Optical arrangement and electronic apparatus comprising such arrangement

Abstract

An optical arrangement (1) comprising an optical unit (3) and a drive unit (6) generating movement of said optical unit (3) along an optical axis (A1). The drive unit (6) comprises a rotary structure (7) rotating relative said optical unit (3) around said optical axis (A1), at least one shaft (8), each shaft (8) rotating in response to rotation of said rotary structure (7), and a nut (9) travelling longitudinally along said shaft (8). The housing (5) of said optical unit (3) comprises at least one recess (10) configured to accommodate said shaft (8) and said nut (9). The rotary structure (7) engages said housing (5) such that, in response to rotation of said rotary structure (7), said nut (9) moves along said shaft (8) while said optical unit (3) is stationary, or said nut (9) is stationary while said optical unit (3) moves along said optical axis (A1).

Description

[0001] OPTICAL ARRANGEMENT AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS COMPRISING SUCH ARRANGEMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates to an optical arrangement for an electronic apparatus, the optical arrangement comprising an optical unit, comprising at least one lens and a housing, the optical unit defining an optical axis; and a drive unit configured to generate movement of the optical unit along the optical axis between at least a retracted position and an extended position. The disclosure furthermore relates to a method of generating movement of an optical unit along an optical axis, between at least a retracted position and an extended position.

[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 require higher level miniaturization and robustness to be able to be used in smaller apparatuses such as smartphones. Furthermore, sensors and optics require more space, as they become larger in order to meet the increasing demands of the consumer.

[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. Furthermore, existing solutions either accept that some undesirable clearances exist within the optical arrangement, or they comprise additional components designed to remove those clearances. However, such components often loose their properties over time.

[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 for electronic apparatuses such as smartphones. 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.

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided an optical arrangement for an electronic apparatus, the optical arrangement comprising an optical unit comprising at least one lens and a housing, the optical unit defining an optical axis, a drive unit configured to generate movement of the optical unit along the optical axis in a protrusion direction, from a retracted position to an extended position, and in a retraction direction, from said extended position to said retracted position, the drive unit comprising a rotary structure configured to at least partially accommodate the optical unit and to rotate, relative the optical unit, around the optical axis, at least one shaft, a center axis of each shaft being parallel with the optical axis, each shaft being configured to rotate around the center axis in response to rotation of the rotary structure, a nut configured to travel longitudinally along the shaft, the housing of the optical unit comprising at least one recess configured to accommodate the shaft and the nut, the rotary structure being configured to engage the housing of the optical unit such that, in response to rotation of the rotary structure, the nut moves along the shaft and the optical unit is stationary or the nut is stationary on the shaft and the optical unit moves along the optical axis.

[0011] This solution allows an optical arrangement wherein the drive unit is fast, impact resistant, and wherein any unwanted clearances between components are removed. Furthermore, the optical arrangement allows protruding zoom optics in small electronic apparatuses while keeping the thickness of the apparatus small. In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the optical arrangement further comprises a resilient element enclosing the shaft, the resilient element being compressed or decompressed, by the nut, in response to movement of the nut along the shaft. Since the resilient element is decompressed whenever the optical unit is in the retracted position, the properties of the resilient element remain substantially unaffected, ensuring the resilient element does not weaken over time.

[0012] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the resilient element is compressed when the nut moves along the shaft in the retraction direction. This allows the resilient element to be compressed independently of the position of the optical unit.

[0013] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the resilient element is maintained in a compressed state when the optical unit moves in the protrusion direction. The maintained spring compression ensures fast movement of the optical unit towards the protruding position.

[0014] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the resilient element is decompressed when the optical unit is in the retracted position, and the resilient element is compressed when the optical unit is moving between the retracted position and the extended position, and when the resilient element is in the extended position, facilitating fast and reliable drive while ensuring the resilient element does not weaken over time.

