Patent Description:
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.

<CIT> discloses a zoom lens barrel unit which comprises at least a first negative lens group, a second positive lens group, and a third negative lens group, the first lens group being fixed and the second lens group and third lens group being moved linearly in an optical axis direction.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device, such as a radio communication device, which includes a motor that can operate in a first mode where it provides a vibration feature and a second mode where it can adjust the focus of a camera assembly.

<CIT> discloses a compact digital zoom camera which includes a module base having an image sensor therein, a gear train installed at a side of an upper surface of the module base, a lens guide base installed on the module base and having a guide cylinder portion integrally formed thereon in which at least two groups of linear guides are formed in a lengthwise direction thereof, a driving motor installed at a motor installation portion on the lens guide base to rotate the gear train, a cam barrel rotatably installed at an outer side of the lens guide base and having a cam barrel gear portion engaged with any gear of the gear train and at least two groups of cam slots formed there in, at least two lens frames having at least two groups of linear guide portions respectively inserted in the two groups of linear guides of the lens guide base and guided thereby and at least two groups of cam pins respectively inserted in insertion holes formed in the linear guide portions and fixed therein such that end portions of the two groups of cam pins are respectively inserted in at least two groups of cam slots formed in the cam barrel and restricted thereby, and at least two groups of lenses respectively fixed on the two groups of lens frames.

<CIT> discloses an optical lens assembly, including a light-sensitive member, first and second lenses/lens groups with their respective optical axis aligned with each other along a common optical axis, and first and second piezo electric ultrasonic linear motors, in which the first motor is operable to move the first and second lenses/lens groups relative to each other to vary their distance; and the second motor is operable to move the light-sensitive member or at least one of the list and second lenses/lens groups to vary the distance between the light-sensitive member and the lens/lens group.

This application provides a camera module and a mobile terminal, as defined in the appended set of claims, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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, the casing and the housing are an integral structure. A sealing effect of the mobile terminal is improved.

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> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a mobile phone. The mobile phone includes a housing <NUM> and a component disposed inside the housing <NUM>. The component includes a camera module <NUM>. During specific assembly, the camera module <NUM> is fastened inside the housing <NUM>, and a second through hole that fits the camera module <NUM> is disposed on the housing <NUM>, so that a camera lens of the camera module <NUM> is 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 to <FIG> shows a main structure of a camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of this application. The camera module <NUM> mainly includes a base <NUM> and a casing <NUM> connected to the base <NUM> in a fastened manner. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> and the casing <NUM> are connected in a fastened manner, and form a receiving cavity. A lifting camera lens <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> is assembled into the receiving cavity, and the lifting camera lens <NUM> is partially exposed outside the casing <NUM>.

Refer to both <FIG> and <FIG> is a schematic exploded diagram of a camera module <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> includes a rectangular support plate <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> has two opposite surfaces, and the two surfaces are respectively a first surface and a second surface. A printed circuit board <NUM> is disposed on one side of the second surface of the base <NUM>. An image sensor <NUM> is disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the image sensor <NUM> is electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM>. In addition, a hollow-out structure <NUM> is disposed on the support plate <NUM>, and a light filter <NUM> is embedded in the hollow-out structure <NUM>. During a connection, the support plate <NUM> is connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> in a fastened manner, and the light filter <NUM> covers the image sensor <NUM>. In <FIG>, the hollow-out structure <NUM> and the light filter <NUM> are in a rectangular structure. However, it should be understood that shapes of the light filter <NUM> and the hollow-out structure <NUM> are not limited in this embodiment of this application. During production, structures of the hollow-out structure <NUM> and the light filter <NUM> may be adjusted based on an actual requirement, for example, may be in a circular shape, an oval shape, or another shape.

