EA039634B1 - Lens assembly for optical image stabilization and focus adjustment - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to adjustable or tuneable lens assembly where a deformable, non-fluid lens body is sandwiched between a bendable lens cover and a back window to form a lens. The lens assembly has an actuator system with individually addressable actuators for applying force to the lens cover in direction along the optical axis to change an overall shape of the lens. The actuator system has a focus adjustment mode to adjust the optical power of the lens and an optical image stabilisation mode where the optical axis of the lens is tilted.

Description

The field of technology to which the present invention relates

The present invention relates to adjustable or adjustable lens systems for optical devices such as compact cameras, and in particular to adjustable lens systems that aid in optical image stabilization and focal length adjustment.

Background of the Invention

Most compact cameras come with standard features such as autofocus (AF) and image stabilization; and there is an ongoing struggle to make systems that perform these tasks more compact, cheaper and more reliable while improving optical quality.

US 5,315,435 presents an adjustable prism unit for transmitting and refracting a beam of light in order to stabilize an image. This block is equipped with two plates, between which there is a liquid, and one of the plates is fixed; while actuators are provided for exerting pressure on the other plate in order to create an optical wedge that will refract the light beam. The adjustable prism unit does not provide any focusing capability, and additional optical elements are required for imaging and autofocus. It is also known that the use of liquid to provide optical functions is difficult and not compatible with the mass production of lenses, such as lenses for mobile phones.

WO 2008/100153 discloses a device having both an image stabilization function and autofocus capabilities. This device is characterized by having a flexible lens body sandwiched between a thin foldable cover including a transparent prism and a thin foldable cover whose central portion can flex to form a lens. Both thin foldable covers are equipped with actuators that can tilt the prism and adjust the focal length of the lens. The prism and lens function independently of each other, and therefore the device needs two sets of actuators - one on each side of the lens cover; and since the actuators are piezoelectric actuators located on covers, which limits the size of the optical aperture or makes it economically unprofitable, an increase in the size of the device is required.

In both of these image stabilization solutions, the actuators are triggered by motion sensors in the camera to counteract slight movement of the camera, moving the image in the opposite direction so that the image does not go over the image sensor that is stationary inside the camera.

Brief summary of the present invention

One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a lens that can be actuated by a simple but effective actuating mechanism.

An alternative object of the present invention is to provide a lens assembly that can be adjusted and used in both optical image stabilization (OIS) and focal length adjustment (FA).

Another alternative objective of the present invention is to provide such a lens assembly that uses the same set of actuators and the same lens cover for optical image stabilization and focal length adjustment.

Yet another alternative object of the present invention is to provide a lens assembly that is cost effective and that allows for an increase in the optical aperture stop.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical lens assembly 1 comprising a frame 6, a foldable transparent lens cover 4 and a transparent rear window 3 connected to the frame, the lens cover and/or rear window having non-zero deflection;

a transparent deformable non-liquid lens body 2 sandwiched between the lens cover and the rear window 3 so as to form a lens that has an optical axis 5 and has a first optical power;

a drive system 7, 8 applying force to the lens cover to change the overall shape of the lens, the drive system comprising one or more, for example at least three separately actuated drives 7, 8, each of which is connected to the frame and configured to apply force to the lens cover in a direction at least substantially along the optical axis 5;

wherein the drive system 7, 8 provides a focal length adjustment mode in which one or more drives, such as all drives, are designed to apply force to the lens cover 4 in the same direction to adjust the power/deflection of the lens; and/or wherein the drive system 7, 8 provides an optical image stabilization mode in which each drive of one or more drives is designed to apply different forces to the lens cover 4, varying along the rim of the lens cover, to tilt the optical axis 5 of the lens;

while the cover 4 of the lens contains one or more elements in its peripheral area

- 1 039634 stiffness, such as ring stiffeners 23, which serve to distribute stress and asymmetric deformations around the optical axis resulting from the application of forces to areas of the cover 4 of the lens of a large area; and at the same time, the drive system 7, 8 is configured to shift at least a part, for example, the entire edge of the lens cover 4 relative to the frame 6.

The present invention can provide the advantage that it provides a simple yet effective drive mechanism. For example, the stiffening ring allows the stress to be distributed, and the offset of the lens cap edge relative to the frame allows the action and reaction forces of the lens body to be used to shape and/or tilt the lens cap. A single drive may be used, optionally provided with a guide that directs the movement of the lens cover (possibly non-rotational about the optical axis) after force is applied by the single drive. It may be useful to use a plurality of actuators to provide tilt (in optical image stabilization mode), for example, by distributing them around the optical axis and/or to apply force symmetrically around the optical axis (in focal length adjustment mode).

A stiffener can be understood as an element that reinforces the rigidity of the lens cover and the stiffener assembly relative to the lens cover (at least at the place of its attachment), and the stiffness of the stiffening element exceeds the stiffness of the lens cover (in this case, the stiffness can be defined as the thickness along the optical axis multiplied by the modulus of elasticity in the direction along the optical axis). The stiffener may have a stiffness sufficiently high that it does not substantially deform, for example, does not deform when the drive system is actuated. The stiffening element can be a stiffening ring enclosing (for example, completely enclosing) the optical axis.

A peripheral region may be understood to mean a region of the lens cover radially spaced from the optical axis by a distance, for example, greater than 50% of the distance from the optical axis to the edge of the lens cover.

According to a first alternative aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical lens assembly comprising a frame, a foldable transparent lens cover, and a transparent rear window connected to the frame, the lens cover and/or rear window having non-zero deflection;

a transparent deformable non-liquid lens body sandwiched between the lens cover and the rear window so as to form a lens that has an optical axis and has a first optical power;

a drive system applying force to the lens cover to change the overall shape of the lens, the drive system comprising at least three separately actuated drives, each of which is connected to the frame and is configured to apply force to the lens cover in a direction at least substantially along the optical axis;

wherein the drive system provides for a focal length adjustment mode (herein also referred to as a focus mode) in which all drives are designed to apply force to the lens cap in the same direction to correct the lens power/deflection; and wherein the drive system provides an optical image stabilization mode in which the drives are designed to apply a force to the lens cover that varies along the rim of the lens cover to tilt the optical axis of the lens.

It should be noted that aspects and embodiments of the present invention may be combined with alternative aspects and embodiments of the present invention.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens module comprising a lens assembly according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera comprising a lens assembly according to the first aspect and triaxial motion sensors connected so that they can transmit signals indicative of camera movement to a drive system.

A number of preferred and/or optional features, elements, examples and embodiments of the present invention are summarized below. Features or elements disclosed in connection with one of the embodiments or aspects of the present invention may, if necessary, be combined with other embodiments or aspects or applied to other embodiments or aspects. In addition, explanations regarding the underlying mechanism of the present invention implemented by the inventors are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used in ex post analysis to derive the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical device such as a camera, microscope, binoculars or telescope, a pair of glasses or eyepieces, a wearable display, and the like, comprising a lens assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention. The lens assembly may be an additional component of the optical device included in the optical lens package, or be characterized by the presence of a lens module containing the lens assembly.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an optical device comprising a lens assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the optical device can be any of a camera, a microscope, binoculars or telescope, a pair of glasses or eyepieces, a wearable display, and a compact camera.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a lens assembly according to the first aspect, said method comprising preparing a frame;

preparing at least one actuator, such as at least three separately actuated actuators; and connecting at least one drive to the frame.

