Optical device for electronic device

Abstract

An optical device (1) comprises a base (10), a first group of optics (3), an actuator (6) and a first holding element (7) that moves in response to rotation of the actuator (6). The base (10) maintains the first holding element (7) in a first rotational position (R1) such that rotation of the actuator (6) is converted into movement of the first holding element (7) along an optical axis (A1) from a first linear position (L1) to a second linear position (L2). When the base (10) reaches the second linear position (L2), the base (10) is disengaged from the first holding element (7) such that rotation of the actuator (6) rotates the first holding element (7) to a second rotational position (R2) in which the first holding element (7) can be returned to the first linear position (L1) by depressurization of the elastic element (9), in this way, the first group of optics (3) is moved from the retracted position (P1) to the extended position (P2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device for an electronic device, the optical device comprising a first optical device group and a second optical device group together defining an optical axis. An actuation unit is used to generate a movement of at least the first optical device group along the optical axis from a retracted position to an extended position. Background Art

[0002] Telescopic camera optics, which use a system of retracting and protruding lenses to achieve longer focal length cameras with features such as zoom or telephoto, have been around in the digital camera industry for many years. However, these solutions require a high level of miniaturization and robustness to be used in smaller devices such as smartphones.

[0003] However, the resulting device is still thick and bulky. Such a device may not have the mechanical shock resistance required for products used in daily life, such as mobile phones. It may also be necessary to strengthen the mobile phone frame or housing to be able to withstand the forces generated by the protruding optical device, for example, to protect the display unit or battery from damage. In addition, existing solutions accept some undesirable gaps in the optical device or include additional components designed to eliminate these gaps.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved optical devices for electronic devices such as smartphones. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object is to provide an improved optical device. The above and other objects are achieved by the features claimed in the independent claims. Other implementations are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0006] According to a first aspect, an optical device for an electronic device is provided, the optical device comprising: a first optical device group and a second optical device group that together define an optical axis; an actuating unit, the actuating unit being used to generate movement of at least the first optical device group along the optical axis from a retracted position to an extended position, the actuating unit comprising: an actuator, the actuator being used to rotate around the optical axis in a first direction, a first holding element, the first holding element being used to translate along the optical axis and rotate around the optical axis in response to the rotation of the actuator, a second holding element, the second holding element being used to rotate from an engaged position to a disengaged position in response to the rotation of the first holding element, wherein in the engaged position, the second holding element engages the first optical device group and maintains the first optical device group in the retracted position; in the disengaged position, the first optical device group is released to allow the first optical device group to move from the retracted position to the extended position, and an elastic element being in a first compressed state when the first holding element is in a first linear position along the optical axis, and in a second compressed state when the first holding element is in a second linear position along the optical axis. The base is used to accommodate the first optical device group, the second optical device group and the actuating unit, and the base includes a boss, and the boss is used to:

[0007] The first holding element is engaged and maintained in a first rotational position, so that the rotation of the actuator is converted into a translational movement of the first holding element from the first linear position to the second linear position, and the first holding element is disengaged when the first holding element reaches the second linear position, so that the rotation of the actuator produces a rotational movement of the first holding element from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, in which the first holding element can be moved from the second linear position to the first linear position by decompression of the elastic element, and the movement of the first holding element from the second linear position to the first linear position produces the movement of the first optical device group from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0008] This solution supports the use of a fast, shock-resistant actuation unit and eliminates any unwanted play between components. Furthermore, since the elastic element of the actuation unit is decompressed, or at least only partially compressed, also when the first optical device group is in the retracted position, the properties of the elastic element remain unaffected, thereby ensuring that the elastic element does not weaken over time.

[0009] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the actuating unit is used to generate movement of at least the first optical device group from the extended position to the retracted position, the actuator is used to rotate around the optical axis in a second direction, the first holding element is used to translate along the optical axis and rotate around the optical axis in response to the rotation of the actuator, the second holding element is used to rotate from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the boss of the base is used to: engage the first holding element and hold the first holding element in the second rotational position, so that the rotation of the actuator is converted into a translational movement of the first holding element from the first linear position to the second linear position, the movement of the first holding element from the first linear position to the second linear position generates the movement of the first optical device group from the extended position to the retracted position, when the first holding element reaches the second linear position, it disengages from the first holding element, so that the rotation of the actuator generates a rotational movement of the first holding element from the second rotational position to the first rotational position, and in the first rotational position, the first holding element can move from the second linear position to the first linear position by decompressing the elastic element. This supports using exactly the same components with the same advantages to move the first optics group from the extended position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0010] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first optical device group includes at least one lens and a first shell, and the second optical device group includes at least one lens and a second shell, thereby facilitating realization of a series of different optical performances.

