Optical arrangement for electronic apparatus

Abstract

An optical arrangement (1) comprising an optics group (3) having at least one lens (3a) and a housing (3b). An actuating unit (4) is configured to generate movement of said optics group (3) between a retracted position (P1) and an extended position (P2) along an optical axis (A1). A sealing unit (5) is configured to seal a gap (6) between said housing (3b) and said actuating unit (4) with variable force. The sealing unit (5) comprises a compressible first resilient element (7) which seals said gap by applying a first pressure (Fl) on a surface of said housing (3b) and on a surface of said actuating unit (4) when said first resilient element (7) is compressed, and by applying a second, lower pressure (F2) on said surface of said housing (3b) and on said surface of said actuating unit (4) when said first resilient element (7) is decompressed.

Description

[0001] OPTICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates to an optical arrangement for an electronic apparatus, the optical arrangement comprising an optics group comprising at least one lens and a housing and defining an optical axis. An actuating unit is configured to generate movement of the optics group between a retracted position and an extended position along the optical axis.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Telescopic camera optics using retracting and protruding lens systems to achieve longer focal length cameras having, e.g., zoom or telephoto functions, have existed for many years in the digital still camera industry. These solutions, however, require higher level miniaturization and robustness to be able to be used in smaller apparatuses such as smartphones.

[0006] Nevertheless, the resulting apparatus is still thick and bulky. It may not have the required durability against mechanical impact that is expected from a product used in daily life such as a phone. It also may require strengthening of the phone frame or housing to be able to withstand the forces created by the protruding optics, for example, to protect the display unit or the battery from damage. Moveable or flexible seals are required to ensure dust, sand or similar does not access the interior of the camera via gaps such as that between the camera housing and the moveable lens system. Prior art seals require space, the long-term durability is insufficient, and friction significantly affects the movement of the moveable lens system. Furthermore, existing solutions either accept that some undesirable clearances exist within the optical arrangement, or they comprise additional components designed to remove those clearances.

[0007] Hence, there is a need for an improved optical arrangement for electronic apparatuses such as smartphones.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] It is an object to provide an improved optical arrangement. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures. According to a first aspect, there is provided an optical arrangement for an electronic apparatus, the optical arrangement comprising an optics group comprising at least one lens and a housing, the optics group defining an optical axis; an actuating unit configured to generate movement of the optics group between a retracted position and an extended position along the optical axis; and a sealing unit configured to seal a gap between the housing and the actuating unit with variable force; the sealing unit comprising a compressible first resilient element, the first resilient element sealing the gap by applying a first pressure on a surface of the housing and on a surface of the actuating unit when the first resilient element is compressed, and the resilient element sealing the gap by applying a second pressure on the surface of the housing and on the surface of the actuating unit when the first resilient element is decompressed, the first pressure > the second pressure.

[0010] This solution facilitates a secure and efficient seal which is less subject to wear and which affects the movement of the optical group to a far lesser degree than conventional seals.

[0011] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first resilient element is a gasket configured to expand in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis when being compressed by a compressive force in a direction along the optical axis, and return to an unexpanded state when the compressive force is removed, providing a simple solution for allowing the seal to apply different forces onto surfaces.

[0012] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first resilient element is compressed when the optics group is in the retracted position or in the extended position, the resilient element applying the first pressure on the surface of the housing and on the surface of the actuating unit when compressed, and the first resilient element is decompressed when the optics group is moving between the retracted position and the extended position, the resilient element applying the second pressure on the surface of the housing and on the surface of the actuating unit when decompressed. This allows for a tight seal between the optics group and the surrounding elements when the optics group is located in either of its end positions, yet preventing the seal from applying too much friction force on the optics group and surrounding elements when the optics group is being moved between end positions.

