Ring-actuated lens with non-circular lens shaper

Abstract

The present invention relates in particular to a lens (1) comprising a non-circular lens shaper that can be actuated via a movable structure having a plurality of operating points (51, 52, 53) or at least one operating segment (51d).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens. [Background Art]

[0002] Adjustable lenses for head-mounted wearable devices such as eyeglasses and AR / VR systems often preferably have a non-circular contour. This may be for aesthetic reasons, weight reduction, clearance around the nose (nose clearance), or other reasons.

[0003] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 146700 A1 discloses a deformable membrane assembly comprising a fixed support and a fluid-filled envelope, one wall of the envelope being formed by an elastic membrane held under tension around its edge by a flexible membrane support member, the support member being connected to the fixed support at a plurality of discrete control points around the support member by engagement members for controlling the position of the edge of the membrane. The assembly further comprises at least one pressure regulator operable to adjust the pressure of the fluid within the envelope, thereby adjusting the shape of the inflatable elastic membrane to change the optical power of the optical surface. Furthermore, the plurality of discrete control points comprise at least three hinge points at which the membrane support member is hinged to the support at a fixed position relative to the support, in order to prevent displacement of the support member along the z-axis relative to the support at each hinge point, the hinge points being located at spaced positions around the membrane edge substantially equidistant from the optical center of the inflatable elastic membrane. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 146700 A1 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a lens having a non-circular lens shaper / contour that can be operated efficiently by a simple method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by lenses having the features of claims 1, 16, 29, and 41. Preferred embodiments of these aspects of the present invention are described in the corresponding dependent claims and are described below.

[0007] According to claim 1, which corresponds to a first aspect of the present invention, a lens comprising the following is disclosed: - Non-circular lens shaper with outer diameter, - A film including an optical center through which the optical axis of the lens passes, the film further includes a peripheral region attached to a lens shaper, the peripheral region in particular extending around the optical center, - base structure, - A movable structure configured to move relative to the base structure in order to deform the film in particular to adjust the optical power of the lens. - The fluid (e.g., liquid) in contact with the membrane, Here, the movable structure comprises the following: • A plurality (e.g., two or three) preferably spaced-apart operating points configured to control the movement of a lens shaper in the optical axis direction, wherein each operating point is located within a virtual hollow cylindrical volume around the optical axis, or - At least one operating segment configured to control the movement of a lens shaper in the direction of the optical axis, the operating segment extending circumferentially from a first end to a second end of the operating segment and located within a virtual hollow cylindrical volume around the optical axis.

[0008] In particular, the outer diameter is the maximum outer diameter extending between two opposing points on the outer surface of the lens shaper, where these opposing points are furthest apart. The non-circular nature of the lens shaper means, in particular, that the inner contour / edge of the lens shaper defining the opening of the lens shaper through which the film extends is non-circular. Correspondingly, the outer edge / contour of the lens shaper can also be non-circular. This applies to all aspects of the invention described herein. In particular, a non-circular lens shaper has an inner diameter (with respect to the inner edge of the lens shaper) that differs from the inner diameter of a lens shaper at other locations by at least 1%, preferably at least 2%, and more preferably at least 5%.

[0009] Furthermore, the existence of a virtual hollow cylindrical volume around the optical axis may mean that the cylindrical axis of this hollow cylindrical volume coincides with the optical axis; however, alternatively, the cylindrical axis may be inclined with respect to the optical axis, and the angle enclosed by the cylindrical axis and the optical axis may be less than 30°, preferably less than 20°, and more preferably less than 10°. This also applies to other aspects of the present invention.

[0010] In particular, a movable structure may have two (exactly two), three (exactly three), or more points of operation. Furthermore, a movable structure may have a single actuation segment (i.e., exactly one actuation segment) or multiple actuation segments.

[0011] Advantageously, by having an operating point or at least one operating segment on (or near) a common diameter, the operating point / operating segment can be connected by a single operating element, such as a movable structure, and thus the position of this movable structure (particularly forming a ring) can be used to control the spherical power of the lens.

[0012] Furthermore, the response of portions of the lens shaper that are not on the diameter / virtual hollow cylindrical volume can be controlled by the stiffness of the lens shaper, or by elements attached to the lens shaper to influence its stiffness.

[0013] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the lens is configured to sense the position of a movable structure / single actuation element. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, according to the embodiment, the movable structure can be tilted to allow adjustment of the prism shape of the lens (for example, adjustment of the prismatic power of the lens).

[0014] In particular, in the embodiments and models described herein, a movable structure (single actuation element) may consist of multiple elements that act effectively as a single actuation element / movable structure.

[0015] In particular, by making the non-circular lens shaper flexible along the axial direction (especially the optical axis direction), the spherical power of the lens can be efficiently and easily adjusted with a single degree of freedom (or two degrees of freedom if prism control is also included as described above), which defines the optical power of the lens. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a locking mechanism can be used to enable zero power consumption when maintaining the adjusted state of the lens.

[0016] More preferably, the membrane and fluid, particularly the liquid, are transparent so that light can pass through them. This also applies in particular to all other embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the lens according to the first aspect of the present invention, each operating point or section of the movable structure is configured to introduce force to the lens shaper, particularly by pressing against the lens shaper, in order to generate the movement. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the lens, the movable structure can be a ring-shaped structure (e.g., non-circular). This can also be applied to other aspects of the present invention.

[0018] Furthermore, each operating point has a diameter of 1% or less of the circumference of the lens shaper. The lens shaper is preferably a ring-shaped structure extending along the outer edge region of the film in the circumferential direction of the lens shaper. In contrast to each operating point, each operating segment has a length that is longer than 1% of the circumference and shorter than 90% of the circumference in the circumferential direction of the lens shaper.

[0019] As described above, each operating point or operating section is preferably located near a common diameter. More precisely, each operating point or section is preferably located within the hollow cylindrical volume having an outer radius and an inner radius, and in particular, the difference between the outer radius and the inner radius of the hollow cylindrical volume is less than 5% of the outer diameter of the lens shaper, particularly less than 2% of the outer diameter, and particularly less than 1% of the outer diameter. Alternatively, the operating points may be located near a common radius from the optical center, and the radial distance of each operating point with respect to the optical center / optical axis may vary by about 5%, particularly 2%, and particularly 1% of the outer diameter.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable structure comprises exactly one operating section, the first end and the second end of the operating section forming an angle with the optical center as the vertex, the angle being in the range of 10° to 350°, particularly in the range of 90° to 270°, and particularly in the range of 135° to 225°.