Still refer to <FIG>. The camera module <NUM> provided in this embodiment of this application further includes a lifting camera lens <NUM>. The lifting camera lens <NUM> includes a lifting cylinder <NUM> and a camera lens <NUM> fastened to the lifting cylinder <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lifting cylinder <NUM> is a circular cylinder body, and both ends of the lifting cylinder <NUM> are open. Correspondingly, the camera lens <NUM> is a circular lens. During assembly, the camera lens <NUM> is embedded in the lifting cylinder <NUM>, and is located at one end of the lifting cylinder <NUM>. When the lifting cylinder <NUM> is assembled on the base <NUM>, the lifting camera lens <NUM> and the base <NUM> may slide relative to each other. For a specific structure, refer to <FIG>. Two guide pillars <NUM> are located on one side of the first surface of the support plate <NUM>, and the two guide pillars <NUM> are symmetrically disposed. In <FIG>, the two guide pillars <NUM> are disposed on two sides of the hollow-out structure <NUM>, and are symmetrical with respect to an axis of the hollow-out structure <NUM>. The lifting camera lens <NUM> is assembled on the two guide pillars <NUM> through sliding. During assembly, the lifting camera lens <NUM> is provided with two through holes (not shown in the figure), and the two guide pillars <NUM> are assembled in the two through holes in a one-to-one correspondence. When the lifting camera lens <NUM> is assembled on the base <NUM> through sliding, the lifting camera lens <NUM> may slide in a length direction of the guide pillar <NUM>. However, in <FIG>, the length direction of the guide pillar <NUM> is perpendicular to the second surface of the support plate <NUM>. Therefore, when the lifting camera lens <NUM> slides in the length direction of the guide pillar <NUM>, the camera lens <NUM> may approach the image sensor <NUM> and be away from the image sensor. Certainly, it should be understood that, a quantity of guide pillars <NUM> provided in this embodiment of this application is not limited to two shown in <FIG>, and may alternatively be a different quantity such as one, three, or four. When the lifting camera lens <NUM> is assembled on the guide pillar <NUM>, the camera lens <NUM> and an image processor are disposed coaxially, to ensure a shooting effect of a camera.

Still refer to <FIG>. The camera module <NUM> provided in this embodiment of this application further includes a casing <NUM>. The casing <NUM> and the base <NUM> are connected in a fastened manner and form space for accommodating a drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the casing <NUM> is of a cuboid structure and has a hollow cavity. When the casing <NUM> is connected to the base <NUM> in a fastened manner, the casing <NUM> may be connected to the base <NUM> by using a threaded connection part such as a bolt or a screw, or may be connected to the base <NUM> through bonding or welding. In addition, the support plate <NUM> and the casing <NUM> enclose space for accommodating a lifting apparatus and the drive apparatus. In addition, the casing <NUM> is further provided with one first through hole <NUM>. When sliding between the lifting camera lens <NUM> and the base <NUM>, the lifting camera lens <NUM> may pass through the first through hole <NUM> and be exposed outside the casing <NUM>.

