CN112612069A

CN112612069A - Liquid lens, use method thereof and optical system

Info

Publication number: CN112612069A
Application number: CN202011495313.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 方勇勇; 邱承彬
Original assignee: Shanghai Kuju Technology Co ltd
Current assignee: Shanghai Kuju Technology Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-17
Filing date: 2020-12-17
Publication date: 2021-04-06

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid lens and a using method and an optical system thereof, wherein the liquid lens comprises a first annular electrode, a second annular electrode, a first cover plate, a liquid storage cavity formed by at least the first annular electrode, the second annular electrode and the first cover plate, optical liquid stored in the liquid storage cavity, and a flow control device which is arranged on the side wall of the liquid storage cavity and communicated with the liquid storage cavity so as to control the proportion of conductive liquid and non-conductive liquid. According to the liquid lens, the using method thereof and the optical system, the liquid storage cavity is formed based on the containing area defined by the annular first electrode, the flow control device is designed on the side part of the liquid storage cavity, the proportion of the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid in the liquid storage cavity can be changed through the flow control device, and the liquid lens is simple in structure, high in imaging quality, adjustable in magnification and convenient to integrate, and can be widely applied to optical focusing and zooming systems.

Description

Liquid lens, use method thereof and optical system

Technical Field

The invention belongs to the field of optical devices, and particularly relates to a liquid lens, a using method thereof and an optical system based on the liquid lens.

Background

Optics are key imaging components in many electronic devices such as cell phones, cameras, two-dimensional scanners, and machine vision applications. At present, optical zoom systems in consumer electronics products such as mobile phones and the like on the market mainly adjust relative positions among a plurality of lenses through mechanical devices such as motors, gears and the like to realize zooming, and due to existence of mechanical parts, such lenses are often difficult to miniaturize, slow in zooming speed, expensive in price, short in service life, poor in firmness and the like.

The liquid lens based on the electrowetting principle takes one or two liquids as a base material, and achieves the purpose of zooming by changing the curvature of the liquid surface. The traditional solid lens zooming system needs to drive one or more groups of lenses to move by a stepping/voice coil motor and the like, and has large volume, high cost and slow response. The liquid lens based on the electrowetting principle can perfectly solve the problems, and has the special advantages of high response speed, small occupied space of the structure and good imaging quality. The Phillip company encapsulates two mutually insoluble conductive liquids and insulating silicone oil with different refractive indexes and equal densities in a transparent container, and a layer of hydrophobic film is plated on the inner wall of the container and a transparent cover plate at one end, and the hydrophobic performance of the hydrophobic film is adjusted through voltage to change the interface shape of the liquid, so that the focal length of the lens is changed. The method has a series of advantages of small volume, high zooming speed, long service life, good imaging quality and the like. The liquid lens changes the charge distribution of the conductive solution on the insulating hydrophobic material by applying voltage to change the water drop angle between the conductive solution and the hydrophobic layer, thereby achieving the purpose of changing the interfacial curvature of oil and water and changing the diopter of the lens. The traditional liquid lens is characterized in that the middle of a cylinder is filled with oily liquid and conductive liquid, the inner wall of the cylinder is plated with dielectric materials and hydrophobic materials, and the liquid lens has the effect of a concave mirror under the condition of no voltage. When voltage is applied, due to the electrowetting effect, charges of the conductive liquid and the hydrophobic layer are redistributed so as to change the contact angle between the conductive liquid and the material of the hydrophobic layer, the shape of the interface of the two liquids is changed by changing the initial contact angle, and when the voltage is large enough, a convex lens is formed at the liquid interface.

Currently, a single liquid lens can achieve the focusing function of an optical system. However, in actual photography, the distance between the lens and the sensor (sensor) is fixed, and thus, the imaging magnification of an object at a certain distance is not changed, and the optical zoom function cannot be realized in a true sense. In order to solve the above problem, two liquid lenses are used, one of the liquid lenses is placed in the objective lens group to achieve optical zooming, and the other liquid lens is used as a compensation group to ensure that the position of the image plane is unchanged. However, this results in an increase in the number of lenses and the volume of the lens module, and the control is also complicated. Therefore, how to provide a liquid lens with a compact structure and adjustable magnification, a preparation method and a using method thereof to solve the above technical problems in the prior art is necessary.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a liquid lens, a method for using the same, and an optical system, so as to solve the problems of the prior art that the magnification of the liquid lens is adjustable, which is difficult to be effectively realized, and the structure is not compact.