It should be understood that by preparing at least one drive and connecting at least one drive to the frame, such a drive becomes a usable drive before connecting the drive to the frame. This method can be considered different from the method in which the frame is first provided and then a material is applied to this frame, which eventually becomes a drive, but which is in no way a drive that is not connected to the frame. One advantage of the fifth aspect may be that it is possible to manufacture (separate) actuators separately. The advantage of such a solution, in turn, can be that these separately produced (separate) drives can be produced efficiently, for example, in large quantities per plate (with high density). Another possible advantage would be that the rest of the lens assembly is not exposed to manufacturing conditions during the manufacture of the actuators. For example, during the production of actuators, a transition to higher temperatures may be required, and this may make it impossible to include certain materials, such as plastics, in the lens if the actuators are to be produced on the frame; but the use of these materials becomes possible with the addition of drives (ready-made, separate).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided in which the preparation of at least one actuator, for example at least three separately actuated actuators, provides for the preparation of at least one actuator separated from the frame.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a lens assembly according to the first aspect to perform one or more operations such as adjusting the focus, such as adjusting the focus of any of such devices as a camera, microscope, binoculars or telescope, a pair of glasses or eyepieces, a wearable display, and compact camera;

tilting the optical axis and optionally performing optical image stabilization, such as tilting the optical axis and performing optical image stabilization of any of such devices as a camera, a microscope, binoculars or telescope, a pair of glasses or eyepieces, a wearable display, and a compact camera.

The deflection is illustrated in Fig. 1, and it is defined as the height of the lens surface from its chord, described by the following formula:

where the value of R denotes the radius of curvature (the central part of the lens cover); and the value D denotes the length of the chord equal to the diameter of the aperture.

The specified deflection is not limited to specific aperture diameters or curvature radii; and thus it is adapted to lenses of different sizes and strengths. In other embodiments, implementation of the present invention, it is preferable that the natural non-zero deflection of the lens cover and/or rear window was at least 10 microns, for example, 15 microns or at least 20 microns.

Below is the ratio of deflection to optical power (OR):

OP = 5 Sag where the value of n denotes the index of refraction of the lens body.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first power is at least 5 diopters, such as at least 10 diopters or at least 20 diopters.

The natural deflection or power of the lens provides an advantage since most prior art small adjustable lenses have no or little natural power, giving full power at maximum power, perhaps as little as a few diopters. Accordingly, such lenses typically must be combined with a standard power lens to which the adjustment is made. Such lenses use deformable covers that are flat or nearly flat at zero stress.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the natural power of the lens assembly is not zero, but is at least 0.1 diopter; for example, at least 1 diopter; for example, at least 2 diopters; for example, at least 5 diopters; for example, at least 10 diopters or, for example, at least 100 diopters. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the lens cover and/or the rear window have essentially zero or completely zero optical power, for example, less than 1 diopter; for example, less than 0.1 diopter, or, for example, 0 diopter (whereby the optical power, such as a significant optical power, is provided by shaping the body of the refractive lens into a certain shape by the lens cover and/or the rear window). In one embodiment of the present invention, the lens cover has non-zero deflection.

In the focal length adjustment mode, the focal point of the lens is shifted along the optical axis by adjusting the deflection, optical power or focal length, i.e. different ways of characterizing the change. This focal length adjustment is often used in autofocus (AF) systems, where the focal length is adjusted by the fact that focus is measured in the image.

In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the drive system in the focus mode can change the general shape of the lens by converting the first general shape, in which the lens is characterized by a first optical power, into a second general shape, in which the lens is characterized by a second optical power; while the difference between the first optical power and the second optical power, i.e. power range is at least 2 diopters.

In optical image stabilization mode, the optical axis of the lens is tilted. When a lens assembly is included in a lens module, this tilt will result in a substantially small (for small angles) lateral shift in the image produced by the image sensor. By generating signals (eg, in a camera according to the third aspect of the present invention) indicative of camera movement, this lateral offset can be used to counteract small camera movements and thus to stabilize the image. Therefore, in one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the drive system in OIS (optical image stabilization) mode activates the drives on signals from motion sensors indicating the movement of the frame. Preferably, the drive system can tilt the optical axis of the lens by at least ±0.5° at a frequency of at least 20 Hz.

Since the same at least three actuators are used for both focus adjustment and image stabilization, the present invention provides the advantage that fewer actuators are required in this case compared to prior art solutions where the implementation of these functions are provided by separate sets of drives. Similarly, since the same membrane cover is used for both focal length adjustment and image stabilization, the present invention provides an advantage over prior art solutions using separate surfaces/components to perform these functions. In general, such a solution leads to a reduction in the cost and simplification of the design (due to fewer moving parts) of the device, as well as to a reduction in its size.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the lens cover and/or the rear window are characterized by non-zero deflection.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the drive system includes at least three separately actuated drives 7, 8.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the drive system 7, 8 provides for a focal length adjustment mode in which all drives are designed to apply force to the lens cover 4 in the same direction to correct the power/deflection of the lens; and while the drive system 7, 8 provides an optical image stabilization mode in which the drives are designed to apply different forces to the lens cover 4, which vary along the rim of the lens cover to tilt the optical axis 5 of the lens.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the lens cover and/or the rear window are characterized by non-zero deflection;

wherein the drive system comprises at least three separately actuated drives 7, 8; and the drive system 7, 8 provides for a focal length adjustment mode in which all drives are designed to apply force to the lens cover 4 in the same direction to correct the lens power/deflection; and the drive system 7, 8 provides for an optical image stabilization mode in which the drives are designed to apply different forces to the lens cover 4 that vary along

- 4 039634 lens cover rims to tilt the optical axis 5 of the lens.

In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the actuator system can be actuated simultaneously in the focus mode and in the OIS mode by issuing a command to each actuator to apply a force that is essentially at least the sum of the forces that could be applied in these modes. . Since the deformation of the lens cap may depend non-linearly on the stroke of the actuator, the change in shape due simply to the addition of the forces that might be applied in each mode does not necessarily give the exact sum effect of these modes. This is described in more detail below.

In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the actuators may apply forces in a first direction, at least substantially along the optical axis towards the rear window (retraction) and/or in a second direction, substantially along the optical axis away from the rear window. (pushing) relative to the position Unstressed or 0 volts of the lens cover.

The preferred embodiment depends on the type of drive and characteristics of the lens body. In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the actuators can at least retract the lens cover towards the rear window, changing its shape and compressing the lens body. This has the advantage that, unlike pushing, it does not require the lens cover to be rigidly connected to its body. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuators may only apply force in the first direction relative to the Unstressed or 0 volt position of the lens cover. Such drives may have the advantage of simpler design and lower cost. Drives that can both push and pull can be preferred as they provide the advantage of increased overall travel and thus more efficient lens cover deformation.

