Optical device for electronic device

Abstract

An optical device (1) comprising a base (10), a first optical group (3), an actuator (6) and a first holding element (7) which moves in response to a rotation of the actuator (6). The base (10) maintains the first holding element (7) in a first rotational position (R1) such that a rotation of the actuator (6) is translated into a movement of the first holding element (7) along an optical axis (A1) from a first linear position (L1) to a second linear position (L2). The base (10) disengages from the first holding element (7) when reaching the second linear position (L2) such that a 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 a decompression of an elastic element (9) thereby moving the first optical group (3) from a retracted position (P1) to an extended position (P2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] Telescopic camera optics using retracting and protruding lens systems to achieve longer focal length cameras with e.g. zoom or telephoto functionality have been around for many years in the digital camera industry. 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 can not have the mechanical impact resistance required for products used in everyday life such as smartphones. It can also be necessary to reinforce the frame or housing of the smartphone in order to be able to withstand the forces generated by the protruding optical group, for example, in order to protect the display unit or the battery from damage. Furthermore, existing solutions accept the presence of some unwanted gaps within the optical arrangement or include additional components designed to eliminate these gaps.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved optical arrangements for electronic devices such as smartphones. SUMMARY

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

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided an optical device for an electronic device, the optical device comprising: a first optical group and a second optical group together defining an optical axis; an actuation unit for generating a movement of at least the first optical group along the optical axis from a retracted position to an extended position, the actuation unit comprising: an actuator for rotating in a first direction about the optical axis, a first holding element for translating along the optical axis and rotating about the optical axis in response to the rotation of the actuator, a second holding element for rotating 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 group and maintains the first optical group in the retracted position; in the disengaged position, the first optical group is released to allow the first optical group to move from the retracted position to the extended position, an elastic element 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. A chassis for housing the first optical group, the second optical group and the actuation unit, the chassis comprising a boss for:

[0007] engaging and maintaining the first holding element in a first rotational position such that the rotation of the actuator translates into a translational movement of the first holding element from the first linear position to the second linear position, disengaging the first holding element when the first holding element reaches the second linear position such that the rotation of the actuator generates a rotational movement of the first holding element from the first rotational position to a second rotational position in which the first holding element is movable from the second linear position to the first linear position by decompression of the elastic element, the movement of the first holding element from the second linear position to the first linear position generating the movement of the first optical 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 the components. Moreover, since the elastic element of the actuation unit is decompressed, or at least only partially compressed, also when the first optical group is in the retracted position, the properties of the elastic element remain unaffected, thus ensuring that the elastic element does not weaken over time.

[0009] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuation unit is configured to generate a movement of at least the first optical device group from the extended position to the retracted position, the actuator is configured to rotate in a second direction about the optical axis, the first holding element is configured to translate along the optical axis and to rotate about the optical axis in response to the rotation of the actuator, the second holding element is configured to rotate from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the boss of the base is configured to: engage the first holding element and hold the first holding element in the second rotational position such that the rotation of the actuator is translated 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, the first holding element is disengaged when the first holding element reaches the second linear position such 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, in the first rotational position the first holding element is movable from the second linear position to the first linear position by a decompression of the elastic element. This supports the use of exactly the same components for moving the first optical device group from the extended position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the extended position with the same advantages.

[0010] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first optical device group comprises at least one lens and a first housing, and the second optical device group comprises at least one lens and a second housing, thereby facilitating the implementation of a range of different optical performances.

[0011] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first holding element comprises a first groove, and the second holding element comprises a second groove, and

[0012] The first housing comprises at least one tongue for engaging one of the first and second grooves, the first and second grooves for being aligned 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, enabling the first optical device group to be released from the second retaining element, and allowing the first optical device group to move from the retracted position to the extended position, the first and second grooves for being misaligned 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, such that the second retaining element maintains the first optical device group in the retracted position. This supports the first optical device group to be safely locked in place when in the retracted position, while still supporting the first optical device group to be moved to the extended position with a certain reliability and precision.

[0013] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, one of the base and the first housing comprises a slot extending parallel to the optical axis, the other of the base and the first housing comprises a protrusion engaging the slot, the slot comprising oppositely arranged closed ends limiting a range of movement of the protrusion within the slot and limiting a range of movement of the first optical device group relative to the base along the optical axis. This facilitates the first housing to be repeatedly and reliably moved along the optical axis without play, while preventing the first housing from being rotated around the optical axis.

