Monolithic actuator and adjustable iris unit comprising a monolithic actuator

Abstract

A monolithic actuator (1) for displacing a plurality of movable elements (8), the monolithic actuator (1) comprising: a plurality of fastening areas (2) for fastening by at least one first fastening element (13), wherein the fastening enables the fastening areas (2) to remain stationary during actuation. The monolithic actuator (1) further comprises: a plurality of actuation arms (4); a plurality of displacement areas (3) for moving relative to the fastening areas (2) during actuation. Each displacement area (3) is for mechanical interconnection with one of the movable elements (8). Each actuation arm (4) extends from one fastening area (2) to one displacement area and is for deforming by the one fastening area (2) in response to electrical activation and / or magnetic activation. The one displacement area (3) moves in response to the deformation. This enables displacing several movable elements (8) by only one monolithic actuator (1) to reduce the number of required components, thereby freeing space for other components and / or facilitating reducing the size of a device comprising the monolithic actuator (1) (e.g. an optical system of a smartphone camera).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a monolithic actuator, to an adjustable aperture unit comprising the monolithic actuator, and to an electronic device comprising the adjustable aperture unit and a main board. BACKGROUND

[0002] Small electronic devices such as smartphones are often equipped with a camera. It is advantageous if the user of the device can adjust the size of the optical iris aperture of the camera to adjust the amount of light reaching the image sensor. In low light conditions, for example, a larger aperture size can be used to shorten the exposure time and increase the sensitivity. In high light conditions, a smaller aperture size can ensure an increased depth of field and a reduction of over-saturation, while a larger aperture size can help to create a photographic bokeh effect, i.e. a soft out-of-focus background.

[0003] Professional photography devices are equipped with adjustable aperture units of relatively large size, complex structure and high cost. When trying to scale down such solutions for smaller devices such as smartphones, the complexity increases and becomes a limiting technical factor, affecting the weight, size, thickness and reliability of the device as well as the production capacity and unit cost. Therefore, small device camera lenses mainly comprise simple switchable on / off type dual-aperture, i.e. non-freely adjustable aperture units. SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved actuator and an improved aperture unit comprising the actuator. The above mentioned object as well as other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a monolithic actuator for displacing a plurality of movable elements is provided. The monolithic actuator comprises a plurality of fastening regions for fastening by at least one first fastening element, wherein the fastening enables the fastening regions to remain stationary during actuation, a plurality of displacement regions for moving relative to the fastening regions during actuation, each displacement region for being mechanically interconnected with one of the movable elements, and a plurality of actuation arms, wherein each actuation arm extends from one fastening region to one displacement region. Each actuation arm is for deforming by the one fastening region in response to an electrical and / or magnetic activation, and the one displacement region is for moving in response to the deformation.

[0006] This solution is simple and comprises a minimum number of components, making it cost-effective to produce and reliable to use. Since the actuation is achieved in an electrical or magnetic manner rather than a mechanical manner, it is possible to minimize the size of the actuator. Furthermore, this makes it possible to displace several movable elements by means of only one monolithic actuator, reducing the number of components required, freeing up space for other, unrelated components and / or making it possible to reduce the size of the device comprising the actuator.

[0007] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, each displacement region is located between two fastening regions, two actuation arms extending from the displacement region in different directions, each actuation arm extending towards one of the two fastening regions. This makes it possible to actuate one or both actuation arms in a manner that is activated by means of only one fastening region.

[0008] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuation arms are configured to resume at least partially their undeformed shape and / or to deform further in response to a change in the electrical or magnetic activation. This makes it possible to minimize the energy required to operate the actuator while maximizing the flexibility of the actuator.

[0009] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the electrical activation comprises supplying an electrical current to the actuation arms by means of the fastening regions.

[0010] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, changing the electrical activation comprises changing the intensity of the electrical current, i.e. increasing or decreasing the intensity of the electrical current, and the electrical deactivation comprises not supplying any electrical current to the fastening regions at all.

[0011] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the movable elements are displaced in a first plane, the monolithic actuator extending in a second plane, the second plane being parallel to the first plane. This parallel actuation movement and element movement makes it possible to require only a small size at least in a direction perpendicular to the movement plane.

[0012] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the monolithic actuator forms a closed loop extending in the second plane, making it possible for the monolithic actuator to be as small as possible while still being able to perform an actuation that can displace several movable elements.