[0013] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuating unit comprises: an actuator configured to rotate around the optical axis in a first direction, a first retaining element configured to translate along the optical axis, between a first linear position and a second linear position, and to rotate around the optical axis, from a first rotary position to a second rotary position, in response to the rotation of the actuator in the first direction, a second resilient element being in a first compression state when the first retaining element in a first linear position along the optical axis and in a second compression state when the first retaining element is in a second linear position along the optical axis, the optical arrangement further comprising a base configured to receive the optics group and the actuating unit, the base comprising a boss configured to initially maintain the first retaining element in the first rotary position such that the rotation of the actuator is converted to translatory movement of the first retaining element from the first linear position to the second linear position, the boss furthermore being configured to, when the first retaining element reaches the second linear position, disengage the first retaining element such that the rotation of the actuator generates rotary movement of the first retaining element from the first rotary position to a second rotary position, and to, when the first retaining element reaches the second rotary position, allow the first retaining element to move from the second linear position to the first linear position by means of decompression of the second resilient element, the actuating unit further comprising a second retaining element configured to rotate, in response to the rotation of the first retaining element, from an engaged position, wherein the second retaining element engages and maintains the optics group in the retracted position, to a disengaged position, wherein the optics group is released from the second retaining element and engaged by the first retaining element, such that movement of the first retaining element from the second linear position to the first linear position generates movement of the optics group from the retracted position to the extended position. Such a solution allows the use of an actuating unit that is fast, impact resistant, and wherein any unwanted clearances between components are removed. Furthermore, since the second resilient element is decompressed, or at least only partially compressed, also when the optics group is in the retracted position, the properties of the second resilient element remain unaffected, ensuring the second resilient element does not weaken over time.

[0014] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuator is configured to rotate around the optical axis in a second direction, the first retaining element being configured to translate along the optical axis, between the first linear position and the second linear position, and to rotate around the optical axis, from the second rotary position to the first rotary position, in response to the rotation of the actuator in the second direction, the boss being configured to initially maintain the first retaining element in the second rotary position such that the rotation of the actuator is converted to translatory movement of the first retaining element from the first linear position to the second linear position, the translatory movement generating movement of the optics group from the extended position to the retracted position, the boss furthermore being configured to, when the first retaining element reaches the second linear position, disengage the first retaining element such that the rotation of the actuator generates rotary movement of the first retaining element from the second rotary position to the first rotary position, and to, when the first retaining element reaches the first rotary position, allow the first retaining element to move from the second linear position to the first linear position by means of decompression of the second resilient element, the first retaining element furthermore being configured to, when reaching the second linear position, release the optics group, and the second retaining element being configured to, when the first retaining element reaches the second linear position, engage the optics group, and to rotate, in response to the rotation of the first retaining element, from the disengaged position to the engaged position. This allows the very same components to be used, with the same advantages, for moving the optics group from the extended position to the retracted position as well as from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0015] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the gap extends between the base and the housing, the first resilient element is configured to apply the first pressure and the second pressure onto a surface of the base and the surface of the housing in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, magnitudes of the first pressure and the second pressure depending on the position of the first retaining element along the optical axis. This allows for a tight seal between the base and the housing when the optics group is located in either of its end positions, yet preventing the seal from applying too much friction force on the housing and base when the optics group is being moved between end positions.

[0016] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the sealing unit further comprises a sealing retainer configured to move along the optical axis in response to movement of the first retaining element along the optical axis, the sealing retainer being configured to compress the first resilient element, in a first direction parallel with the optical axis, when the first retaining element is in the first linear position and to allow the first resilient element to decompress, and to maintain the decompression, when the first retaining element is in the second linear position. This allows the degree of compression of the first resilient element to be larger when the first retaining element is in the first linear position than in the second linear position, reducing the long-term effect that compression has on the first resilient element.

[0017] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the sealing retainer is moved, in the first direction, by the first retaining element, when the first retaining element moves from the second linear position to the first linear position, and the sealing retainer is moved, in a second direction along the optical axis, at least partially by the decompression of the first resilient element as the first retaining element moves from the first linear position to the second linear position, providing a reliable solution which requires as few additional components as possible for providing a variable seal.

[0018] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first retaining element comprises a first groove, the second retaining element comprises a second groove, and the housing comprises at least one tongue configured to engage one of the first groove and the second groove, the first groove and the second groove being configured to abut and align when the first retaining element is in the second linear position and the second retaining element is in the disengaged position, allowing the tongue to either slide from the second groove to the first groove such that the optics group can be released from the second retaining element and move from the retracted position to the extended position, or slide from the first groove to the second groove such that the optics group can be engaged by the second retaining element and maintained in the retracted position. This allows the optics group to be locked safely into place when in the retracted position, while still allowing the optics group to move to an extended position with reliability and precision.