To achieve the above and other related objects, the present invention provides a liquid lens including at least:

the first electrode is annularly arranged, and the annular first electrode surrounds an accommodating area;

the second electrode is arranged above the accommodating area, and the second electrode and the first electrode are arranged in an insulating mode through a first insulating layer;

the first cover plate is arranged below the accommodating area, the first electrode and the first cover plate are arranged in an insulating mode through a second insulating layer, and at least the first electrode, the first cover plate and the accommodating area form a sealed liquid storage cavity;

the optical liquid is arranged in the liquid storage cavity and comprises immiscible conductive liquid and non-conductive liquid, the conductive liquid is in contact with the second electrode, and the non-conductive liquid is positioned below the conductive liquid;

and the flow control device is arranged on the side wall of the liquid storage cavity and communicated with the liquid storage cavity so as to control the proportion of the conductive liquid to the non-conductive liquid.

Optionally, the flow control device includes a first liquid injection port and a second liquid injection port, which are disposed on the first electrode and communicated with the liquid storage chamber, the first liquid injection port is used for injecting or extracting conductive liquid into the liquid storage chamber, and the second liquid injection port is used for injecting or extracting non-conductive liquid into the liquid storage chamber.

Optionally, the flow control device further includes a first flow control valve disposed at the first liquid injection port and a second flow control valve disposed at the second liquid injection port, wherein the first flow control valve selects any one of the manual control valve and the electric control valve, and the second flow control valve selects any one of the manual control valve and the electric control valve.

Optionally, the liquid lens further includes a liquid storage tube and a second cover, wherein the first cover and the second cover are respectively disposed on two end faces of the liquid storage tube, the liquid storage tube is disposed on the periphery of the first electrode, the second electrode is disposed on a surface of the second cover facing the accommodating area, and the liquid storage tube and the first electrode are both disposed on the basis of the first insulating layer and the second electrode in an insulating manner.

Optionally, the liquid storage tube comprises a glass tube, and the first cover body and the second cover body are both made of glass.

Optionally, a dielectric layer is further sequentially formed on the inner wall of the first electrode, and the material of the dielectric layer is selected from one or more of parylene, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and aluminum oxide.

Optionally, the first electrode is disposed perpendicular to the second electrode.

Optionally, the second electrode is connected to the inner wall of the annular first electrode based on a mounting ring, and the mounting ring is screwed to the first electrode.

Optionally, a first external force absorption layer is arranged on the second electrode, and a second external force absorption layer is arranged on one side, away from the liquid storage cavity, of the first cover plate.

In addition, the present invention provides a method for using the liquid lens according to any one of the above aspects, the method at least comprising the following steps:

providing the liquid lens;

respectively injecting initial conductive liquid and initial non-conductive liquid into the liquid storage cavity;

controlling a power supply connected to the first electrode and the second electrode to apply a voltage between the two electrodes;

and adjusting the output voltage of the power supply to change the focal length of the liquid lens.

Optionally, the using method further comprises the steps of: controlling the flow control device to inject or withdraw a conductive liquid into or from the reservoir chamber, or controlling the flow control device to inject or withdraw a non-conductive liquid into or from the reservoir chamber.

In addition, the present invention provides an optical system including the liquid lens according to any one of the above aspects.

In summary, the liquid lens, the use method thereof and the optical system of the invention form the liquid storage cavity based on the containing area surrounded by the annular first electrode, the flow control device is designed at the side part of the liquid storage cavity, the proportion of the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid in the liquid storage cavity can be changed through the flow control device, and the liquid lens has the advantages of simple structure, high imaging quality, adjustable magnification and convenient integration, and can be widely applied to optical focusing and zooming systems.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid lens structure and adjustments made based thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a liquid lens structure and adjustments made based thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method of using a liquid lens according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a liquid lens according to another embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a first external force absorbing layer according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 6 is a schematic structural view of a second external force absorbing layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the element reference numerals

100. 200, 301 first electrode

101. 201, 302 second electrode

102. 202 first insulating layer

103. 203, 303 first cover plate

104. 204 second insulating layer

105. 205 liquid storage cavity

106. 206 flow control device

107. 207 first pouring outlet

108. 208 second liquid inlet

109. 209, 309 conductive liquid

110. 210, 310 non-conducting liquid

111. 211 first interface

112. 212 second interface

113. 213 third interface

114. 214 liquid storage pipe

115. 215, 305 second cover plate

116. 216 dielectric layer

307 mounting ring

304. 306, 308 sealant layer

311 liquid interface

Detailed Description

The embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to specific embodiments, and other advantages and effects of the present invention will be easily understood by those skilled in the art from the disclosure of the present specification. The invention is capable of other and different embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways, and its several details are capable of modification in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structures are not partially enlarged in general scale for convenience of illustration, and the schematic views are only examples, which should not limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, the three-dimensional dimensions of length, width and depth should be included in the actual fabrication.

For convenience in description, spatial relational terms such as "below," "beneath," "below," "under," "over," "upper," and the like may be used herein to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms of spatial relationship are intended to encompass other orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Further, when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may also be present. In addition, "between … …" as used herein includes both endpoints.

In the context of this application, a structure described as having a first feature "on" a second feature may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features are formed in between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.