[0011] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first retaining element includes a first groove, the second retaining element includes a second groove, and

[0012] The first housing includes at least one tongue, the at least one tongue is used to engage one of the first groove and the second groove, the first groove and the second groove are used to align when the first retaining element is in the second linear position and the second retaining element is in the engaged position, thereby allowing the tongue to slide from the second groove to the first groove, so that the first optical device group can be released from the second retaining element and allow the first optical device group to move from the retracted position to the extended position, and the first groove and the second groove are used to misalign when the first retaining element is in the first linear position and the second retaining element is in the engaged position, thereby allowing the tongue to engage the second groove, so that the second retaining element maintains the first optical device group in the retracted position. This supports the first optical device group to be securely locked in place when in the retracted position, while still supporting the first optical device group to move to the extended position with a certain degree of reliability and accuracy.

[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, one of the base and the first housing includes a slot extending parallel to the optical axis, the other of the base and the first housing includes a protrusion engaging the slot, the slot includes oppositely arranged closed ends, the closed ends limit the range of movement of the protrusion in the slot, and limit the range of movement of the first optical device group relative to the base along the optical axis. This helps the first housing to move along the optical axis repeatably and reliably without play, while preventing the first housing from rotating around the optical axis.

[0014] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the translation movement of the first retaining element from the first linear position to the second linear position along the optical axis in the first direction generates compression of the elastic element.

[0015] The translational movement of the first retaining element from the second linear position to the first linear position along the optical axis in the second direction contributes to decompression of the elastic element, so that the movement may be generated by the decompression.

[0016] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the degree of compression of the elastic element in the second compression state is greater than the degree of compression in the first compression state, thereby reducing the long-term effect of compression on the elastic element in the first compression state.

[0017] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the elastic element is used to transfer the rotation of the first retaining element to the second retaining element, or the first retaining element and the second retaining element are interlocked by a first mechanical joint component and a second mechanical joint component, and the first mechanical joint component and the second mechanical joint component are used to transfer the rotation of the first retaining element to the second retaining element, thereby providing different options for interconnecting the first retaining element and the second retaining element.

[0018] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the actuator includes a first actuating element, the first actuating element is used to rotate about the optical axis, and is used to apply a force to a surface of the first holding element when rotating in the first direction, the surface extending at a first angle to the optical axis, the force pushing the first holding element from the first linear position to the second linear position. This solution is simple and does not rely on a separately movable component to convert rotational movement into linear movement.

[0019] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first actuating element is used to allow the first retaining element to move from the second linear position to the first linear position when rotating in the second direction. This supports decompression of the elastic element regardless of the position of the first optical device group.

[0020] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first holding element includes a first cam surface extending at a first angle to the optical axis and a second cam surface extending at a second angle to the optical axis, the first actuating element includes a first cam surface extending at a first angle to the optical axis and a second cam surface extending at a second angle to the optical axis, when the first holding element is in the first linear position, the first cam surfaces are adjacent to each other along the first contact axis, and the second cam surfaces are adjacent to each other along the second contact axis, when the first holding element is in the second linear position, the first cam surfaces are offset relative to each other along the first contact axis, and the second cam surfaces are offset relative to each other along the second contact axis. This solution is very simple and does not rely on separately movable parts to convert rotational movement into linear movement along the optical axis and rotational movement around the optical axis.

[0021] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first cam surface and the second cam surface of the first retaining element together form a V-shaped groove, the first cam surface and the second cam surface of the first actuating element form a V-shaped convex portion, and the V-shaped groove and the V-shaped convex portion are arranged so that when the first retaining element is in the first linear position, the V-shaped groove completely surrounds the V-shaped convex portion. This symmetrical configuration provides a simple and reliable solution for generating translational and / or rotational movement of the first retaining element.

[0022] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the actuator includes a second actuating element, and the first actuating element is configured to rotate around the optical axis in response to rotation of the second actuating element. This supports clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the first actuating element.