The following parts of the lens cover are given: the central part, the peripheral part and the rim; wherein the central portion is at least substantially spherical in shape, and the peripheral portion is the portion that is located between the central portion and the rim of the lens cover.

The lens cover may be flat or may be pre-shaped to provide non-zero deflection. The lens is made bendable, which means that it has a certain flexibility to change its shape due to the action of forces from the drives and counter forces from the lens body. However, the rigidity of the cap exceeds the rigidity of the lens body. In an embodiment where a pre-shaped lens cap is used, the phrase "pre-shaped" means that the lens cap was shaped prior to assembly of the lens assembly. Once assembled with the lens body and rear window, such a pre-shaped lens cover will preferably be bell-shaped (convex or concave) with a central portion having a spherical or at least substantially spherical shape; but it can also have an aspherical shape, corresponding to the shape of the surface of a conventional lens. This is illustrated in FIG. 2, 3A, and 6. Non-zero deflection due to preshaping of the lens cap should be measured when the drive system is in the non-activated state, i. when the lens is in its default state, natural state, or zero stress state.

The standard lens cap material is either glass or plastic. When glass is used, the lens cover is preferably a 5-50 µm thick membrane. Such glass membranes are characterized by both flexibility and high strength. When using plastics, preference is given to plastics with good optical properties (uniform and high transparency for all wavelengths in the visible region of the spectrum), while in the preferred embodiment, the thickness of the lens cover is 20-500 μm.

In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the lens cover contains one or more stiffening elements in its peripheral area, which serve to distribute stress and asymmetric deformations around the optical axis due to the application of forces to large areas of the membrane. If it is necessary to carry out operations that do not involve any aberrations, one or more stiffeners are preferably a ring covering the entire central part. This has the advantage of ensuring that the peripheral portion will move as a unit even with a minimum number of drives, and therefore local deformations are prevented. One of the functions of one or more stiffeners may be that in the OIS mode, in which the cover is tilted, it is possible to compress the lens body from one side without changing the optical power. Alternatively, when one intentionally desires to create higher order astigmatism, a plurality of arcuate stiffeners may be provided along the circumferential portion in positions to engage the actuators during force application.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive system is configured to move at least a portion, such as the entire edge (eg, rim), of the lens cover relative to the frame. One of the possible advantages of this solution is that it does not require partial or complete deformation of the lens cover, which is inevitable in cases where the edge (eg, rim) of the lens cover is rigidly connected to the frame. For example, tilting the lens cover would inevitably deform the lens cover if the edge of the lens cover were rigidly connected to the frame, but when the actuators are configured to move the edge of the lens cover relative to the frame and the edge of the lens cover is not rigidly connected to the frame, this warping is optional (which reduces power consumption and/or increases tilt and/or focus range).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lens cover comprises, in its peripheral portion, one or more stiffeners, such as ring stiffeners; wherein each drive from among at least three separately actuated drives, each of which is connected to the frame, is connected to one or more stiffening elements. One possible advantage of this solution is that the actuators can apply forces to the lens cover through one or more stiffeners by pushing/pulling the frame.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lens cover is connected to the frame through, for example exclusively through, a drive system. The advantage of this solution is that it makes it easier for the actuators to control the position and orientation of the lens cover.

According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the lens cover contains one or more stiffeners, such as ring stiffeners located on its peripheral portion; while the lens cover is connected to the frame through, for example exclusively through, the drive system and one or more stiffeners. The advantage of this solution is that it makes it easier for the actuator to control the position and orientation of the lens cover, and that the actuators can apply forces to the lens cover through one or more stiffeners by pushing/pulling the frame.

With some types of cameras, there is a desire to reduce their size, and for this it would be advisable to provide high-density placement of all elements of the lens assembly in order to reduce the overall dimensions of the lens assembly. Thus, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuators are placed proximate the lens body between the lens cover periphery and the rear window or rear frame. The distinctive feature that the actuators can only apply forces in the first and second directions and not tangentially to the optical axis makes them particularly suitable for such an installation.

In one of the embodiments of the present invention, one or more, for example at least three, separately actuated drives are installed between - partially or completely - the lens cover or the plane (rim) of the lens cover, for example between the peripheral portion of the lens cover 4 and the rear window or rear part framework.

In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, each actuator of one or more of these actuators includes a bracket with a first end connected to the frame, and a second end configured to engage with the lens cover peripheral portion to apply force. Preferably, the bracket extends in a tangential direction to the engagement point of the peripheral portion. This has the advantage of allowing the drive to seal around or under the lens cover. By bending or turning the arm, the peripheral portion can be pushed up or down. The use of such brackets provides the advantage of being able to increase the stroke length. In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the bracket contains a layer of piezoelectric material, and activation of the actuator involves applying voltage to the piezoelectric material.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a line drawn from the point of connection of the bracket to the frame and to the point of connection of the bracket to the lens cover (for example, through a stiffener such as a stiffener ring) is non-parallel and has a smallest angle of at least 1°; an angle of at least 5°; angle within 5-175°, for example, within 10-170°, for example, within 20-160°, for example, within 30-150°, for example, within 45-135°, for example, within 60- 120°, for example, within 75-105° or, for example, 90° relative to the line drawn from the connection point of the bracket with the frame and to the optical axis.

This is advantageous in that it allows the drive to be sealed around or under the lens cover, whereby the sum (such as the sum of each scalar length rather than the vector sum) of the first distance (from the optical axis to the junction point) is around or under the lens cover. of the bracket with the lens cover (for example, through a stiffener such as a stiffener ring)) and the second distance (from the point of connection of the bracket with the lens cover (for example, through the stiffener) to the point of connection of the bracket with the frame) is, for example, more than 101%, or is, for example, more than 105%, or is, for example, more than 110%, or is, for example, more than 125%, or is, for example, more than 142%, or is, for example, more than 150%, or is, for example, more than 200% of the third distance (from the optical axis to the connection point

- 6 039634 bracket with a frame, and the third distance corresponds to the sum of the vectors corresponding to the vectors that connect the end points that define the first distance and the second distance, respectively). This can provide a relatively large stroke in a compact design. In the case where the connection point (such as the connection point of the bracket to the frame, or the connection point of the bracket to the lens cover or stiffener ring) spatially exceeds the limits of a mathematically infinitesimal point, for example, if the connection point is actually a planar region or even a non-planar region, then the specified connection point should be understood as the centroid or geometric mean of such a region.

According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, at least one drive or, for example, all drives from among one or more drives, for example, from among at least three separately actuated drives 7, 8, form an assembly with a frame by connecting them to the frame by the method gluing, or welding, or screwing, or bolting, or riveting.

The phrase form a prefabricated assembly should be understood as the connection together of two separate parts, such as separate functional elements (for example, a bracket and a frame). The connection may be any type of connection, such as direct connection, anode welding or adhesive connection.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lens assembly 1 comprises plastic. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lens cover 4 and/or rear window 3 comprise plastics such as polymers, eg organic polymers.

According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, at least one drive, or, for example, all of the drives of one or more drives, for example, of at least three separately triggered drives 7, 8, have a rectangular shape when viewed in the direction along the optical axis . This can be advantageous as it is an efficient way to create a drive that provides maximum density per wafer.