[0019] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, translatory movement of the first retaining element in the direction along the optical axis, from the first linear position to the second linear position, generates compression of the second resilient element, and wherein translatory movement of the first retaining element in a direction along the optical axis, from the second linear position to the first linear position, facilitates decompression of the second resilient element and allows some movement to be generated by means of such decompression. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the degree of compression of the second resilient element is larger in the second compression state than in the first compression state, reducing the long-term effect that compression has on the resilient element when in the first compression state.

[0020] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuator comprises a first actuating element configured to rotate around the optical axis and to, when rotating in the first direction, apply force onto at least one surface of the first retaining element, the surface extending at a first angle to the optical axis, the force pushing the first retaining element from the first linear position to the second linear position. Such a solution is simple and does not rely on separately moveable parts to transfer rotational movement to linear movement.

[0021] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first actuating element comprises at least one surface engaging the at least one surface of the first retaining element. This solution is simple and does not rely on separately moveable parts to transfer rotational movement to linear movement along the optical axis as well as rotary movement around the optical axis.

[0022] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first actuating element is configured to, when rotating in the second direction, allow the first retaining element to move from the second linear position to the first linear position. This allows the resilient element to be decompressed regardless of the position of the optics group.

[0023] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuator comprises a second actuating element, the first actuating element being configured to rotate around the optical axis in response to actuation of the second actuating element. This allows the first actuating element to be rotated both clockwise and anticlockwise.

[0024] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second actuating element is one of a stepper motor, a voice coil and magnet solenoid, or a shape memory alloy membrane, allowing use of a variety of small actuating solution.

[0025] According to a second aspect, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising the optical arrangement according to the above. This allows an electronic apparatus provided with an optical arrangement that is fast, impact resistant, which doesn’t have unwanted clearances between components, and which maintains its efficiency and reliability over time.

[0026] These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiment s) described below.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an optical arrangement in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

[0030] Figs. 2a and 2b show a perspective view and a side view of an optical arrangement in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the optics group of the optical arrangement is in a retracted position, and the actuator is ready to rotate in a first direction;

[0031] Fig. 2c shows a partially cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 2a and 2b;

[0032] Figs. 3a and 3b show a perspective view and a side view of an optical arrangement in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the optics group of the optical arrangement is in an extended position;

[0033] Fig. 3c shows a partially cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 3a and 3b;

[0034] Figs. 4a and 4b show a perspective view and a side view of an optical arrangement in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the optics group of the optical arrangement is moving between the retracted position and the extended position and the actuator rotates in a second direction;

[0035] Fig. 4c shows a partially cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 4a and 4b;

[0036] Fig. 5a shows a partial cross-sectional view of an optical arrangement in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the optics group of the optical arrangement is in a retracted position and the first resilient element of the sealing unit is compressed;

[0037] Fig. 5b shows the embodiment of Fig. 5a, wherein the optics group of the optical arrangement is in the retracted position and the first resilient element of the sealing unit is decompressed;

[0038] Fig. 5c shows the embodiment of Figs. 5a and 5b, wherein the optics group of the optical arrangement is in the extended position and the first resilient element of the sealing unit is compressed; Figs. 6a and 6b show perspective views of an optical arrangement in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein first retaining element is in a first rotary position and a second rotary position, respectively;

[0039] Fig. 6c shows parts of the optical arrangement in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the first retaining element engages the housing via a tongue and groove arrangement;

[0040] Fig. 7 shows a wire drawing of an actuating unit of the optical arrangement in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus 2 such as a smartphone, tablet, camera, projector, and similar comprising an optical arrangement 1 as described below. The placement of the optical arrangement 1 adjacent a surface of the electronic apparatus 2 is illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0043] The present invention also relates to an optical arrangement 1 for an electronic apparatus 2, the optical arrangement 1 comprising an optics group 3 comprising at least one lens 3a and a housing 3b, the optics group 3 defining an optical axis Al; an actuating unit 4 configured to generate movement of the optics group 3 between a retracted position Pl and an extended position P2 along the optical axis Al; and a sealing unit 5 configured to seal a gap 6 between the housing 3b and the actuating unit 4 with variable force; the sealing unit 5 comprising a compressible first resilient element 7, the first resilient element 7 sealing the gap by applying a first pressure Fl on a surface of the housing 3b and on a surface of the actuating unit 4 when the first resilient element 7 is compressed, and the resilient element 7 sealing the gap by applying a second pressure F2 on the surface of the housing 3b and on the surface of the actuating unit 4 when the first resilient element 7 is decompressed, the first pressure Fl > the second pressure F2.