[0021] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable structure comprises a plurality of operating segments (e.g., two, three, or more operating segments) configured to control the movement of the lens shaper in the direction of the optical axis, each operating segment extending circumferentially from a first end to a second end of a further operating segment and positioned within a virtual hollow cylindrical volume around the optical axis. In particular, the operating segments (or operating points) are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the lens shaper.

[0022] Further, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the lens shaper includes a plurality of portions (for example, two, three, or more portions), and the lens shaper can be divided into said portions by actuation points, and in particular, each portion is defined by two adjacent actuation points such that these portions together substantially constitute the entire lens shaper. In particular, when the movable structure of the lens includes two actuation points, the two actuation points divide the lens shaper into a corresponding number of portions, that is, two portions. When there are three actuation points, the three actuation points divide the lens shaper into three portions. The same applies when the lens includes two or more (for example, three) actuation sections.

[0023] Further, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, at least two portions (or every two portions) of said plurality of portions have different, preferably constant, stiffness in the optical axis direction when compared with each other. In particular, the stiffness may differ by more than 2%, more than 5%, or more than 10%.

[0024] According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable structure includes an inwardly protruding protrusion above the lens shaper, and the protrusion includes one of the actuation points or includes at least one actuation section.

[0025] Further, in an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of actuation points or the plurality of actuation sections are configured to move collectively relative to the base structure.

[0026] Further, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable structure is rigid such that during actuation of the lens, the distance between every two adjacent actuation points or between adjacent actuation sections is maintained substantially constant.

[0027] Further, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of actuation points or the plurality of actuation sections are configured to move parallel to the optical axis.

[0028] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the movable structure is designed to be inclined with respect to the base structure.

[0029] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, each part is configured to bend freely between the operating points that define each part.

[0030] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, in the operating state of the lens, the film is mainly curved in a spherical shape. In particular, the defocus of the Zernike term is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 times, more preferably at least 5 times, even more preferably at least 10 times, and most preferably at least 20 times greater than other Zernike terms of the same or higher order.

[0031] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, in order to deform the film to adjust the optical power of the lens, the lens comprises one of the following: a shape memory alloy actuator that can be combined with an operating point or operating segment(s), a DC motor that can be combined with an operating point or operating segment(s), or a piezo actuator that can be combined with an operating point or operating segment(s).

[0032] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the shape memory alloy actuator comprises a wire having a diameter of 5 to 500 μm, preferably 25 to 100 μm. In particular, the SMA wire can be formed from a copper-aluminum-nickel or nickel-titanium alloy. This is also applicable to all other aspects described herein.

[0033] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the lens is provided with a locking mechanism that fixes the movable structure to the base structure in a fixed state, making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the lens to zero, in particular when maintaining the adjusted state of the lens, especially a constant optical power of the lens. Therefore, the locking of this movable structure (operating element) makes the state of the lens more robust or reduces the holding force.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a lens is disclosed, the lens including: - Non-circular lens shaper, - A film including an optical center extending through which the optical axis of a lens passes, further including an edge region that is attached to a lens shaper, - base structure, - A movable structure configured to move relative to the base structure, - A fluid (e.g., a liquid) in contact with the membrane, where the movable structure comprises multiple (e.g., two, three, or more) divisions configured to act on a lens shaper, each division intersecting a virtual transverse cylindrical surface extending around the optical axis, the optical axis in particular coinciding with the cylindrical axis of the transverse cylindrical surface.

[0035] In particular, each section has a circumferential length of the lens shaper that is longer than 1% of the circumference and shorter than 90% of the circumference. Specifically, each section is elongated.

[0036] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, each section is configured to restrict and / or control the movement of the lens shaper in the optical axis direction to deform the film, thereby adjusting the optical power of the lens.

[0037] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, the lens shaper comprises a plurality of parts, and in particular the lens shaper is divided into a plurality of corresponding parts by a plurality of divisions. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, at least two parts (or each pair of parts) of the plurality of parts have different (preferably constant) rigidities in the optical axis direction. If the movable structure of the lens comprises, for example, two divisions, the divisions in particular divide the lens shaper into two parts. If the movable structure comprises three divisions, these divisions divide the lens shaper into three parts (see also above).

[0038] Furthermore, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the movable structure includes a projection that protrudes inward above the lens shaper, and the projection includes one of the divisions.

[0039] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, the multiple sections are configured to move together with respect to the base structure, or to jointly fix the lens shaper to the base structure, within each section.

[0040] According to yet another embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, the movable structure is rigid such that the distance between each of the two adjacent sections remains substantially constant during the operation of the lens.

[0041] Furthermore, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of sections are configured to move parallel to the optical axis.

[0042] According to a further embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, the movable structure is designed to be inclined with respect to the base structure. In particular, such inclination allows the lens shape to be adjusted to a prism, and thus provides an adjustable prism power for the lens.

[0043] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, each portion is configured to bend freely between two adjacent sections of the plurality of sections.

[0044] Furthermore, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in the operating state of the lens, the film is mainly curved in a spherical shape (see also above).

[0045] According to yet another embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, in order to deform a film to adjust the optical power of the lens, the lens comprises one of a segment-combinable shape memory alloy actuator, a segment-combinable DC motor, or a segment-combinable piezo actuator.

[0046] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, the shape memory alloy actuator comprises a wire having a diameter of 5 to 500 μm, preferably 25 to 100 μm. In particular, the wire includes a shape memory alloy. The material of the wire may be a copper-aluminum-nickel or nickel-titanium alloy (see also above).

[0047] In yet another embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, the lens includes a locking mechanism that secures the movable structure to the base structure in a fixed state, making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the lens to zero, in particular when maintaining the adjusted state of the lens, in particular the specific optical power of the lens.

[0048] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a lens comprising: - Non-circular lens shaper, - A film including an optical center extending through which the optical axis of a lens passes, further including a peripheral region attached to a lens shaper, the peripheral region extending particularly around the optical center, - Fluid in contact with the membrane (e.g., liquid), - base structure, - A movable structure configured to move relative to a base structure, wherein the movable structure comprises a plurality of points or divisions for interacting with a lens shaper, the lens shaper comprising a plurality of corresponding parts, at least two of the plurality of parts (or each pair of parts) having different rigidities in the direction of the optical axis, and in particular the plurality of points or divisions dividing the lens shaper into a plurality of corresponding parts.

