Optical device and electronic device comprising such a device

Abstract

An optical device (1) is provided, comprising: an optical unit (3); a drive unit (6) moving the optical unit (3) along an optical axis (A1). The drive unit (6) comprises: a rotating structure (7) rotating relative to the optical unit (3) around the optical axis (A1); at least one shaft (8), each shaft (8) rotating in response to a rotation of the rotating structure (7); a nut (9) longitudinally moving along the shaft (8). A housing (5) of the optical unit (3) comprises at least one recess (10) for accommodating the shaft (8) and the nut (9). The rotating structure (7) is engaged with the housing (5) such that in response to a rotation of the rotating structure (7) the nut (9) moves along the shaft (8) while the optical unit (3) is stationary, or the nut (9) is stationary while the optical unit (3) moves along the optical axis (A1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an optical device for an electronic device, comprising: an optical unit including at least one lens and a housing, the optical unit defining an optical axis; and a drive unit for moving the optical unit along the optical axis at least between a retracted position and an extended position. The invention also relates to a method for moving the optical unit along the optical axis at least between a retracted position and an extended position. Background Technology

[0002] Retractable camera optics, which utilize retractable and extendable lens systems to achieve longer focal lengths (such as zoom or telephoto capabilities), have existed in the digital camera industry for many years. These solutions require greater miniaturization and robustness for use in smaller devices such as smartphones. Furthermore, to meet growing consumer demands, sensors and optics are becoming increasingly larger, requiring more space.

[0003] Nevertheless, devices employing these solutions remain thick and bulky. Such devices may lack the mechanical shock resistance required for everyday products like mobile phones. They may also require reinforced phone frames or housings to withstand forces generated by protruding optics, for example, to protect the display unit or battery from damage. Furthermore, existing solutions either accept undesirable gaps in the optics or require additional components to eliminate these gaps. However, these components often lose their functionality over time.

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

[0005] The objective is to provide an improved optical device for electronic devices such as smartphones. The above and other objectives are achieved through the features of the independent claims. Other implementations will be apparent from the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings.

[0006] According to a first aspect, an optical device for an electronic device is provided, the optical device comprising: an optical unit including at least one lens and a housing, the optical unit defining an optical axis; a drive unit for moving the optical unit along the optical axis from a retracted position to an extended position in an extended direction and from the extended position to the retracted position in a retracted direction; the drive unit comprising: a rotating structure for at least partially receiving the optical unit and rotating relative to the optical unit about the optical axis; at least one axis, the central axis of each axis being parallel to the optical axis, each axis being for rotating about the central axis in response to rotation of the rotating structure; a nut for longitudinal movement along the axis; the housing of the optical unit including at least one groove for receiving the shaft and the nut; the rotating structure being for engaging with the housing of the optical unit such that, in response to rotation of the rotating structure, the nut moves along the axis while the optical unit is stationary, or the nut is stationary on the axis while the optical unit moves along the optical axis.

[0007] This approach supports an optical device in which the drive unit is fast and shock-resistant, and where any unwanted gaps between components are eliminated. Furthermore, the optical device supports the use of protruding zoom optics in small electronic devices while maintaining a relatively small device thickness.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical device further includes an elastic element surrounding the shaft, the elastic element being compressed or released by the nut in response to movement of the nut along the shaft. Since the elastic element is released whenever the optical unit is in the retracted position, the characteristics of the elastic element are substantially unaffected, thereby ensuring that the elastic element does not weaken over time.

[0009] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the elastic element is compressed as the nut moves along the axis in the retraction direction. This allows the elastic element to be compressed independently of the position of the optical unit.

[0010] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the elastic element remains compressed as the optical unit moves in the extension direction. Maintaining spring compression ensures rapid movement of the optical unit toward the extension position.

[0011] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the elastic element is released when the optical unit is in the retracted position, and is compressed when the optical unit moves between the retracted position and the extended position, and when the elastic element is in the extended position, to facilitate rapid and reliable actuation while ensuring that the elastic element does not weaken over time.

[0012] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the nut is used to rotate together with the shaft about the central axis, and the nut includes an external thread for engaging with a corresponding internal thread of the groove of the housing. This solution is simple and does not rely on complex components to convert rotational movement into linear movement.

[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, as the rotating structure rotates, the movement of the nut and the movement of the optical unit alternate. This supports a direct correlation between the force generated by the compressive elastic element and the extension distance of the optical unit.