[0015] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the nut is configured to rotate along with the shaft around the center axis, and wherein the nut comprises an external thread configured to engage a corresponding internal thread of the recess of the housing, Such a solution is simple and does not rely on complex parts to transfer rotational movement to linear movement.

[0016] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the movement of the nut and the movement of the optical unit alternates as the rotary structure rotates. This allows the force generated by the compression of the resilient element to be directly related to the protrusion distance of the optical unit.

[0017] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the channel extending parallel with the optical axis. This facilitates repeatable and reliable movement of the optical unit, while preventing rotation of the optical unit around the optical axis.

[0018] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the drive unit and recess of the optical unit being configured to convert rotary movement of the rotary structure to linear movement of the nut or to 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.

[0019] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the optical arrangement further comprises an actuator configured to generate rotation of the rotary structure, allowing the drive unit of the optical arrangement to be actuated by means of any suitable solution.

[0020] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the rotary structure is cylindrical, facilitating an optical arrangement with a small factor.

[0021] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the cylindrical rotary structure comprises an external thread configured to engage a thread of the actuator, facilitating simple, effective, and reliable actuation. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, one of the rotary structure and the housing comprises at least one protrusion and the other of the rotary structure and the housing comprises at least one engagement surface, a force applied by the resilient element in the protrusion direction engaging the protrusion with the engagement surface, the engagement surface comprising at least a first engagement section and a second engagement section, the first engagement section extending in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis and the second engagement section extending at an angle to the plane, the first engagement section engaging the protrusion such that the protrusion can move only in directions parallel with the plane, and the second engagement section engaging the protrusion such that the protrusion can move in directions parallel with the plane and in directions parallel with the optical axis. This solution is simple and does not rely on separately moveable parts to transfer rotational movement to linear movement along the optical axis.

[0022] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the engagement surface is a slot traced into a wall of the rotary structure or the housing, or a rim protruding from a wall of the rotary structure or the housing, allowing simple and reliable mechanical interconnection.

[0023] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the optical unit is in the retracted position when the protrusion engages the first engagement section, and the optical unit moves towards the extended position when the protrusion engages the second engagement section. This allows the optical unit to be locked safely into place when in the retracted position, while still allowing the optical unit to move towards the extended position with reliability and precision.

[0024] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the engagement surface comprises at least one third engagement section and at least one fourth engagement section, the third engagement section extending in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis and the fourth engagement section extending at an angle to the plane, the third engagement section engaging the protrusion such that the protrusion can move only in directions parallel with the plane, and the fourth engagement section engaging the protrusion such that the protrusion can move in directions parallel with the plane and in directions parallel with the optical axis, increasing the distance that the optical unit can move while ensuring the compression of the resilient element is adapted to the movement range.

[0025] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the optical unit is held in an intermediate position when the protrusion engages the third engagement section, and the optical unit continues to move towards the extended position when the protrusion engages the fourth engagement section, allowing the resilient element to be compressed further.

[0026] According to a second aspect, there is provided method of generating movement of an optical unit along an optical axis, in a protrusion direction from a retracted position to an extended position and in a retraction direction from the extended position to the retracted position, by means of a drive unit comprising a rotary structure at least partially accommodating the optical unit and configured to rotate around the optical axis, at least one shaft, a center axis of each shaft being parallel with the optical axis, each shaft being configured to rotate around the center axis in response to rotation of the rotary structure, a nut configured to travel longitudinally along the shaft, the housing of the optical unit comprising at least one recess configured to accommodate the shaft and the nut, the rotary structure engaging the housing such that, in response to rotation of the rotary structure, the nut moves along the shaft and the optical unit is stationary, or the nut is stationary on the shaft and the optical unit moves along the optical axis. The method comprises the steps of generating a first rotation of the rotary structure, the first rotation generating movement of the nut along the shaft, in the retraction direction, from a first shaft position to a second shaft position, while maintaining the optical unit in the retracted position, generating a second rotation of the rotary structure, the second rotation generating movement of the optical unit from the retracted position to an intermediate position, while maintaining the nut in the second shaft position, generating a third rotation of the rotary structure, the third rotation generating movement of the nut along the shaft, in the retraction direction, to a third shaft position, while maintaining the optical unit in the intermediate position, generating a fourth rotation of the rotary structure, the fourth rotation generating movement of the optical unit towards the extended position, while maintaining the nut in the third shaft position.