[0044] The optical arrangement 1 comprises an optics group 3 comprising at least one lens 3a and a housing 3b. As shown in Fig. 1, the optics group 3 defines the optical axis Al. The optics group 3 comprises at least one lens 3a and housing 3b. Actuating unit 4 is configured to generate movement of the optics group 3 between the retracted position Pl and the extended position P2 along the optical axis Al. The actuating unit 4 may comprise at least an actuator 8 configured to rotate around the optical axis Al, a first retaining element 9 configured to translate along the optical axis Al as well as to rotate around the optical axis Al, and a second resilient element 10 being in a first compression state SI when the first retaining element 9 in a first linear position LI along the optical axis Al and in a second compression state S2 when the first retaining element 9 is in a second linear position L2 along the optical axis Al, and a second retaining element 13 configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the first retaining element 9. The actuating unit 4 will be described in more detail further below.

[0045] A sealing unit 5 is configured to seal a gap 6 between the housing 3b and the actuating unit 4 with variable force. The sealing unit 5 comprises a compressible first resilient element 7, as illustrated in Figs. 5a to 5c. Figs. 5a and 5c show the first resilient element 7 sealing the gap by applying a first pressure F 1 on a surface of the housing 3b and on a surface of the actuating unit 4 when the first resilient element 7 is compressed. Fig. 5b shows the resilient element 7 sealing the gap by applying a second pressure F2 on the surface of the housing 3b and on the surface of the actuating unit 4 when the first resilient element 7 is decompressed. The first pressure Fl > the second pressure F2, in other words the first pressure Fl is larger than the second pressure F2.

[0046] The first resilient element 7 may be a gasket configured to expand in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis Al when being compressed by a compressive force in a direction along the optical axis Al, as shown in Figs 5a and 5c, and return to an unexpanded state when the compressive force is removed, as shown in Fig. 5b.

[0047] The first resilient element 7 may be compressed when the optics group 3 is in the retracted position Pl or in the extended position P2 such that the resilient element 7 applies first pressure Fl on the surface of the housing 3b and on the surface of the actuating unit 4, see Figs. 2c and 3c. The first resilient element 7 may be decompressed when the optics group 3 is moving between the retracted position Pl and the extended position P2 such that the resilient element 7 applies second pressure F2 on the surface of the housing 3b and on the surface of the actuating unit 4, see Fig. 4c. The optical arrangement 1 may comprise a base 11 configured to receive the optics group 3 and the actuating unit 4, the gap 6 extending between the base 11 and the housing 3b.

[0048] The first resilient element 7 may be configured to apply the first pressure Fl and the second pressure F2 onto a surface of the base 11 and the surface of the housing 3b in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis Al. The magnitudes of the first pressure Fl and the second pressure F2 depend on the position of the first retaining element 9 along the optical axis Al. The first pressure Fl and the second pressure F2 may be applied onto one or both of the surface of the base 11 and the surface of the housing 3b, depending on how the first resilient element 7 is fixed within the optical arrangement 1.

[0049] The sealing unit 5 may comprise a sealing retainer 14 configured to move along the optical axis Al in response to movement of the first retaining element 9 along the optical axis Al.

[0050] The sealing retainer 14 may be configured to compress the first resilient element 7, in a first direction D3 parallel with the optical axis Al, when the first retaining element 9 is in the first linear position LI, see Fig. 5a. The sealing retainer 14 may also be configured to allow the first resilient element 7 to decompress, and to maintain the decompression, when the first retaining element 9 is in the second linear position L2, see Fig. 5b.

[0051] The sealing retainer 14 may be moved, in the first direction D3, by the first retaining element 9, when the first retaining element 9 moves from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position LI. The sealing retainer 14 may be moved, in a second direction D4 along the optical axis Al, at least partially by the decompression of the first resilient element 7 as the first retaining element 9 moves from the first linear position LI to the second linear position L2.

[0052] Figs. 2a to 4c illustrate the optical arrangement 1 as well as the relative movement of some of its components as the optics group 3 is moved from the retracted position Pl to the extended position P2 along the optical axis Al.