[0014] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the channel extends parallel to the optical axis. This facilitates repeatable and reliable movement of the optical unit while preventing rotation of the optical unit about the optical axis.

[0015] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the grooves in the drive unit and the optical unit are used to convert rotational movement of the rotating structure into linear movement of the nut or into linear movement of the optical unit. This facilitates repeatable and reliable movement of the optical unit while preventing rotation of the optical unit around the optical axis.

[0016] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical device further includes an actuator for generating rotation of the rotating structure, thereby supporting actuation of the drive unit of the optical device by any suitable means.

[0017] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the rotating structure is cylindrical to facilitate a small form factor for the optical device.

[0018] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the cylindrical rotary structure includes an external thread for engaging with the thread of the actuator, thereby facilitating simple, effective and reliable actuation.

[0019] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, one of the rotating structure and the housing includes at least one protrusion, and the other includes at least one engaging surface. A force applied by the elastic element in the protruding direction causes the protrusion to engage with the engaging surface. The engaging surface includes at least a first engaging segment and a second engaging segment. The first engaging segment extends in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and the second engaging segment extends at an angle to the plane. The first engaging segment engages with the protrusion such that the protrusion can move only in a direction parallel to the plane, and the second engaging segment engages with the protrusion such that the protrusion can move both in a direction parallel to the plane and in a direction parallel to the optical axis. This solution is simple and does not rely on a separate movable component to convert rotational motion into linear motion along the optical axis.

[0020] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the meshing surface is a groove formed in the wall of the rotating structure or the housing, or an edge extending from the wall of the rotating structure or the housing, to support a simple and reliable mechanical interconnection.

[0021] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical unit is in the retracted position when the protrusion engages with the first engagement segment, and moves toward the extended position when the protrusion engages with the second engagement segment. This allows the optical unit to be securely locked in place when in the retracted position, while still allowing the optical unit to move toward the extended position reliably and precisely.

[0022] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the engagement surface includes at least one third engagement segment and at least one fourth engagement segment, the third engagement segment extending in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the fourth engagement segment extending at an angle to the plane, the third engagement segment engaging with the protrusion such that the protrusion can move only in a direction parallel to the plane, and the fourth engagement segment engaging with the protrusion such that the protrusion can move in both directions parallel to the plane and parallel to the optical axis, thereby increasing the movable distance of the optical unit while ensuring the compressibility range of movement of the elastic element.

[0023] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical unit is held in an intermediate position when the protrusion engages with the third engagement segment, and the optical unit continues to move toward the extended position when the protrusion engages with the fourth engagement segment, supporting further compression of the elastic element.

[0024] According to a second aspect, a method is provided for moving an optical unit along an optical axis from a retracted position to an extended position in an extended direction and from the extended position to the retracted position in a retracted direction using a drive unit, the drive unit comprising: a rotating structure for at least partially housing the optical unit and for rotating about the optical axis; at least one axis, the central axis of each axis being parallel to the optical axis, each axis being for rotating about the central axis in response to rotation of the rotating structure; a nut for longitudinal movement along the axis; a housing of the optical unit including at least one groove for receiving the shaft and the nut; the rotating structure engaging with the housing such that, in response to rotation of the rotating structure... The nut moves along the axis while the optical unit is stationary, or the nut is stationary on the axis while the optical unit moves along the optical axis. The method includes the following steps: generating a first rotation of the rotating structure, the first rotation causing the nut to move along the axis in the retraction direction from a first axis position to a second axis position while holding the optical unit in the retracted position; generating a second rotation of the rotating structure, the second rotation causing the optical unit to move from the retracted position to an intermediate position while holding the nut in the second axis position; generating a third rotation of the rotating structure, the third rotation causing the nut to move along the axis in the retraction direction to a third axis position while holding the optical unit in the intermediate position; generating a fourth rotation of the rotating structure, the fourth rotation causing the optical unit to move toward the extended position while holding the nut in the third axis position.

[0025] This method supports fast and shock-resistant actuation while eliminating any unwanted gaps between components. Furthermore, it facilitates the use of protruding zoom optics in small electronic devices while maintaining a relatively small device thickness.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes the following steps: generating a fifth rotation of the rotating structure, the fifth rotation moving the optical unit to the intermediate position while holding the nut at the third axis position; generating a sixth rotation of the rotating structure, the sixth rotation moving the nut away from the rotating structure along the axis in the extension direction to the second axis position while holding the optical unit at the intermediate position; generating a seventh rotation of the rotating structure, the seventh rotation moving the optical unit to the retracted position while holding the nut at the second axis position; generating an eighth rotation of the rotating structure, the eighth rotation moving the nut along the axis in the extension direction to the first axis position while holding the optical unit at the retracted position, thereby increasing the movable distance of the optical unit while ensuring the compression-adaptive movement range of the elastic element.

