Field of the Invention

The present application relates to a lens positioning arrangement, and to a mobile communications device comprising the lens positioning arrangement.

Background of the Invention

It is known for mobile communications devices to be equipped with image capture apparatus comprising at least one digital camera. For example, a smartphone may comprise a frontfacing camera in addition to at least one rear-facing camera. A plurality of cameras may be utilized to provide different imaging modes; for example, a macro lens, a wide-angle lens, an ultra wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens are usable in different photography styles and techniques. A multiple-camera arrangement may comprise a combination of different lenses and/or lenses of the same type but having different resolutions.

There is a demand for high performance cameras in mobile phones; however, while improvements in camera performance can be achieved using larger sensors and optics, there is also a preference for a compact camera module architecture as any increases in component dimensions can be challenging to accommodate within a desired handset size and layout.

One approach to balancing these design factors is to provide a “pop-up” optical module, which is protrusible from a storage condition, in which the optical module is withdrawn into the device, into an operative condition, in which the optical module is extended from the device. However, mechanisms (threads, guiding pins, actuators, etc.) for moving a “pop-up” optical module incorporate mechanical clearances that can result in inaccuracies and errors in the location of the optical parts, and can cause undesirable forces being applied to the “pop-up” optical module.

It is desirable to provide a lens positioning arrangement that provides improvements in relation to “pop-up” optical modules of portable telecommunications devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided a lens positioning arrangement, comprising: a resiliently adaptable gasket member engaged between a lens carrier unit and a surround, the lens carrier unit movable relative to the surround between retracted and protruded positions, to adjust an extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit from the surround, the resiliently adaptable gasket member functional to urge the lens carrier unit towards a desired alignment, for stabilising positioning of the lens carrier unit in the protruded position from the retracted position.

The stabilising of the positioning of the lens carrier unit when moving from the retracted position to the protruded position serves to improve accuracy of location of optics, which can be affected by mechanical clearances between interacting components used for moving the lens carrier unit, and can also serve to cushion optics from unwanted forces.

The resiliently adaptable gasket member may seal a gap to atmosphere between the lens carrier unit and the surround, for providing ingress protection. The resiliently adaptable gasket member may present a moisture impermeable sealing surface extending between the lens carrier unit and the surround. Inhibiting the ingress of moisture and/or contaminants through the gap can support proper operation of a device incorporating the lens positioning apparatus.

The resiliently adaptable gasket member may comprise a supporting portion arranged in contact with the lens carrier unit, in a transverse direction of the lens carrier unit, to apply a frictional force to the lens carrier unit as the lens carrier unit moves relative to the surround. This interaction between the resiliently adaptable gasket member and the lens carrier unit supports proper orientation of the lens carrier unit as it travels between different extents of protrusion.

The resiliently adaptable gasket member comprises a seating portion arranged to be contacted by the lens carrier unit, in a longitudinal direction of the lens carrier unit, as the lens carrier unit approaches the protruded position, and to apply a counter force to the lens carrier unit when in contact with the lens carrier unit. This interaction between the resiliently adaptable gasket member and the lens carrier unit guides the lens carrier unit to settles into an at-rest condition, at an extent of protrusion, with proper orientation, and provides cushioning against backlash.

Supporting and seating portions may be provided by a substantially annular brim portion of the resiliently adaptable gasket member. The substantially annular brim portion may be compressed between a projection of the lens carrier unit and the surround when the lens carrier unit approaches, and is in, the protruded position.

The resiliently adaptable gasket member may comprise a resiliently compressible material. The resiliently adaptable gasket member may be made from an elastomeric material. The resiliently adaptable gasket member is formed as a unitary component. The surround may be part of a casing of a mobile communications device. The lens carrier unit may be comprised by a “pop-up” optical module of a mobile communications device, which may be a smartphone.

The lens carrier unit may be associated with a powered drive mechanism, for driving the lens carrier unit in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the lens carrier unit between the retracted and protruded positions. The powered drive mechanism arranged to actuate a rotational or linear motion of the lens carrier unit. For example, the powered drive mechanism may be arranged to actuate a twisting movement, for example using a screw thread arrangement, or a push/pull movement, for example using a carriage and guide rail arrangement.