[0053] The actuating unit 4 comprises an actuator 8 configured to rotate around the optical axis Al in a first direction DI, as illustrated in Fig. 2b, as well as in a second direction D2, as illustrated in Fig. 4b. The first retaining element 9 is configured to translate along the optical axis Al, between the first linear position LI and the second linear position L2, and to rotate around the optical axis Al, simultaneously with or independently of the translatory movement, in response to the rotation of the actuator 8 in the first direction DI. The first retaining element 9 rotates between a first rotary position R1 and a second rotary position R2.

[0054] The second retaining element 13 is configured to rotate, in response to the rotation of the first retaining element 9, from an engaged position P3, shown in Fig. 2b, to a disengaged position P4, shown in Fig. 3c. While in the engaged position P3, the second retaining element 13 engages and maintains the optics group 3 in the retracted position Pl. While in the disengaged position P4, the optics group 3 is released from the second retaining element 13 and engaged by the first retaining element 9. Hence, movement of the first retaining element 9 from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position LI generates movement of the optics group 3 from the retracted position Pl to the extended position P2.

[0055] The first retaining element 9 may comprise a first groove 15a and the second retaining element 13 may comprise a second groove 15b, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 7. The housing 3b may comprises at least one tongue 15c configured to engage one of the first groove 15a and the second groove 15b, see Figs. 6c and 7. The first groove 15a and the second groove 15b are configured to abut and align when the first retaining element 9 is in the second linear position L2 and the second retaining element 13 is in the disengaged position P4, as shown in Fig. 7. This allows the tongue 15c to either slide from the second groove 15c to the first groove 15b such that the optics group 3 can be released from the second retaining element 13 and move from the retracted position Pl to the extended position P2, or slide from the first groove 15b to the second groove 15c such that the optics group 3 can be engaged by the second retaining element 13 and maintained in the retracted position Pl.

[0056] The first groove 15a and the second groove 15b may also be configured to misalign when the first retaining element 9 is in the first linear position LI and the second retaining element 13 is in the engaged position P3, allowing the tongue 15c to engage the second groove 15b such that the second retaining element 13 maintains the first optics group 3 in the retracted position PL

[0057] The second resilient element 10 is in a first compression state SI when the first retaining element 9 in the first linear position LI along the optical axis Al and in a second compression state S2 when the first retaining element 9 is in the second linear position L2 along the optical axis Al. In other words, the second resilient element 10, e.g. a spring, is compressed to different degrees depending on which linear position along the optical axis Al the first retaining element 9 is in at the moment. The degree of compression of the second resilient element 10 may be larger in the second compression state S2 than in the first compression state SI. The second resilient element 10 may be completely decompressed when in the first compression state SI, however, it may also be somewhat compressed. The second resilient element 10 may be a coil spring and it may be fixed to the underside of the first retaining element 9.

[0058] The translatory movement of the first retaining element 9 in the second direction D4 along the optical axis Al, from the first linear position LI to the second linear position L2, may generate compression of the second resilient element 10, and the corresponding translatory movement of the first retaining element 9 in the first direction D4 along the optical axis Al, from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position LI, may facilitate decompression of the second resilient element 10.

[0059] The second resilient element 10 may be configured to transfer the rotation of the first retaining element 9 to the second retaining element 13.

[0060] Alternatively, the first retaining element 9 and the second retaining element 13 may be interlocked by means of mechanically engaging parts. The mechanically engaging parts are configured to transfer the rotation of the first retaining element 9 to the second retaining element 13. The mechanically engaging parts may comprise of a number of surface deviations or edges which abut when the first retaining element 9 is in the second linear position L2 such that the first retaining element 9 and the second retaining element 13 partially overlap, i.e., the second retaining element 13 is partially nested within the first retaining element 9.

[0061] The base 11 may comprise a boss 12, see Figs. 1, 4b, 4c, 6a, and 6b, configured to lock and release the first retaining element 9. The boss 12 initially maintains the first retaining element 9 in the first rotary position R1 such that the rotation of the actuator 8 is converted to translatory movement of the first retaining element 9 from the first linear position LI to the second linear position L2, as suggested in Figs. 6a and 6b. The boss 12 is furthermore configured to, when the first retaining element 9 reaches the second linear position L2, disengage the first retaining element 9 such that the rotation of the actuator 8 generates rotary movement of the first retaining element 9 from the first rotary position R1 to a second rotary position R2. When the first retaining element 9 reaches the second rotary position R2, the boss 12 allows the first retaining element 9 to move from the second linear position L2 back to the first linear position LI by means of decompression of the second resilient element 10. This movement of the first retaining element 9 from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position LI generates movement of the optics group 3 from the retracted position Pl to the extended position P2.