[0027] This method allows fast and impact resistant drive, while removing any unwanted clearances between components. Furthermore, the method facilitates the use of protruding zoom optics in small electronic apparatuses while keeping the thickness of the apparatus small.

[0028] In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the method further comprises the steps of generating a fifth rotation of the rotary structure, the fifth rotation generating movement of the optical unit to the intermediate position, while maintaining the nut in the third shaft position, generating a sixth rotation of the rotary structure, the sixth rotation generating movement of the nut along the shaft, in the protrusion direction away from the rotary structure, to the second shaft position, while maintaining the optical unit in the intermediate position, generating a seventh rotation of the rotary structure, the seventh rotation generating movement of the optical unit to the retracted position, while maintaining the nut in the second shaft position, generating an eighth rotation of the rotary structure, the eighth rotation generating movement of the nut along the shaft, in the protrusion direction, to the first shaft position, while maintaining the optical unit in the retracted position, increasing the distance that the optical unit can move while ensuring the compression of the resilient element is adapted to the movement range.

[0029] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the method further comprises a resilient element enclosing the shaft, the resilient element being compressed or decompressed by the nut in response to movement of the nut along the shaft, the resilient element being compressed by a first distance when the nut is in the second shaft position, and the resilient element being compressed by a second distance when the nut is in the third shaft position, the first distance < the second distance. Since the resilient element is decompressed whenever the optical unit is in the retracted position, the properties of the resilient element remain substantially unaffected, ensuring the resilient element does not weaken over time.

[0030] According to a third aspect, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising the optical arrangement according to the above, and an actuator configured to engage and rotate the rotary structure of the optical arrangement around the optical axis of the optical unit of the optical arrangement.

[0031] This allows an electronic apparatus provided with an optical arrangement that is fast, impact resistant, without unwanted clearances between components, and maintains its efficiency over time.

[0032] These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described below.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] 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:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows exploded view of an optical arrangement in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure;

[0036] Figs. 2a and 2b show cross-sectional and side views of an optical arrangement in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the optical unit is in a fully retracted position and the nut of the drive unit is in a first shaft position;

[0037] Figs. 3a and 3b show cross-sectional and side views of the optical arrangement of Figs. 2a and 2b, wherein the optical unit is in a fully retracted position and the nut of the drive unit is in a second shaft position;

[0038] Figs. 4a and 4b show cross-sectional and side views of the optical arrangement of Figs. 2a to 3b, wherein the optical unit is in an intermediate position and the nut of the drive unit is in a third shaft position; Figs. 5a and 5b show cross-sectional and side views of the optical arrangement of Figs. 2a to 4b, wherein the optical unit is in a fully extended position and the nut of the drive unit is in the third shaft position.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention relates to an optical arrangement 1 for an electronic apparatus 2, the optical arrangement 1 comprising an optical unit 3 comprising at least one lens 4 and a housing 5, the optical unit 3 defining an optical axis Al, a drive unit 6 configured to generate movement of the optical unit 3 along the optical axis Al in a protrusion direction, from a retracted position Pl to an extended position P2, and in a retraction direction, from the extended position P2 to the retracted position Pl , the drive unit 6 comprising a rotary structure 7 configured to at least partially accommodate the optical unit 3 and to rotate, relative the optical unit 3, around the optical axis Al, at least one shaft 8, a center axis A2 of each shaft 8 being parallel with the optical axis Al, each shaft 8 being configured to rotate around the center axis A2 in response to rotation of the rotary structure 7, a nut 9 configured to travel longitudinally along the shaft 8, the housing 5 of the optical unit 3 comprising at least one recess 10 configured to accommodate the shaft 8 and the nut 9, the rotary structure 7 being configured to engage the housing 5 of the optical unit 3 such that, in response to rotation of the rotary structure 7, the nut 9 moves along the shaft 8 and the optical unit 3 is stationary or the nut 9 is stationary on the shaft 8 and the optical unit 3 moves along the optical axis Al.