Still refer to <FIG>. The camera module <NUM> provided in this embodiment of this application further includes the drive apparatus, and the drive apparatus is configured to drive the lifting camera lens <NUM> to slide. The drive apparatus includes two parts: a drive mechanism <NUM> and a rotating cylinder <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the rotating cylinder <NUM> is a cylinder body <NUM> with two open ends, and the rotating cylinder <NUM> and the base <NUM> may rotate relative to each other. During specific assembly, two opposite arc-shaped protrusions <NUM> are disposed on the support plate <NUM> of the base <NUM>, and the rotating cylinder <NUM> is sleeved outside the arc-shaped protrusions <NUM>, to limit the rotating cylinder <NUM> in a radial direction, so that the rotating cylinder <NUM> can rotate around the arc-shaped protrusion <NUM>. When the arc-shaped protrusions <NUM> are specifically disposed, the two arc-shaped protrusions <NUM> are disposed oppositely on two sides of the hollow-out structure <NUM>, and inner concave directions of the arc-shaped protrusions <NUM> are opposite to each other. In addition, the arc-shaped protrusions <NUM> are located outside the guide pillar <NUM>. When the rotating cylinder <NUM> is assembled, the rotating cylinder <NUM> can be sleeved outside the lifting camera lens <NUM>. After nesting, the rotating cylinder <NUM> and the lifting camera lens <NUM> are coaxially disposed and spirally connected. As shown in <FIG>, an inner side wall of the rotating cylinder <NUM> is provided with an internal thread, and the lifting camera lens <NUM> is provided with an external thread that fits the internal thread. When the external thread is disposed, as shown in <FIG>, a shoulder <NUM> is disposed at one end that is of the lifting cylinder <NUM> of the lifting camera lens <NUM> and that is away from the camera lens <NUM>, and the external thread is disposed on the shoulder <NUM>. When the lifting camera lens <NUM> is assembled, the shoulder <NUM> of the lifting camera lens <NUM> is sleeved outside the guide pillar <NUM> in a direction toward the support plate <NUM>, and then is screwed into the rotating cylinder <NUM>, so that the internal thread of the rotating cylinder <NUM> fits the external thread. The rotating cylinder <NUM> is screwed to a location at which the rotating cylinder <NUM> is in contact with the support plate <NUM>, and in this case, the rotating cylinder <NUM> is sleeved outside the arc-shaped protrusions <NUM>. When the casing <NUM> is connected to the base <NUM> in a fastened manner, top and bottom ends of the rotating cylinder <NUM> respectively abut against the casing <NUM> and the support plate <NUM>, to ensure that the rotating cylinder <NUM> is limited in a radial direction. When the rotating cylinder <NUM> rotates, because the rotating cylinder <NUM> cannot move axially, the internal thread and the external thread fit into each other, to drive the lifting camera lens <NUM> to rise or fall. For example, when the rotating cylinder <NUM> rotates to the right, the lifting cylinder <NUM> may slide away from the support plate <NUM>, and when the rotating cylinder <NUM> rotates to the left, the lifting cylinder <NUM> may slide towards the support plate <NUM>. 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 cylinder <NUM> is assembled, an assembly gap is inevitably generated between the base <NUM> and the casing <NUM>. Therefore, to limit axial movement of the rotating cylinder <NUM>, an elastic sheet <NUM> is disposed between the rotating cylinder <NUM> and the base <NUM>, or an elastic sheet <NUM> is disposed between the casing <NUM> and the rotating cylinder <NUM>. Elastic force of the disposed elastic sheet <NUM> makes one end of the rotating cylinder <NUM> abut against the casing <NUM> or abut against the support plate <NUM>, thereby ensuring that the rotating cylinder <NUM> is limited in an axial direction. Stability is ensured when the lifting camera lens <NUM> is driven. In addition, the elastic sheet <NUM> is disposed on an end face of the rotating cylinder <NUM>, to reduce friction between the rotating cylinder <NUM> and the support plate <NUM> or the casing <NUM>, eliminate a gap between the rotating cylinder <NUM> and the support plate <NUM> or the casing <NUM>, and reduce a return difference. Certainly, two elastic sheets <NUM> may alternatively be disposed. In this case, the elastic sheet <NUM> is disposed between the casing <NUM> and the rotating cylinder <NUM> and between the rotating cylinder <NUM> and the support plate <NUM>, to achieve a same effect.

Still refer to <FIG>. The drive apparatus provided in this embodiment of this application further includes a drive mechanism <NUM>, and the drive mechanism <NUM> is configured to drive the rotating cylinder <NUM> to rotate. As shown in <FIG>, the drive mechanism <NUM> and the lifting camera lens <NUM> are located on a same side of the base <NUM>. A specific structure of the drive mechanism includes a drive motor <NUM>, a worm <NUM> connected to the drive motor <NUM>, and a gear ring <NUM> disposed on an outer side wall of the rotating cylinder <NUM>. The worm <NUM> is engaged with the gear ring <NUM>. 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.