[0062] The actuating unit 4 may furthermore be configured to generate movement of the optics group 3 from the extended position P2 to the retracted position Pl, as suggested in Figs 4a to 4c. In such an embodiment, the actuator 8 is configured to rotate around the optical axis Al in the second direction D2. The first retaining element 9 is configured to translate along the optical axis Al, between the first linear position LI and the second linear position L2, and to rotate around the optical axis Al, from the second rotary position R2 to the first rotary position Rl, in response to the rotation of the actuator 8 in the second direction D2.

[0063] The boss 12 is configured to initially maintain the first retaining element 9 in the second rotary position R2 such that the rotation of the actuator 8 is converted to translatory movement of the first retaining element 9 from the first linear position LI to the second linear position L2, the translatory movement generating movement of the optics group 3 from the extended position P2 to the retracted position Pl . The boss 12 is furthermore configured to, when the first retaining element 9 reaches the second linear position L2, disengage the first retaining element 9 such that the rotation of the actuator 8 generates rotary movement of the first retaining element 9 from the second rotary position R2 to the first rotary position RL When the first retaining element 9 reaches the first rotary position Rl, the boss 12 allows the first retaining element 9 to move from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position LI by means of decompression of the second resilient element 10. The first retaining element 9 is configured to, when reaching the second linear position L2, release the optics group 3. The second retaining element 13 is configured to, when the first retaining element 9 reaches the second linear position L2, engage the optics group 3, and to rotate, in response to the rotation of the first retaining element 9, from the disengaged position P4 to the engaged position P3.

[0064] One of the base 11 and the housing 3b may comprise a slot extending parallel with the optical axis Al and the other of the base 11 and the housing 3b may comprise a protrusion engaging the slot. The slot comprises oppositely arranged closed ends limiting the range of movement of the protrusion within the slot 13 and, hence, limiting the range of movement of the optics group 3 relative the base 11 along the optical axis Al.

[0065] The actuator 8 may comprise a first actuating element 8a configured to rotate around the optical axis Al and to, when rotating in the first direction DI, apply force F onto at least one surface 9a of the first retaining element 9, the surface 9a extending at a first angle a to the optical axis Al. The force F pushes the first retaining element 9 from the first linear position LI to the second linear position L2.

[0066] The first actuating element 8a may also be configured to, when rotating in the second direction D2, allow the first retaining element 9 to move from the second linear position L2 to the first linear position LI.

[0067] The first actuating element 8a may comprise at least one surface 16 engaging the at least one surface 9a of the first retaining element 9.

[0068] The first retaining element 9 may comprise a first cam surface 9a extending at a first angle to the optical axis Al and a second cam surface 9a extending at a second angle to the optical axis AL Correspondingly, the first actuating element 8a may comprise a first cam surface 16 extending at a first angle to the optical axis Al and a second cam surface 16 extending at a second angle to the optical axis AL The first cam surfaces 9a, 16 are in abutment with each other along a first contact axis and the second cam surfaces 9b, 16 are in abutment with each other along a second contact axis A3 when the first retaining element 9 is in the first linear position LI. The first cam surfaces 9a, 16 are offset relative each other along the first contact axis A2 and the second cam surfaces 9b, 16 are offset relative to each other along the second contact axis A3 when the first retaining element 9 is in the second linear position L2.

[0069] The first cam surface 9a and the second cam surface 9a of the first retaining element 9 may together form a v-shaped recess and correspondingly the first cam surface 16 and the second cam surface 16 of the first actuating element 8a may form a v-shaped protrusion. The v-shaped recess and the v-shaped protrusion are arranged such that the v-shaped recess completely encloses the v-shaped protrusion when the first retaining element 9 is in the first linear position LI. Nevertheless, the cam surfaces 9a and 16 may have any suitable shapes. The actuator 8 may also comprise a second actuating element 8b, the first actuating element 8a being configured to rotate around the optical axis Al in response to actuation of the second actuating element 8b. The second actuating element 8b is configured to be rotated by means of external force, the second actuating element 8b and the first actuating element 8a being configured to interlock by means of mechanically engaging parts. The mechanically engaging parts are configured to allow the second actuating element 8b to rotate at a different angle around the optical axis Al than the first actuating element 8a. The second actuating element 6b may comprise a thread configured to engage a thread of the first actuating element 8a. The second actuating element 8b may be one of a stepper motor, a voice coil and magnet solenoid, or a shape memory alloy membrane.