[0023] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second actuating element is used to rotate by an external force, the second actuating element and the first actuating element are used to interlock by a third mechanical joint component and a fourth mechanical joint component, and the third mechanical joint component and the fourth mechanical joint component are used to allow the second actuating element to rotate around the optical axis at an angle different from that of the first actuating element. This supports manual adjustment by a user or by an actuator.

[0024] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, when the first optical device group has reached the extended position, the actuator is configured to stop the rotation of the first actuating element in the first direction and rotate the second actuating element in the second direction, and the first actuating element is used to engage the base so that the rotation of the second actuating element in the second direction is converted into a translation movement of the first actuating element and the second optical device group along the optical axis in the first direction. This supports providing an autofocus function without the need for other separate actuators.

[0025] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first shell of the first optical device group is used to engage the second shell of the second optical device group when the first optical device group has reached the extended position, so that the first optical device group and the second optical device group are simultaneously translated along the optical axis, thereby supporting maintaining the distance between the first optical device group and the second optical group when autofocus is applied.

[0026] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second actuating element comprises an internal thread for engaging an external thread of the first actuating element, thereby facilitating simple, effective and reliable interconnection and movement of the first actuating element along the optical axis.

[0027] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, one of the base and the first actuating element includes a narrow slot extending parallel to the optical axis, and the other of the base and the first actuating element includes a protrusion, which engages the narrow slot and limits the movement range of the second optical device group along the optical axis relative to the base to allow the second optical device group to move, thereby facilitating autofocusing, and also prevents rotation around the optical axis.

[0028] According to a second aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising an optical device according to the above. This allows an electronic device to be provided with an actuation unit that is fast, shock-resistant, has no undesired play between components, and maintains its efficiency over time.

[0029] These and other aspects will be apparent from one or more of the embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In the following detailed description of the present invention, various aspects, embodiments and implementations are explained in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 An example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, providing a perspective view of components of an optical device, wherein a first optics group of the optical device is in a retracted position;

[0032] Figure 2 An example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, providing a perspective view of components of an optical device, wherein a first optics group of the optical device is in an extended position;

[0033] Figure 3 Another perspective view of components of an optical device provided by an example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a first optics group of the optical device is in a retracted position;

[0034] Figure 4 An example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, providing a side view of components of an optical device, wherein a first optics group of the optical device is in an extended position;

[0035] Figure 5 Another side view of components of an optical device provided by an example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a first optics group of the optical device is in an extended position;

[0036] Figures 6a to 6c shows a perspective view of a first retaining element and a second retaining element provided by an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7A partially exploded perspective view of an actuation unit provided by an example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 8 A perspective view of an actuator and a second optics group provided by an example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figures 9a to 9c A perspective view of components of an actuator provided by an example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figures 10a to 10c A side view of an optical device provided by an example of an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the first optical device group is in a retracted position and the elastic element is in a basically decompressed state, wherein the first optical device group is in a retracted position and the elastic element is in a compressed state, and the first optical element group is in an extended position and the elastic element is in a basically decompressed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present invention relates to an electronic device, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a camera, a projector, etc., comprising an optical device 1 as described below.

[0042] The present invention also relates to an optical device 1, the optical device 1 comprising: a first optical device group 3 and a second optical device group 4 together defining an optical axis A1; an actuation unit 5, the actuation unit 5 being used to generate a movement of at least the first optical device group 3 along the optical axis A1 from a retracted position P1 to an extended position P2, the actuation unit 5 comprising: an actuator 6, the actuator 6 being used to rotate about the optical axis A1 in a first direction D1, a first holding element 7, the first holding element 7 being used to translate along the optical axis A1 and about the optical axis A2 in response to the rotation of the actuator 6 The optical axis A1 is rotated by the second holding element 8, and the second holding element 8 is used to rotate from the engagement position P3 to the disengagement position P4 in response to the rotation of the first holding element 7, wherein, in the engagement position P3, the second holding element 8 engages the first optical device group 3 and maintains the first optical device group 3 in the retracted position P1; in the disengagement position P4, the first optical device group 3 is released to allow the first optical device group 3 to move from the retracted position P1 to the extended position P2, and the elastic element 9 ... The base 10 is in a first compressed state S1 when the actuator 6 is in the first linear position L1, and is in a second compressed state S2 when the first holding element 7 is in the second linear position L2 along the optical axis A1. The base 10 is used to accommodate the first optical device group 3, the second optical device group 4 and the actuating unit 5. The base includes a boss 11, and the boss 11 is used to: engage the first holding element 7 and maintain the first holding element 7 in the first rotational position R1, so that the rotation of the actuator 6 is converted into a translational movement of the first holding element 7 from the first linear position L1 to the second linear position L2, disengage from the first holding element 7 when the first holding element 7 reaches the second linear position L2, so that the rotation of the actuator 6 generates a rotational movement of the first holding element 7 from the first rotational position R1 to the second rotational position R2, and in the second rotational position R2, the first holding element 7 can be moved from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position L1 by the decompression of the elastic element 9, and the movement of the first holding element 7 from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position L1 generates the movement of the first optical device group 3 from the retracted position P1 to the extended position P2.