During specific assembly, as shown in <FIG>, the drive motor <NUM> is fastened on the base <NUM>, a specific support plate <NUM> is provided with an arc-shaped mounting groove <NUM>, and the drive motor <NUM> is horizontally positioned in the mounting groove <NUM> and is connected to the mounting groove <NUM> in a fastened manner. Specifically, the drive motor <NUM> may be fastened in the mounting groove <NUM> by 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 motor <NUM> is perpendicular to an axis around which the rotating cylinder <NUM> rotates. In other words, the output shaft of the drive motor <NUM> is perpendicular to a sliding direction of the lifting camera lens <NUM>. The output shaft of the drive motor <NUM> is connected to a worm <NUM>, a gear ring <NUM> is correspondingly disposed on the outer side wall of the rotating cylinder <NUM>, and the gear ring <NUM> is engaged with the worm <NUM>. When the drive motor <NUM> rotates, the worm <NUM> and the gear ring <NUM> fit into each other to convert horizontal rotation into vertical rotation, to drive the rotating cylinder <NUM> to rotate, and then drive, through rotation of the rotating cylinder <NUM>, the lifting camera lens <NUM> to 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.

It can be learned from the foregoing structure that in this embodiment of this application, the lifting camera lens <NUM> protrudes from the structure, the guide pillar <NUM> passes through the base <NUM>, and the drive apparatus is disposed on a periphery of the lifting camera lens <NUM>, to minimize a size of a protrusion part. In addition, the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens <NUM> are located on a same side of the support plate <NUM>, and the drive apparatus may further partially overlap with the lifting camera lens <NUM> in a height direction. In comparison with the conventional technology in which the lifting camera lens <NUM> and the drive apparatus separately occupy space, space occupied by the camera module <NUM> may be reduced, thereby facilitating miniaturization development of the mobile terminal.

Still refer to <FIG>. When the drive motor <NUM> is connected to the base <NUM> in a fastened manner, a motor drive IC <NUM> is disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The motor drive IC <NUM> is connected to the drive motor <NUM>, and the motor drive IC <NUM> may be used to drive the drive motor <NUM> to rotate forward or reversely, to drive the lifting camera lens <NUM> to rise or fall. On the mobile terminal, when the camera module <NUM> does not perform shooting, the lifting camera lens <NUM> is retracted into the mobile terminal, without affecting an overall thickness of the mobile terminal. During shooting, the lifting camera lens <NUM> protrudes 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 lens <NUM>, a magnetic component may be disposed on the lifting camera lens <NUM>. When there is at least one guide pillar, a detection component for detecting the magnetic element may be disposed on one guide pillar <NUM>, or a detection component may be disposed on some or all guide pillars <NUM>. When there is at least one guide pillar, a magnetic component may be disposed on one guide pillar <NUM>, or a detection component may be disposed on some or all guide pillars <NUM>. The lifting camera lens <NUM> is provided with the detection component for detecting the magnetic component. The magnetic component may be a magnet <NUM>, and the detection component may be a Hall sensor <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the Hall sensor <NUM> may be mounted on one of the guide pillars <NUM>, and the magnet <NUM> is mounted on the lifting cylinder <NUM> and is parallel and opposite to the Hall sensor <NUM>. When the lifting cylinder <NUM> and the camera lens <NUM> move up and down, the magnet <NUM> is driven to move, and the Hall sensor <NUM> determines location information of the camera lens <NUM> by sensing a change in a magnetic field. In addition, the printed circuit board <NUM> is connected to the Hall sensor <NUM>, to receive a signal from the Hall sensor <NUM>, and further obtain location information of the lifting camera lens <NUM>. It can be learned from the foregoing description that the guide pillar <NUM> protruding from the base <NUM> can be used to ensure that the lifting cylinder <NUM> makes rectilinear motion, and be further used to implement closed-loop control of mounting and fastening of the Hall sensor <NUM>, thereby reducing a size and costs.