[0041] The optical arrangement 1 comprises an optical unit 3 and a drive unit 6, as illustrated in Fig. 1. The optical unit 3 defines the optical axis Al of the optical arrangement 1 , and the optical unit 3 is movable along the optical axis Al .

[0042] The optical unit 3 comprises at least one lens 4 and a housing 5, however, the optical unit 4 may comprise several lenses arranged as one or several, stationary or moveable, lens groups. The lens(es) 4 are fixed to the housing 5. The housing 5 may be substantially cylindrical, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0043] The drive unit 6 is configured to generate movement of the optical unit 3 along the optical axis Al between at least a retracted position Pl, in which the optical unit 3 is completely or to a large extent retracted into the housing of the electronic apparatus 2, and an extended position P2, in which the optical unit 3 partially protrudes from the housing of the electronic apparatus 2. As illustrated in Fig. 5b, movement from the retracted position Pl to the extended position P2 is referred to as movement in the protrusion direction DI, while movement from the extended position P2 to the retracted position Pl is referred to as movement in the retraction direction D2.

[0044] The drive unit 6 comprises a rotary structure 7 configured to at least partially accommodate the optical unit 3 and to rotate, relative the optical unit 3, around the optical axis Al . The rotary structure 7 may be substantially cylindrical, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0045] The drive unit 6 also comprises at least one shaft 8, a center axis A2 of each shaft 8 being parallel with the optical axis Al. Each shaft 8 is configured to rotate around the center axis A2 in response to rotation of the rotary structure 7. The shafts 8 may be equidistantly distributed around the optical axis Al to ensure even movement of the optical unit 3.

[0046] The drive unit 6 furthermore comprises at least one nut 9, each nut 9 being configured to travel longitudinally along one of the shafts 8.

[0047] The housing 5 of the optical unit 3 comprises at least one recess, or channel, 10 configured to accommodate the shaft 8 and the nut 9. This is illustrated in Figs. 2a, 3a, 4a, and 5a. The channel 10 may extend parallel with the optical axis Al . The rotary structure 7 is configured to engage the housing 5 of the optical unit 3 such that, in response to rotation of the rotary structure 7, either 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 Al. Figs. 2a to 3b illustrate the nut 9 having moved along the shaft 8 while the optical unit 3 was stationary. Figs. 4a to 5b illustrate the optical unit 3 having moved along the optical axis Al while the nut 9 was stationary on the shaft 8. The movement of the nut 9 and the movement of the optical unit 3 may alternate as the rotary structure 7 rotates.

[0048] The drive unit 6 and recess 10 of the optical unit 3 may be configured to convert rotary movement of the rotary structure 7 to linear movement of the nut 9 or to linear movement of the optical unit 3. The nut 9 may be configured to rotate along with the shaft 8 around the center axis A2. The nut 9 may comprise an external thread configured to engage a corresponding internal thread of the recess 10 of the housing 5.

[0049] The optical arrangement 1 may further comprise a resilient element 11 enclosing the shaft 8, the resilient element 11 being compressed or decompressed, by the nut 9, in response to movement of the nut 9 along the shaft 8. As illustrated in Figs. 3a, 4a, and 5a, the resilient element 11 may be compressed when the nut 9 moves along the shaft 8 in the retraction direction D2. As illustrated in Figs. 4a and 5a, the resilient element 11 may be maintained in a compressed state when the optical unit 3 moves along the optical axis Al in the protrusion direction DI .