[0043] Figures 10a to 10c The optical device 1 is shown together with the relative movement of some components of the optical device 1 when the first optics group 3 moves along the optical axis A1 from the retracted position P1 to the extended position P2.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the first optical device group 3 and the second optical device group 4 define an optical axis A1 together. The first optical device group 3 may include at least one lens 3a and a first housing 3b, and the second optical device group 4 may include at least one lens 4a and a second housing 4b.

[0045] The base 10 is used to accommodate the first optical device group 3, the second optical device group 4 and the actuating unit 5. Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 7 shown.

[0046] exist Figures 10a to 10c The actuation unit 5 shown in FIG. 1 is used to generate a movement of at least the first optical device group 3 from the retracted position P1 to the extended position P2 along the optical axis A1 . The actuation unit 5 comprises an actuator 6 , a first holding element 7 , a second holding element 8 and an elastic element 9 .

[0047] The actuator 6 is used to move the optical axis A1 in a first direction D1 (eg Figure 9a , Fig.10a and Fig.10b as shown) and rotate in a second direction D2.

[0048] The first holding element 7 is configured to translate along the optical axis A1 and rotate around the optical axis A1 simultaneously with or independently of the translational movement in response to the rotation of the actuator 6 in the first direction D1, such as Figures 10a to 10c shown.

[0049] The second holding element 8 is used to respond to the rotation of the first holding element 7 from Fig.10a The engagement position P3 shown is rotated to Fig.10c The disengaged position P4 is shown. When in the engaged position P3, the second holding element 8 engages the first optical device group 3 and maintains the first optical device group 3 in the retracted position P1. When in the disengaged position P4, the first optical device group 3 is released, which allows the first optical device group 3 to move from the retracted position P1 to the extended position P2.

[0050] The first retaining element 7 may include a first groove 12a, and the second retaining element 8 may include a second groove 12b. Figures 6a to 6c The first housing 3b may include at least one tongue 12c, such as Figure 5 As shown, the at least one tongue 12c is used to engage one of the first groove 12a and the second groove 12b. The first groove 12a and the second groove 12b are used to align when the first retaining element 7 is in the second linear position L2 and the second retaining element 8 is in the engagement position P3, as shown in FIG. Figure 6a As shown, the tongue 12c is allowed to slide from the second groove 12b to the first groove 12a, so that the first optical device group 3 can be released from the second holding element 8 and the first optical device group 3 is allowed to move from the retracted position P1 to the extended position P2. The first groove 12a and the second groove 12b are also used to be misaligned when the first holding element 7 is in the first linear position L1 and the second holding element 8 is in the engagement position P3, so that the tongue 12c is allowed to engage the second groove 12b, so that the second holding element 8 maintains the first optical device group 3 in the retracted position P1.

[0051] The translational movement of the first retaining element 7 from the first linear position L1 to the second linear position L2 along the optical axis A1 in the first direction D3 can produce compression of the elastic element 9, and the corresponding translational movement of the first retaining element 7 from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position L1 along the optical axis A1 in the second direction D4 can promote decompression of the elastic element 9.

[0052] The elastic element 9 is in a first compressed state S1 when the first holding element 7 is in a first linear position L1 along the optical axis A1, and is in a second compressed state S2 when the first holding element 7 is in a second linear position L2 along the optical axis A1. In other words, the elastic element 9 (e.g., a spring) is compressed to different degrees, depending on the linear position of the first holding element 7 along the optical axis A1 at this time. The degree of compression of the elastic element 9 in the second compressed state S2 can be greater than the degree of compression in the first compressed state S1. When in the first compressed state S1, the elastic element 9 can be completely decompressed, but it can also be compressed to a certain extent. The elastic element 9 can be a coil spring, which can be fixed to the lower side of the first holding element 7.