[0027] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes an elastic element surrounding the shaft, the elastic element being compressed or released by the nut in response to movement of the nut along the shaft. When the nut is in the second axial position, the elastic element is compressed by a first distance, and when the nut is in the third axial position, the elastic element is compressed by a second distance, the first distance being less than the second distance. Since the elastic element is released whenever the optical unit is in the retracted position, the characteristics of the elastic element are essentially unaffected, thereby ensuring that the elastic element does not weaken over time.

[0028] According to a third aspect, an electronic device is provided, including an optical device as described above, and an actuator for engaging with a rotating structure of the optical device and causing the rotating structure of the optical device to rotate about the optical axis of an optical unit of the optical device.

[0029] This supports electronic devices equipped with optics that are fast, shock-resistant, have no unwanted gaps between components, and maintain their efficiency over time.

[0030] These and other aspects will become apparent from the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0031] In the following detailed description of the invention, aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An exploded view of an optical device provided in an example embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2a and Figure 2bA cross-sectional view and a side view of an optical device provided in an example embodiment of the present invention are shown, wherein the optical unit is in a fully retracted position and the nut of the drive unit is in a first axial position; Figure 3a and Figure 3b It shows Figure 2a and Figure 2b A cross-sectional view and a side view of the optical device, wherein the optical unit is in the fully retracted position and the nut of the drive unit is in the second axis position; Figure 4a and Figure 4b It shows Figures 2a to 3b A cross-sectional view and a side view of the optical device, wherein the optical unit is in the middle position and the nut of the drive unit is in the third axis position; Figure 5a and Figure 5b It shows Figures 2a to 4b The cross-sectional view and side view of the optical device, wherein the optical unit is in the fully extended position and the nut of the drive unit is in the third axis position. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This invention relates to an optical device 1 for an electronic device 2, the optical device 1 comprising: an optical unit 3 including at least one lens 4 and a housing 5, the optical unit 3 defining an optical axis A1; a drive unit 6 for moving the optical unit 3 along the optical axis A1 from a retracted position P1 to an extended position P2 in the extended direction and from an extended position P2 to a retracted position P1 in the retracted direction, the drive unit 6 comprising: a rotating structure 7 for at least partially receiving the optical unit 3 and rotating relative to the optical unit 3 about the optical axis A1; at least one shaft 8, each The central axis A2 of each shaft 8 is parallel to the optical axis A1, and each shaft 8 is used to rotate about the central axis A2 in response to the rotation of the rotating structure 7; a nut 9 is used to move longitudinally along the shaft 8, and the housing 5 of the optical unit 3 includes at least one groove 10 for receiving the shaft 8 and the nut 9. The rotating structure 7 is used to engage with the housing 5 of the optical unit 3 such that in response to the rotation of the rotating structure 7, the nut 9 moves along the shaft 8 while the optical unit 3 is stationary, or the nut 9 is stationary on the shaft 8 while the optical unit 3 moves along the optical axis A1.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the optical device 1 includes an optical unit 3 and a driving unit 6. The optical unit 3 defines the optical axis A1 of the optical device 1, and the optical unit 3 is movable along the optical axis A1.

[0034] The optical unit 3 includes at least one lens 4 and a housing 5; however, the optical unit 4 may include several lenses arranged as one or more stationary or movable lens groups. One or more lenses 4 are fixed to the housing 5. The housing 5 may be substantially cylindrical, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0035] The drive unit 6 is used to move the optical unit 3 along the optical axis A1 at least between a retracted position P1 and an extended position P2, in which the optical unit 3 is fully or largely retracted into the housing of the electronic device 2, and in the extended position, the optical unit 3 partially protrudes from the housing of the electronic device 2. Figure 5b As shown, the movement from the retracted position P1 to the extended position P2 is called the movement in the extension direction D1, while the movement from the extended position P2 to the retracted position P1 is called the movement in the retraction direction D2.