Each drive of a different type may preferably include a coil and a magnet, and activation of the drive involves the passage of current through the coil.

Preferably, the deformable non-fluid lens body is made of an elastic material. Because the lens body is non-liquid, it does not require a sealed housing to hold it, and there is no risk of leakage. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lens body is made of a soft polymer, which can be a variety of materials such as silicone, polymer gel, cross-linked or partially cross-linked polymer network, and a miscible oil or combination of oils. The use of a soft polymer allows the production of lenses in which the polymer is in contact with air, which requires much less effort when adjusting the focal length of the lens. It also makes production easier because the polymer is held in place even if different steps in the production cycle are located in different locations or production facilities. As mentioned above, this also allows the creation of leak paths or bubbles of compressible gas to reduce the required force required to adjust the lens and reduce stresses due to temperature and pressure fluctuations in the environment.

In order to fix the lens body in a certain position and concentrate its deformation in areas directly under the lens cover, the lens assembly additionally contains structural elements configured to limit the deformation of that part of the lens body that is opposite the lens cover. These structural elements are preferably located on the surface of the rear window and are in contact with the lens body.

To better convert applied force into lens cap deformation and minimize astigmatism upon activation, it is desirable that the center of the lens cap always align with the optical axis, even during tilt in OIS mode. For these reasons, in one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the lens assembly may include a central element located inside or near the lens body and on the optical axis; while the central element initiates a change in the lens body of the reaction forces along the radius from the side of the lens body when the lens cover is moved in the second direction, and the reaction forces decrease as the radius increases. This variation along the radius may be due to a change in the rigidity of the lens body, in which case the lens body may be part of a center element with a different material parameter (eg, modulus of elasticity);

an object other than the lens body and more rigid than the lens body, which is located in the lens body and is centered along the optical axis;

a change in the thickness of the lens body along the radius due to the fact that the central element is characterized by greater rigidity compared to the lens body and is located under the lens body, which forms a centrosymmetric concave shape at the end of the lens body, which faces the rear window.

- 7 039634

The effect of all these embeddings is that the central portion of the lens body will receive a stiffener when pushed from above, and this center of stiffness of the lens body serves as the pivot point and support for the central region of the lens cap. The center of stiffness also causes that in focusing mode, when the lens cap is retracted by the actuators, the radially varying reaction forces from the lens body change the deflection of the lens cap (and thus the power) instead of simply compressing the lens body vertically without changing the deflection. . In addition, it facilitates the transmission of forces between different parts of the lens cap and lens body in OIS mode. Several different embodiments of the central element are described below in connection with the figures. In embodiments of the present invention, the central element may extend entirely or partially in the direction along the optical axis from the rear window towards the lens cover, occupying at least 50%, for example, at least 75%, for example, at least 90%, or, for example , 100% of this distance.

The lens cap is attached to the lens body. In order to ensure that the lens cover, and possibly the lens body, does not move and/or break under high accelerations, the lens assembly preferably further comprises mechanical stops to limit movement of the lens cover in at least the first and second directions. , and preferably also in the perpendicular plane. This provides the advantage of improving the performance of the lens assembly as determined by the drop test.

The mechanical stops may be formed by frame portions which may enclose the actuators. In an embodiment of the present invention in which the lens cover comprises one or more stiffeners, the one or more stiffeners are preferably positioned to engage mechanical stops.

In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the surface of the rear window opposite the lens body is characterized by non-zero deflection (planoconcave/convex or biconcave/biconvex lenses), which provides the natural optical power of the lens. The rear window is preferably of high optical quality and is preferably made of glass or a conventional optical plastic such as polycarbonate. The rear window preferably has a refractive index close to that of the lens body, since the need for an anti-reflection coating between the rear window and the lens body is eliminated.

Preferably, the frame is a lens assembly support structure that connects the lens assembly to the rest of the lens or camera module. The frame can be a monolithic structure or a prefabricated structure made up of different parts. The rear window is usually made from a material composition that is different from the composition of the material used to make the frame. The back window may also perform some of the functions of the frame and be essentially part of the frame, ie. the rear window can also serve as a base for fixing the drives and a mechanical interface for the remaining parts of the lens module or camera.

The rear window may form a cover glass for a lens assembly such as a cell phone camera. Due to this, the number of layers can be reduced and the optical quality can be improved by reducing glare and improving light transmission. The rear window can be provided with an anti-reflective coating (ARC) and also function as an infrared light filter, possibly in combination with the filtering properties of the lens body. In another embodiment of the present invention, the rear window forms part of the transparent touch screen substrate. Such touch screens are standard on many electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, computer monitors, GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) devices, media players, watches, and the like. Such a touch-sensitive screen can be made using various touch technologies such as resistive systems, capacitive systems, surface acoustic wave systems, infrared and other systems, all of which are provided with a transparent substrate on the base.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile phone camera comprising a lens assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the rear window being used as a cover glass for the mobile phone camera.

In one aspect, the use of a lens assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention as part of a mobile phone is provided, with its rear window being used as a cover glass for a mobile phone camera.

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, an additional polymeric layer is provided between the rear window and the cover slip on the side of the rear window opposite the lens body. This has the advantage of greater compactness and improvements in light transmission and spurious images compared to prior art solutions because a smaller air-glass interface is required. It also eliminates the need for an anti-reflective coating on the surface of the rear window.

In one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the lens assembly with

- 8 039634 holds an optical aperture diaphragm in the form of a first optical stop adjacent to the lens cover and a second optical stop adjacent to the rear window; in this case, the first and second optical stops are opaque and define the circles of the holes (usually of circular cross section, but another shape can also be provided), and these circles are located perpendicular and concentric with respect to the optical axis and define the optical aperture diaphragm of the lens assembly. The diameter of the optical aperture stop is preferably at least 1 mm, such as at least 2 mm or at least 3 mm or at least 4 mm. The second optical stop may be a layer of opaque material applied to both sides of the rear window, for example by printing.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a lens assembly in which the drive system and the lens cover are configured such that, in the focal length adjustment mode, the drive system indirectly deforms the lens cover after being activated. By indirect it should be understood that the drive system is positioned relative to the lens cover in such a way that the deformation of the lens cover (in zoom mode) depends on a third element such as the lens body and/or the central element.

Each aspect of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention may be combined with any other aspect of the remaining aspects. These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent when they are explained in connection with the embodiments of the present invention described below.

Brief description of the figures

The lens assembly according to the present invention is described in detail below in connection with the accompanying figures. These figures illustrate only one embodiment of the present invention, which should not be construed as limiting other possible embodiments of the present invention that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

In FIG. 1 shows various design parameters for a lens assembly according to the present invention.

In FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3A and 3B are side and top cross-sectional views of a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4A-4C illustrate movement of the actuator in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A and 3B.

In FIG. 5 is a schematic overview of various aspects of the present invention.

In FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a lens assembly illustrating a number of preferred features and elements in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In FIG. 7 shows how a mechanical stop can be implemented using an actuator according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A and 3B.

In FIG. 8 shows a lens cover with a stiffening ring.