[0053] The elastic element 9 can be used to transfer the rotation of the first holding element 7 to the second holding element 8 .

[0054] Alternatively, the first retaining element 7 and the second retaining element 8 may be interlocked by means of first and second mechanical engagement components 19a, 19b, such as Figures 6a to 6c As shown. The first and second mechanical engagement components 19a, 19b are used to transmit the rotation of the first holding element 7 to the second holding element 8. The first and second mechanical engagement components 19a, 19b may include a plurality of surface deviations or edges, which abut when the first holding element 7 is in the second linear position L2, so that the first holding element 7 and the second holding element 8 partially overlap, that is, the second holding element 8 is partially nested in the first holding element 7.

[0055] The base 10 includes a boss 11 (see Figures 1 to 3 ), for locking and releasing the first holding element 7. The boss 11 locks the first holding element 7 in the first rotational position R1, so that the rotation of the actuator 6 is converted into a translation movement of the first holding element 7 from the first linear position L1 to the second linear position L2, as shown in FIG. Fig.10a and Fig.10b As shown. Figure 6b As shown, the inner surface of the first retaining element 7 may include an additional boss 23a, which is used to be arranged between the boss 11 and the edge 23b of the cutout in the second retaining element 8. This arrangement can effectively prevent the first retaining element 7 from rotating.

[0056] When the first holding element 7 reaches the second linear position L2, the boss 11 releases the first holding element 7, thereby allowing the rotation of the actuator 6 to produce a rotational movement of the first holding element 7 from the first rotational position R1 to the second rotational position R2, as shown in FIG. Fig.10c The first retaining element 7 can be released because in the second linear position L2 the additional boss 23 a has been moved so that it extends completely under the boss 11 .

[0057] When in the second rotational position R2, the first holding element 7 can be moved from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position L1 by decompression of the elastic element 9. The movement of the first holding element 7 from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position L1 causes the first optical device group 3 to move from the retracted position P1 to the extended position P2, as shown in FIG. Figures 10a to 10c shown.

[0058] The actuation unit 5 can also be used to generate a movement of at least the first optical device group 3 from the extended position P2 to the retracted position P1, such as Figures 10a to 10c As shown. In this embodiment, the actuator 6 is used to rotate about the optical axis A1 in the second direction D2, and the second holding element 8 is used to rotate from the disengaged position P4 to the engaged position P3. The boss 11 of the base 10 is used to lock the first holding element 7 in the second rotational position R2, so that the rotation of the actuator 6 is converted into a translational movement of the first holding element 7 from the first linear position L1 to the second linear position L2. The movement of the first holding element 7 from the first linear position L1 to the second linear position L2 produces the movement of the first optical device group 3 from the extended position P2 to the retracted position P1. The boss 11 is also used to release the first holding element 7 when the first holding element 7 reaches the second linear position L2, so that the rotation of the actuator 6 produces the rotational movement of the first holding element 7 from the second rotational position R2 to the first rotational position R1. When in the first rotational position R1, the first holding element 7 can be moved from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position L1 by decompression of the elastic element 9.

[0059] One of the base 10 and the first housing 3b may include a slot 13 extending parallel to the optical axis A1, and the other of the base 10 and the first housing 3b may include a protrusion 14 engaging the slot 13, such as Figure 2 The slot 13 includes oppositely disposed closed ends, which limit the movement range of the protrusion 14 in the slot 13 and thus limit the movement range of the first optical device group 3 relative to the base 10 along the optical axis A1.

[0060] The actuator 6 may include a first actuating element 6a, which is configured to rotate about the optical axis A1 and, when rotating in a first direction D1, applies a force F to a surface 15a of the first holding element 7, the surface 15a extending at a first angle α to the optical axis A1, such as Fig.10b and Fig.10c The force F pushes the first retaining element 7 from the first linear position L1 to the second linear position L2.

[0061] The first actuating element 6a may also be used to allow the first retaining element 7 to move from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position L1 when rotated in the second direction D2.

[0062] One of the base 10 and the first actuating element 6a may include a slot 17 extending parallel to the optical axis A1, and the other of the base 10 and the first actuating element 6a includes a protrusion 18 that engages the slot 17 and limits the range of movement of the second optical device group 4 along the optical axis A1 relative to the base 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 shown.