[0013] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the deformation of the actuation arms produces a circumferential deformation of the monolithic actuator.

[0014] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the monolithic actuator is configured to simultaneously, sequentially and / or independently actuate the plurality of movable elements, thereby maximizing flexibility of the actuator and possible movements of the movable elements.

[0015] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the monolithic actuator comprises a shape memory material having a one-way shape memory effect or a two-way shape memory effect. This enables to provide a small, flexible and reliable actuator.

[0016] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the actuation arm comprises a plurality of linear segments, each segment extending at an angle with respect to an adjacent linear segment, thereby enabling deformation of the actuation arm within the second plane.

[0017] According to a second aspect, there is provided an adjustable aperture unit, the adjustable aperture unit comprising: the above-mentioned monolithic actuator; a plate element comprising a peripheral frame defining a plurality of wings extending within a first plane, the wings being configured to define an aperture region formed at a center of the plate element. At least one of the plurality of wings is configured to move from a first position within the first plane to a second position in response to actuation of the monolithic actuator, thereby generating a change in size of the aperture region.

[0018] This approach requires only a minimum number of components, making it cost-efficient to produce and reliable to use. Due to the plate shape of the aperture defining element and the monolithic actuator, the size of the actuator, in particular the thickness, can be minimized. Moreover, due to the flexible movement of the wings, the aperture region can be flexibly adjusted.

[0019] In a possible implementation form of the second aspect, the aperture region has a circular contour corresponding to a standard aperture configuration.

[0020] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the plate element is superimposed on the monolithic actuator such that the first plane of the plate element extends in parallel to the second plane of the monolithic actuator. With this configuration, the thickness of the aperture unit can be minimized.

[0021] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, each wing is connected to the peripheral frame by an elastic connection arm, each wing being movable about a center of rotation within the first plane by the elastic connection arm. This enables each wing to be moved independently from the other wings.

[0022] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the elastic connection arm returns from the second position to the first position by means of the elasticity of the elastic connection arm without the need for a separate return control or return inducing component.

[0023] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the single-piece actuator is connected to the plate element by means of a plurality of second fastening elements, each second fastening element being connected to one wing of the plate element. This facilitates a separate connection between the single-piece actuator and each wing, thus separately activating the movement of each wing.

[0024] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the second fastening elements are electrically non-conductive, such that the wings are not influenced by any current supplied to the single-piece actuator in addition to the movement generated by the first fastening elements.

[0025] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the plate element comprises a plate, preferably made of stainless steel.

[0026] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the wings are configured to partially overlap in response to the change in size of the aperture area; each wing comprises a portion configured to not collide with an adjacent wing when overlapping. This is a simple solution for reducing the size of the aperture area without the need for complex movements or components.

[0027] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the portion is stepped or inclined with respect to the rest of the wing, such that the portion does not extend in the first plane.

[0028] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the peripheral frame comprises a polygonal profile (preferably, rectangular), which is not influenced by the actuation of the single-piece actuator. This enables the actuator unit to move linearly, for example, together with a lens group, within the optical system of a smartphone camera.

[0029] In a further possible implementation form of the second aspect, the aperture unit further comprises an additional single-piece actuator, which extends in parallel. This enables additional or counteracting movements of the movable element, as one of the single-piece actuators can generate a displacement from a first position to a second position, while the other single-piece actuator can generate an additional displacement from the second position to a third position, or a reverse displacement from the second position to the first position.

[0030] According to a third aspect, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising: an adjustable aperture unit as described above; a main board comprising a structure for supplying an electric current. The monolithic actuator of the adjustable aperture unit is connected to the main board by a plurality of first fastening elements, each first fastening element being located between two second fastening elements, the monolithic actuator being arranged between the main board and a plate element of the adjustable aperture unit.

[0031] This enables a very compact assembly of the adjustable aperture unit and the main board and a simple, direct actuation of the monolithic actuator. This in turn frees up space for other, unrelated components and / or enables a reduction of the size of the electronic device.

[0032] In a possible implementation form of the third aspect, the first fastening elements have an electric conductivity and are used to transmit an electric current from the main board to a fastening area of the monolithic actuator, such that the fastening area is electrically activated. This enables a direct, simple, reliable actuation of the monolithic actuator.