[0014] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the translational movement of the first retaining element along the optical axis in a first direction from the first linear position to the second linear position results in a compression of the resilient element,

[0015] The translational movement of the first retaining element along the optical axis in a second direction from the second linear position to the first linear position facilitates a decompression of the resilient element, such that movement can be generated by the decompression.

[0016] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the resilient element is compressed to a greater extent in the second compressed state than in the first compressed state, thereby reducing a long-term effect of the compression in the first compressed state on the resilient element.

[0017] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the elastic element is configured to transfer the rotation of the first holding element to the second holding element, or the first holding element and the second holding element are interlocked by a first mechanical engagement part and a second mechanical engagement part configured to transfer the rotation of the first holding element to the second holding element, thereby providing a different option for interconnecting the first holding element and the second holding element.

[0018] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuator comprises a first actuation element configured to rotate around the optical axis and to exert a force onto a surface of the first holding element extending at a first angle to the optical axis when rotated in the first direction, the force pushing the first holding element from the first linear position to the second linear position. This approach is simple and does not rely on separately movable parts to convert a rotational movement into a linear movement.

[0019] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first actuation element is configured to allow the first holding element to move from the second linear position to the first linear position when rotated in the second direction. This supports the elastic element to decompress, regardless of the position of the first optical device group.

[0020] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first holding element comprises 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, and the first actuation element comprises a first cam surface extending at the first angle to the optical axis and a second cam surface extending at the second angle to the optical axis, the first cam surfaces abutting each other along a first contact axis and the second cam surfaces abutting each other along a second contact axis when the first holding element is in the first linear position, the first cam surfaces being offset relative to each other along the first contact axis and the second cam surfaces being offset relative to each other along the second contact axis when the first holding element is in the second linear position. This approach is simple and does not rely on separately movable parts to convert a rotational movement into a linear movement along the optical axis and a rotational movement around the optical axis.

[0021] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first cam surface and the second cam surface of the first holding element together form a v-shaped groove, the first cam surface and the second cam surface of the first actuation element form a v-shaped protrusion, the v-shaped groove and the v-shaped protrusion are arranged such that the v-shaped groove completely encloses the v-shaped protrusion when the first holding element is in the first linear position. This symmetrical configuration provides a simple and reliable solution for generating a translational and / or rotational movement of the first holding element.

[0022] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuator comprises a second actuation element, the first actuation element is configured to rotate around the optical axis in response to a rotation of the second actuation element. This supports a clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of the first actuation element.

[0023] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second actuation element is configured to be rotated by an external force, the second actuation element and the first actuation element are configured to be interlocked by a third mechanical engagement part and a fourth mechanical engagement part, the third and fourth mechanical engagement parts are configured to allow the second actuation element to rotate around the optical axis at a different angle than the first actuation element. This supports an adjustment by a user manually or by the actuator.

[0024] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, when the first optical device group has reached the extended position, the actuator is configured such that a rotation of the first actuation element in the first direction is stopped and a rotation of the second actuation element in the second direction is started, and the first actuation element is configured to engage the base such that the rotation of the second actuation element in the second direction is translated into a translational movement of the first actuation 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 a further separate actuator.

[0025] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first housing of the first optical device group is configured to engage the second housing of the second optical device group when the first optical device group has reached the extended position such that the first optical device group and the second optical device group are simultaneously translated along the optical axis, thereby supporting maintaining a distance between the first optical device group and the second optical device group when applying an autofocus.

[0026] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second actuation element comprises an inner thread configured to engage an outer thread of the first actuation element, thereby facilitating a simple, efficient and reliable interconnection and movement of the first actuation element along the optical axis.

[0027] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, one of the base and the first actuation element comprises a slot extending parallel to the optical axis, and the other one of the base and the first actuation element comprises a protrusion, the protrusion engaging the slot and limiting a range of movement of the second optical group relative to the base along the optical axis to allow movement of the second optical group to facilitate autofocus and also prevent rotation about the optical axis.

[0028] According to a second aspect, there is provided an electronic device comprising an optical device according to the above. This can enable electronic devices to be provided with fast, shock resistant, actuation units between components with no unwanted gaps and maintain their efficiency over time.