[0063] The first holding element 7 may include a first cam surface 15a extending at a first angle α to the optical axis A1 and a second cam surface 15b extending at a second angle β to the optical axis A1. Correspondingly, the first actuating element 6a may include a first cam surface 16a extending at a first angle α to the optical axis A1 and a second cam surface 16b extending at a second angle β to the optical axis A1, as shown in FIG. Fig.10c When the first retaining element 7 is in the first linear position L1, the first cam surfaces 15a, 16a abut against each other along the first contact axis A2, and the second cam surfaces 15b, 16b abut against each other along the second contact axis A3, see Fig.10a and Fig.10c When the first retaining element 7 is in the second linear position L2, the first cam surfaces 15a, 16a are offset relative to each other along the first contact axis A2, and the second cam surfaces 15b, 16b are offset relative to each other along the second contact axis A3, see Fig.10b .

[0064] The first cam surface 15a and the second cam surface 15b of the first retaining element 7 may together form a V-shaped groove, such as Figure 4 As shown, and accordingly, the first cam surface 16a and the second cam surface 16b of the first actuating element 6a can form a V-shaped convex portion, see Fig.9c The v-shaped groove and the v-shaped protrusion are arranged so that when the first retaining element 7 is in the first linear position L1, the v-shaped groove completely surrounds the v-shaped protrusion, such as Fig.10a and Fig.10cHowever, the cam surfaces 15a, 15b, 16a and 16b may have any suitable shape.

[0065] The actuator 6 may also include Figures 7 to 9c The second actuating element 6b shown in the figure, the first actuating element 6a is used to rotate around the optical axis A1 in response to the rotation of the second actuating element 6b. The second actuating element 6b is used to rotate by an external force, and the second actuating element 6b and the first actuating element 6a are used to interlock through the third mechanical joint component 20a and the fourth mechanical joint component 20b, as shown in FIG. Figure 9b and Fig.9c The third and fourth mechanical engagement components 20a, 20b are used to allow the second actuating element 6b to rotate around the optical axis A1 at an angle different from that of the first actuating element 6a.

[0066] When the first optical device group 3 has reached the extended position P2, as shown in FIG. Fig.10c As shown, the actuator 6 can be configured so that the rotation of the first actuating element 6a in the first direction D1 is stopped, and the second actuating element 6b rotates in the second direction D2. The first actuating element 6a is used to engage the base 10 so that the rotation of the second actuating element 6b in the second direction D2 is converted into a translation movement of the first actuating element 6a and the second optical device group 4 along the optical axis A1 in the first direction D3.

[0067] The first housing 3b of the first optical device group 3 can be used to engage the second housing 4b of the second optical device group 4 when the first optical device group 3 has reached the extended position P2, so that the first optical device group 3 and the second optical device group 4 are simultaneously translated along the optical axis A1.

[0068] The second actuating element 6b may include an internal thread 21a for engaging an external thread 22a of the first actuating element 6a. Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig.9c .

[0069] Various aspects and implementations have been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments. However, other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject matter by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The enumeration of certain measures in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be effectively used.

[0070] The reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportions, degrees, etc.) should be read in conjunction with the specification and should be considered part of the entire written description of the invention. As used in the description, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "upper" and "lower", as well as their adjective and adverbial derivatives, such as "horizontal", "rightward", "upward", etc., refer only to the orientation of the structure shown when a particular drawing is facing the reader. Similarly, the terms "inward" and "outward" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or axis of rotation, as the case may be.