[0049] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the third aspect, the movable structure may comprise two (exactly two), three (exactly three), or more points or divisions, where these points or divisions divide the lens shaper into a corresponding number of parts (as described above, for example, two, three, or more parts). Of these multiple parts, at least two parts or each of the two parts in question may have different rigidities in the optical axis direction.

[0050] According to an embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention, the movable structure comprises at least one projection projecting inward above the lens shaper, the projection comprising one of the points or segments.

[0051] Furthermore, in a third embodiment, the multiple points or segments are configured to move collectively with respect to the base structure. In another embodiment, each point or segment is configured to fix the lens shaper to the base structure at each point or segment.

[0052] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the third aspect, the movable structure is rigid such that the distance between each pair of adjacent points or sections remains substantially constant during the operation of the lens, for example, when the optical power of the lens is changed from one state to a different second state.

[0053] In yet another embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention, each point or section is configured to move parallel to the optical axis in order to adjust the optical power of the lens, particularly by deforming the film accordingly.

[0054] Furthermore, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the movable structure is designed to be inclined with respect to the base structure and, in particular as described above, is designed to allow adjustment of the prism shape (or prism power) of the lens.

[0055] Furthermore, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, each portion is configured to bend freely between two adjacent points or sections among the plurality of points or sections.

[0056] Furthermore, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in the operating state of the lens, the film is mainly curved in a spherical shape (see also above).

[0057] Furthermore, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in order to deform the film and adjust the optical power of the lens, the lens comprises one of a shape memory alloy actuator that can be combined in points or sections, a DC motor that can be combined in points or sections, or a piezo actuator that can be combined in points or sections.

[0058] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention, the shape memory alloy actuator comprises a wire having a diameter of 5 to 500 μm, preferably 25 to 100 μm (see also above).

[0059] Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention, the lens includes a locking mechanism that fixes the movable structure to the base structure in a fixed state of the lens, in order to enable zero power consumption of the lens, in particular, when maintaining the adjusted state of the lens, in particular the specific optical power of the lens.

[0060] Furthermore, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a lens is disclosed, the lens comprising: - Fluids (e.g., liquids), - A membrane in direct contact with the fluid, - A non-circular lens shaper connected to the peripheral region of the membrane. - A movable structure that is movable in the optical axis direction of the lens, wherein the movable structure comprises at least one projection that protrudes inward above the lens shaper, in particular to interact with the lens shaper.

[0061] In particular, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the projection has a surface facing the direction of the lens shaper, and the normal direction of the surface differs by at most 45 degrees from the optical axis direction of the lens.

[0062] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the surface of the protrusion is configured to introduce force to the lens shaper, particularly through the intermediate portion of the film or by pressing it against the lens shaper, i.e., by direct contact.

[0063] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the movable structure comprises a plurality of projections projecting inward and above the lens shaper to interact with the lens shaper, preferably each projection having a surface facing the lens shaper, and the normal direction of the surface differs from the optical axis direction by at most 45 degrees. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the surface of each of the plurality of projections is configured to introduce force to the lens shaper, particularly through the intermediate portion of the film or by pressing against the lens shaper, i.e., by direct contact. Such plurality of projections can also be used in embodiments of all other aspects of the present invention.

[0064] Furthermore, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the lens shaper comprises a plurality of parts, and in particular, the surfaces of the plurality of protrusions divide the lens shaper into a plurality of corresponding parts. Specifically, the lens shaper comprises two protrusions, and the surfaces of the protrusions divide the lens shaper into two parts. If there are three protrusions, the lens shaper is divided into three parts by the surfaces of the protrusions.

[0065] Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of a fourth aspect of the present invention, at least two of the plurality of parts have different (preferably constant) stiffness in the optical axis direction. If there are more than two parts, at least two of the plurality of parts, or each of two parts, may have different stiffness in the optical axis direction when compared to one another.

[0066] According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the lens comprises a base structure. In one embodiment, the surface of the protrusion is configured to move collectively with respect to the base structure.

[0067] Furthermore, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the movable structure is rigid such that the distance between the surfaces of each pair of adjacent protrusions remains substantially constant during the operation of the lens.

[0068] Furthermore, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the protrusion is configured to move parallel to the optical axis.

[0069] Furthermore, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the movable structure is designed to be inclined with respect to the base structure. In particular, as described above, this allows for adjustment of the prism shape / prism power of the lens.

[0070] Furthermore, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, each portion is configured to bend freely between the surfaces of two adjacent protrusions among a plurality of protrusions.

[0071] Furthermore, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the membrane is mainly curved in a spherical shape in the operating state (see also above).

[0072] Furthermore, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the lens comprises a shape memory alloy actuator, a DC motor, or a piezo actuator in order to deform the film.

[0073] Furthermore, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a locking mechanism is provided to fix the movable structure to the base structure in a fixed state of the lens, making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the lens to zero, especially when maintaining the adjusted state of the lens, particularly a constant optical power of the lens.