[0050] The resilient element 11 is decompressed when the optical unit 3 is in the retracted position Pl , and the resilient element 11 is compressed when the optical unit 3 is moving between the retracted position Pl and the extended position P2, and when the resilient element 11 is in the extended position P2. In other words, the resilient element 11 is decompressed when the optical unit 3 is not in use, preventing the resilient element 11 from losing its resilience over time.

[0051] The optical arrangement 1 may further comprise a stationary base configured to carry the rotary structure 7 and the shafts 8.

[0052] Additionally, the optical arrangement 1 may comprise an actuator 14 illustrated in Fig. 5b, configured to generate rotation of the rotary structure 7. The rotary structure 7 may comprise an external thread configured to engage a thread of the actuator 14.

[0053] As shown in Figs. 2b, 3b, 4b, and 5b, one of the rotary structure 7 and the housing 5 may comprise at least one protrusion 12 and the other of the rotary structure 7 and the housing 5 may comprise at least one engagement surface 13. The Figs, show the rotary structure 7 comprising the engagement surface 13 and the housing 5 comprising the protrusion, however, other configurations are possible.

[0054] In response to a force applied by the resilient element 11 in the protrusion direction DI, the protrusion 12 engages with the engagement surface 13. The engagement surface 13 comprises at least a first engagement section 13a and a second engagement section 13b. The first engagement section 13a extends in a plane PL1 perpendicular to the optical axis Al and the second engagement section 13b extends at an angle a to the plane PL1. The first engagement section 13a engages the protrusion 12 such that the protrusion 12 can move only in directions parallel with the plane PL 1. The second engagement section 13b engages the protrusion 12 such that the protrusion 12 can move in directions parallel with the plane PL1 and in directions parallel with the optical axis Al . See Fig. 2b.

[0055] The engagement surface 13 may be a slot traced into a wall of the rotary structure 7 or the housing 5, as illustrated in the Figs. The engagement surface 13 may also be a rim protruding from a wall of the rotary structure 7 or the housing 5. The optical unit 3 may be in the retracted position Pl when the protrusion 12 engages the first engagement section 13a, as illustrated in Figs. 2b and 3b. The optical unit 3 may move towards the extended position P2 when the protrusion 12 engages the second engagement section 13b.

[0056] The engagement surface 13 may comprise at least one third engagement section 13c and at least one fourth engagement section 13d, the third engagement section 13c extending in a plane PL2 perpendicular to the optical axis Al and the fourth engagement section 13d extending at an angle p to the plane PL2. The third engagement section 13c engages the protrusion 12 such that the protrusion 12 can move only in directions parallel with the plane PL2, as illustrated in Fig. 4b. The fourth engagement section 13d engages the protrusion 12 such that the protrusion 12 can move in directions parallel with the plane PL2 and in directions parallel with the optical axis Al, as illustrated in Fig. 5b. The engagement surface 13 may comprise any suitable number of engagement sections.

[0057] The third engagement section 13c may comprise a minor notch, or protrusion, generating a snap that can be felt by the user as the rotary structure 7 rotates.

[0058] As shown in Figs 4a and 4b, the optical unit 3 may be held in an intermediate position P3 when the protrusion 12 engages the third engagement section 13c, the optical unit 3 continuing to move towards the extended position P2 when the protrusion 12 engages the fourth engagement section 13d.

[0059] The present invention furthermore relates to an electronic apparatus 2 comprising the optical arrangement 1 as described above, and an actuator 14 configured to engage and rotate the rotary structure 7 of the optical arrangement 1 around the optical axis Al of the optical unit 3 of the optical arrangement 1. The electronic apparatus 2 may be a smartphone, tablet, or other portable device. The actuator 14 may be a rotating actuator such as a stepper motor with a geared outer rim.