In FIG. 9A-9C illustrate various embodiments of the central element.

In FIG. 10A-10D show various views of a lens assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a lens assembly with an additional resin layer and a cover slip according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 12 is a drawing of the drive.

Detailed disclosure of the present invention

Because of the large number of preferred but optional features and elements, they will be illustrated and described in conjunction with a series of figures, each showing only some of the features and elements; moreover, none of the figures displays all possible features and elements. If any features and elements are shown or described together, this does not indicate that they are related or dependent on each other, unless otherwise clearly implied.

An assembled lens 1 according to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, shown in FIG. 2 comprises a deformable non-liquid lens body 2 sandwiched between the rear window 3 and a transparent flexible lens cover 4 to form a lens with an optical axis 5 perpendicular to the surface of the rear window. The various components of the lens assembly are held together by a frame 6 which may contain separate parts that also perform other functions within the lens assembly. For example, the back window 3 can also serve as a support for other components, and in this respect it is part of the frame. In addition, a drive system 7 and 8 is provided to apply force to change the overall shape of the membrane and lens.

In the embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in FIG. 2, the drive system comprises a coil 7 attached to the frame and a magnet or magnetizable element 8 attached to the lens cap and possibly extending into but not attached to the coil. In this case, the activation of the drive involves passing a current through the coil to generate a magnetic field that affects the magnet. At this stage, when the magnet or element is centered about the longitudinal axis of the coil, which runs parallel to the optical axis, the forces acting on the lens cap will be directed at least substantially along the optical axis.

Another preferred drive system is shown in conjunction with lens assembly 30 in FIG. 3A and 3B. In this case, the drive is provided with a bracket 14, the opposite ends of which are connected to the frame 6 and the lens cover, respectively. The bracket can be bent or rotated so that its end connected to the cover can move up/down relative to the frame. The bracket may be made of silicone, and it may be bent due to the presence of a layer of piezoelectric material on one or both of its sides, which is energized. By having the bracket tangential to the point where it connects to the lens cap, the bracket can be made relatively long without taking up extra space. The longer the actuator, the greater its stroke (the distance that the connection point moves towards the lens cover) can be. The achievable stroke depends not only on the length of the arm (or piezoelectric actuator), but also on the thickness of the plate under the piezo film. If the specified thickness is too large, then the stroke will be small, since the piezoelectric effect will be too weak to provide strong bending. If the thickness is too thin, then the travel will also be small, since the bracket does not provide a rigid support for the piezo film. In FIG. 4A-4C show the bracket 14 when different voltages are applied to the piezoelectric material 15 and the resulting bending of the bracket to change the shape of the lens cap 4.

The presence of three or more of these brackets allows them to function in synchrony to change the shape of the lens, resulting in the desired optical effect. The dotted profile above the lens cover 4 shown in FIG. 2 illustrates the effect of one example of movement (not to scale) in focal length adjustment (FA) mode, where all actuators are commanded to apply force in the same direction to move the peripheral portion upward. As a result, the shape of the lens cover changes towards a flatter profile, resulting in increased focal length (less deflection and OD). Similarly, the dotted profile above the lens cover 4 shown in FIG. 3A illustrates the effect of one example of movement (not to scale) in the OIS mode, where the actuators are commanded to apply different forces to the lens cover in the first or second direction, varying along the rim of the lens cover. As a result, the shape of the lens cover is changed such that the optical axis is tilted by an angle of 9 and the focal length/deflection/OP remains substantially unchanged.

Both actuators 7 and 8 and actuators 14 and 15 described above may be positioned between the lens cover and the rear window so that they can be sealed as much as possible to reduce the overall dimensions of the lens assembly.

The drive system may include an electronic processor that controls the drives, ie. supplying them with the correct signals, which can also be done by the processor of the lens or camera module. In FIG. 5 shows the electronic processor 16 connected to the actuators 17 on the lens assembly 50. This processor is programmed to control the actuators in the OIS and FA modes, guided by input data from a two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) motion sensor 18 connected to the frame 6, and a focus detector 19, which receives the light transmitted by the lens. The focus sensor may be an active or passive sensor, such as a phase or contrast autofocus sensor.

As noted above, the change in shape due to the addition of forces that could be applied in the OIS and focus modes does not necessarily give the exact combined effect of these modes. This is because the change in the shape of the lens cover is usually non-linear with the length of the actuator stroke. Consideration must be given to a certain drive stroke pushing or pulling one part of the circle a given distance, and resulting in a certain change in the shape of the lens cover. This reshaping will be different depending on whether the entire circle has already been displaced in both directions or not. Therefore, simply adding the forces that could be applied in the OIS and FA modes does not necessarily give the sum effect of these efforts applied separately. The way the drives are controlled in different modes can be determined by a verification procedure during which a well-defined object is imaged using the lens module, and the drives are actuated until certain lateral image shifts and focus/defocus patterns are obtained. Images. By recording the values at which the actuators were run during the verification procedure, the values to be used for any desired offset or focus can be calculated by interpolation and extrapolation. Alternatively, the non-linear nature of the deformation of the lens cover as a function of the stroke of the drive can be known in advance, which allows applying the algorithm for adding the forces of the drives.

The lens cap may be preformed to give the lens an overall shape that provides non-zero deflection. In this case, the central part of the preformed

- 10 039634 membrane has a substantially spherical shape so that it can function as a lens surface, but perhaps with slight differences to correct for various optical aberrations. The pre-shaped membrane may be bell-shaped (see FIGS. 2, 3A and 6), spherical (not shown) or otherwise. In the case of a bell-shaped membrane, the central part can be defined as lying within the inflection points on the curve, since the outer regions will be concave and therefore do not participate in focusing.

The lens body may be shaped to match the shape of the pre-shaped membrane so that the mating of these elements cannot change the shape of the membrane. This can be done by shaping the lens body in advance, i. prior to assembly, or by injecting moldable material between rear window and membrane. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, a liquid reaction mixture is injected between the rear window and the membrane. The lens is then placed in an oven where it is held at a high temperature for a predetermined time so that the liquid reaction mixture is converted to a viscoelastic polymer in a non-liquid preshaped state, e.g., preshaped to match the shape of the preshaped membrane.

The lens body is not liquid, and therefore its elastic modulus preferably exceeds 300 Pa, which prevents deformation due to gravitational forces in normal use. The lens body may be made from a polymer network with cross-linked or partially cross-linked polymers and miscible oils or a combination of oils, which preferably results in a refractive index of the lens body greater than 1.3.