[0074] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention, as well as further features and advantages of the present invention, will be described with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0075] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows a lens shaper of one embodiment of the lens according to the present invention, which can be controlled via three operating points of the movable structure of the lens. [Figure 1B]Figure 1B shows a lens shaper of one embodiment of the lens according to the present invention, which can be controlled via three operating segments of the movable structure of the lens. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C shows a modified example of the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and 1B, in which two operating points and a single operating segment are used for interaction with the lens shaper. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D shows a lens shaper of one embodiment of the lens according to the present invention, the lens shaper being controllable via two operating segments of a movable structure, these operating segments having different lengths in the circumferential direction of the lens shaper. [Figure 1E] Figure 1E shows a lens shaper of one embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, which can be controlled via a single operating section of the movable structure of the lens. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows one embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, which has a structure comprising three protrusions having an operating point or operating section for controlling the movement of a lens shaper along the optical axis of the lens. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, which has a movable structure with three protrusions having operating points or operating segments for controlling the movement of a lens shaper along the optical axis of the lens, and the film connected to the lens shaper is in a flat state. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a lens according to the present invention, which has a structure comprising three protrusions having operating points or operating segments for controlling the movement of a lens shaper along the optical axis of the lens, wherein the film connected to the lens shaper is in a convex state by being pressed against the lens shaper by the operating points / segments. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a detailed cross-section of one embodiment of the lens according to the present invention. [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the lens according to the present invention, having a structure comprising three protrusions having operating points or operating segments for controlling the movement of a lens shaper along the optical axis of the lens, the lens comprising a movable structure and a shape memory alloy actuator for moving the associated lens shaper. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a lens shaper of one embodiment of the lens according to the present invention, which comprises two opposing elements positioned on the base element of the lens shaper to increase the rigidity of the lens shaper. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a lens shaper of one embodiment of the lens according to the present invention, the lens shaper comprising two regions in which the thickness is reduced radially in order to reduce the rigidity of the lens shaper in two regions. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a lens shaper of one embodiment of the lens according to the present invention, which comprises three regions in which the thickness is reduced in the optical axis direction in order to reduce the rigidity of the lens shaper in three regions. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows one embodiment of the present invention in the form of eyeglasses, in which each lens of the eyeglasses is formed by a lens according to the present invention. [Figure 11] Figures 11-12 show that the non-circular lens shaper according to the present invention can deflect (bend) a film into a spherical shape. [Figure 12] Figures 11-12 demonstrate that the non-circular lens shaper according to the present invention can deflect a film into a spherical shape. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a locking mechanism of one embodiment of a lens according to the present invention for locking a lens shaper into a specific state / position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0076] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a lens 1, as shown in Figures 1 to 13, comprising, for example, a non-circular lens shaper 2 extending annularly along a circumferential direction U. The lens shaper 2 has an outer diameter D, which is the maximum outer diameter extending between two opposing points on the outer surface of the lens shaper 2 (see also, for example, Figure 7). The lens 1 further comprises a transparent film 3 having an optical center 30 extending through which the optical axis A of the lens 1 passes. In particular, within the framework of the present invention, the optical center 30 is the point of the film 3 that can move furthest out of plane in a diopter state. The film 3 further comprises a circumferential edge region 3a attached to the lens shaper 2, the edge region 3a extending, in particular, around the optical center 30. Furthermore, the lens 1 comprises a base structure 4 and a movable structure 5 configured to move relative to the base structure 4 to deform the film 3 to adjust the optical power of the lens 1. Furthermore, the lens 1 forms a container filled with a fluid F in contact with the membrane 3, and the movable structure 5 includes a plurality (e.g., two or three) spaced-apart operating points 51, 52, 53 (see Figure 1A, for example, which shows a schematic diagram of the operating points 51, 52, 53) configured to control the movement of the lens shaper 2 in the direction of the optical axis A. These operating points 51, 52, 53 are located within a virtual hollow cylindrical volume V around the optical axis A, which is shown in detail on the right side of Figure 1A. In particular, the volume V has a thickness corresponding to the difference between the radius R of the outer cylindrical surface and the radius r of the inner cylindrical surface.

[0077] In particular, the actuation point means that the movable structure 5 has a structure such as a projection in the optical axis A direction, which forms a point-like end that can be pressed against the lens shaper 2 to introduce force into the lens shaper 2 in order to move the lens shaper 2. Since a certain volume of fluid, particularly liquid, is contained within the lens 1 adjacent to the membrane 3, the membrane 3 can be deformed from, for example, a flat state as shown in Figure 3 to a spherically curved state as shown in Figure 4 by pushing the movable structure 5 toward the base structure 4. In particular, the detail shown in Figure 5 shows the actuation point 51 for pressing against the lens shaper 2. In particular, the actuation point 51 has a diameter of 1% or less of the circumference of the lens shaper 2 (in the circumferential direction U).

[0078] Alternatively, the lens 1 may further comprise one or more operating segments 51a, 52a, 53a, in particular a single operating segment 51d as shown in Figure 1E, configured to control the movement of the lens shaper 2 in the direction of the optical axis A, each operating segment 51a, 52a, 53a, or 51d extending in the circumferential direction U of the lens shaper 2 from a first end to a second end of each operating segment 51a, 52a, 53a, or 51d, and also located within a virtual hollow cylindrical volume V around the optical axis A. In particular, each operating segment 51a, 52a, 53a, or 51d is formed as an elongated projection, in particular its length in the circumferential direction U of the lens shaper 2 is longer than 1% of the circumference of the lens shaper 2, and in particular shorter than 90% of the circumference of the lens shaper 2.

[0079] Alternatively, each of the operating points 51, 52, 53 or operating segments 51a, 52a, 53a, or 51d may be located near a common radius V' or lateral cylindrical surface around the optical center 30.

[0080] In particular with respect to the embodiments and models described herein, the difference T (thickness of the hollow cylinder) between the outer radius R and the inner radius r of the hollow cylindrical volume V (see the right side of Figure 1A) is preferably less than 5% of the outer diameter D of the lens shaper 2, more particularly less than 2% of the outer diameter D, and more particularly less than 1% of the outer diameter D. As described above, alternatively, the working point may be located near a common radius V' from the optical center 30, and the radial distance of each working point with respect to the optical center 30 / optical axis A may preferably vary by about 5%, more particularly 2%, and more particularly 1% of the outer diameter D.

[0081] By positioning the operating points 51, 52, 53 or sections, for example 51a, 52a, 53a or 51d, near the volume section V or common radius V', the lens shaper 2 can be deformed into a spherically curved state by acting on the lens shaper 2 along the optical axis A via the movable structure 5 and its operating points / sections, despite the fact that the lens shaper 2 is noncircular with respect to its contour (in particular, the edge region 3a of the film 3 is also noncircular). This can be further supported by changing, in particular by reducing, the stiffness of the lens shaper 2 in the region spaced apart from the volume section V or common radius V'. The shape S' of the spherically curved film 3 is particularly shown in Figures 11 and 12, in which the movable structure 5 and the film 3 are superimposed on a sphere S.

[0082] Lens 1 may further comprise a transparent rigid optical element 32, such as a plate, particularly a glass plate, positioned opposite the film 3. In particular, the rigid optical element 32 can be connected to a base structure 4, which in turn can be connected to a lens shaper 2 via a side wall 31. Thus, the film 3, the rigid optical element 32, and the side wall 31 define a volumetric portion of lens 1 for containing the fluid F, particularly a transparent liquid F.