According to a second aspect there is provided a mobile communications device comprising a lens positioning arrangement according to the first aspect, in which the surround is a part of a housing of the mobile communications device.

According to a third aspect there is provided a method of stabilising positioning of a lens carrier unit movable between a retracted position and a protruded position relative to a surround, to adjust an extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit from the surround along a longitudinal axis of said lens carrier unit, comprising engaging a substantially annular, resiliently deformable gasket member between the lens carrier unit and the surround in an operational condition in which the resiliently adaptable gasket member is functional to urge the lens carrier unit towards a desired alignment and to seal a gap to atmosphere between the lens carrier unit and the surround.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a lens positioning arrangement according to a specific example, in which a lens carrier unit and a surround are in a first relative arrangement;

Figure 2 shows the lens positioning arrangement of Figure 1 , in which the lens carrier unit and the surround are in a second relative arrangement;

Figure 3 shows the lens positioning arrangement of Figure 1 , in which the lens carrier unit and the surround are in a third relative arrangement; and Figure 4 illustrates use of the lens positioning arrangement of Figure 1 in a specific application in which the lens positioning arrangement is comprised by a mobile communications device.

Description

Examples are described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to implement the apparatus, systems and/or processes described herein. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise examples described and/or shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings may have been exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes only.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. In addition, features referred to herein in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has” and/or “having” when used herein, specify the presence of the stated feature or features and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The following is disclosed herein: a lens positioning arrangement that comprises a resiliently adaptable gasket member engaged between a lens carrier unit and a surround, the lens carrier unit movable relative to the surround to adjust an extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit from the surround, and the resiliently adaptable gasket member functional to urge the lens carrier unit towards a desired alignment, for stabilising positioning of the lens carrier unit in a protruded position from a retracted position; a mobile communications device comprising the lens positioning arrangement; a method of stabilising positioning of a lens carrier unit movable relative to a surround, to adjust an extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit from the surround along a longitudinal axis of the lens carrier unit, that comprises engaging a resiliently adaptable gasket member between the lens carrier unit and the surround. The following is also disclosed herein: a lens positioning arrangement, in which a resiliently adaptable gasket member is engaged between a lens carrier unit and a surround, the lens carrier unit being movable relative to the surround between retracted and protruded positions, to adjust an extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit from the surround, and in which the resiliently adaptable gasket member is functional to urge the lens carrier unit towards a desired alignment, for stabilising positioning of the lens carrier unit in the protruded position from the retracted position; a mobile communications device comprising the lens positioning arrangement, in which the surround is a part of a housing of the mobile communications device; a method of stabilising positioning of a lens carrier unit movable between a retracted position and a protruded position relative to a surround, to adjust an extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit from the surround along a longitudinal axis of said lens carrier unit, in which a substantially annular, resiliently deformable gasket member is engaged between the lens carrier unit and the surround in an operational condition in which the resiliently adaptable gasket member is functional to urge the lens carrier unit towards a desired alignment and to seal a gap to atmosphere between the lens carrier unit and the surround.

Further disclosure follows with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A lens positioning module 101 according to a specific example and in a specific application will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

Referring initially to Figures 1 & 2, the lens positioning arrangement 101 comprises a resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 engaged between a lens carrier unit 103 and a surround 104. The lens carrier unit 103 is movable relative to the surround 103 between retracted and protruded positions, to adjust an extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit 103 from the surround 104. The resiliently adaptable gasket memberl 02 is functional to urge the lens carrier unit 103 towards a desired alignment, for stabilising positioning of the lens carrier unit 103 in the protruded position from the retracted position. This is described in further detail below.

The lens carrier unit 103 is shown in the retracted position in Figure 1 and is shown in Figure 2 approaching a protruded position that represents a maximum extent that the lens carrier unit 103 is protrusible from the surround 104, which is illustrated in Figure 3.

The lens carrier unit 103 is movable in a direction along a longitudinal axis 105 of the lens carrier unit 103, between the retracted and protruded positions. The lens carrier unit 103 is movable in a first direction along the longitudinal axis 105, indicated by arrow 106 in Figure 1 , from the retracted position to the protruded position, and in a second, opposite direction along the longitudinal axis 105, indicated by arrow 201 in Figure 2 from the protruded position to the retracted position.