As mentioned above, the central element can initiate a change in the reaction forces along the radius from the side of the lens body when the lens cover is activated, and this change along the radius can be due to a change in the rigidity of the lens body, where the central element with a different material parameter is part of the lens body (for example, modulus of elasticity). This is illustrated in FIG. 2 and 3A, where the lens body is characterized by the presence of a central element 9 or 10 located on and along the optical axis and having a stiffness greater than that of the rest of the lens body, but with a similar refractive index. This central element can serve as a pivot point and support for the lens cover when the actuators push/retract its peripheral portion. The central element 9 may be a distinct area with a different modulus of elasticity from the rest of the lens body, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the central element 10 may be formed in the lens body to provide a radial modulus gradient as shown in FIG. 3A. The central elements 9 and 10 can be formed by the method of non-uniform curing of the liquid reaction mixture, resulting in the formation of a viscoelastic polymer in a non-liquid state with radially non-uniform - for example, variable along the radius and/or radially varying - material parameters;

an object other than the lens body and more rigid than the lens body, which is located in the lens body and is centered on the optical axis, as shown in FIG. 9A and 9B. In FIG. 9A, the central element is a rod or rod made of a material with a refractive index identical to or close to the lens body, but with a higher modulus of elasticity. Since the lens cover is preferably to be connected to the lens body, the central element may be shorter than the lens body so that it is not through, as shown in FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9B, the central element 25 is a cylindrical object with a radius r<<R, which is located on the optical axis and along it, but does not pass through the body of the lens to its cover. Due to the very small diameter, this object is unlikely to be seen in the generated image, since the only consequence will be a reduction in light collection to create an image in the ratio (r/R) ² . Thus, the index of refraction of an object does not matter, and that object need not be transparent;

changing the thickness of the lens body along the radius due to the fact that the central element is located in such a way that it gives the lower end of the lens body a centrosymmetric concave shape, as shown in Fig. 9C. In this case, the rear window is characterized by a deflection in the direction of the lens body providing optical power, which also serves as a central element 26, which gives a radially variable thickness of the lens body.

As noted above, the lens assembly may include mechanical stops to prevent displacement and/or rupture of the membrane cap and possibly the lens body under high accelerations. Various embodiments of such stoppers are shown in FIG. 6 and 7.

In FIG. 6, on the left side of the lens assembly 60, the mechanical stops 21 are formed by the frame parts which restrict the movement of the lens cover peripheral portion in the first and second directions. The drive is not shown here. Shown on the right side of the lens assembly 60 are the actuators 7 and 8 described above in connection with FIG. 2. In this case, the mechanical stop 21 restricts the movement of the element 8, as well as - due to its connection with the cover - and the cover.

In FIG. 7 shows the lens cover and actuators 14 and 15 described above in connection with FIG. 3. In this case, the bracket 15 is provided with a protrusion that extends into the cutout made in the frame 6, thereby providing mechanical stops 21 for the end of the bracket connected to the lens cover.

In FIG. 6, on its left side, the stiffener 24 is shown resting on the lens cover 3. Stiffeners may increase the strength of the engagement points of mechanical stops or actuators and distribute forces over large areas, or they may be used to stiffen the regions between such engagement points to allow smooth shape change.

In FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment of one single annular stiffener 23 on the periphery of the lens cover 4. The stiffeners may be made of metal or other rigid material providing a high tensile strength to weight ratio. Usually their thickness is 50-200 microns.

One of the embodiments of the present invention proposed a lens assembly, in which the lens cover 4 contains in its peripheral area one or more ring stiffeners 23, which serve to distribute stress and asymmetric deformations around the optical axis resulting from the application of forces to areas of the cover 4 large area lenses.

Different aperture diaphragms 11 and 12 installed in different positions are shown in FIG. 2, 3A and 6 (see also FIGS. 9A-9C and 11). Aperture size is usually in the range of 1-6 mm, and diaphragms can be made from any ferrous sheet or printed opaque material. Aperture diaphragms can directly serve as the rear window and/or lens cover, and their thickness can vary in the range from a few microns to several tens of microns.

In order to fix the lens body in a certain position and to concentrate the change in its shape in the areas directly under the lens cover, the lens assembly can be semi-closed and preferably additionally contain structural elements 13 (see Fig. 2) made with the possibility of limiting the deformation of that part of the body lens, which is opposite the lens cover. These features are preferably located on the surface of the rear window and in contact with the lens body, and may be provided by the aperture stop 12 shown in FIG. 6 and 9A-9C.

In order to fix the lens body in a certain position and to concentrate the change in its shape in the areas directly under the lens cover, the lens assembly can be semi-closed and preferably additionally contain structural elements 13 (enclosing, for example, covering the lens body and the optical axis) (see Fig. . 2), made with the possibility of limiting the deformation of that part of the lens body, which is located opposite the lens cover. These features are preferably located on the surface of the rear window and are in contact with the lens body and can be provided by the aperture stop 12 shown in FIG. 6 and 9A-9C.

In embodiments of the present invention, the lens assembly is arranged such that a non-zero distance is provided between the lens body and the frame in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Thus, the lens body may not fill the entire volume of space defined by the frame, rear window, and lens cover. In practice, this can be an advantage in that there is no need for thermal compensation.

The lens cover and/or rear window preferably comprise one or more layers or coatings such as a moisture barrier;

an anti-reflective coating; and an infrared (IR) wavelength filter layer that filters out IR radiation.

One possible implementation of a lens assembly 20 is illustrated in FIG. 10A-10D showing actual relative sizes of various components. In various views, the components disclosed in the foregoing description are summarized:

20: Lens assembly.

2: Lens body.

3: Rear window, also part of frame 6.

4: Lens cover.

6: Frame or part of a frame.

14: Bracket.

23: Stiffening ring with lugs that engage with the bracket.

27: Seal and/or fastening between stiffening ring and lens, eg lens cover 4.

28: Flexible and/or anti-slip pads or hinges (such as hinges, optionally flexible and/or anti-slip) to prevent the stiffening ring from rotating about the optical axis when the arm is bent. It should be understood that, under normal use conditions, said pads allow the bracket 14 and the stiffening ring 23 to separate, for example, from each other, while the hinges do not allow such a possibility (for example, under normal use conditions).

- 12 039634

29: Bracket support, also part of frame 6.

In FIG. 10 shows that the drives (brackets 14) are connected to the frame 6 in such a way that each bracket connects the frame 6 to the stiffening ring 23, and the stiffening ring 23 connects the drives to the lens cover 4. Thus, neither the lens cover nor the stiffening ring is rigidly connected to the frame. The lens cover and stiffening ring are connected to the frame only by means of drives. Accordingly, activation of the drive system may displace the lens cap and stiffening ring, such as the edge or rim of the lens cap, relative to the frame. The actuators apply forces to the lens cover through the stiffening ring. For practical purposes, the stiffening ring can be considered rigid (i.e., more rigid than the lens cap), and so the drive system does not directly deform the lens cap, but simply directly shifts (up/down) the lens cap or its sides. However, when the lens cover is moved up/down, the lens body applies a certain amount of force to the lens cover, which may deform it. The drive system can tilt the lens cover in such a way that it does not necessarily change the refractive power of the lens body. Shown in FIG. 10, a line drawn from the point of connection of the bracket to the frame to the point of connection of the bracket to the lens cover (for example, through a stiffener such as a stiffening ring) is not parallel to the line drawn from the point of connection of the bracket to the frame and to the optical axis.

Integration into devices.

If the lens assembly is to be integrated into a device that is already provided with a cover slip, it may not be possible to use the rear window as a coverslip and a solution will need to be found to allow the lens assembly to optically interface with or be integrated into the device. In FIG. 11 shows a lens 32 assembled with an additional polymer layer 30 and a cover slip 31. In this case, the additional polymer layer 30, which is preferably passive, provides a flexible optical interface without the need for an air-glass interface.