[0060] The present invention also relates to a method of generating movement of an optical unit 3 along an optical axis Al, in a protrusion direction DI from a retracted position Pl to an extended position P2 and in a retraction direction D2 from the extended position P2 to the retracted position Pl, by means of a drive unit 6 comprising a rotary structure 7 at least partially accommodating the optical unit 3 and configured to rotate around the optical axis Al, at least one shaft 8, a center axis A2 of each shaft 8 being parallel with the optical axis A 1 , each shaft 8 being configured to rotate around the center axis A2 in response to rotation of the rotary structure 7, -a nut 9 configured to travel longitudinally along the shaft 8, the housing 5 of the optical unit 3 comprising at least one recess 10 configured to accommodate the shaft 8 and the nut 9, the rotary structure 7 engaging the housing 5 such that, in response to rotation of the rotary structure 7, the nut 9 moves along the shaft 8 and the optical unit 3 is stationary, or the nut 9 is stationary on the shaft 8 and the optical unit 3 moves along the optical axis Al .

[0061] The method comprises the step of generating a first rotation of the rotary structure 7, the first rotation generating movement of the nut 9 along the shaft 8, in the retraction direction D2, from a first shaft position SI to a second shaft position S2, while maintaining the optical unit 3 in the retracted position Pl. This is illustrated in Figs. 2a and 3a.

[0062] The method furthermore comprises the step of generating a second rotation of the rotary structure 7, the second rotation generating movement of the optical unit 3 from the retracted position Pl to an intermediate position P3, while maintaining the nut 9 in the second shaft position S2. This is illustrated in Fig. 4a.

[0063] The method furthermore comprises the step of generating a third rotation of the rotary structure 7, the third rotation generating movement of the nut 9 along the shaft 8, in the retraction direction D2, to a third shaft position S3, while maintaining the optical unit 3 in the intermediate position P3, as also illustrated in Fig. 4a. The method additionally comprises the step of generating a fourth rotation of the rotary structure 7, the fourth rotation generating movement of the optical unit 3 towards the extended position P2, while maintaining the nut 9 in the third shaft position S3. This is illustrated in Fig. 5a.

[0064] The method may further comprise the steps of generating a fifth rotation of the rotary structure 7, the fifth rotation generating movement of the optical unit 3 to the intermediate position P3, while maintaining the nut 9 in the third shaft position S3, generating a sixth rotation of the rotary structure 7, the sixth rotation generating movement of the nut 9 along the shaft 8, in the protrusion direction DI, to the second shaft position S2, while maintaining the optical unit 3 in the intermediate position P3, generating a seventh rotation of the rotary structure 7, the seventh rotation generating movement of the optical unit 3 to the retracted position Pl, while maintaining the nut 9 in the second shaft position S2, and generating an eighth rotation of the rotary structure 7, the eighth rotation generating movement of the nut 9 along the shaft 8, in the protrusion direction DI, to the first shaft position SI, while maintaining the optical unit 3 in the retracted position Pl . In other words, the movement of the optical unit, and the components of the drive unit 6, may be reversed.

