. For example, the third connecting shaft <NUM> may be a rotating sleeve in which a bearing is disposed. The first bevel gear <NUM> meshes with the second bevel gear <NUM>. An inner ring gear is disposed on the third bracket <NUM>. The third gear <NUM> meshes with the inner ring gear.

The second driving motor <NUM> drives, through the second connecting shaft <NUM>, the gear mechanism <NUM> to rotate, and in turn, drives, through the third gear <NUM>, the third bracket <NUM> to bring the camera <NUM> to rotate around the optical axis of the camera.

In this way, the design of the bevel gear pair implements reversing transmission, so as to make better use of the internal space of the camera module. In addition, it is hereby pointed out that, as an alternative, the gear mechanism <NUM> may be replaced by a chain transmission mechanism, a belt transmission mechanism, a worm gear mechanism, or the like.

This application further discloses an electronic device. The electronic device includes the camera module according to any one of the above embodiments of this application. The electronic device disclosed herein may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, an e-book reader, a wearable device (such as smart glasses and smart watches), a game console, or the like, and may be other types of devices. The specific type of the electronic device is not limited herein.

Claim 1:
A camera module, comprising a camera (<NUM>), a first bracket (<NUM>), a second bracket (<NUM>), a first driving portion (<NUM>), and a second driving portion (<NUM>), wherein
the camera (<NUM>) is disposed on the first bracket (<NUM>), the first driving portion (<NUM>) is located on the second bracket (<NUM>) and connected to the camera (<NUM>), the second driving portion (<NUM>) is connected to the first bracket (<NUM>), and the first bracket (<NUM>) is rotatably connected to the second bracket (<NUM>); and
the first driving portion (<NUM>) is able to drive the camera (<NUM>) to rotate around a first axis (Y) relative to the first bracket (<NUM>); the second driving portion (<NUM>) is able to drive the first bracket (<NUM>) and the camera (<NUM>) to rotate around a second axis (Z) relative to the second bracket (<NUM>); and the first axis (Y) and the second axis (Z) are non-coplanar straight lines or intersecting straight lines;
characterized in that the second bracket (<NUM>) comprises a first accommodation groove (<NUM>); and the first driving portion (<NUM>) is located in the first accommodation groove (<NUM>); and
the first driving portion (<NUM>) is able to rotate around the second axis (Z) along with the first bracket (<NUM>), so as to move into the first accommodation groove (<NUM>) or move out of the first accommodation groove (<NUM>) through an opening of the first accommodation groove (<NUM>).