[0033] In another possible implementation form of the third aspect, the first fastening elements and the second fastening elements extend parallel to each other, such that the size of the main board and the adjustable aperture unit assembly is as small as possible.

[0034] In another possible implementation form of the third aspect, the first fastening elements comprise at least one of a rivet, a conductive glue or a spring-based member.

[0035] In another possible implementation form of the third aspect, the main board is a printed wiring board, preferably extending in a third plane, the third plane being parallel to the first plane and the second plane. This enables an assembly comprising as few components as possible and having as small a size as possible.

[0036] According to a fourth aspect, a method of adjusting a size of an aperture region of an aperture unit is provided, the aperture unit comprising: a monolithic actuator; a plurality of movable elements for defining the aperture region. The method comprises the following steps: activating a first portion of the monolithic actuator such that a first deformation of the monolithic actuator is generated, the first deformation displacing one of the movable elements from a first position to a second position. The aperture region has a first size and / or a first shape when the movable element is in the first position; the aperture region has a second size and / or a second shape when the movable element is in the second position.

[0037] The method comprises using a minimum number of components, such that production cost efficiency and use reliability are achieved. Furthermore, the aperture region can be adjusted flexibly, since the movable elements can be moved flexibly.

[0038] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises the steps of activating a second portion of the single-piece actuator such that a second deformation of the single-piece actuator is generated, the second deformation displacing a further one of the movable elements from a first position to a second position; and optionally activating further portions of the single-piece actuator such that further deformations of the single-piece actuator are generated, the further deformations displacing at least one further movable element from a first position to a second position. This enables maximum flexibility of the size and shape of the aperture area, since several movable elements can be actuated.

[0039] In a further possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises the step of deactivating the single-piece actuator, the deactivation causing the single-piece actuator to recover an undeformed shape, the recovery causing at least one of the movable elements to move from the second position to the first position, such that no separate return control or return inducing component is required.

[0040] In a further possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises the step of varying the activation of the single-piece actuator such that a deformation change of the single-piece actuator is generated, thereby enabling the single-piece actuator to cause a stepwise displacement of the movable elements.

[0041] In a further possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the activation comprises supplying a first electric current to at least one actuation arm of the single-piece actuator, the deactivation comprises not supplying the first electric current to the actuation arm, and the activation change comprises supplying a second electric current to the actuation arm, the second electric current having a different intensity than the first electric current.

[0042] These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] In the following detailed portion of the application, aspects, embodiments and implementation forms will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 A perspective view of an assembly comprising an adjustable aperture unit and a main board is shown, as provided by embodiments of the application;

[0045] Figure 2 A top view of a board element of an adjustable aperture unit is shown, as provided by embodiments of the application;

[0046] Figure 3Fig. 6 shows a top view of a single-piece actuator and a main board according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 4 Fig. 6 shows a top view of a single-piece actuator and a main board according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 5 Fig. 6 shows a top view of a single-piece actuator and a main board according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Fig. 6 shows a top view of a single-piece actuator and a main board according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Fig. 6 shows a top view of a single-piece actuator and a main board according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figures 8a to 8d Fig. 6 shows a top view of a single-piece actuator and a main board according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Fig. 6 shows a top view of a single-piece actuator and a main board according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Fig. 6 shows a top view of a single-piece actuator and a main board according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Fig. 11 shows a schematic front view and a side view of an electronic device comprising an aperture unit according to the prior art;

[0055] Figure 12 Fig. 11 shows a schematic front view and a side view of an electronic device comprising an aperture unit according to the prior art; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Fig. 11 shows an electronic device according to the prior art, namely a so-called periscope camera. The device comprises a movable plastic lens, which is usually cut along the horizontal direction in order to be able to be mounted within the device without affecting the internal aperture shape of the device. The device further comprises a conventional aperture unit having a circular profile. As shown in Fig. 11, such a relatively large and full circular aperture unit increases the form factor of the device, wherein the aperture unit protrudes along the vertical direction through the periphery of the optical system of the camera.

[0057] Figure 12An embodiment of an electronic device 11 provided by the present invention is shown. The device 11 includes an aperture unit 5 having a polygonal profile (preferably rectangular) and approximately the same height as the lens group of the device. This allows the aperture unit 5 to move linearly within the device 11 together with the lens group via a monolithic actuator 1 (e.g.). The aperture unit 5 will be described in more detail below.