As indicated in both Figure 1 and Figure 2, the lens carrier unit 103 has an outer face 107 and the surround 104 has an outer surface 108.

In this specific example, the extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit 103 from the surround 104 is adjustable relative to a reference plane, indicated by dotted line 109, that contains a reference point 110 of the outer surface 108 of the surround 104 and through which the longitudinal axis 105 of the lens carrier unit 103 extends perpendicularly.

The extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit 103 from the surround 104 is positive when the outer face 107 of the lens carrier unit 103 projects forwardly from the reference plane 109, in the first direction 106 along longitudinal axis 105, negative when it projects rearwardly from the reference plane 109, in the second direction 201 along longitudinal axis 105, and zero when flush with the reference plane 109.

The lens carrier unit 103 when in the protruded position projects in a positive sense from the reference plane 109 to a greater extent than when in the retracted position. In an example, the extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit 103 from the surround 104 when in the retracted position is flush or negative. In this illustrated example, the extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit 103 from the surround 104 when in the retracted position is negative.

The lens carrier unit 103 may be any suitable type, for example the hollow barrel type illustrated, and may carry any suitable selected lens.

The lens carrier unit 103 may be associated with a powered drive mechanism, for driving the lens carrier unit 103 between retracted and protruded positions. In this specific example, the lens carrier unit 103 is associated with a powered drive mechanism 111 for driving the lens carrier unit 103 in a direction 106, 201 along the longitudinal axis 105 of the lens carrier unit 103 between the retracted and protruded positions.

The powered drive mechanism 111 may be arranged to actuate a rotational motion of the lens carrier unit 103, as in this specific illustrated example, or may be arranged to actuate a linear motion of the lens carrier unit 103. In this specific example, the lens carrier unit 103 is provided with a thread profile 112 for use in effecting a screwing action to move the lens carrier unit 103 from one extent of protrusion to another.

The surround 104 may be provided by any suitable element. The surround 104 may be part of a casing of a mobile communications device.

In an application, and as illustrated in Figure 4, the lens carrier unit 103 is comprised by a mobile communications device 401 , and the surround 104 is part of a housing 402 thereof.

In a specific application, the mobile communications device 401 is a smartphone and lens carrier unit 103 is comprised by a “pop-up” optical module thereof. According to the example arrangement shown in Figure 4, lens carrier unit 103 is located on a face 403 of the mobile communications device 401 , which may an obverse or a reverse face thereof.

Several issues with mobile phone “pop-up” cameras have been identified.

Mechanical clearances between interacting components used for moving the “pop-up” optical module can result in inaccuracies and errors in the location of the optical parts, and hence lens positioning. The “pop-up” optical module is subject to backlash upon reaching the protruded position, which can affect proper alignment of the optical parts and can subject the optics to unwanted forces. A gap around the “pop-up” optical module can enable moisture and/or contaminants to enter the mobile phone and interfere with its proper operation.

These issues can be detrimental to device functionality and user perception of quality, and resiliently adaptable gasket member of the lens positioning arrangement described herein provides improvements in relation thereto.

Features of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 of the specific illustrated example will now be described in further detail.

In the specific example of Figures 1 to 4, the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 comprises a resiliently compressible material. The resiliently adaptable gasket member may be made from an elastomeric material. The resiliently adaptable gasket member may be formed as a unitary component. In the illustrated example of Figures 1 to 4, the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is a substantially annular, resiliently deformable gasket member. The resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is functional to urge the lens carrier unit 103 towards a desired alignment, for stabilising positioning thereof. Additionally, the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is functional to seal a gap between the lens carrier unit 103 and the surround, for providing ingress protection.

In Figure 1 , the lens carrier unit 103 is shown in the retracted position, with the lens carrier unit 103 and the surround 104 in a first relative arrangement. The resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is shown in a passive condition. The lens carrier unit 103 and surround 104 are in a steady state (there is no relative movement between them) and the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is in its most relaxed state.