When the lifting camera lens <NUM> passes through the first through hole of the casing and then is exposed, a gap exists between the lifting camera lens <NUM> and the casing, to improve a sealing effect of the lifting camera lens <NUM>. The lifting camera lens <NUM> is connected to the first through hole in a sealed manner. Through sealing between the lifting camera lens <NUM> and the first through hole, external liquid or moisture is prevented from entering into the camera module. As shown in <FIG>, a sealing ring <NUM> is embedded in the first through hole, and an annular groove <NUM> is disposed on a surface on which the sealing ring <NUM> is in contact with the lifting camera lens <NUM>. Specifically, the sealing ring <NUM> is embedded on a side wall of the first through hole, and the sealing ring <NUM> has 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 groove <NUM> is also disposed on a surface that is of the sealing ring <NUM> and that faces the lifting camera lens <NUM>, and the annular groove <NUM> cuts, into two parts, one end that is of the sealing ring <NUM> and that is in contact with the lifting camera lens <NUM>. For ease of description, the two parts are named a first contact part <NUM> and a second contact part <NUM>. The first contact part <NUM> and the second contact part <NUM> are separately in contact with the lifting cylinder of the lifting camera lens <NUM> in a sealed manner. During sealing, both the first contact part <NUM> and the second contact part <NUM> are deformed, so that the sealing ring <NUM> forms double-layer sealing on the lifting camera lens <NUM>, thereby improving a sealing effect.

As shown in <FIG>, to further improve the sealing effect, a shoulder <NUM> is disposed at one end that is of the lifting camera lens <NUM> and that is exposed outside the casing, and the shoulder <NUM> may be in contact with the sealing ring <NUM> in a sealed manner. When the lifting camera lens <NUM> is retracted to an initial location, the shoulder <NUM> abuts against an end face of the sealing ring <NUM>, to form sealing between the shoulder <NUM> and the sealing ring <NUM> in both axial and radial directions. In an implementable solution, an annular protrusion may be further disposed on a surface that is of the sealing ring <NUM> and that faces the shoulder <NUM>, and the shoulder <NUM> extrudes the protrusion to cause a deformation. Alternatively, an annular groove that fit the protrusion may be further disposed on the shoulder <NUM>, and sealing of the lifting camera lens <NUM> is implemented through fitting between the protrusion and the groove.

<FIG> is a schematic exploded diagram of another camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of this application. For a same reference numeral in <FIG>, refer to the same reference numeral in <FIG>. <FIG> differs from <FIG> in a drive mechanism <NUM>. In <FIG>, the drive mechanism <NUM> and a lifting camera lens <NUM> are located on a same side of a base <NUM>. The drive mechanism <NUM> includes a drive motor <NUM> fastened to the base <NUM>, a gear <NUM> connected to the drive motor <NUM>, and a gear ring <NUM> disposed on an outer side wall of the rotating cylinder <NUM>. The gear <NUM> is engaged with a gear ring <NUM>. 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.

Still refer to <FIG>. When the drive motor <NUM> is fastened, a circular mounting groove <NUM> is disposed on a support plate <NUM>. The drive motor <NUM> may be fastened in the mounting groove <NUM> by 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 motor <NUM> is parallel to an axis around which the rotating cylinder <NUM> rotates. In other words, the output shaft of the drive motor <NUM> is parallel to a sliding direction of the lifting camera lens <NUM>. The output shaft of the drive motor <NUM> is connected to a gear <NUM>, a gear ring <NUM> is correspondingly disposed on the outer side wall of the rotating cylinder <NUM>, and the gear ring <NUM> is engaged with the gear <NUM>. When the drive motor <NUM> rotates, the gear <NUM> and the gear ring <NUM> fit into each other, to drive the rotating cylinder <NUM> to rotate, and then drive, through rotation of the rotating cylinder <NUM>, the lifting camera lens <NUM> to rise or fall.

For sealing of the camera module shown in <FIG>, refer to sealing structures shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

It can be learned from the foregoing structure that in this embodiment of this application, the lifting camera lens <NUM> protrudes from the structure, a guide pillar <NUM> passes through the base <NUM>, and a drive apparatus is disposed on a periphery of the lifting camera lens <NUM>, to minimize a size of a protrusion part. In addition, the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens <NUM> are located on a same side of the support plate <NUM>, and the drive apparatus may further partially overlap with the lifting camera lens <NUM> in a height direction. In comparison with the conventional technology in which the lifting camera lens <NUM> and the drive apparatus separately occupy space, space occupied by the camera module <NUM> may be reduced, thereby facilitating miniaturization development of a mobile terminal.