[0070] The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

[0071] The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure 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 axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An optical arrangement (1) for an electronic apparatus (2), said optical arrangement (1) comprising-an optics group (3) comprising at least one lens (3a) and a housing (3b), said optics group (3) defining an optical axis (Al);—an actuating unit (4) configured to generate movement of said optics group (3) between a retracted position (Pl) and an extended position (P2) along said optical axis (Al); and-a sealing unit (5) configured to seal a gap (6) between said housing (3b) and said actuating unit (4) with variable force; said sealing unit (5) comprising a compressible first resilient element (7), said first resilient element (7) sealing said gap by applying a first pressure (Fl) on a surface of said housing (3b) and on a surface of said actuating unit (4) when said first resilient element (7) is compressed, and said resilient element (7) sealing said gap by applying a second pressure (F2) on said surface of said housing (3b) and on said surface of said actuating unit (4) when said first resilient element (7) is decompressed, said first pressure (Fl) > said second pressure (F2).

2. The optical arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first resilient element (7) is a gasket configured to expand in a plane perpendicular to said optical axis (Al), when being compressed by a compressive force in a direction along said optical axis (Al), and return to an unexpanded state when said compressive force is removed.

3. The optical arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first resilient element (7) is compressed when said optics group (3) is in said retracted position (Pl) or in said extended position (P2), said resilient element (7) applying said first pressure (Fl) on said surface of said housing (3b) and on said surface of said actuating unit (4) when compressed, and said first resilient element (7) is decompressed when said optics group (3) is moving between said retracted position (Pl) and said extended position (P2), said resilient element (7) applying said second pressure (F2) on said surface of said housing (3b) and on said surface of said actuating unit (4) when decompressed.

4. The optical arrangement (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said actuating unit (4) comprises:—an actuator (8) configured to rotate around said optical axis (Al) in a first direction (DI), —a first retaining element (9) configured to translate along said optical axis (Al), between a first linear position (LI) and a second linear position (L2), and to rotate around said optical axis (Al), from a first rotary position (Rl) to a second rotary position (R2), in response to said rotation of said actuator (8) in said first direction (DI),—a second resilient element (10) being in a first compression state (SI) when said first retaining element (9) in a first linear position (LI) along said optical axis (Al) and in a second compression state (S2) when said first retaining element (9) is in a second linear position (L2) along said optical axis (Al), said optical arrangement (1) further comprising a base (11) configured to receive said optics group (3) and said actuating unit (4), said base (11) comprising a boss (12) configured to initially maintain said first retaining element (9) in said first rotary position (Rl) such that said rotation of said actuator (8) is converted to translatory movement of said first retaining element (9) from said first linear position (LI) to said second linear position (L2), said boss (12) furthermore being configured to, when said first retaining element (9) reaches said second linear position (L2), disengage said first retaining element (9) such that said rotation of said actuator (8) generates rotary movement of said first retaining element (9) from said first rotary position (Rl) to a second rotary position (R2), and to, when said first retaining element (9) reaches said second rotary position (R2), allow said first retaining element (9) to move from said second linear position (L2) to said first linear position (LI) by means of decompression of said second resilient element (10), said actuating unit (4) further comprising—a second retaining element (13) configured to rotate, in response to said rotation of said first retaining element (9), from an engaged position (P3), wherein said second retaining element (13) engages and maintains said optics group (3) in said retracted position (Pl), to a disengaged position (P4), wherein said optics group (3) is released from said second retaining element (13) and engaged by said first retaining element (9), such that movement of said first retaining element (9) from said second linear position (L2) to said first linear position (LI) generates movement of said optics group (3) from said retracted position (Pl) to said extended position (P2).