The lens carrier unit 103 is shown in Figure 2 during movement from the retracted position of Figure 1 towards the protruded position, so that the lens carrier unit 103 and the surround 104 are now in a second relative arrangement. The resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is an active condition. The lens carrier unit 103 and surround 104 are in a changing state (there is relative movement between them) and the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is in a stressed state.

As will be described further, the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is arranged to apply a frictional force to the lens carrier unit 103 as the lens carrier unit 103 is driven from the retracted position to the protruded position, to urge the lens carrier unit 103 towards a desired alignment, for stabilising positioning of the lens carrier unit 103 in the protruded position from the retracted position. This interaction between the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 and the lens carrier unit 103 advantageously serves to eliminate the effect of mechanical clearances on the proper alignment of the optical lens carrier unit 103 as it is being moved to an intended extent of protrusion, which provides stabilisation of the lens carrier unit 103 during movement of the lens carrier unit 103 relative to the surround 104 towards the intended extent of protrusion.

The lens carrier unit 103 is shown in Figure 3 after having been moved completely to protruded, so that the lens carrier unit 103 and the surround 104 are now in a third relative arrangement. The resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is an active condition. The lens carrier unit 103 and surround 104 are in a steady state (there is no relative movement between them) and the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is in a stressed state. As will be described further, the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is arranged to apply a counter force to the lens carrier unit 103, opposite to the direction of travel of the lens carrier unit 103 from the retracted position to the protruded position, to urge the lens carrier unit 103 towards a desired alignment, for stabilising positioning of the lens carrier unit 103 in the protruded position from the retracted position. This interaction between the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 and the lens carrier unit 103 advantageously serves to eliminate the effect of mechanical clearances on the proper alignment of the optical lens carrier unit 103 at the intended extent of protrusion, which provides stabilisation of the lens carrier unit 103 as it approaches the intended extent of protrusion. This interaction also advantageously serves to cushion the impact of backlash on optics carried by the lens carrier unit 103.

As described above, the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 acts upon the lens carrier unit 103 in one way as the lens carrier unit 103 moves from the retracted position to the protruded and then in another way as the lens carrier unit 103 approaches the protruded position.

Referring now to Figure 2, the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 comprises a supporting portion 202 that is arranged in contact with the lens carrier unit 103, in a transverse direction, indicated by arrow 203, of the lens carrier unit 103, to apply a frictional force to the lens carrier unit 103 as the lens carrier unit 103 moves relative to the surround 104. The indicated transverse direction 203 is pointing radially inwardly towards the longitudinal axis 105 of the lens carrier unit 105.

Also in this illustrated example, the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 comprises a seating portion 204 arranged to be contacted by the lens carrier unit 103, in a longitudinal direction 205 of the lens carrier unit 103, as the lens carrier unit 103 approaches the protruded position, and to apply a counter force to the lens carrier unit 103 when in contact with the lens carrier unit 103. The indicated transverse direction 203 is pointing axially downwardly, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 105 of the lens carrier unit 105.

Thus, it is to be understood that in this specific illustrated example, the supporting portion 202 is arranged to normally be in contact with the lens carrier unit 103, but the seating portion 204 is instead arranged to be in contact with the lens carrier unit 103, only when the lens carrier unit 103 approaches, and is in, the protruded position. According to this specific illustrated example, the supporting portion 203 and the seating portion 204 are provided by a substantially annular brim portion 301 of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102.

The seating portion 204 presents a mating surface 302 for abutment by a projection 303 extending from the lens carrier unit 103 as the lens carrier unit 103 approaches the protruded position.

According to this specific illustrated example, the seating portion 204 of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 and the projection of the lens carrier unit 103 provide a latching arrangement between the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 and the lens carrier unit 103.

In this example, the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is mounted to the surround 104 by a latching arrangement, which in this specific illustrated example is provided by a portion 304 of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 and a portion of 305 of the surround 104.

According to this specific illustrated example, the cross-sectional shape of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 includes a ‘II’ geometry formed by two generally upstanding inner and outer arms 113, 114 and a connecting piece 115, in which the brim portion 301 of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is disposed at a free end region 116 of the inner arm 113 and the portion 304 of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is disposed at a corner region 117 of the connecting piece 115 and the outer arm 114. Further, the projection 303 of the lens carrier unit 103 is disposed at lower end 118 thereof.