<FIG> is a schematic exploded diagram of another camera module <NUM> according to an embodiment of this application. For a same reference numeral in <FIG>, refer to the same reference numeral in <FIG>. <FIG> differs from <FIG> in a drive mechanism <NUM>. In <FIG>, the drive mechanism <NUM> and a lifting camera lens <NUM> are located on a same side of a base <NUM>. A specific structure of the drive mechanism includes two drive motors <NUM> that are disposed opposite to each other, a worm <NUM> that is separately connected to the two motors, and a gear ring <NUM> disposed on an outer side wall of the rotating cylinder <NUM>. The worm <NUM> is engaged with the gear ring <NUM>. 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.

During specific assembly, as shown in <FIG>, the drive motor <NUM> is fastened on the base <NUM>, a specific support plate <NUM> is provided with an arc-shaped mounting groove <NUM>, and the drive motor <NUM> is horizontally positioned in the mounting groove <NUM> and is connected to the mounting groove <NUM> in a fastened manner. Specifically, the drive motor <NUM> may be fastened in the mounting groove <NUM> by using an adhesive connection part or a threaded connection part (a bolt or a screw). Output shafts of the two drive motors <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. A length direction of the output shaft of the drive motor <NUM> is perpendicular to an axis around which the rotating cylinder <NUM> rotates. In other words, the output shaft of the drive motor <NUM> is perpendicular to a sliding direction of the lifting camera lens <NUM>. The two output shafts of the drive motors <NUM> are respectively connected to two ends of the worm <NUM>, and the two drive motors <NUM> and the worm <NUM> are coaxially disposed. The outer side wall of the rotating cylinder <NUM> is provided with a gear ring <NUM>, and the gear ring <NUM> is engaged with the worm <NUM>. When the drive motors <NUM> rotate, the two drive motors <NUM> simultaneously drive the worm <NUM> to rotate, and the worm <NUM> and the gear ring <NUM> fit into each other to convert horizontal rotation into vertical rotation, to drive the rotating cylinder <NUM> to rotate, and then drive, through rotation of the rotating cylinder <NUM>, the lifting camera lens <NUM> to rise or fall.

It can be learned from the foregoing structure that in this embodiment of this application, the lifting camera lens <NUM> protrudes from the structure, a guide pillar <NUM> passes through the base <NUM>, and a drive apparatus is disposed on a periphery of the lifting camera lens <NUM>, to minimize a size of a protrusion part. In addition, the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens <NUM> are located on a same side of the support plate <NUM>, and the drive apparatus may further partially overlap with the lifting camera lens <NUM> in a height direction. In comparison with the conventional technology in which the lifting camera lens <NUM> and the drive apparatus separately occupy space, space occupied by the camera module <NUM> may be reduced, thereby facilitating miniaturization development of a mobile terminal. In addition, in the structure shown in <FIG>, the two drive motors <NUM> are used. Therefore, large output torque can be provided, and a driving effect can be improved. In addition, the two drive motors <NUM> can be used to reduce load of each drive motor <NUM>, thereby increasing a service life of the drive motor <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a fourth camera module according to an embodiment of this application. A base <NUM> of a camera module <NUM> includes a rectangular support plate <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> has two opposite surfaces, and the two surfaces are respectively a first surface and a second surface. A printed circuit board <NUM> is disposed on one side of the second surface of the base <NUM>. An image sensor <NUM> is disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>, and the image sensor <NUM> is electrically connected to the printed circuit board <NUM>. In addition, a hollow-out structure <NUM> is disposed on the support plate <NUM>, and a light filter <NUM> is embedded in the hollow-out structure <NUM>. During a connection, the support plate <NUM> is connected to the printed circuit board <NUM> in a fastened manner, and the light filter <NUM> covers the image sensor <NUM>. In <FIG>, the hollow-out structure <NUM> and the light filter <NUM> are in a rectangular structure. However, it should be understood that shapes of the light filter <NUM> and the hollow-out structure <NUM> are not limited in this embodiment of this application. During production, structures of the hollow-out structure <NUM> and the light filter <NUM> may be adjusted based on an actual requirement, for example, may be in a circular shape, an oval shape, or another shape.