[0058] Furthermore, the electronic device 11 also includes a motherboard 12 (preferably a printed circuit board), which includes a structure for supplying current. The aperture unit 5 is connected to the motherboard 12 via a plurality of first fastening elements 13. The first fastening elements 13 may include rivets, conductive adhesive, and / or spring-based components. In one embodiment, the first fastening elements 13 are conductive, such that they transmit current from the motherboard 12 to the aperture unit 5, thereby enabling the aperture unit 5 to operate electrically.

[0059] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The adjustable aperture unit 5, shown in detail below, includes a monolithic actuator 1 and a board element 6, the monolithic actuator 1 of which will be described in more detail below. The board element 6 includes a peripheral frame 7 defining a plurality of wings 8. The wings 8 extend within a first plane P1 and define an aperture region formed at the center of the board element 6. At least one of the wings 8 is configured to move from a first position to a second position within the first plane P1 in response to actuation of the monolithic actuator 1, thereby producing a change in the size of the aperture region. The aforementioned mainboard 12 may include not only electromechanical connection points for the monolithic actuator 1 and the board element 6, but also output interface portions such as an FPC tail.

[0060] Figure 9 illustrates the stepped movement of the wings and the change in the aperture region. The leftmost diagram shows the aperture unit in an unactuated state, with the aperture region at its largest size. The rightmost diagram shows the aperture unit in a fully actuated state, where each wing 8 has moved around the rotation center C. Figure 2 Each rotation center is schematically shown and located within the first plane P1, such that they overlap to the maximum extent, thereby minimizing the aperture region. The size of the aperture region depends on the degree of rotation of the wings, which overlap due to the rotation. Two intermediate diagrams illustrate intermediate and stepped movements of the wings, the increase in wing overlap, and the reduction in the aperture region.

[0061] Each wing 8 can comprise a portion 8a for not colliding with an adjacent wing 8 when overlapping, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Said portion 8a can be stepped or inclined (not shown) with respect to the rest of said wing 8, so that said portion 8a does not extend within said first plane PI.

[0062] As Figures 1 to 4 Figs. 9 and 10 show, one edge of each wing can be curved so that they collectively give said aperture region an annular profile, which is maintained regardless of said size of said aperture region. Said main plate 12 can comprise a corresponding annular aperture region, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 Figs. 6 show. However, other aperture region shapes can also be employed.

[0063] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of said single-piece actuator 1. Said single-piece actuator 1 is for displacing a plurality of movable elements 8, such as the above-described wings 8. Said single-piece actuator 1 can have any suitable shape, however, the main extent of said single-piece actuator is preferably within said second plane P2, so that said single-piece actuator has a flat, sheet-like configuration. The figures show an embodiment in which said single-piece actuator 1 forms a closed loop extending within said second plane P2, however, said loop can be open and substantially C-shaped. Furthermore, said single-piece actuator 1 can not be annular at all, but linear (e.g. I-shaped), etc. Said single-piece actuator 1 can also comprise several connected or independent sub-components, all of which extend within said second plane P2 (not shown). Said movable elements / wings 8 can be displaced within said first plane PI, said single-piece actuator 1 extending within said second plane P2, said second plane P2 being parallel to said first plane PI, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown.

[0064] Said single-piece actuator 1 can be for simultaneously, sequentially and / or independently actuating said plurality of movable elements / wings 8. Figures 8a to 8d Figs. 9 and 10 show simultaneous actuation of said single-piece actuator 1 and said aperture unit 5, respectively, whereas Fig. 10 shows actuation of only one movable element / wing 8.

[0065] Said single-piece actuator 1 comprises a plurality of fastening regions 2 for fastening to stationary elements by means of at least one first fastening element 13, so that said fastening regions 2 can remain stationary during actuation. As mentioned above, said first fastening elements 13 can comprise rivets, conductive glue and / or spring-based members; preferably, said fastening regions 2 are directly connected to said main plate 12 by means of said first fastening elements. Said fastening regions 2 can comprise annular portions for accommodating said first fastening elements / rivets 13.

[0066] By supplying equal voltages to a pair of oppositely arranged first fastening elements 13, a symmetrical displacement of the movable elements / wings 8 can be achieved by moving the corner points (i.e. the displacement regions 3) of the monolithic actuator 1 towards the center of the aperture unit 5. In this example, another pair of oppositely arranged first fastening elements 13 are used as ground elements.