[0083] For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 13, a further second aspect of the present invention relates to a lens 1 comprising a non-circular lens shaper 2 and a film 3 including an optical center 30 extending through which the optical axis A of the lens 1 passes, wherein the film 3 further comprises an edge region 3a attached to the lens shaper 2. Furthermore, the lens 1 comprises a base structure 4 and a movable structure 5 configured to move relative to the base structure 4. The lens 1 forms a container for containing a fluid (e.g., a clear liquid) F in contact with the film 3, and the movable structure 5 comprises a plurality of sections 51a, 52a, 53a (see, for example, Figure 1B or Figures 2 to 6) or 51c, 52c (see, for example, Figure 1D) configured to act on the lens shaper 2, each section 51a, 52a, 53a, 51c, 52c intersecting a virtual transverse cylindrical surface V' extending around the optical axis A, in particular the optical axis A coinciding with the cylindrical axis of the transverse cylindrical surface V'. Alternatively, each of the operating sections 51a, 52a, 53a, or 51c, 52c is arranged within the hollow cylindrical volume section V, as shown on the right side of Figure 1A.

[0084] Preferably, each section 51a, 52a, 53a or 51c, 52c is an elongated portion of the movable structure 5 whose extension in the circumferential direction U is longer than that in the radial direction of the lens shaper 2, and is particularly a protruding portion. In particular, each operating section 51a, 52a, 53a, or 51d has a length in the circumferential direction U of the lens shaper 2 that is longer than 1% of the circumference and shorter than 90% of the circumference.

[0085] According to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, each section 51a, 52a, 51c, and 52c is configured to restrict and / or control the movement of the lens shaper 2 in the direction of the optical axis A, thereby deforming the film 3 and adjusting the optical power of the lens.

[0086] Furthermore, a third aspect of the present invention relates to a lens 1 as shown in Figures 2 to 6, for example, in combination with Figures 7 to 9, wherein the lens 1 comprises a non-circular lens shaper 2 and a transparent film 3 including an optical center 30 through which the optical axis A of the lens 1 passes, the film 3 further comprising a circumferential region 3a attached to the lens shaper 2, the circumferential region 3a extending around the optical center 30 in the circumferential direction U. The lens 1 further comprises a base structure 4 and a movable structure 5 configured to move relative to the base structure 4, and to contain a fluid (transparent liquid) F in contact with the film 3. The movable structure 5 comprises a plurality of points 51, 52, 53 or a plurality of sections 51a, 52a, 53a or 51c, 52c for interacting with the lens shaper 2, wherein the plurality of points 51, 52, 53 or the plurality of sections 51a, 52a, 53a or 51c, 52c divide the lens shaper 2 into a plurality of corresponding parts 20, 21, 22, and at least two of the plurality of parts 20, 21 have different rigidities in the direction of the optical axis A.

[0087] Furthermore, a fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a lens 1 as shown in Figures 2 to 6 in conjunction with Figures 7 to 9, wherein the lens 1 comprises a fluid (e.g., a transparent liquid) F contained within a lens adjacent to a membrane 3 in contact with the fluid. The lens 1 further comprises a non-circular lens shaper 2 connected to a circumferential region 3a of the membrane 3, and a movable structure 5 movable in the direction of the optical axis A of the lens 1, the movable structure 5 comprising at least one projection 61 projecting radially inward above the lens shaper 2 to interact with the lens shaper 2. Preferably, as shown in Figure 5, for example, the at least one projection 61 comprises a surface 61a that forms an operating point 51 or operating section 51a of the shape of the projection on the surface 61a and faces the direction of the lens shaper 2. Away from the operating point 51 or section 51a, the surface 61a constitutes a normal N that is up to 45 degrees different from the direction of the optical axis A.

[0088] In particular, Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of a lens shaper 2 according to an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention, the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 comprising at least two, particularly three, working points 51, 52, 53, which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction U of the lens shaper 2 and located within the aforementioned volume V or in the vicinity of a common radius V' from the optical center 30. These points 51, 52, 53 of the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 are configured to press against the lens shaper 2 to deform the film 3, thereby adjusting the optical power (spherical power) of the lens 1 (see also Figure 4).

[0089] Furthermore, Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of a lens shaper 2 according to embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present invention, wherein the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 comprises at least two, particularly three, operating sections 51a, 52a, and 53a, which are located within the aforementioned volume section V, intersecting the cylinder, or located near the common radius V', and are configured to be pressed against the lens shaper 2 to deform the film 3, thereby adjusting the optical power (spherical power) of the lens 1 (see Figure 4). In particular, the sections 51a, 52a, and 53a are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction U of the lens shaper 2 and can be formed as elongated projections of the movable structure 5, each extending in the circumferential direction U, as shown in Figure 1B.

[0090] Furthermore, Figure 1C shows a schematic diagram of a lens shaper 2 according to embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present invention, wherein the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 comprises two operating points 51b, 52b combined with a single opposing operating section 53b, these points and section are preferably located within the aforementioned volume section V (or intersecting the cylinder) or in the vicinity of a common radius V' from the optical center. Here, the points 51b, 52b and section 53b are configured to press against the lens shaper 2 to deform the film 3, thereby adjusting the optical power (spherical power) of the lens 1 (see also Figure 4). In particular, the points / sections 51b, 52b, 53b are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction U of the lens shaper 2, and in particular, the single section 53b may be formed as an elongated projection of the movable structure 5 extending in the circumferential direction U, as shown in Figure 1C.

[0091] Furthermore, Figure 1D shows a schematic diagram of a lens shaper 2 according to embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present invention, wherein the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 comprises two operating sections 51c and 52c that are located within the aforementioned volume section V (or intersecting the cylinder) or in the vicinity of the common radius V', and is further configured to be pressed against the lens shaper 2 to deform the film 3, thereby adjusting the optical power (spherical power) of the lens 1 (see also Figure 4). In particular, the sections 51c and 52c are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction U of the lens shaper 2 and may be formed as elongated projections of the movable structure 5 that extend in the circumferential direction U, as shown in Figure 1B, and the two sections have different lengths in the circumferential direction U.