[0065] The method may further comprise, when the drive unit 6 comprises a resilient element 11 enclosing the shaft 8, compressing or decompression of the resilient element 11 by the nut 9 in response to movement of the nut 9 along the shaft 8. As illustrated in Fig. 3a, the resilient element 11 may be compressed by a first distance dl when the nut 9 is in the second shaft position S2, and, as illustrated in Fig. 5a the resilient element 11 may be compressed by a second distance d2 when the nut 9 is in the third shaft position S3. The first distance dl < the second distance d2, i.e. first distance dl is smaller than the second distance d2.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 optical unit (3) comprising at least one lens (4) and a housing (5), said optical unit (3) defining an optical axis (Al);-a drive unit (6) configured to generate movement of said optical unit (3) along said optical axis (Al) in a protrusion direction (DI ), from a retracted position (Pl ) to an extended position (P2), and in a retraction direction (D2), from said extended position (P2) to said retracted position (Pl); said drive unit (6) comprising—a rotary structure (7) configured to at least partially accommodate said optical unit (3) and to rotate, relative said optical unit (3), around said optical axis (Al),—at least one shaft (8), a center axis (A2) of each shaft (8) being parallel with said optical axis (Al), each shaft (8) being configured to rotate around said center axis (A2) in response to rotation of said rotary structure (7),—at least one nut (9) configured to travel longitudinally along each shaft (8), said housing (5) of said optical unit (3) comprising at least one recess (10) configured to accommodate said shaft (8) and said nut (9), said rotary structure (7) being configured to engage said housing (5) of said optical unit (3) such that, in response to rotation of said rotary structure (7),—said nut (9) moves along said shaft (8) and said optical unit (3) is stationary or—said nut (9) is stationary on said shaft (8) and said optical unit (3) moves along said optical axis (Al).

2. The optical arrangement (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a resilient element (11) enclosing said shaft (8), said resilient element (11) being compressed or decompressed, by said nut (9), in response to movement of said nut (9) along said shaft (8).

3. The optical arrangement (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein said resilient element ( 11 ) is compressed when said nut (9) moves along said shaft (8) in said retraction direction (D2).

4. The optical arrangement (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said resilient element (11) is maintained in a compressed state when said optical unit (3) moves along said optical axis (Al) in said protrusion direction (DI).

5. The optical arrangement ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said resilient element ( 11 ) is decompressed when said optical unit (3) is in said retracted position (Pl), and wherein said resilient element (11) is compressed when said optical unit (3) is moving between said retracted position (Pl ) and said extended position (P2), and when said resilient element (11 ) is in said extended position (P2).

6. The optical arrangement (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said nut (9) is configured to rotate along with said shaft (8) around said center axis (A2), and wherein said nut (9) comprises an external thread configured to engage a corresponding internal thread of said recess (10) of said housing (5).

7. The optical arrangement (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said movement of said nut (9) and said movement of said optical unit (3) alternates as said rotary structure (7) rotates.

8. The optical arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein one of said rotary structure (7) and said housing (5) comprises at least one protrusion (12) and the other of said rotary structure (7) and said housing (5) comprises at least oneengagement surface (13), a force applied by said resilient element (11) in said protrusion direction (DI) engaging said protrusion (12) with said engagement surface (13), said engagement surface (13) comprising at least a first engagement section (13a) and a second engagement section (13b), said first engagement section (13a) extending in a plane (PL 1) perpendicular to said optical axis (Al) and said second engagement section (13b) extending at an angle (a) to said plane (PL1), said first engagement section (13a) engaging said protrusion (12) such that said protrusion (12) can move only in directions parallel with said plane (PL1), and said second engagement section (13b) engaging said protrusion (12) such that said protrusion (12) can move in directions parallel with said plane (PL1) and in directions parallel with said optical axis (Al).

9. The optical arrangement (1) according to claim 8, wherein said engagement surface (13) is a slot traced into a wall of said rotary structure (7) or said housing (5), or a rim protruding from a wall of said rotary structure (7) or said housing (5).

10. The optical arrangement (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said optical unit (3) is in said retracted position (Pl) when said protrusion (12) engages said first engagement section (13a), and wherein said optical unit (3) moves towards said extended position (P2) when said protrusion (12) engages said second engagement section (13b).

11. The optical arrangement (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said engagement surface (13) comprises at least one third engagement section (13c) and at least one fourth engagement section (13d), said third engagement section (13c) extending in a plane (PL2) perpendicular to said optical axis (Al) and said fourth engagement section (13d) extending at an angle (P) to said plane (PL2), said third engagement section (13c) engaging said protrusion (12) such that said protrusion (12) can move only in directions parallel with said plane (PL2), and said fourth engagement section (13d) engaging said protrusion (12) such that said protrusion (12) can move in directions parallel with said plane (PL2) and in directions parallel with said optical axis (Al).