[0067] Furthermore, the monolithic actuator 1 comprises a plurality of displacement regions 3 for moving relative to the fastening regions 2 during actuation. Each displacement region 3 is mechanically interconnected to one of the movable elements / wings 8, e.g. by a second fastening element 10. Figure 4 As shown, the second fastening elements 10 can comprise a protruding portion extending from the movable elements / wings 8 in a direction perpendicular to the first plane P1. Correspondingly, the displacement regions 3 can comprise a recess (e.g. an annular portion) for accommodating the second fastening elements / protruding portions 10 such that a movement of the displacement regions 3 of the monolithic actuator results in a corresponding movement of the corresponding second fastening elements 10 within the first plane P1 and subsequently in a corresponding movement of the corresponding movable elements / wings 8.

[0068] In one embodiment, the second fastening elements 10 and the first fastening elements 13 extend parallel to each other.

[0069] Furthermore, the monolithic actuator 1 comprises a plurality of actuation arms 4, each actuation arm 4 extending from one fastening region 2 to one displacement region 3, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. Figures 8a to 8d Each actuation arm 4 is configured to deform in response to an electrical and / or magnetic activation by the one fastening region 2. The deformation of the actuation arm 4 can result in a circumferential deformation of the monolithic actuator 1. The one displacement region 3 moves in response to the deformation.

[0070] Each displacement region 3 can be located between two fastening regions 2, from which two actuation arms 4 extend in different directions such that each actuation arm 4 extends towards one of the two fastening regions 2.

[0071] The monolithic actuator 1 can comprise a shape memory material having a one-way shape memory effect or a two-way shape memory effect. The actuation arms 4 can be configured to recover at least partially the undeformed shape (i.e. having a one-way shape memory effect) and / or to further deform (i.e. having a two-way shape memory effect) in response to a change in the electrical or magnetic activation. The shape memory material can be a shape memory alloy. The two-way effect can be achieved by a material that responds differently at two different temperatures, the different temperatures resulting from the actuation with different strengths.

[0072] The electrical activation may include supplying current to the actuating arm 4 through the fastening region 2, in which case, when the electrical deactivation includes ceasing to supply any current to the fastening region 2, the actuating arm 4 returns to its initial undeformed shape. Changing the electrical activation includes changing the intensity of the current, for example, increasing or decreasing the intensity of the current. Such a change does not cause the actuating arm 4 to return to its initial undeformed shape, but rather causes the shape of the actuating arm 4 to change to a second deformed shape.

[0073] The actuating arm 4 may include multiple linear segments, each extending at an angle relative to an adjacent linear segment, thereby causing the actuating arm 4 to deform within the second plane P2. The linear segments may vary in size or in their angular arrangement relative to each other.

[0074] As described above, the adjustable aperture unit 5 includes the monolithic actuator 1 and the plate element 6, the plate element 6 including a peripheral frame 7 and a plurality of wings 8 extending within the first plane P1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the plate element 6 is superimposed on the monolithic actuator 1, such that the first plane P1 of the plate element 6 extends parallel to the second plane P2 of the monolithic actuator 1.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, each wing 8 is connected to the outer frame 7 via a resilient connecting arm 9. The resilient connecting arm 9 allows the wing 8 to move around the rotation center C. The resilient connecting arm 9 can be used to return from the second position to the first position by its own elasticity. The resilient connecting arm 9 can also be connected to a return induction element such as a spring (not shown), thereby forcing the resilient connecting arm 9 back to the first position.

[0076] As described above, the monolithic actuator 1 is connected to the plate element 6 via a plurality of second fastening elements 10, each second fastening element 10 being connected to a wing 8 of the plate element. The second fastening elements 10 may be non-conductive, and the plate element 6 may comprise a sheet metal (preferably stainless steel). Furthermore, as described above, the peripheral frame 7 may comprise a polygonal profile. The profile is sufficiently stable to be unaffected by the actuation of the monolithic actuator 1.

[0077] The aperture unit 5 can comprise additional unimorph actuators 1 extending in parallel. Preferably, the unimorph actuators 1 are stacked together, one unimorph actuator 1 generating a first movement of the movable elements / wings 8 in a first direction, another unimorph actuator 1 generating a second movement of the movable elements / wings 8 in a second direction and / or different in extent from the first movement.