Still refer to <FIG>. The camera module <NUM> provided in this embodiment of this application further includes a lifting camera lens <NUM>. The lifting camera lens <NUM> includes a lifting cylinder <NUM> and a camera lens <NUM> fastened to the lifting cylinder <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lifting cylinder <NUM> is a circular cylinder body, and both ends of the lifting cylinder <NUM> are open. Correspondingly, the camera lens <NUM> is a circular lens. During assembly, the camera lens <NUM> is embedded in the lifting cylinder <NUM>, and is located at one end of the lifting cylinder <NUM>. When the lifting cylinder <NUM> is assembled on the base <NUM>, the lifting camera lens <NUM> and the base <NUM> may slide relative to each other. For a specific structure, refer to <FIG>. Two guide pillars <NUM> are located on one side of the first surface of the support plate <NUM>, and the two guide pillars <NUM> are symmetrically disposed. In <FIG>, the two guide pillars <NUM> are disposed on two sides of the hollow-out structure <NUM>, and are symmetrical along an axis of the hollow-out structure <NUM>. The lifting camera lens <NUM> is assembled on the two guide pillars <NUM> through sliding. During assembly, the lifting camera lens <NUM> is provided with two through holes (not shown in the figure), and the two guide pillars <NUM> are assembled in the two through holes in a one-to-one correspondence. When the lifting camera lens <NUM> is assembled on the base <NUM> through sliding, the lifting camera lens <NUM> may slide in a length direction of the guide pillar <NUM>. However, in <FIG>, the length direction of the guide pillar <NUM> is perpendicular to the second surface of the support plate <NUM>. Therefore, when the lifting camera lens <NUM> slides in the length direction of the guide pillar <NUM>, the camera lens <NUM> may approach the image sensor <NUM> and be away from the image sensor. Certainly, it should be understood that, a quantity of guide pillars <NUM> provided in this embodiment of this application is not limited to two shown in <FIG>, and may alternatively be a different quantity such as one, three, or four. When the lifting camera lens <NUM> is assembled on the guide pillar <NUM>, the camera lens <NUM> and an image processor are disposed coaxially, to ensure a shooting effect of a camera.

Still refer to <FIG>. The camera module <NUM> provided in this embodiment of this application further includes a casing <NUM>. The casing <NUM> and the base <NUM> are connected in a fastened manner and form space for accommodating the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the casing <NUM> is of a cuboid structure and has a hollow cavity. When the casing <NUM> is connected to the base <NUM> in a fastened manner, the casing <NUM> may be connected to the base <NUM> by using a threaded connection part such as a bolt or a screw, or may be connected through bonding or welding. In addition, the support plate <NUM> and the casing <NUM> enclose space for accommodating a lifting apparatus and the drive apparatus. In addition, the casing <NUM> is further provided with one first through hole <NUM>. When sliding between the lifting camera lens <NUM> and base <NUM>, the lifting camera lens <NUM> may pass through the first through hole <NUM> and be exposed outside the casing <NUM>.

Still refer to <FIG>. The camera module <NUM> provided in this embodiment of this application further includes the drive apparatus, and the drive apparatus is configured to drive the lifting camera lens <NUM> to slide. The drive apparatus includes a drive block <NUM> that may slide relative to the base <NUM> and is used to drive the lifting camera lens to rise or fall; and a drive mechanism for driving the drive block <NUM> to slide. As shown in <FIG>, the drive mechanism includes a drive motor fastened to the base and a lead screw <NUM> connected to the drive motor, and the lead screw <NUM> is threaded through the drive block <NUM> and threaded with the drive block <NUM>. The drive block <NUM> is assembled on the first surface of the support plate <NUM> through sliding. As shown in <FIG>, a groove (not shown in the figure) for mounting the drive motor <NUM> and a sliding groove (not shown in the figure) for assembling the drive block <NUM> through sliding are separately disposed on the first surface of the base <NUM>. When the drive motor <NUM> rotates, the drive block is driven to slide in the sliding groove. In addition, when the drive block is connected to the lifting camera lens <NUM>, the drive block <NUM> is provided with a linear sliding groove <NUM> that inclines relative to a sliding direction of the lifting camera lens <NUM>, and the lifting camera lens <NUM> is provided with a slider <NUM> that is assembled into the linear sliding groove <NUM> through sliding. When the drive block <NUM> slides horizontally, the linear sliding groove <NUM> and the slider <NUM> fit into each other to convert horizontal sliding of the drive block <NUM> into vertical movement of the lifting camera lens <NUM>. 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.