In FIG. 12 is a drawing of an actuator, such as actuator 14 shown in FIG. 10. The drive has a rectangular shape. Units of measurement are expressed in millimeters. The thickness D can be in the range of 1-1000 µm, for example 1 µm, for example 10 µm, for example 50 µm, for example 100 µm, for example 175 µm, for example 200 µm, for example 350 µm or for example 750 µm. According to one embodiment, the thickness D may be 175 µm; the deviation may be a two-sided deviation of ± 125 µm at a maximum voltage of 50 V; the load at the maximum deviation lies within 10-40 mN; electrical contact is provided by contact pads suitable for establishing wired connections; the environmental protection system includes a passivation layer applied over all photosensitive layers; and the breakdown voltage is 80 volts.

Below are the following alternative options E1-E33 implementation of the present invention.

E1. An optical lens assembly comprising a frame, a foldable transparent lens cover and a transparent rear window connected to the frame, the lens cover and/or rear window having non-zero deflection;

a transparent deformable non-liquid lens body sandwiched between the lens cover and the rear window so as to form a lens that has an optical axis and has a first optical power; and a drive system applying force to the lens cover to change the overall shape of the lens, the drive system comprising at least three individually actuated drives, each of which is connected to the frame and configured to apply force to the lens cover in a direction of at least essentially along the optical axis;

wherein the drive system provides a focal length adjustment mode in which all drives are designed to apply force to the lens cover in the same direction to correct the power/deflection of the lens; and while the drive system provides an optical image stabilization mode, the drives are designed to apply different forces to the lens cover, varying along the rim of the lens cover, to tilt the optical axis of the lens.

E2. The lens assembly of Embodiment E1, wherein the drive system can be actuated simultaneously in the zoom mode and in the image stabilization mode by instructing each drive to apply a force that is at least substantially the sum of the forces that could be applied in these modes.

E3. The lens assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drive system in the focal length adjustment mode can change the general shape of the lens by converting the first general shape, in which the lens has a first power, to the second overall shape, in which the lens has a second power ; while the difference between the first optical power and the second optical power, i.e. power range is at least 2 diopters.

- 13 039634

E4. A lens assembly as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the actuators are located proximate the lens body between the lens cover periphery and the rear window.

E5. A lens assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the actuators is provided with a bracket with a first end connected to the frame and a second end configured to engage with the lens cover to apply force, each bracket comprising a layer of piezoelectric material, and activation of the actuator involves applying voltage to the piezoelectric material.

E6. A lens assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a central element located inside or near the lens body and on the optical axis, the central element initiating a change in the lens body of the reaction forces along the radius from the side of the lens body when the lens cover is moved towards the rear window, and the reaction forces decrease as the radius increases.

E7. A lens assembly as in any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising mechanical stops to restrict movement of the lens cover in directions at least substantially along the optical axis.

E8. The lens assembly according to embodiment E7, in which the mechanical stops are formed by frame parts, and one or more stiffeners on the lens cover peripheral portion are located so that they engage with the mechanical stops.

E9. A lens assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lens cover and/or rear window have non-zero sag of at least 10, 15, or at least 20 microns.

E10. A lens assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a first optical stop adjacent to the lens cover and a second optical stop adjacent to the rear window; while the first and second optical stops are opaque and set the circles of the holes, and these circles are perpendicular and concentric with respect to the optical axis and set the optical aperture diaphragm of the lens assembly.

E11. A lens assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rear window is used as a mobile phone camera cover glass.

E12. A lens assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lens cap comprises annular stiffeners in its peripheral portion which serve to distribute stress and asymmetrical deformations around the optical axis resulting from the application of forces to large areas of the membrane.

E13. The lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, in which the lens cover 4 comprises, in its peripheral portion, one or more annular stiffeners 23, which serve to distribute stress and asymmetrical deformations around the optical axis resulting from the application of forces to areas of the cover 4 large area lenses.

E14. The lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, in which the drive system 7, 8 is configured to shift at least a portion, for example, the entire edge of the lens cover 4 relative to the frame 6.

E15. A lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lens cover 4 comprises, in its peripheral portion, one or more stiffeners such as ring stiffeners 24; wherein each drive from among at least three separately triggered drives 7, 8, each of which is connected to the frame, is connected to one or more stiffeners.

E16. The lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, in which the lens cover 4 is connected to the frame through, for example exclusively through, the drive system 7, 8.

E17. A lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lens cover 4 comprises, in its peripheral portion, one or more stiffeners such as ring stiffeners 24; while the lens cover 4 is connected to the frame through, for example exclusively through, the drive system 7, 8 and one or more stiffeners.

E18. The lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, in which at least one drive or, for example, all drives from among at least three separately triggered drives 7, 8 form an assembly with a frame by connecting them to the frame 6 by gluing, or welding, or screwing, or bolting, or riveting.

E19. Lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one or all of the drives of at least three individually actuated drives 7, 8 are rectangular when viewed in a direction along the optical axis.

E20. A lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lens assembly 1 comprises plastic.

E21. Lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein

- 14 039634 lens cover 4 and/or rear window 3 contains plastic.

E22. The lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the natural power of the lens assembly 1 is not zero but at least 0.1 diopter; for example, at least 1 diopter; for example, at least 2 diopters; for example, at least 5 diopters; for example, at least 10 diopters or, for example, at least 100 diopters.

E23. A lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lens cover 4 and/or rear window 3 have substantially zero or completely zero power, such as less than 1 diopter or, for example, less than 0.1 diopter, such as 0 diopter .

E24. A lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lens cover 4 has non-zero deflection.

E25. Lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, in which at least three separately actuated actuators 7, 8 are installed between the lens cover 4 or the plane of the lens cover, for example, between the periphery of the lens cover 4 and the rear window 3 or the back of the frame 6 .

E26. The lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drive system 7, 8 and the lens cover 4 are configured such that, in the focal length adjustment mode, the drive system indirectly deforms the lens cover 4 after being activated.

E27. The lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a line drawn from the point of connection of the bracket to the frame to the point of connection of the bracket to the lens cover (for example, through a stiffener such as a stiffener ring) is not parallel to a line drawn from the point connection of the bracket with the frame and up to the optical axis.

E28. An optical device comprising a lens assembly 1, 30, 60 and 32 according to any of the preceding embodiments.

E29. An optical device containing a lens assembly 1, 30, 60 and 32 according to any of the previous embodiments E1-E27, characterized in that this optical device can be any device from a camera, microscope, binoculars or telescope, a pair of glasses or eyepieces, wearable display and compact camera.

E30. A mobile phone camera comprising a lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments E1-E27, wherein the rear window 3 is used as a cover glass for a mobile phone camera.

E31. The method of obtaining a lens assembly 1 according to any of the preceding options E1-E27 implementation, providing for the preparation of the frame 6;

preparing at least one actuator, for example at least three separately actuated actuators 7, 8;

connection of at least one drive with frame 6.