[0078] As mentioned above, the electronic device 11 comprises the adjustable aperture unit 5 and a main board 12 comprising a structure for supplying electric current. The unimorph actuators 1 of the adjustable aperture unit 5 are connected to the main board 12 by the first fastening elements 13, as shown in Figure 5 Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, each first fastening element 13 is arranged between two second fastening elements 10. The unimorph actuators 1 are arranged between the main board 12 and the plate element 6 of the adjustable aperture unit 5. Figure 1 Such an assembly is shown. The first fastening elements 13 are electrically conductive and transmit electric current from the main board 12 to the fastening areas 2 of the unimorph actuators 1, so that the fastening areas 2 are electrically activated. Preferably, the main board 12 extends within a third plane P3, which is parallel to the first plane PI and the second plane P2.

[0079] The present application also relates to a method of adjusting the size of the aperture area of the aperture unit 5, the method comprising at least the following steps: activating a first portion of the unimorph actuators 1 so that a first deformation of the unimorph actuators 1 is generated, which displaces one of the movable elements / wings 8 from a first position to a second position, as shown in Fig. 10. When the movable elements / wings 8 are in the first position, the aperture area has a first size and / or a first shape; when the movable elements / wings are in the second position, the aperture area has a second size and / or a second shape.

[0080] The method can comprise additional steps. A second portion of the unimorph actuators 1 can be activated so that a second deformation of the unimorph actuators 1 is generated, which displaces another of the movable elements / wings 8 from a first position to a second position. Furthermore, further portions of the unimorph actuators 1 can also be activated so that further deformations of the unimorph actuators 1 are generated, which displace at least one further movable element / wing 8 from a first position to a second position, as shown in Fig. 9, wherein the movement of all four movable elements / wings 8 is shown. The second position can be the same position for all movable elements / wings 8; however, the second position can also be a different position for each movable element / wing 8.

[0081] The method can further comprise subsequently deactivating the monolithic actuator 1. The deactivation causes the monolithic actuator 1 to resume at least partially an undeformed shape, said resuming causing at least one of the movable elements / wings 8 to move from the second position to the first position.

[0082] Correspondingly, the method can further comprise changing the activation of the monolithic actuator 1, e.g. by changing the intensity of the supplied electric current, so that a deformation change of the monolithic actuator 1 is generated, instead of resuming an undeformed shape. In other words, if the activation comprises supplying a first electric current to at least one actuation arm 4 of the monolithic actuator 1, the deactivation can comprise not supplying the first electric current to the actuation arm 4. Similarly, the activation change can comprise supplying a second electric current to the actuation arm 4, the second electric current having a different intensity than the first electric current.

[0083] Various aspects and implementations have been described herein with regard to various embodiments. However, other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art upon inspection of the drawings, specification and appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can fulfill the functions of several means recited in the claims. Means recited in different claims performing the same function need not be mutually exclusive. A computer program can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state storage medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but also distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. The reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0084] The reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. The drawings are to be regarded as being a part of the written description, and the drawings and description are intended to contain the complete disclosure of the application, and are to be read in conjunction with the specification and claims. The terms "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower," and derivatives thereof, as used herein, merely refer to the orientation of the structures shown in the drawings as they would be viewed by a reader of the present disclosure. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of surfaces relative to the longitudinal or rotational axes of the structures in which they are used.

Claims

1. A monolithic actuator (1) for displacing a plurality of movable elements (8), characterized in that, The monolithic actuator (1) includes: Multiple fastening regions (2) for fastening by at least one first fastening element (13), wherein the fastening enables the fastening regions (2) to remain stationary during actuation; Multiple displacement regions (3) are used to move relative to the fastening region (2) during actuation, wherein each displacement region (3) is used for mechanical interconnection with one of the movable elements (8); Multiple actuator arms (4), wherein each actuator arm (4) extends from a fastening region (2) to a displacement region; Each actuating arm (4) is used to deform in response to electrical and / or magnetic activation via the fastening region (2); The displacement region (3) moves in response to the deformation; The actuator arm (4) includes multiple linear segments, each segment extending at a certain angle relative to the adjacent linear segment, thereby causing the actuator arm (4) to deform in the second plane (P2), and the monolithic actuator (1) extends in the second plane (P2).

2. The monolithic actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuating arm (4) is used to restore at least a partially undeformed shape and / or further deform in response to changes in the electrical or magnetic activation.