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

[0030] In the following detailed portion of the application, aspects, embodiments and implementations are explained in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 A perspective view of components of an optical device provided by an example of an embodiment of the application is shown, with a first optical group of the optical device in a retracted position;

[0032] Figure 2 A perspective view of components of an optical device provided by an example of an embodiment of the application is shown, with a first optical group of the optical device in an extended position;

[0033] Figure 3 A further perspective view of components of an optical device provided by an example of an embodiment of the application is shown, with a first optical group of the optical device in a retracted position;

[0034] Figure 4 A side view of components of an optical device provided by an example of an embodiment of the application is shown, with a first optical group of the optical device in an extended position;

[0035] Figure 5 A further side view of components of an optical device provided by an example of an embodiment of the application is shown, with a first optical group of the optical device in an extended position;

[0036] Figures 6a to 6c A perspective view of a first retaining element and a second retaining element provided by an example of an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0037] Figure 7Partial exploded perspective view of an actuation unit provided by an example of an embodiment of the application;

[0038] Figure 8 Perspective view of an actuator and a second optical group provided by an example of an embodiment of the application;

[0039] Figures 9a to 9c Component perspective view of an actuator provided by an example of an embodiment of the application;

[0040] Figures 10a to 10c Side view of an optical device provided by an example of an embodiment of the application, in which the first optical group is in the retracted position and the elastic element is in a substantially decompressed state, in which the first optical group is in the retracted position and the elastic element is in a compressed state, and in which the first optical group is in the extended position and the elastic element is in a substantially decompressed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0042] The application also relates to an optical device 1 comprising: a first optical group 3 and a second optical group 4 together defining an optical axis Al; an actuation unit 5 for generating a movement of at least the first optical group 3 along the optical axis Al from a retracted position Pl to an extended position P2, the actuation unit 5 comprising: an actuator 6 for rotating in a first direction Dl about the optical axis Al, a first holding element 7 for translating along the optical axis Al and rotating about the optical axis Al in response to the rotation of the actuator 6, a second holding element 8 for rotating from an engaged position P3 to a disengaged position P4 in response to the rotation of the first holding element 7, wherein, in the engaged position P3, the second holding element 8 engages and maintains the first optical group 3 in the retracted position Pl; in the disengaged position P4, the first optical group 3 is released to allow the first optical group 3 to move from the retracted position Pl to the extended position P2, an elastic element 9 in a first compressed state Sl when the first holding element 7 is in a first linear position LI along the optical axis Al and in a second compressed state S2 when the first holding element 7 is in a second linear position L2 along the optical axis Al, a base 10 for housing the first optical group 3, the second optical group 4 and the actuation unit 5, the base comprising a boss 11 for: engaging and maintaining the first holding element 7 in a first rotational position Rl such that the rotation of the actuator 6 translates into a translational movement of the first holding element 7 from the first linear position LI to the second linear position L2, disengaging the first holding element 7 when the first holding element 7 reaches the second linear position L2 such that the rotation of the actuator 6 generates a rotational movement of the first holding element 7 from the first rotational position Rl to a second rotational position R2, in which the first holding element 7 is movable from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position LI 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 LI generating a movement of the first optical group 3 from the retracted position Pl to the extended position P2.

[0043] Figures 10a to 10c An optical device 1 is shown as well as the relative movement of some components of the optical device 1 when the first optical group 3 is moved along the optical axis Al from the retracted position Pl to the extended position P2.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4 The first optical group 3 and the second optical group 4 together define an optical axis Al. The first optical group 3 can comprise at least one lens 3a and a first housing 3b, the second optical group 4 can comprise at least one lens 4a and a second housing 4b.

[0045] The base 10 is configured to house the first optical device group 3, the second optical device group 4 and the actuation unit 5, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7 .

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

[0047] The actuator 6 is configured to rotate about the optical axis Al in a first direction Dl, as shown in Figure 9a , Figure 10a and Figure 10b , and in a second direction D2.

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

[0049] The second holding element 8 is configured to rotate from an engagement position P3, shown in Figure 10a , to a disengagement position P4, shown in Figure 10c , in response to a rotation of the first holding element 7. When 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 Pl. When in the disengagement position P4, the first optical device group 3 is released, which allows the first optical device group 3 to move from the retracted position Pl to the extended position P2.

[0050] The first holding element 7 can comprise a first groove 12a and the second holding element 8 can comprise a second groove 12b, as shown in Figures 6a to 6c . The first housing 3b can comprise at least one tongue 12c, as shown in Figure 5 , configured to engage one of the first groove 12a and the second groove 12b. The first groove 12a and the second groove 12b are configured to be aligned when the first holding element 7 is in the second linear position L2 and the second holding element 8 is in the engagement position P3, as shown in Figure 6a , 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 holding element 8 and the first optical device group 3 can be moved from the retracted position Pl to the extended position P2. The first groove 12a and the second groove 12b are further configured to be misaligned when the first holding element 7 is in the first linear position LI and the second holding element 8 is in the engagement position P3, thereby allowing the tongue 12c to engage the second groove 12b so that the second holding element 8 maintains the first optical device group 3 in the retracted position Pl.