[0036] The driving unit 6 includes a rotating structure 7, which at least partially houses the optical unit 3 and rotates relative to the optical unit 3 about the optical axis A1. The rotating structure 7 can be substantially cylindrical, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0037] The drive unit 6 also includes at least one shaft 8, the central axis A2 of each shaft 8 being parallel to the optical axis A1. Each shaft 8 is used to rotate about the central axis A2 in response to the rotation of the rotating structure 7. The shafts 8 can be equidistantly distributed around the optical axis A1 to ensure uniform movement of the optical unit 3.

[0038] The drive unit 6 also includes at least one nut 9, each nut 9 being used for longitudinal movement along one of the axes of the shaft 8.

[0039] The housing 5 of the optical unit 3 includes at least one groove or channel 10 for accommodating the shaft 8 and the nut 9. This is in Figure 2a , Figure 3a , Figure 4a and Figure 5a As shown in the diagram, channel 10 can extend parallel to the optical axis A1.

[0040] The rotating structure 7 is used to engage with the housing 5 of the optical unit 3, such that in response to the rotation of the rotating structure 7, the nut 9 moves along the axis 8 while the optical unit 3 is stationary, or the nut 9 is stationary on the axis 8 while the optical unit 3 moves along the optical axis A1. Figures 2a to 3b The diagram shows nut 9 moving along axis 8, while optical unit 3 remains stationary. Figures 4a to 5b The diagram shows that the optical unit 3 moves along the optical axis A1, while the nut 9 remains stationary on the axis 8. As the rotating structure 7 rotates, the movement of the nut 9 and the movement of the optical unit 3 can alternate.

[0041] The drive unit 6 and groove 10 of the optical unit 3 can be used to convert the rotational movement of the rotating structure 7 into linear movement of the nut 9 or into linear movement of the optical unit 3. The nut 9 can be used to rotate together with the shaft 8 about the central axis A2. The nut 9 may include an external thread for engaging with the corresponding internal thread of the groove 10 of the housing 5.

[0042] The optical device 1 may also include an elastic element 11 surrounding the shaft 8, the elastic element 11 being compressed or released by the nut 9 in response to movement of the nut 9 along the shaft 8. Figure 3a , Figure 4a and Figure 5a As shown, when the nut 9 moves along the shaft 8 in the retraction direction D2, the elastic element 11 can be compressed. Figure 4a and Figure 5a As shown, when the optical unit 3 moves along the optical axis A1 in the extension direction D1, the elastic element 11 can remain in a compressed state.

[0043] When the optical unit 3 is in the retracted position P1, the elastic element 11 is released, and when the optical unit 3 moves between the retracted position P1 and the extended position P2, and when the elastic element 11 is in the extended position P2, the elastic element 11 is compressed. In other words, when the optical unit 3 is not in use, the elastic element 11 is released, thereby preventing the elastic element 11 from losing its elasticity over time.

[0044] The optical device 1 may also include a stationary base for supporting the rotating structure 7 and the shaft 8.

[0045] Additionally, the optical device 1 may include Figure 5b The actuator 14 shown is used to generate rotation of the rotating structure 7. The rotating structure 7 may include an external thread for engaging with the thread of the actuator 14.

[0046] like Figure 2b , Figure 3b , Figure 4b and Figure 5b As shown, one of the rotating structure 7 and the housing 5 may include at least one protrusion 12, while the other of the rotating structure 7 and the housing 5 may include at least one engaging surface 13. The figure illustrates the rotating structure 7 including the engaging surface 13 and the housing 5 including the protrusion; however, other configurations are also possible.

[0047] In response to a force applied by the elastic element 11 in the extension direction D1, the protrusion 12 engages with the engagement surface 13. The engagement surface 13 includes at least a first engagement segment 13a and a second engagement segment 13b. The first engagement segment 13a extends in a plane PL1 perpendicular to the optical axis A1, and the second engagement segment 13b extends at an angle α to the plane PL1. The first engagement segment 13a engages with the protrusion 12 such that the protrusion 12 can move only in a direction parallel to the plane PL1. The second engagement segment 13b engages with the protrusion 12 such that the protrusion 12 can move both in a direction parallel to the plane PL1 and in a direction parallel to the optical axis A1. See also Figure 2b .

[0048] The meshing surface 13 can be a groove formed in the wall of the rotating structure 7 or the housing 5, as shown in the figure. The meshing surface 13 can also be an edge extending from the wall of the rotating structure 7 or the housing 5.