[0092] Furthermore, Figure 1E shows a schematic diagram of a lens shaper 2 according to a particularly first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable structure 5 of the lens 1 is positioned near the aforementioned volume V or the common radius V' and is configured to be pressed against the lens shaper 2 to deform the film 3, thereby adjusting the optical power (spherical power) of the lens 1 (see also Figure 4). In particular, the single movable structure 51d has a length in the circumferential direction U of the lens shaper 2 such that it extends at an angle α as shown in Figure 1E, preferably in the range of 10° to 350°, particularly in the range of 90° to 270°, and more particularly in the range of 135° to 225°. The movable structure 51d can be formed as an elongated projection of the movable structure 5 extending in the circumferential direction U, as shown in Figure 1E.

[0093] Furthermore, Figure 2, in combination with Figures 3, 4, and 5, shows a perspective view of the lens 1 according to the first, second, and fourth embodiments in particular, and the lens shaper 2 can be formed according to a third aspect of the present invention, as will be described in more detail below.

[0094] As shown in Figure 2, in particular, the lens 1 may include a ring-shaped movable structure 5 having, for example, three protrusions 61, 62, and 63 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction U. Each of the protrusions 61, 62, and 63 projects radially inward from the movable structure 5 above the lens shaper 2 to enable interaction with the lens shaper 2. For this purpose, each of the protrusions 61, 62, and 63 has surfaces 61a, 62a facing the lens shaper 2, as shown, for example, in Figures 4 and 5 with respect to the protrusions 61 and 62. These surfaces form respective operating points 51, 52, and 53 (or sections 51a, 52a, and 53a) which can become the protrusions of the respective surfaces 61a, 62a, and thus can be pressed against the lens shaper 2 in the direction of the optical axis A to change the spherical curvature of the film 3 and thereby change the optical power of the lens 1. In this regard, Figure 3 shows a cross-section of lens 1 in Figure 2 where the film 3 is in a flat state. In contrast, Figure 4 shows the film 3 in a convex state achieved by moving the movable structure 5, and by extension all the operating points 51, 52, 53 (or alternatively, sections 51a, 52a, 53a) toward the base structure 4 in the direction of the optical axis A. Because the volume of the fluid (particularly liquid) F adjacent to the film 3 is constant, the deformable film 3 bulges outward in a convex shape. The movement of the movable structure 5 relative to the base structure 4 can be achieved by actuators disclosed herein. Furthermore, in all embodiments / aspects of the present invention, each lens 1 may also be configured to tilt the movable structure 5 relative to the base structure 4 in order to adjust the prism shape / prism power of lens 1.

[0095] The details shown in Figure 5 illustrate the protrusions on the surfaces 61a, 62a of the projections 61, 62, 63 that form the operating points 51, 52, 53. In the case of the alternative operating sections 51a, 52a, 53a, these projections extend elongated in the circumferential direction U of the movable structure 5.

[0096] Figure 5 also shows a different embodiment of the lens shaper 2, further illustrating a circumferential base structure 4 to which a rigid optical element 32 is attached, which is positioned opposite the film 3 and contains a fluid (particularly a transparent liquid) F, along with a circumferential side wall 31 that connects the rigid optical element 32 to the lens shaper 2.

[0097] In particular, a non-circular lens shaper 2 may have a single-layer design (see, for example, Figure 8), and in relation to Figure 5, the lens shaper 2 may be positioned below or above the edge region 3a. In the first case, the operating points 51, 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a are pressed against the lens shaper 2 via the edge region 3a of the film 3. In the second case, the operating points 51, 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a are in contact with the lens shaper 2 itself. However, as actually shown in Figure 5, the lens shaper 2 may comprise multiple layers, in this case two layers, with the edge region 3a positioned between these layers of the lens shaper 2. In particular, the lens shaper 2 may comprise a circumferential base element / layer 2a having an upper surface to which the edge region 3a of the film 3 is bonded, and at least one reinforcing element 2b positioned above, for example, the edge region 3a of the film 3. In principle, all elements 2a and 2b can be positioned at the bottom or top of the film 3 in another embodiment.

[0098] Furthermore, the side wall 31 may be deformable (e.g., bellows-like) and may tilt outward due to the fact that the movable structure 5 may have a larger diameter than the base structure 4. This allows the movable structure 5 to be moved closer to the base structure 4, thereby providing the lens 1 with a wider range of adjustable optical power.

[0099] To move the movable structure 5 relative to the base structure 4, Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the lens 1 according to the present invention, particularly one of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the lens comprising an actuator 7, particularly in the form of a shape memory alloy actuator 7. The shape memory alloy actuator 7 comprises a wire 70 which is preferably formed from or contains a shape memory alloy and has a diameter of, for example, 5 to 500 μm, preferably 25 to 100 μm. The wire 70 can be deflected in the base structure 4 via a deflection element 40 which extends between the movable structure 5 and the base structure 4 and protrudes from the base structure 4. The deflection element can further be arranged / formed on the movable structure 5. When an electric current is applied, a tensile force is generated in the wire 70, which in turn generates heat in the wire 70, the movable structure 5 can be pulled toward the base structure 4, as a result the curvature of the film 3 changes, for example, from the state shown in Figure 3 to the state shown in Figure 4.

[0100] According to an embodiment shown in Figure 13, which can be applied to all aspects of the present invention, the lens 1 may include a locking mechanism 8 configured to fix the movable structure 5 to the base structure 4, in particular to enable zero power consumption of the lens 1 when maintaining the adjusted state of the lens 1, in particular the specific optical power of the lens (see, for example, Figure 4).

[0101] In particular, the lens shaper 2 can be freely bent in the portion between the divisions / points. A flexible wall portion 9 (e.g., a membrane) can be used to seal the corresponding gap between the lens shaper 2 and the movable structure 5, completely enclosing the fluid (e.g., liquid) volume of the lens 1. The movable structure 5 moves relative to the base structure (for simplicity, only the rigid optical element 32 is shown). The locking mechanism 8 comprises at least one movable member 81, 82 that is movable toward and for fixing the movable structure 5 (arrows indicate the direction of movement of the movable members 81, 82). Furthermore, the side wall 31 can also be formed as a bellows. The movable elements 81, 82 are mechanically attached to the base structure 4. Thus, the locking mechanism 8 can lock the movable structure 5 in each operating state, in particular relative to the base structure 4.

[0102] In the embodiments and aspects described above, the rigidity of the lens shaper 2 along the circumferential direction U can be varied / selected to support the formation of the spherical curvature of the film 3 when this curvature is adjusted by moving the lens shaper 2 through the operating points 51, 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a of the movable structure 5. Different embodiments for this purpose are shown in Figures 7 to 9. These lens shapers 2 can, in principle, be used with different lenses 1 described in relation to Figures 2 to 6.