[0051] A translational movement of the first retaining element 7 in the third direction D3 along the optical axis Al from the first linear position LI to the second linear position L2 can cause a compression of the elastic element 9, and a corresponding translational movement of the first retaining element 7 in the fourth direction D4 along the optical axis Al from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position LI can facilitate a decompression of the elastic element 9.

[0052] The elastic element 9 is in a first compressed state SI when the first retaining element 7 is in the first linear position LI along the optical axis Al, and in a second compressed state S2 when the first retaining element 7 is in the second linear position L2 along the optical axis Al. In other words, the elastic element 9, e.g. a spring, is compressed to different extents depending on the linear position along the optical axis Al at which the first retaining element 7 is at that time. The elastic element 9 can be compressed to a greater extent in the second compressed state S2 than in the first compressed state SI. When in the first compressed state SI, the elastic element 9 can be fully decompressed, however, it can also be compressed to some extent. The elastic element 9 can be a coil spring, which can be fixed to the underside of the first retaining element 7.

[0053] The elastic element 9 can be used to transmit a rotation of the first retaining element 7 to the second retaining element 8.

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

[0055] The base 10 comprises a boss 11 (see Figures 1 to 3 ) for locking and releasing the first retaining element 7. The boss 11 locks the first retaining element 7 in the first rotational position Rl, such that a rotation of the actuator 6 is translated into a translational movement of the first retaining element 7 from the first linear position LI to the second linear position L2, as shown in Figure 10a and Figure 10b The inner surface of the first retaining element 7 can comprise an additional boss 23a, as shown in Figure 6b which is used to be arranged between the boss 11 and an edge 23b of a cut-out in the second retaining element 8, which arrangement can effectively prevent a rotation of the first retaining element 7.

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

[0057] When in the second rotational position R2, the first retaining element 7 can move from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position L1 due to the 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 causes the first optical device assembly 3 to move from the retracted position P1 to the extended position P2, as... Figures 10a to 10c As shown.

[0058] The actuation unit 5 can also be used to generate at least a movement of the first optical device group 3 from the extended position P2 to the retracted position P1, such movement 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 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 lock 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 produces a movement of the first optical device assembly 3 from the extended position P2 to the retracted position P1. The boss 11 is also used to release the first retaining element 7 when it reaches the second linear position L2, such that the rotation of the actuator 6 produces a rotational movement of the first retaining element 7 from the second rotational position R2 to the first rotational position R1. When in the first rotational position R1, the first retaining element 7 can move 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, while the other of the base 10 and the first housing 3b includes a protrusion 14 engaging the slot 13, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The slot 13 includes opposing closed ends that limit the range of movement of the protrusion 14 within the slot 13, and thus limit the range of movement of the first optical element group 3 along the optical axis A1 relative to the base 10.

[0060] The actuator 6 can comprise a first actuating element 6a for rotation about the optical axis Al and for exerting a force F onto a surface 15a of the first holding element 7 extending at a first angle a to the optical axis Al when rotated in a first direction Dl, as shown in Figure 10b and Figure 10c The force F pushes the first holding element 7 from a first linear position LI to a second linear position L2.

[0061] The first actuating element 6a can also be used for allowing the first holding element 7 to move from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position LI when rotated in a second direction D2.

[0062] One of the base 10 and the first actuating element 6a can comprise a slot 17 extending parallel to the optical axis Al and the other of the base 10 and the first actuating element 6a comprises a protrusion 18 engaging the slot 17 and limiting the range of movement of the second optical group 4 along the optical axis Al relative to the base 10, as shown in Figure 3 .

[0063] The first holding element 7 can comprise a first cam surface 15a extending at a first angle a to the optical axis Al and a second cam surface 15b extending at a second angle β to the optical axis Al. Correspondingly, the first actuating element 6a can comprise a first cam surface 16a extending at the first angle a to the optical axis Al and a second cam surface 16b extending at the second angle β to the optical axis Al, as shown in Figure 10c When the first holding element 7 is in the first linear position LI, 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, see Figure 10a and Figure 10c When the first holding 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 Figure 10b .