[0049] When the protrusion 12 engages with the first engaging section 13a, the optical unit 3 can be in the retracted position P1, such as... Figure 2b and Figure 3b As shown. When the protrusion 12 engages with the second engagement section 13b, the optical unit 3 can move toward the extended position P2.

[0050] The meshing surface 13 may include at least one third meshing segment 13c and at least one fourth meshing segment 13d. The third meshing segment 13c extends in a plane PL2 perpendicular to the optical axis A1, while the fourth meshing segment 13d extends at an angle β to the plane PL2. The third meshing segment 13c engages with the protrusion 12, such that the protrusion 12 can move only in a direction parallel to the plane PL2, as... Figure 4b As shown. The fourth engagement segment 13d engages with the protrusion 12, allowing the protrusion 12 to move in a direction parallel to plane PL2 and in a direction parallel to the optical axis A1, as shown. Figure 5b As shown. The meshing surface 13 may include any appropriate number of meshing segments.

[0051] The third engagement segment 13c may include a small cut or protrusion to produce a snapping sound that the user can perceive when the rotating structure 7 rotates.

[0052] like Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, when the protrusion 12 engages with the third engagement section 13c, the optical unit 3 can be held in the middle position P3. When the protrusion 12 engages with the fourth engagement section 13d, the optical unit 3 continues to move toward the extended position P2.

[0053] The present invention also relates to an electronic device 2, comprising an optical device 1 as described above and an actuator 14, the actuator 14 being configured to engage with a rotating structure 7 of the optical device 1 and cause the rotating structure 7 of the optical device 1 to rotate about the optical axis A1 of the optical unit 3 of the optical device 1. The electronic device 2 may be a smartphone, tablet computer, or other portable device. The actuator 14 may be a rotary actuator, such as a stepper motor with a geared outer edge.

[0054] The present invention also relates to a method for moving an optical unit 3 along an optical axis A1 from a retracted position P1 to an extended position P2 in an extension direction D1 and from a retracted position P2 to a retracted position P1 in a retracted direction D2 by a drive unit 6, the drive unit 6 comprising: a rotating structure 7 for at least partially housing the optical unit 3 and for rotating about the optical axis A1; at least one shaft 8, the central axis A2 of each shaft 8 being parallel to the optical axis A1, each shaft 8 being for rotating about the central axis A2 in response to rotation of the rotating structure 7; and a nut 9 for longitudinal movement along the shaft 8, the housing 5 of the optical unit 3 including at least one groove 10 for housing the shaft 8 and the nut 9, the rotating structure 7 engaging with the housing 5 such that, in response to rotation of the rotating structure 7, the nut 9 moves along the shaft 8 while the optical unit 3 is stationary, or the nut 9 is stationary on the shaft 8 while the optical unit 3 moves along the optical axis A1.

[0055] The method includes the following steps: generating a first rotation of the rotating structure 7, which causes the nut 9 to move along the axis 8 from a first axial position S1 to a second axial position S2 in the retraction direction D2, while simultaneously holding the optical unit 3 in the retracted position P1. This in Figure 2a and Figure 3a As shown in the image.

[0056] The method also includes a step of generating a second rotation of the rotating structure 7, which moves the optical unit 3 from the retracted position P1 to the intermediate position P3 while holding the nut 9 in the second axis position S2. This is in Figure 4a As shown in the image.

[0057] The method also includes the step of generating a third rotation of the rotating structure 7, which moves the nut 9 along the axis 8 in the retraction direction D2 to a third axis position S3, while holding the optical unit 3 in the intermediate position P3, as well as... Figure 4a As shown.

[0058] The method also includes a step of generating a fourth rotation of the rotating structure 7, which moves the optical unit 3 toward the extended position P2 while holding the nut 9 in the third axis position S3. This is in Figure 5a As shown in the image.

[0059] The method may further include the following steps: generating a fifth rotation of the rotating structure 7, which moves the optical unit 3 to the intermediate position P3 while holding the nut 9 in the third axis position S3; generating a sixth rotation of the rotating structure 7, which moves the nut 9 along the axis 8 in the extension direction D1 to the second axis position S2 while holding the optical unit 3 in the intermediate position P3; generating a seventh rotation of the rotating structure 7, which moves the optical unit 3 to the retracted position P1 while holding the nut 9 in the second axis position S2; generating an eighth rotation of the rotating structure 7, which moves the nut 9 along the axis 8 in the extension direction D1 to the first axis position S1 while holding the optical unit 3 in the retracted position P1. In other words, the movement of the components of the optical unit and the drive unit 6 can be opposite.