[0103] In particular, as shown in Figure 7, the lens shaper 2 may include a circumferential (ring-shaped) non-circular base element 2a to which two opposing reinforcing elements 2b and 2c are connected. When the operating points 51, 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a are arranged as shown, they effectively divide the lens shaper 2 into portions 20, 21, 22 extending between each pair of adjacent operating points or sections, and the first portion 20 of the lens shaper 2 has higher rigidity in the direction of the optical axis A than the second and third portions 21, 22.

[0104] According to a further embodiment shown in Figure 8, the lens shaper 2 can be monolithic and may consist of a single circumferential material layer 2 including two opposing regions 2d in which the thickness decreases radially of the lens shaper 2. This reduction in cross-section reduces the rigidity of the lens shaper 2 in these regions 2d. Correspondingly, if the operating points 51, 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a that divide the lens shaper into portions 20, 21, and 22 are arranged as shown in Figure 8, portion 20 of the lens shaper 2 has higher rigidity in the optical axis direction than portions 21 and 22.

[0105] According to a further embodiment shown in Figure 9, the lens shaper 2 can be monolithic and may consist of a single circumferential material layer 2 comprising three regions 2e whose thickness decreases in the direction of the optical axis A, and correspondingly three regions 2f whose thickness increases in the direction of the optical axis A. Thus, when the operating points 51, 52, 53 or sections 51a, 52a, 53a that divide the lens shaper into parts 20, 21, 22 are arranged as shown in Figure 9, the stiffness of parts 20, 21, 22 depends on the distribution of regions 2e and 2f in each of the respective parts 20, 21, 22.

[0106] Furthermore, Figure 10 discloses yet another aspect of the present invention relating to eyeglasses 100 comprising two lenses 1 according to one of the various embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the frame 101 of the eyeglasses 100 may comprise a base structure 4 as an integral part. Thus, the movable structure 5 may be movable relative to the base structure 4 / frame 101. However, the present invention does not necessarily require the movable structure 5 to move relative to the base structure 4. Alternatively, it is possible to adjust the optical power of lens 1 by moving other parts of the lens while keeping the movable structure 5 fixed. In particular in such a case, (actuated) points or segments can be used to restrict / hold the lens shaper to a specified position at each point or segment.

[0107] Furthermore, as described above, the response of the lens shaper to forces introduced through each point and / or section of the movable structure may be influenced by the shape of the lens shaper 2, particularly its rigidity.

Claims

1. Lens (1): - A non-circular lens shaper (2) having an outer diameter (D), - A film (3) including an optical center (30) that extends so as to pass through the optical axis (A) of the lens (1), and further including a peripheral edge region (3a) that is attached to the lens shaper (2), - Base structure (4), - A movable structure (5) configured to move relative to the base structure (4), - The fluid (F) in contact with the membrane (3) and The movable structure (5) is equipped with: - A plurality of operating points (51, 52, 53) configured to control the movement of the lens shaper (2) in the direction of the optical axis (A), wherein each operating point (51, 52, 53) is located within a virtual hollow cylindrical volume (V) around the optical axis (A), or - At least one operating section (51a; 53b; 51c; 51d) configured to control the movement of the lens shaper (2) in the direction of the optical axis (A), wherein the operating section extends circumferentially from a first end (500) to a second end (501) of the operating section and is located within a virtual hollow cylindrical volume (V) around the optical axis (A). The lens (1) comprises the above.

2. The movable structure (5) comprises a precisely single operating section (51d) in which the first end and the second end (500, 501) form an angle (α) with the optical center (30) as its vertex, and the angle (α) is in the range of 10° to 350°, as described in claim 1.

3. The lens according to claim 1, wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a plurality of operating parts (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) configured to control the movement of the lens shaper (2) in the direction of the optical axis (A), each operating part extending in the circumferential direction (U) of the lens shaper (2) from a first end to a second end and located within a virtual hollow cylindrical volume (V) around the optical axis (A).

4. The lens according to claim 1, wherein multiple operating points (51, 52, 53) divide the lens shaper (2) into corresponding multiple parts (20, 21, 22).

5. The lens according to claim 4, wherein at least two of the plurality of parts (20, 21) have different rigidities in the direction of the optical axis (A).

6. The lens according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a projection (61) that protrudes inward above the lens shaper (2), and the projection comprises one of the plurality of operating points (51, 52, 53) or at least one operating segment (51a; 53b; 51c, 51d).

7. The lens according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of operating points (51, 52, 53) or a plurality of operating segments (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) are configured to move together with respect to the base structure (4).

8. The lens according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the movable structure (5) is rigid such that the distance between each of two adjacent operating points (51, 52, 53) of the plurality of operating points, or the distance between each of two operating segments (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) of the plurality of operating segments is maintained constant during the operation of the lens (1).

9. The lens according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a plurality of operating points (51, 52, 53) or a plurality of operating segments (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) are configured to move parallel to the optical axis (A).

10. The lens according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the movable structure (5) is designed to be inclined with respect to the base structure (4).

11. The lens according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the plurality of parts (20, 21, 23) is configured to bend freely between two adjacent operating points (51, 52, 53) of the plurality of operating points.

12. The lens according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in the operating state of the lens (1), the film (3) is mainly curved in a spherical shape.

13. The lens according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lens (1) comprises a shape memory alloy actuator (7), a DC motor, or a piezo actuator in order to deform the film (3).

14. The lens according to claim 13, wherein the shape memory alloy actuator (7) comprises a wire (70) having a diameter of 5 to 500 μm, preferably 25 to 100 μm.

15. The lens according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the lens (1) is provided with a locking mechanism (8) for fixing the movable structure (5) to the base structure (4).

16. It is a lens: - Non-circular lens shaper (2), - A film (3) including an optical center (30) that extends so as to pass through the optical axis (A) of the lens (1), and the film (3) further includes an edge region (3a) that is attached to the lens shaper (2), - Base structure (4), - A movable structure (5) configured to move relative to the base structure (4), - The fluid (F) in contact with the membrane (3) and The lens comprises a movable structure (5) comprising a plurality of sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) configured to act on the lens shaper (2), each section (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) intersecting a virtual transverse cylindrical surface (V') extending around the optical axis (A).