[0064] The first cam surface 15a and the second cam surface 15b of the first holding element 7 can together form a v-shaped groove, as shown in Figure 4 and, correspondingly, the first cam surface 16a and the second cam surface 16b of the first actuating element 6a can form a v-shaped protrusion, see Figure 9c The v-shaped groove and the v-shaped protrusion are arranged such that the v-shaped groove completely encloses the v-shaped protrusion when the first holding element 7 is in the first linear position LI, as shown in Figure 10a and Figure 10cAs shown. However, cam surfaces 15a, 15b, 16a, and 16b can have any suitable shape.

[0065] Actuator 6 may also include Figures 7 to 9c The second actuating element 6b is shown, and the first actuating element 6a is used to rotate about 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 interlocked by a third mechanical engagement member and a fourth mechanical engagement member 20a, 20b, as shown. Figure 9b and Figure 9c As shown. The third and fourth mechanical engagement components 20a and 20b are used to allow the second actuating element 6b to rotate about 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 Figure 10c As shown, actuator 6 can be configured such 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 engages the base 10 such that the rotation of the second actuating element 6b in the second direction D2 is converted into translational movement of the first actuating element 6a and the second optical device group 4 along the optical axis A1 in the third 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 can be translated simultaneously along the optical axis A1.

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

[0069] This document has described various aspects and implementations in conjunction with different embodiments. However, by studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed subject matter. 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 dissimilar dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be effectively used.

[0070] The use of reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. The drawings (e.g., cross-shading, component arrangement, scale, degrees, etc.) should be read in conjunction with the specification, and should be considered a part of the entire written description of the application. As used in the description, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up", and "down", and adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof, such as "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", and the like, merely refer to the orientation of the structures illustrated in the particular view as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its normal of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate to the context.

Claims

1. An optical device (1) for an electronic device (2), characterized in that The optical device (1) comprises: a first optical group (3) and a second optical group (4) defining together an optical axis (A1); an actuation unit (5) for generating a movement of at least the first optical group (3) along the optical axis (A1) from a retracted position (P1) to an extended position (P2), the actuation unit (5) comprises: an actuator (6) for rotating in a first direction (D1) around the optical axis (A1), a first holding element (7) for translating along the optical axis (A1) and rotating around the optical axis (A1) in response to the rotation of the actuator (6), a second holding element (8) for rotating from an engaged position (P3) to a disengaged position (P4) in response to the rotation of the first holding element (7), wherein, in the engaged position (P3), the second holding element (8) engages the first optical group (3) and maintains the first optical group (3) in the retracted position (P1); in the disengaged position (P4), the first optical group (3) is released to allow the movement of the first optical group (3) from the retracted position (P1) to the extended position (P2), a resilient element (9) 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 in a second compressed state (S2) when the first holding element (7) is in a second linear position (L2) along the optical axis (A1), a base (10) for housing the first optical group (3), the second optical group (4) and the actuation unit (5), the base comprising a boss (11) for: engaging the first holding element (7) and maintaining the first holding element (7) in a first rotational position (R1) such that the rotation of the actuator (6) translates into a translational movement of the first holding element (7) from the first linear position (L1) to the second linear position (L2), disengaging the first holding element (7) when the first holding element (7) reaches the second linear position (L2) such that the rotation of the actuator (6) generates a rotational movement of the first holding element (7) from the first rotational position (R1) to a second rotational position (R2) in which the first holding element (7) is movable from the second linear position (L2) to the first linear position (L1) by decompression of the resilient element (9), 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 group (3) from the retracted position (P1) to the extended position (P2).

2. The optical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said actuation unit (5) is configured to generate a movement of at least said first optical group (3) from said extended position (P2) to said retracted position (P1), said actuator (6) is configured to rotate in a second direction (D2) around said optical axis (A1), said first holding element (7) is configured to translate along said optical axis (A1) and to rotate around said optical axis (A1) in response to said rotation of said actuator (6), said second holding element (8) is configured to rotate from said disengaged position (P4) to said engaged position (P3), said boss (11) of said base (10) is configured to engage said first holding element (7) and to hold said first holding element (7) in said second rotational position (R2) such that said rotation of said actuator (6) is translated into a translational movement of said first holding element (7) from said first linear position (LI) to said second linear position (L2), said movement of said first holding element (7) from said first linear position (LI) to said second linear position (L2) generating said movement of said first optical group (3) from said extended position (P2) to said retracted position (P1), to disengage said first holding element (7) when said first holding element (7) reaches said second linear position (L2), such that said rotation of said actuator (6) generates a rotational movement of said first holding element (7) from said second rotational position (R2) to said first rotational position (Rl), in which said first holding element (7) is movable from said second linear position (L2) to said first linear position (LI) by a pressure reduction of said elastic element (9).