With this specific arrangement, as the lens carrier unit 103 is moved from retracted position, shown in Figure 1 , towards the protruded position, shown in Figure 3, the projection 303 of the lens carrier unit 103 contacts the seating portion 204 of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 as it approaches the protruded position, as shown in Figure 2, and then lifts the brim portion 301 of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 into a position in which it is compressed between the projection 303 of the lens carrier unit 103 and the surround 104, as shown in Figure 3; this action also causes distortion of the ‘II’ geometry of the cross-sectional shape of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 from an original profile when the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is in its most relaxed state. Upon the lens carrier unit 103 travelling back to the retracted position, the brim portion 301 becomes decompressed as it is lowered and the original profile of the U’ geometry of the cross-sectional shape of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is restored. The resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is thus arranged to be subject to adapting/deforming forces only when stabilisation of the positioning of the lens carrier unit 103 is actively required; this beneficially serves to reduce wear and set that may affect the longevity of the proper functioning of the resiliently compressible/deformable material of the specific example.

In this specific example, the shape and nature of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 is such that a deviation in the proper alignment of the lens carrier unit 103, associated with a tilting of the longitudinal axis 105 thereof from a proper orientation, will cause the a compressive force to be applied on a region of the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102, which will react to apply a counterforce to urge the lens carrier unit 103 back to the proper alignment to correct the orientation deviation.

According to the specific example, the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 seals a gap 119 to atmosphere between the lens carrier unit 103 and the surround 104, for providing ingress protection. Preferably, and in this specific illustrated example, the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 presents a moisture impermeable sealing surface 120 extending between the lens carrier unit 103 and the surround 104. This can beneficially be used to provide a waterproof “pop-up” optical module.

As can be seen from Figure 1 the sealing of the gap 119 is provided by the resiliently adaptable gasket member 102 when the lens carrier unit 103 is in the retracted position. The sealing is maintained when the lens carrier unit 103 is moving into, and is in, the protruded position.

In the specific example, a substantially annular, resiliently deformable gasket member minimises the “rattle” or “play” of moving parts associated with a “pop-up” optical module, by providing supporting force in the direction of travel. The gasket member acts as a counter spring to eliminate mechanic clearances and backlash, and also seals around the optical module against dust and water. The gasket member may work by generating friction through contact with the optical module directly, or via a sleeve-like feature. The gasket member allows the “pop-up” to be manufactured with less strict tolerances, as mechanical clearances are accommodated, which can reduce the cost and complexity of manufacture without compromising performance.

A lens positioning arrangement has been described in which a substantially annular, resiliently deformable gasket member is engaged between a lens carrier unit and a surround, the lens carrier unit being movable relative to the surround between retracted and protruded positions, to adjust an extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit from the surround along a longitudinal axis of the lens carrier unit, the substantially annular, resiliently deformable gasket member being in an operational condition in it is functional to urge the lens carrier unit towards a desired alignment and to seal a gap to atmosphere between the lens carrier unit and the surround.

A method of positioning of a lens carrier unit movable between a retracted position and a protruded position relative to a surround, to adjust an extent of protrusion of the lens carrier unit from the surround along a longitudinal axis of said lens carrier unit, comprises engaging a substantially annular, resiliently deformable gasket member between the lens carrier unit and the surround in an operational condition in which the resiliently adaptable gasket member is functional to urge the lens carrier unit towards a desired alignment and to seal a gap to atmosphere between the lens carrier unit and the surround.

It is to be understood that specific examples have been described and/or illustrated for the purpose of explanation of the invention and that equivalent examples may be obtained by change or modification.

By way of example, the functionality of the resiliently adaptable gasket member may be provided by utilisation of a different arrangement than one involving a volume of resiliently compressible/deformable material, such as one involving resiliently biased, movable members. By way of further example, the lens carrier unit may be associated with a drive mechanism that is operable to hold the lens carrier at one or more intermediate positions relative to the surround, each intermediate position representing a different extent of protrusion between the retracted and protruded positions. By way of another example, a device in which the lens positioning arrangement is incorporated by incorporate multiple lens positioning arrangements.

Although illustrative embodiments and examples of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment and examples shown and/or described and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.