Claims

1. An optical device (1) for an electronic device (2), characterized in that: The optical device (1) comprises: A first optical device group (3) and a second optical device group (4) together defining an optical axis (A1); an actuating unit (5) for causing at least the first optical device group (3) to move along the optical axis (A1) from a retracted position (P1) to an extended position (P2), The actuating unit (5) comprises: an actuator (6), the actuator (6) being configured to rotate about the optical axis (A1) in a first direction (D1), a first holding element (7) for translating along the optical axis (A1) and rotating about the optical axis (A1) in response to the rotation of the actuator (6), a second retaining element (8), the second retaining element (8) being configured to rotate from an engaged position (P3) to a disengaged position (P4) in response to the rotation of the first retaining element (7), wherein, in the engaged position (P3), the second retaining element (8) engages the first optical device group (3) and maintains the first optical device group (3) in the retracted position (P1); and in the disengaged position (P4), the first optical device group (3) is released to allow the first optical device group (3) to move from the retracted position (P1) to the extended position (P2), an elastic element (9) which is in a first compressed state (S1) when the first retaining element (7) is in a first linear position (L1) along the optical axis (A1), and is in a second compressed state (S2) when the first retaining element (7) is in a second linear position (L2) along the optical axis (A1), A base (10), the base (10) being used to accommodate the first optical device group (3), the second optical device group (4) and the actuating unit (5), the base comprising a boss (11), the boss (11) being used to: engaging the first retaining element (7) and maintaining the first retaining element (7) in a first rotational position (R1) such that the rotation of the actuator (6) is converted into a translational movement of the first retaining element (7) from the first linear position (L1) to the second linear position (L2), When the first retaining element (7) reaches the second linear position (L2), the first retaining element (7) is disengaged, so that the rotation of the actuator (6) generates a rotational movement of the first retaining element (7) from the first rotational position (R1) to the second rotational position (R2), and in the second rotational position (R2), the first retaining element (7) can be moved from the second linear position (L2) to the first linear position (L1) by decompression of the elastic element (9), The movement of the first retaining element (7) from the second linear position (L2) to the first linear position (L1) generates the movement of the first optical device group (3) from the retracted position (P1) to the extended position (P2).

2. The optical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The actuating unit (5) is used to generate a movement of at least the first optical device group (3) from the extended position (P2) to the retracted position (P1), The actuator (6) is used to rotate around the optical axis (A1) in a second direction (D2), The first holding element (7) is used to translate along the optical axis (A1) and rotate around the optical axis (A1) in response to the rotation of the actuator (6), The second retaining element (8) is used to rotate from the disengaged position (P4) to the engaged position (P3), The boss (11) of the base (10) is used to engaging the first retaining element (7) and retaining the first retaining element (7) in the second rotational position (R2) such that the rotation of the actuator (6) is converted into a translational movement of the first retaining element (7) from the first linear position (L1) to the second linear position (L2), the movement of the first retaining element (7) from the first linear position (L1) to the second linear position (L2) producing the movement of the first optical device group (3) from the extended position (P2) to the retracted position (P1), When the first holding element (7) reaches the second linear position (L2), the first holding element (7) is disengaged, The rotation of the actuator (6) causes the first retaining element (7) to rotate from the second rotational position (R2) to the first rotational position (R1). In the first rotational position (R1), the first retaining element (7) can be moved from the second linear position (L2) to the first linear position (L1) by decompression of the elastic element (9).

3. The optical device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first optical device group (3) includes at least one lens (3a) and a first housing (3b), and the second optical device group (4) includes at least one lens (4a) and a second housing (4b).

4. The optical device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The first retaining element (7) comprises a first groove (12a), the second retaining element (8) comprises a second groove (12b), and the first housing (3b) comprises at least one tongue (12c) for engaging one of the first groove (12a) and the second groove (12b), The first groove (12a) and the second groove (12b) are used to align when the first retaining element (7) is in the second linear position (L2) and the second retaining element (8) is in the engagement position (P3), thereby allowing the tongue (12c) to slide from the second groove (12b) to the first groove (12a), so that the first optical device group (3) can be released from the second retaining element (8) and the first optical device group (3) can be moved from the retracted position (P1) to the extended position (P2). The first groove (12a) and the second groove (12b) are used to be misaligned when the first retaining element (7) is in the first linear position (L1) and the second retaining element (8) is in the engagement position (P3), thereby allowing the tongue (12c) to engage the second groove (12b) so that the second retaining element (8) maintains the first optical device group (3) in the retracted position (P1).

5. The optical device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that One of the base (10) and the first shell (3b) includes a narrow groove (13) extending parallel to the optical axis (A1), and the other of the base (10) and the first shell (3b) includes a protrusion (14) engaging the narrow groove (13), and the narrow groove (13) includes relatively arranged closed ends, and the closed ends limit the movement range of the protrusion (14) in the narrow groove (13) and limit the movement range of the first optical device group (3) along the optical axis (A1) relative to the base (10).

6. The optical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The translational movement of the first retaining element (7) along the optical axis (A1) in a first direction (D3) from the first linear position (L1) to the second linear position (L2) generates a compression of the elastic element (9), The translation movement of the first retaining element (7) from the second linear position (L2) to the first linear position (L1) along the optical axis (A1) in the second direction (D4) helps to reduce the pressure of the elastic element (9).