3. The monolithic actuator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electrical activation includes supplying current to the actuator arm (4) through the fastening region (2).

4. The monolithic actuator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The movable element (8) is displaced in the first plane (P1), and the second plane (P2) is parallel to the first plane (P1).

5. The monolithic actuator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The monolithic actuator (1) is used to actuate the plurality of movable elements (8) simultaneously, sequentially and / or independently.

6. The monolithic actuator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The monolithic actuator (1) includes a shape memory material, which has a single-pass shape memory effect or a two-pass shape memory effect.

7. An adjustable aperture unit (5), characterized in that, include: Monolithic actuator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The plate element (6) includes a peripheral frame (7) defining a plurality of wings (8) extending within a first plane (P1), the wings (8) defining an aperture region formed at the center of the plate element, at least one of the plurality of wings (8) being moved from a first position within the first plane (P1) to a second position in response to actuation of the monolithic actuator (1), thereby producing a change in the size of the aperture region.

8. The aperture unit (5) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each wing (8) is connected to the outer frame (7) via an elastic connecting arm (9), and each wing (8) can move within the first plane (P1) about the rotation center (C) via the elastic connecting arm (9).

9. The aperture unit (5) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic connecting arm (9) returns from the second position to the first position by the elasticity of the elastic connecting arm (9).

10. The aperture unit (5) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The monolithic actuator (1) is connected to the plate element (6) via a plurality of second fastening elements (10), each of the second fastening elements (10) being connected to a wing (8) of the plate element.

11. The aperture unit (5) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The wing (8) is designed to partially overlap in response to changes in the size of the aperture region; Each wing (8) includes a portion (8a) for not colliding with adjacent wings (8) when overlapping.

12. The aperture unit (5) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The outer frame (7) includes a polygonal profile that is not affected by the actuation of the monolithic actuator (1).

13. The aperture unit (5) according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that, It also includes an additional monolithic actuator (1) that extends in parallel.

14. An electronic device (11), characterized in that, include: The adjustable aperture unit (5) according to any one of claims 7 to 13; the main board (12) includes a structure for supplying current; The monolithic actuator (1) of the adjustable aperture unit (5) is connected to the main board (12) through a plurality of first fastening elements (13), each first fastening element (13) being located between two second fastening elements (10), and the monolithic actuator (1) being disposed between the main board (12) and the plate element (6) of the adjustable aperture unit (5).

15. The electronic device (11) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first fastening element (13) is conductive and is used to transmit current from the main board (12) to the fastening area (2) of the monolithic actuator (1), so that the fastening area (2) is electrically activated.

16. The electronic device (11) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The first fastening element (13) and the second fastening element (10) extend parallel to each other.

17. A method for adjusting the aperture region size of an aperture unit (5), characterized in that, The aperture unit (5) includes: a monolithic actuator (1) as described in any one of claims 1-6; a plurality of movable elements (8) for defining the aperture region; the method includes the following steps: Activating a first portion of the monolithic actuator (1) causes a first deformation of the monolithic actuator (1); the first portion includes each of the actuator arms (4); the first deformation causes each of the movable elements (8) to be displaced from a first position to a second position; when each of the movable elements (8) is in the first position, the aperture region has a first size and / or a first shape; when each of the movable elements (8) is in the second position, the aperture region has a second size and / or a second shape.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: Activate the second part of the monolithic actuator (1) to produce a second deformation of the monolithic actuator (1), the second deformation causing another of the movable elements (8) to be displaced from the first position to the second position; Activate the other parts of the monolithic actuator (1) to produce a further deformation of the monolithic actuator (1), the further deformation causing at least one other movable element (8) to be displaced from a first position to a second position.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: Deactivate the monolithic actuator (1), the deactivation causing the monolithic actuator (1) to return to its undeformed shape, the return causing at least one of the movable elements (8) to move from the second position to the first position.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: The activation of the monolithic actuator (1) is changed to cause a deformation change in the monolithic actuator (1).

21. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The activation includes supplying a first current to at least one actuation arm (4) of the monolithic actuator (1), and the deactivation includes not supplying the first current to the actuation arm (4).

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The activation includes supplying a first current to at least one actuating arm (4) of the monolithic actuator (1), and the change of the activation of the monolithic actuator (1) includes supplying a second current to the actuating arm (4), the second current having an intensity different from the first current.

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