[0060] The method may further include, when the drive unit 6 includes an elastic element 11 surrounding the shaft 8, the elastic element 11 being compressed or released by the nut 9 in response to movement of the nut 9 along the shaft 8. Figure 3a As shown, when the nut 9 is in the second axial position S2, the elastic element 11 can be compressed by a first distance d1, and as... Figure 5a As shown, when the nut 9 is in the third axis position S3, the elastic element 11 can be compressed by a second distance d2. The first distance d1 < the second distance d2, that is, the first distance d1 is less than the second distance d2.

[0061] This document has described various aspects and implementations in conjunction with different embodiments. However, those skilled in the art, upon studying the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will be able to 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 measures in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that a combination of these measures cannot be used to obtain an advantage.

[0062] The reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings (e.g., cross shading, component arrangements, scale, degrees, etc.) should be read in conjunction with the specification and should be considered an integral part of the entire written description of the invention. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down,” and their adjective and adverbial derivatives (e.g., “horizontally,” “to the right,” “upward,” etc.) refer only to the orientation of the illustrated structure, as the particular drawing is directed at the reader. Similarly, the terms “inward” and “outward” generally refer, as appropriate, to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or axis of rotation.

Claims

1. An optical device (1) for an electronic device (2), characterized in that, The optical device (1) includes: - An optical unit (3) includes at least one lens (4) and a housing (5), the optical unit (3) defining an optical axis (A1); - Drive unit (6) for moving the optical unit (3) from the retracted position (P1) to the extended position (P2) in the extension direction (D1) along the optical axis (A1) and from the extended position (P2) to the retracted position (P1) in the retraction direction (D2). The drive unit (6) includes -- A rotating structure (7) is used to at least partially accommodate the optical unit (3) and rotate relative to the optical unit (3) about the optical axis (A1). --At least one axis (8), the central axis (A2) of each axis (8) being parallel to the optical axis (A1). Each axis (8) is used to rotate about the central axis (A2) in response to the rotation of the rotating structure (7). --At least one nut (9) for longitudinal movement along each axis (8), The housing (5) of the optical unit (3) includes at least one groove (10) for receiving the shaft (8) and the nut (9). The rotating structure (7) is used to engage with the housing (5) of the optical unit (3), such that in response to the rotation of the rotating structure (7), --The nut (9) moves along the axis (8), while the optical unit (3) remains stationary. or --The nut (9) is stationary on the shaft (8), while the optical unit (3) moves along the optical axis (A1).

2. The optical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic element (11) surrounding the shaft (8), which is compressed or released by the nut (9) in response to the movement of the nut (9) along the shaft (8).

3. The optical device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the nut (9) moves along the shaft (8) in the retraction direction (D2), the elastic element (11) is compressed.

4. The optical device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, When the optical unit (3) moves along the optical axis (A1) in the extension direction (D1), the elastic element (11) remains in a compressed state.

5. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, When the optical unit (3) is in the retracted position (P1), the elastic element (11) is released, and when the optical unit (3) moves between the retracted position (P1) and the extended position (P2), and when the elastic element (11) is in the extended position (P2), the elastic element (11) is compressed.

6. The optical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The nut (9) is used to rotate together with the shaft (8) about the central axis (A2), and The nut (9) includes an external thread for engaging with the corresponding internal thread of the groove (10) of the housing (5).

7. The optical device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, As the rotating structure (7) rotates, the movement of the nut (9) and the movement of the optical unit (3) alternate.

8. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, One of the rotating structure (7) and the housing (5) includes at least one protrusion (12), and the other of the rotating structure (7) and the housing (5) includes at least one engaging surface (13). The protrusion (12) engages with the engaging surface (13) by a force applied by the elastic element (11) in the extension direction (D1). The engaging surface (13) includes at least a first engaging segment (13a) and a second engaging segment (13b). The first engaging segment (13a) extends in a plane (PL1) perpendicular to the optical axis (A1), and the second engaging segment (13b) extends at an angle (α) to the plane (PL1). The first engaging section (13a) engages with the protrusion (12), such that the protrusion (12) can move only in a direction parallel to the plane (PL1). The second engagement segment (13b) engages with the protrusion (12), such that the protrusion (12) can move in a direction parallel to the plane (PL1) and in a direction parallel to the optical axis (A1).