E32. The method for obtaining the lens assembly 1 according to embodiment E31, in which the preparation of at least one drive, for example, at least three separately triggered drives 7, 8, provides for the preparation of at least one drive separated from the frame 6.

E33. Using the lens assembly 1, 30, 60 and 32 of any of the preceding embodiments E1-E27 to perform one or more of the following operations:

focus adjustment, such as adjusting the focus of any of the following devices, such as a camera, microscope, binoculars or telescope, a pair of glasses or eyepieces, a wearable display, and a compact camera; and tilting the optical axis and optionally performing optical image stabilization, such as tilting the optical axis and performing optical image stabilization of any of such devices as a camera, microscope, binoculars or telescope, a pair of glasses or eyepieces, a wearable display, and a compact camera.

With respect to Embodiments E1-E33 above, it is to be understood that reference to prior embodiments may refer to prior embodiments including Embodiments El-E33.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific examples of its implementation, it should in no way be construed as being limited to the examples presented. The scope of the claimed invention is determined by the appended claims. In the context of the specified claims, the terms containing or contains do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, mentioning something in the singular should not be construed as excluding the plural. The use of reference numbers in the claims in relation to the elements designated in the figures should also not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Moreover, separate features mentioned in different claims can be effectively combined, and the mention of these features in different claims does not exclude the possibility that

- 15 039634 that any combination of these features is possible and may provide a certain advantage.

Claims (17)

1. An optical lens (1) assembly comprising a frame (6), a bent transparent lens cover (4) and a transparent rear window (3) connected to the frame, the lens cover and/or the rear window being characterized by non-zero deflection; a transparent deformable non-liquid body (2) of the lens, sandwiched between the lens cover and the rear window (3) so that a lens is formed, which is characterized by the presence of an optical axis (5) and has a first optical power; a drive system (7, 8) applying force to the lens cover to change the overall shape of the lens, the drive system comprising at least one separately actuated drive (7, 8), each of which is connected to the frame and configured to apply force to the cover the lens in a direction at least substantially along the optical axis (5), the lens cover (4) is connected to the frame through a drive system (7, 8); wherein the drive system (7, 8) provides for a focal length adjustment mode in which said at least one drive is designed to apply force to the lens cover (4) in the same direction to correct the optical power/deflection of the lens; and/or wherein the drive system (7, 8) provides an optical image stabilization mode in which each drive of one or more drives is designed to apply different forces to the lens cover (4), varying along the rim of the lens cover so as to tilt optical axis (5) of the lens; at the same time, the lens cover (4) contains on its peripheral section one or more stiffening elements (24), such as ring stiffening elements (23), which serve to distribute stress and asymmetric deformations around the optical axis resulting from the application of forces to the cover sections (4) large area lenses; and at the same time, the drive system (7, 8) is configured to shift at least part of the edge of the lens cover (4) relative to the frame (6). 2. A lens assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lens cover and/or rear window exhibits non-zero deflection. 3. Lens assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the drive system comprises at least three individually actuated drives (7, 8). 4. The lens (1) assembly according to claim 1, in which the drive system contains a plurality, for example, at least three, separately triggered drives (7, 8), while the drive system (7, 8) provides for a focal length adjustment mode, in which all actuators are designed to apply force to the lens cover (4) in the same direction to correct the optical power/deflection of the lens; and while the drive system (7, 8) provides an optical image stabilization mode in which the drives are designed to apply different forces to the lens cover (4), varying along the rim of the lens cover so as to tilt the optical axis (5) of the lens. 5. The lens (1) assembly according to claim 1, in which the drive system contains a plurality, for example at least three, separately actuated drives (7, 8); in this case, the drive system (7, 8) can be actuated simultaneously in the mode of adjusting the focal length and in the mode of optical image stabilization by issuing a command to each drive to apply a force that is at least essentially the sum of the forces that could be applied in the specified modes. 6. The lens assembly (1) according to claim 1, in which the drive system (7, 8) in the focal length adjustment mode can change the general shape of the lens by converting the first general shape, in which the lens is characterized by the first optical power, into the second general shape , at which the lens is characterized by the second optical power; while the difference between the first optical power and the second optical power, i.e. power range is at least 2 diopters. 7. Lens assembly (1) according to claim 1, in which a plurality of actuators (7, 8) are located near the lens body (2) between the peripheral portion of the lens cover (4) and the rear window (3). 8. Lens (1) assembly according to claim 1, in which each of the plurality of drives (7, 8) is provided with a bracket (14) with a first end connected to the frame (6) and a second end configured to engage with a lens cover (4) for applying force, each bracket contains a layer of piezoelectric material (15), and activation of the drive provides for applying voltage to the piezoelectric material. 9. Lens (1) assembly according to claim 1, additionally containing a Central element (9, 10, 25, 26), located inside or near the body (2) of the lens and on the optical axis; in this case, the central element initiates a change in the lens body of the reaction forces along the radius from the side of the lens body when moving - 16 039634 pushing the lens cover towards the rear window (3), the reaction forces decreasing as the radius increases. 10. Lens assembly (1) according to claim 1, further comprising mechanical stops (21) limiting the movement of the lens cover (4) in directions at least substantially along the optical axis. 11. The lens assembly (1) according to claim 7, in which the mechanical stops (21) are formed by parts of the frame (6), and one or more stiffening elements (24) on the peripheral section of the lens cover are arranged so that they engage with mechanical stops. 12. The lens (1) assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a first optical stop adjacent to the cover (4) of the lens, and a second optical stop adjacent to the rear window (3); wherein the first and second optical stops are opaque and set the circles of the holes, and these circles are perpendicular and concentric with respect to the optical axis and set the optical aperture diaphragm of the lens (1) assembly. 13. The lens (1) assembly according to claim 1, in which the cover (4) of the lens contains in its peripheral area one or more stiffeners, such as annular stiffeners (23); at the same time, the drive system contains at least three separately actuated drives (7, 8), each drive from among at least three separately actuated drives (7, 8), each of which is connected to the frame, is connected to one or more stiffening elements . 14. Lens (1) assembly according to claim 1, in which at least one drive or, for example, all drives from among a plurality of separately triggered drives (7, 8) form an assembly with a frame by connecting them to the frame (6) by gluing, or welding, or screwing, or bolting, or riveting. 15. An optical device containing a lens assembly (1, 30, 60 and 32) according to claim 1, characterized in that this optical device can be any device from a camera, microscope, binoculars or telescope, a pair of glasses or eyepieces, wearable display and compact camera. 16. A mobile phone camera comprising a lens assembly (1) according to claim 1, in which the rear window (3) is used as a mobile phone camera cover glass. 17. The lens (1) assembly according to claim 1, in which the lens cover and/or the rear window are characterized by non-zero deflection, while the drive system contains at least three separately actuated drives (7, 8); wherein the drive system (7, 8) provides for a focal length adjustment mode in which all drives are designed to apply force to the lens cover (4) in the same direction to correct the optical power/deflection of the lens; and while the drive system (7, 8) provides an optical image stabilization mode in which the drives are designed to apply different forces to the lens cover (4), varying along the rim of the lens cover so as to tilt the optical axis (5) of the lens.