17. The lens according to claim 16, wherein the multiple sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) divide the lens shaper (2) into corresponding multiple parts (20, 21, 22).

18. The lens according to claim 17, wherein at least two of the plurality of parts (20, 21) have different rigidities in the direction of the optical axis (A).

19. The lens according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a projection (61) that protrudes inward above the lens shaper (2), and the projection comprises one of the plurality of divisions (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c).

20. The lens according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the multiple sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) are configured to move together with respect to the base structure (4), or to fix the lens shaper (2) together with respect to the base structure (4).

21. The lens according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the movable structure (5) is rigid such that the distance between each of two adjacent sections of a plurality of sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c; 52c) is maintained constant during the operation of the lens (1).

22. The lens according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the multiple sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) are configured to move parallel to the optical axis (A).

23. The lens according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the movable structure (5) is designed to be inclined with respect to the base structure (4).

24. The lens according to claim 17 or 18, wherein each portion (20, 21, 22) is configured to bend freely between two adjacent portions (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) of the plurality of portions.

25. The lens according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein in the operating state of the lens (1), the film (3) is mainly curved in a spherical shape.

26. The lens according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the lens (1) comprises a shape memory alloy actuator (7), a DC motor, or a piezo actuator in order to deform the film (3).

27. The lens according to claim 26, wherein the shape memory alloy actuator (7) comprises a wire having a diameter of 5 to 500 μm, preferably 25 to 100 μm.

28. The lens according to any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the lens (1) is provided with a locking mechanism (8) for fixing the movable structure (5) to the base structure (4).

29. It is a lens: - Non-circular lens shaper (2), - A film (3) including an optical center (30) that extends so as to pass through the optical axis (A) of the lens (1), and the film (3) further includes a peripheral edge region (3a) that is attached to the lens shaper (2), - The fluid (F) in contact with the membrane (3), - Base structure (4), - A movable structure (5) configured to move relative to the base structure (4) and Equipped with, The movable structure (5) comprises a plurality of points (51, 52, 53) or a plurality of divisions (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) for interacting with the lens shaper (2), wherein the plurality of points or the plurality of divisions divide the lens shaper (2) into a plurality of corresponding parts (20, 21, 22), and at least two of the plurality of parts (20, 21) have different rigidities in the direction of the optical axis (A), the lens.

30. The lens according to claim 29, wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a projection (61) that protrudes inward above the lens shaper (2), and the projection (61) comprises one of the plurality of points (51, 52) or one of the plurality of divisions (51a, 52a; 51c, 52c).

31. The lens according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the multiple points (51, 52, 53) or multiple sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) are configured to move collectively with respect to the base structure (4), or the multiple points or multiple sections are configured to fix the lens shaper (2) to each of the points or sections with respect to the base structure (4).

32. The lens according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the movable structure (5) is rigid such that the distance between each of two adjacent points of the plurality of points (51, 52, 53), or the distance between each of two adjacent divisions (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) of the plurality of divisions is maintained constant during the operation of the lens (1).

33. The lens according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the multiple points (51, 52) or multiple sections (51a, 52a, 53a; 51c, 52c) are configured to move parallel to the optical axis (A).

34. The lens according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the movable structure (5) is designed to be inclined with respect to the base structure (4).

35. The lens according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein each portion (20, 21) is configured to bend freely between two adjacent points (51, 52) of the plurality of points, or between two adjacent sections (51a, 52a; 51c; 52c) of the plurality of sections.

36. The lens according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein in the operating state of the lens (1), the film (3) is mainly curved in a spherical shape.

37. The lens according to claim 29 or 36, wherein the lens (1) comprises a shape memory alloy actuator (7), a DC motor, or a piezo actuator in order to deform the film (3).

38. The lens according to claim 37, wherein the shape memory alloy actuator (7) comprises a wire (70) having a diameter of 5 to 500 μm, preferably 25 to 100 μm.

39. The lens (1) comprises a locking mechanism (8) for fixing a movable structure (5) to a base structure (4), according to any one of claims 29 to 38.

40. It is a lens: - Fluid (F) and, - The membrane (3) in contact with the fluid (F), - A non-circular lens shaper (2) connected to the peripheral edge region (3a) of the membrane (3), - A movable structure (5) that can move in the direction of the optical axis (A) of the lens (1) and The lens is provided with a movable structure (5) having a projection (61) that protrudes inward above the lens shaper (2).

41. The lens according to claim 40, wherein the movable structure (5) comprises a plurality of protrusions (61, 62, 63), each protrusion (61, 62, 63) protruding inward above the lens shaper (2), and each protrusion in particular has a surface (61a, 62a) facing the lens shaper (2).

42. The lens according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the surfaces of the plurality of protrusions divide the lens shaper (2) into a plurality of corresponding parts (20, 21, 22).

43. The lens according to claim 42, wherein at least two of the plurality of parts (20, 21) have different rigidities in the direction of the optical axis (A).

44. The lens (1) comprises a base structure (4), as described in any one of claims 40 to 43.

45. The lens according to claims 41 and 44, wherein the surfaces (61a, 62a) of the plurality of protrusions (61, 62, 63) are configured to move collectively with respect to the base structure (4).

46. The lens according to any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein the movable structure (5) is rigid such that the distance between the surfaces (61a, 62a) of two adjacent protrusions (61a, 62a) of the plurality of protrusions (61, 62, 63) is maintained constant during the operation of the lens (1).

47. The lens according to any one of claims 41 to 46, wherein the surfaces (61a, 62a) of the plurality of protrusions (61, 62, 63) are configured to move parallel to the optical axis (A).

48. The lens according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the movable structure (5) is designed to be inclined with respect to the base structure (4).

49. The lens according to any one of claims 42 to 48, wherein each portion (20, 21, 22) is configured to bend freely between the surfaces (61a, 62a) of two adjacent protrusions (61, 62) among the plurality of protrusions.

50. The lens according to any one of claims 40 to 49, wherein the film (3) is mainly curved in a spherical shape when the lens is in operation.

51. The lens according to any one of claims 40 to 50, wherein the lens (1) comprises a shape memory alloy actuator (7), a DC motor, or a piezo actuator in order to deform the film (3).

52. The lens (1) comprises a locking mechanism (8) for fixing a movable structure (5) to a base structure (4), according to any one of claims 44 to 51.

Images