9. The optical device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The meshing surface (13) is a groove opened on the wall of the rotating structure (7) or the housing (5) or an edge extending from the wall of the rotating structure (7) or the housing (5).

10. The optical device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, When the protrusion (12) engages with the first engagement segment (13a), the optical unit (3) is in the retracted position (P1), and when the protrusion (12) engages with the second engagement segment (13b), the optical unit (3) moves toward the extended position (P2).

11. The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The meshing surface (13) includes at least one third meshing segment (13c) and at least one fourth meshing segment (13d), the third meshing segment (13c) extending in a plane (PL2) perpendicular to the optical axis (A1), and the fourth meshing segment (13d) extending at an angle (β) to the plane (PL2). The third engagement segment (13c) engages with the protrusion (12), allowing the protrusion (12) to move only in a direction parallel to the plane (PL2). The fourth engagement segment (13d) engages with the protrusion (12), allowing the protrusion (12) to move in a direction parallel to the plane (PL2) and in a direction parallel to the optical axis (A1).

12. The optical device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the protrusion (12) engages with the third engagement segment (13c), the optical unit (3) is held in the middle position (P3), and when the protrusion (12) engages with the fourth engagement segment (13d), the optical unit (3) continues to move toward the extended position (P2).

13. A method for moving an optical unit (3) along the optical axis (A1) from a retracted position (P1) to an extended position (P2) in the extension direction (D1) and from the extended position (P2) to the retracted position (P1) in the retraction direction (D2) by a driving unit (6), characterized in that, The driving unit (6) includes: - A rotating structure (7) that at least partially accommodates the optical unit (3) and is used to rotate about the optical axis (A1). - At least one axis (8), the central axis (A2) of each axis (8) being parallel to the optical axis (A1). Each axis (8) is used to rotate about the central axis (A2) in response to the rotation of the rotating structure (7). - Nut (9), for longitudinal movement along the axis (8), The housing (5) of the optical unit (3) includes at least one groove (10) for receiving the shaft (8) and the nut (9). The rotating structure (7) engages with the housing (5) such that, in response to the rotation of the rotating structure (7), The nut (9) moves along the axis (8), while the optical unit (3) remains stationary, or The nut (9) is stationary on the shaft (8), while the optical unit (3) moves along the optical axis (A1). The method includes the following steps: - This generates a first rotation of the rotating structure (7), which causes the nut (9) to move along the axis (8) from a first axis position (S1) to a second axis position (S2) in the retraction direction (D2), while simultaneously holding the optical unit (3) in the retracted position (P1). - A second rotation is generated in the rotating structure (7), which moves the optical unit (3) from the retracted position (P1) to the intermediate position (P3) while keeping the nut (9) in the second axis position (S2). - A third rotation is generated in the rotating structure (7), which causes the nut (9) to move along the axis (8) in the retraction direction (D2) to a third axis position (S3), while keeping the optical unit (3) in the intermediate position (P3). - A fourth rotation is generated in the rotating structure (7), which moves the optical unit (3) toward the extended position (P2) while holding the nut (9) in the third axis position (S3).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - A fifth rotation is generated in the rotating structure (7), which moves the optical unit (3) to the intermediate position (P3) while keeping the nut (9) in the third axis position (S3). - A sixth rotation of the rotating structure (7) is generated, which causes the nut (9) to move along the axis (8) in the extension direction (D1) to the second axis position (S2), while keeping the optical unit (3) in the intermediate position (P3). - A seventh rotation is generated in the rotating structure (7), which moves the optical unit (3) to the retracted position (P1) while keeping the nut (9) in the second axis position (S2). - An eighth rotation of the rotating structure (7) is generated, which causes the nut (9) to move along the axis (8) in the extension direction (D1) to the first axis position (S1), while keeping the optical unit (3) in the retracted position (P1).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic element (11) surrounding the shaft (8), the elastic element (11) being compressed or released by the nut (9) in response to the movement of the nut (9) along the shaft (8). When the nut (9) is in the second shaft position (S2), the elastic element (11) is compressed by a first distance (d1). When the nut (9) is in the third axis position (S3), the elastic element (11) is compressed by a second distance (d2). The first distance (d1) is less than the second distance (d2).

16. An electronic device (2), characterized in that, include: The optical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; actuator 14 for engaging with the rotating structure (7) of the optical device (1) and causing the rotating structure (7) of the optical device (1) to rotate about the optical axis (A1) of the optical unit (3) of the optical device (1).

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