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

4. The optical device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said first holding element (7) comprises a first groove (12a), said second holding element (8) comprises a second groove (12b), and said first housing (3b) comprises at least one tongue (12c) configured to engage one of said first groove (12a) and said second groove (12b), said first groove (12a) and said second groove (12b) are configured to be aligned when said first holding element (7) is in said second linear position (L2) and said second holding element (8) is in said engaged position (P3), thereby allowing said tongue (12c) to slide from said second groove (12b) to said first groove (12a) such that said first optical group (3) can be released from said second holding element (8) and allowing said first optical group (3) to move from said retracted position (P1) to said extended position (P2), The first groove (12a) and the second groove (12b) are configured to be misaligned when the first retaining element (7) is in the first linear position (LI) 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 group (3) in the retracted position (PI).

5. The optical device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that One of the base (10) and the first housing (3b) comprises a slot (13) extending parallel to the optical axis (Al), the other of the base (10) and the first housing (3b) comprises a protrusion (14) engaging the slot (13), the slot (13) comprising oppositely arranged closed ends limiting the range of movement of the protrusion (14) within the slot (13) and limiting the range of movement of the first optical group (3) along the optical axis (Al) relative to the base (10).

6. The optical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The translational movement of the first retaining element (7) in a third direction (D3) along the optical axis (Al) from the first linear position (LI) to the second linear position (L2) generates a compression of the elastic element (9), wherein the translational movement of the first retaining element (7) in a fourth direction (D4) along the optical axis (Al) from the second linear position (L2) to the first linear position (LI) facilitates a decompression of the elastic element (9).

7. The optical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The compression of the elastic element (9) in the second compressed state (S2) is greater than the compression in the first compressed state (SI).

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

9. The optical device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The actuator (6) comprises a first actuating element (6a) configured to rotate about the optical axis (Al) and to exert a force (F) onto a surface (15a) of the first retaining element (7) when rotated in the first direction (Dl), the surface (15a) extending at a first angle (a) to the optical axis (Al), the force (F) urging the first retaining element (7) from the first linear position (LI) to the second linear position (L2).

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

11. The optical device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The first holding element (7) comprises a first cam surface (15a) extending at a first angle (a) to the optical axis (A1) and a second cam surface (15b) extending at a second angle (b) to the optical axis (A1), wherein the first actuation element (6a) comprises a first cam surface (16a) extending at the first angle (a) to the optical axis (A1) and a second cam surface (16b) extending at the second angle (b) to the optical axis (A1), wherein, when the first holding 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 holding 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 holding element (7) together form a v-shaped recess and the first cam surface (16a) and the second cam surface (16b) of the first actuation element (6a) form a v-shaped protrusion, the v-shaped recess and the v-shaped protrusion being arranged such that, when the first holding element (7) is in the first linear position (L1), the v-shaped recess completely encloses the v-shaped protrusion.

13. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The actuator (6) comprises a second actuation element (6b), the first actuation element (6a) being configured to rotate about the optical axis (A1) in response to a rotation of the second actuation element (6b).

14. The optical device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The second actuation element (6b) is configured to be rotated by an external force, the second actuation element (6b) and the first actuation element (6a) being configured to be interlocked by third and fourth mechanical engagement means (20a, 20b) configured to allow the second actuation element (6b) to rotate about the optical axis (A1) at a different angle than the first actuation 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 such that a rotation of the first actuation element (6a) in the first direction (D1) is stopped and the second actuation element (6b) is rotated in the second direction (D2), and wherein the first actuation element (6a) is configured to engage the base (10) such that the rotation of the second actuation element (6b) in the second direction (D2) is translated into a translational movement of the first actuation element (6a) and the second optical group along the optical axis (A1) in the third direction (D3).

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

17. The optical device of claim 15, wherein, The second actuation element (6b) comprises an inner thread (21a) configured to engage an outer thread (22a) of the first actuation 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 actuation element (6a) comprises a slot (17) extending parallel to the optical axis (A1) and the other of the base (10) and the first actuation element (6a) comprises a protrusion (18) engaging the slot (17) and limiting the range of movement of the second optical group (4) relative to the base (10) along the optical axis (A1).

19. An electronic device, comprising: An optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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