It can be learned from the foregoing structure that in this embodiment of this application, the lifting camera lens <NUM> protrudes from the structure, a guide pillar <NUM> passes through the base <NUM>, and a drive apparatus is disposed on a periphery of the lifting camera lens <NUM>, to minimize a size of a protrusion part. In addition, the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens <NUM> are located on a same side of the support plate <NUM>, and the drive apparatus may further partially overlap with the lifting camera lens <NUM> in 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 module <NUM> may be reduced, thereby facilitating miniaturization development of a mobile terminal.

In addition, to detect a location of the lifting camera lens <NUM>, a magnetic component may be disposed on the lifting camera lens <NUM>. When there is at least one guide pillar, a detection component for detecting the magnetic element may be disposed on one guide pillar <NUM>, or a detection component may be disposed on some or all guide pillars <NUM>. When there is at least one guide pillar, a magnetic component may be disposed on one guide pillar <NUM>, or a detection component may be disposed on some or all guide pillars <NUM>. The lifting camera lens <NUM> is 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 pillars <NUM>, the magnet is mounted on the lifting cylinder <NUM> and is parallel and opposite to the Hall sensor. When the lifting cylinder <NUM> and the camera lens <NUM> move up and down, the magnet is driven to move, and the Hall sensor determines location information of the camera lens <NUM> by sensing a change in a magnetic field. In addition, the printed circuit board <NUM> is connected to the Hall sensor, to receive a signal from the Hall sensor, and further obtain location information of the lifting camera lens <NUM>. It can be learned from the foregoing description that the guide pillar <NUM> protruding from the base <NUM> can be used to ensure that the lifting cylinder <NUM> makes 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 in <FIG> and <FIG>.

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> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a mobile phone. The mobile phone includes a housing <NUM> and a component disposed inside the housing <NUM>. The component includes a camera module <NUM>. During specific assembly, the base <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> is fastened inside the housing <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> is provided with a second through hole that fits a lifting camera lens of the camera module <NUM>. 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.

Claim 1:
A camera module (<NUM>), applied to a mobile terminal, wherein the camera module (<NUM>) comprises:
a base (<NUM>), a lifting camera lens (<NUM>) that may slide relative to the base (<NUM>), and a drive apparatus, wherein the drive apparatus comprises:
a rotating cylinder (<NUM>) that may rotate relative to the base (<NUM>) and is configured to drive the lifting camera lens (<NUM>) to rise or fall, wherein the rotating cylinder (<NUM>) is sleeved outside the lifting camera lens (<NUM>); and a drive mechanism (<NUM>) for driving the rotating cylinder (<NUM>) to rotate,
wherein the camera module (<NUM>) further comprises a casing (<NUM>) connected to the base (<NUM>) in a fastened manner, wherein the drive apparatus and the lifting camera lens (<NUM>) are located inside the casing (<NUM>), and when the lifting camera lens (<NUM>) protrudes, the lifting camera lens (<NUM>) is exposed outside the casing (<NUM>),
wherein the casing (<NUM>) is provided with a first through hole (<NUM>) through which the lifting camera lens (<NUM>) passes, the lifting camera lens (<NUM>) is exposed after passing through the first through hole (<NUM>), and the lifting camera lens (<NUM>) is connected to the first through hole (<NUM>) in a sealed manner, and
wherein a sealing ring (<NUM>) is embedded in the first through hole (<NUM>), and an annular groove (<NUM>) is disposed on a surface of the sealing ring (<NUM>)
on which the sealing ring (<NUM>) is in contact with the lifting camera lens (<NUM>).