5. The optical arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein—said actuator (8) is configured to rotate around said optical axis (Al) in a second direction (02),—said first retaining element (9) being configured to translate along said optical axis (Al), between said first linear position (LI) and said second linear position (L2), and to rotate around said optical axis (Al), from said second rotary position (R2) to said first rotary position (Rl), in response to said rotation of said actuator (8) in said second direction (D2),—said boss (12) being configured to initially maintain said first retaining element (9) in said second rotary position (R2) such that said rotation of said actuator (8) is converted to translatory movement of said first retaining element (9) from said first linear position (LI) to said second linear position (L2), said translatory movement generating movement of said optics group (3) from said extended position (P2) to said retracted position (Pl), said boss (12) furthermore being configured to, when said first retaining element (9) reaches said second linear position (L2), disengage said first retaining element (9) such that said rotation of said actuator (8) generates rotary movement of said first retaining element (9) from said second rotary position (R2) to said first rotary position (Rl), and to, when said first retaining element (9) reaches said first rotary position (Rl), allow said first retaining element (9) to move from said second linear position (L2) to said first linear position (LI) by means of decompression of said second resilient element (10),— said first retaining element (9) furthermore being configured to, when reaching said second linear position (L2), release said optics group (3), and—said second retaining element (13) being configured to, when said first retaining element (9) reaches said second linear position (L2), engage said optics group (3), and to rotate, in response to said rotation of said first retaining element (9), from said disengaged position (P4) to said engaged position (P3).

6. The optical arrangement (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said gap (6) extends between said base (11) and said housing (3b), said first resilient element (7) is configured to apply said first pressure (Fl) and said second pressure (F2) onto a surface of said base (11) and said surface of said housing (3b) in a plane perpendicular to said optical axis (Al), magnitudes of said first pressure (Fl) and said second pressure (F2) depending on the position of said first retaining element (9) along said optical axis (Al).

7. The optical arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said sealing unit (5) further comprises a sealing retainer (14) configured to move along said optical axis (Al) in response to movement of said first retaining element (9) along said optical axis (Al), said sealing retainer (14) being configured to compress said first resilient element (7), in a first direction (D3) parallel with said optical axis (Al), when said first retaining element (9) is in said first linear position (LI) and to allow said first resilient element (7) to decompress, and to maintain said decompression, when said first retaining element (9) is in said second linear position (L2).

8. The optical arrangement (1) according to claim 7, wherein said sealing retainer (14) is moved, in said first direction (D3), by said first retaining element (9), when said first retaining element (9) moves from said second linear position (L2) to said first linear position (LI), and said sealing retainer (14) is moved, in a second direction (D4) along said optical axis (Al), at least partially by said decompression of said first resilient element (7) as said first retaining element (9) moves from said first linear position (LI) to said second linear position (L2).

9. The optical arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein said first retaining element (9) comprises a first groove (15a), said second retaining element (13) comprises a second groove (15b), and said housing (3b) comprises at least one tongue (15c) configured to engage one of said first groove (15a) and said second groove (15b), said first groove (15a) and said second groove (15b) being configured to abut and align when said first retaining element (9) is in said second linear position (L2) and said second retaining element (13) is in said disengaged position (P4), allowing said tongue (15c) to either-slide from said second groove (15c) to said first groove (15b) such that said optics group (3) can be released from said second retaining element (13) and move from said retracted position (Pl) to said extended position (P2), or-slide from said first groove (15b) to said second groove (15c) such that said optics group (3) can be engaged by said second retaining element (13) and maintained in said retracted position (Pl).

10. The optical arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein said actuator (8) comprises a first actuating element (8a) configured to rotate around said optical axis (Al) and to, when rotating in said first direction (DI), apply force (F) onto at least one surface (9a) ofsaid first retaining element (9), said surface (9a) extending at a first angle (a) to said optical axis (Al), said force (F) pushing said first retaining element (9) from said first linear position (LI) to said second linear position (L2).

11. The optical arrangement (1) according to according to claim 10, wherein said first actuating element (8a) comprises at least one surface (16) engaging said at least one surface (9a) of said first retaining element (9).

12. The optical arrangement (1) according to claim 11, wherein said first actuating element (8a) is configured to, when rotating in said second direction (D2), allow said first retaining element (9) to move from said second linear position (L2) to said first linear position (LI).

13. The optical arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein said actuator (8) comprises a second actuating element (8b), said first actuating element (8a) being configured to rotate around said optical axis (Al) in response to actuation of said second actuating element (8b).

14. The optical arrangement according to claim 13, wherein said second actuating element (8b) is one of a stepper motor, a voice coil and magnet solenoid, or a shape memory alloy membrane.

15. An electronic apparatus comprising the optical arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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