7. The optical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The degree of compression of the elastic element (9) in the second compressed state (S2) is greater than the degree of compression in the first compressed state (S1).

8. The optical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The elastic element (9) is used to transmit the rotation of the first holding element (7) to the second holding element (8), or The first retaining element (7) and the second retaining element (8) are interlocked via a first mechanical engagement component and a second mechanical engagement component (19a, 19b), and the first mechanical engagement component and the second mechanical engagement component (19a, 19b) are used to transmit the rotation of the first retaining element (7) to the second retaining element (8).

9. The optical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The actuator (6) comprises a first actuating element (6a), which is used to rotate around the optical axis (A1) and to apply a force (F) to a surface (15a) of the first retaining element (7) when rotating in the first direction (D1), wherein the surface (15a) extends at a first angle (α) to the optical axis (A1), and the force (F) pushes the first retaining element (7) from the first linear position (L1) to the second linear position (L2).

10. The optical device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The first actuating element (6a) is used to allow the first retaining element (7) to move from the second linear position (L2) to the first linear position (L1) when rotating in the second direction (D2).

11. The optical device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The first holding element (7) comprises a first cam surface (15a) extending at a first angle (α) to the optical axis (A1) and a second cam surface (15b) extending at a second angle (β) to the optical axis (A1), wherein the first actuating element (6a) comprises a first cam surface (16a) extending at a first angle (α) to the optical axis (A1) and a second cam surface (16b) extending at a second angle (β) to the optical axis (A1), wherein, when the first retaining element (7) is in the first linear position (L1), the first cam surfaces (15a, 16a) abut each other along a first contact axis (A2), and the second cam surfaces (15b, 16b) abut each other along a second contact axis (A3), Wherein, when the first retaining element (7) is in the second linear position (L2), the first cam surfaces (15a, 16a) are offset relative to each other along the first contact axis (A2), and the second cam surfaces (15b, 16b) are offset relative to each other along the second contact axis (A3).

12. The optical device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The first cam surface (15a) and the second cam surface (15b) of the first retaining element (7) together form a V-shaped groove, and the first cam surface (16a) and the second cam surface (16b) of the first actuating element (6a) form a V-shaped convex portion, and the V-shaped groove and the V-shaped convex portion are arranged so that when the first retaining element (7) is in the first linear position (L1), the V-shaped groove completely surrounds the V-shaped convex portion.

13. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The actuator (6) comprises a second actuating element (6b), and the first actuating element (6a) is used to rotate around the optical axis (A1) in response to the rotation of the second actuating element (6b).

14. The optical device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The second actuating element (6b) is used to rotate by an external force, and the second actuating element (6b) and the first actuating element (6a) are used to be interlocked through a third mechanical joint component and a fourth mechanical joint component (20a, 20b), and the third mechanical joint component and the fourth mechanical joint component (20a, 20b) are used to allow the second actuating element (6b) to rotate around the optical axis (A1) at an angle different from that of the first actuating element (6a).

15. The optical device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that When the first optical device group (3) has reached the extended position (P2), the actuator (6) is configured so that the rotation of the first actuating element (6a) in the first direction (D1) is stopped and the second actuating element (6b) rotates in the second direction (D2), and The first actuating element (6a) is used to engage the base (10) so that the rotation of the second actuating element (6b) in the second direction (D2) is converted into a translational movement of the first actuating element (6a) and the second optical device group along the optical axis (A1) in the first direction (D3).

16. The optical device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The first housing (3b) of the first optical device group (3) is used to engage the second housing (4b) of the second optical device group (4) when the first optical device group (3) has reached the extended position (P2), so that the first optical device group (3) and the second optical device group (4) are simultaneously translated along the optical axis (A1).

17. The optical device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The second actuating element (6b) comprises an internal thread (21a) for engaging an external thread (22a) of the first actuating element (6a).

18. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that One of the base (10) and the first actuating element (6a) includes a slot (17) extending parallel to the optical axis (A1), and the other of the base (10) and the first actuating element (6a) includes a protrusion (18), which engages the slot (17) and limits the range of movement of the second optical device group (4) relative to the base (10) along the optical axis (A1).

19. An electronic device, characterized in that: Comprising an optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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