12. The optical arrangement (1) according to claim 11, wherein said optical unit (3) is held in an intermediate position (P3) when said protrusion (12) engages said third engagement section (13c), and wherein said optical unit (3) continues to move towards said extended position (P2) when said protrusion (12) engages said fourth engagement section (13d).

13. Method of generating movement of an optical unit (3) along an optical axis (Al), in a protrusion direction (DI) from a retracted position (Pl) to an extended position (P2) and in a retraction direction (D2) from said extended position (P2) to said retracted position (Pl), by means of a drive unit (6) comprising:-a rotary structure (7) at least partially accommodating said optical unit (3) and configured to rotate around said optical axis (Al),-at least one shaft (8), a center axis (A2) of each shaft (8) being parallel with said optical axis (Al), each shaft (8) being configured to rotate around said center axis (A2) in response to rotation of said rotary structure (7),-a nut (9) configured to travel longitudinally along said shaft (8), said housing (5) of said optical unit (3) comprising at least one recess (10) configured to accommodate said shaft (8) and said nut (9), said rotary structure (7) engaging said housing (5) such that, in response to rotation of said rotary structure (7), said nut (9) moves along said shaft (8) and said optical unit (3) is stationary, or said nut (9) is stationary on said shaft (8) and said optical unit (3) moves along said optical axis (Al), said method comprising the steps of:-generating a first rotation of said rotary structure (7), said first rotation generating movement of said nut (9) along said shaft (8), in said retraction direction (D2), from a first shaft position (SI) to a second shaft position (S2), while maintaining said optical unit (3) in said retracted position (Pl),-generating a second rotation of said rotary structure (7), said second rotation generating movement of said optical unit (3) from said retracted position (Pl ) to an intermediate position (P3), while maintaining said nut (9) in said second shaft position (S2), -generating a third rotation of said rotary structure (7), said third rotation generating movement of said nut (9) along said shaft (8), in said retraction direction (D2), to a third shaft position (S3), while maintaining said optical unit (3) in said intermediate position (P3),-generating a fourth rotation of said rotary structure (7), said fourth rotation generating movement of said optical unit (3) towards said extended position (P2), while maintaining said nut (9) in said third shaft position (S3).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:-generating a fifth rotation of said rotary structure (7), said fifth rotation generating movement of said optical unit (3) to said intermediate position (P3), while maintaining said nut (9) in said third shaft position (S3),-generating a sixth rotation of said rotary structure (7), said sixth rotation generating movement of said nut (9) along said shaft (8), in said protrusion direction (DI), to said second shaft position (S2), while maintaining said optical unit (3) in said intermediate position (P3),-generating a seventh rotation of said rotary structure (7), said seventh rotation generating movement of said optical unit (3) to said retracted position (Pl), while maintaining said nut (9) in said second shaft position (S2),-generating an eighth rotation of said rotary structure (7), said eighth rotation generating movement of said nut (9) along said shaft (8), in said protrusion direction (DI), to said first shaft position (SI), while maintaining said optical unit (3) in said retracted position (Pl).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a resilient element (11) enclosing said shaft (8), said resilient element (11) being compressed or decompressed by said nut (9) in response to movement of said nut (9) along said shaft (8), wherein said resilient element ( 11 ) is compressed by a first distance (dl ) when said nut (9) is in said second shaft position (S2), and said resilient element (11) is compressed by a second distance (d2) when said nut (9) is in said third shaft position (S3), said first distance (dl) < said second distance (d2).

16. An electronic apparatus (2) comprising the optical arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and an actuator 14 configured to engage and rotate the rotary structure (7) of said optical arrangement (1) around the optical axis (Al) of the optical unit (3) of said optical arrangement (1).

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