It should be noted that the drawings provided in the present embodiment are only for illustrating the basic idea of the present invention, and the drawings only show the components related to the present invention rather than being drawn according to the number, shape and size of the components in actual implementation, and the type, quantity and proportion of each component in actual implementation may be changed freely, and the layout of the components may be more complicated.

As shown in fig. 1, the present invention provides a liquid lens including at least: a first electrode 100, a second electrode 101, a first cover plate 103 and a flow control device 106. The liquid lens forms a liquid storage cavity based on the containing area defined by the annular first electrode, the side part of the liquid storage cavity is provided with the flow control device, the proportion of conductive liquid and non-conductive liquid in the liquid storage cavity can be changed through the flow control device, the liquid lens has a simple structure, high imaging quality and adjustable magnification, is convenient to integrate, and can be widely applied to optical focusing and zooming systems.

The liquid lens of the present embodiment is described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in fig. 1, the liquid lens of the present invention includes a first electrode 100, wherein the first electrode 100 is disposed in a ring shape, and the ring-shaped first electrode 100 encloses a receiving area, and the receiving area is used for forming a liquid storage cavity 105. The accommodating area may be a whole space surrounded by the first electrode 100, or a space surrounded by a part of the structure of the first electrode 100, and may be designed according to the actual situation. It should be noted that the upper and lower portions in the present invention do not strictly represent a limited positional relationship, but only describe an example of a usage manner, and those skilled in the art can change the relationship based on the common sense.

In an example, the material of the first electrode 100 includes any one of metallic iron, iron alloy, metallic copper, copper alloy, metallic aluminum, and aluminum alloy. In another example, the first electrode 100 may further include an ITO film layer, for example, the first electrode 100 is selected to be the ITO film layer. The thickness of the first electrode 100 may be 100nm to 300nm, and may be selected from 120nm, 150nm, 180mn, 200nm, and 250nm, for example.

As shown in fig. 1, the liquid lens of the present invention further includes a second electrode 101, where the second electrode 101 is located above the accommodating area, and it should be noted that the second electrode 101 is located above and strictly right above the accommodating area, and may also extend to other spaces outside the accommodating area, for example, the second electrode 101 may extend to the upper surface of the first electrode 100, and the first electrode 100 may be insulated from each other, and in an example, the first insulating layer 102 may be used to implement the insulating arrangement. The first insulating layer 102 may be a glue layer, and in an example, an organic sealant layer may be used, for example, an epoxy glue. In addition, the material of the second electrode 101 includes, but is not limited to, brass, aluminum alloy, and the like.

As an example, the first electrode 100 is perpendicular to the second electrode 101, and the first electrode 100, which may be considered as a ring shape, encloses a cylindrical receiving area, and the cylindrical receiving area has an axis perpendicular to a surface of the second electrode 101 facing the first electrode 100. In addition, in other examples, the surface of the first electrode 100 surrounding the reservoir may form the receiving area with a taper, and the surface of the first electrode forming the reservoir may have a slope. Of course, the shape of the accommodating area surrounded by the first electrode may be other shapes, and the position relationship between the second electrode and the first electrode may also be other arrangements as long as the function of the liquid lens is realized. In addition, the formed liquid storage cavity can be further provided with a sectional area, namely the inner side wall formed by the first electrode has a multi-section type distribution inclination angle relative to the first electrode.

As shown in fig. 1, the liquid lens of the present invention further includes a first cover plate 103 disposed below the receiving area, and similarly, the first cover plate 103 may further extend to an area outside the receiving area, in an example, an insulating arrangement is implemented between the first electrode 100 and the first cover plate 103 through a second insulating layer 104, the second insulating layer 104 may be a glue layer, and the material may be an organic sealant layer, such as epoxy glue. Based on the above design, the accommodating area surrounded by at least the first electrode 100, the first cover plate 103 and the second electrode 101 forms a sealed liquid storage cavity 105, that is, the accommodating area and other side walls together form the liquid storage cavity 105 for filling liquid in a subsequent liquid lens.

In one example, the liquid storage cavity 105 contains optical liquid, the optical liquid includes conducting liquid 109 and non-conducting liquid 110 with the same density and being immiscible, wherein the conducting liquid 109 is located above the non-conducting liquid 110, different liquid interfaces can be formed between the conducting liquid 109 and the non-conducting liquid 110, the conducting liquid 109 is in contact with the second electrode 101 to realize electrical connection between the conducting liquid 109 and the second electrode 101, the non-conducting liquid 110 is located below the conducting liquid 109 and is separated from the second electrode 101 through the conducting liquid, and in one example, the non-conducting liquid 110 is directly in contact with the first cover plate 103. In one example, the conductive solution 109 includes any one or a mixture of two or more of water, alcohol, and salt solution; the non-conductive solution 110 includes one or a mixture of two of silicone oil and chlorobenzene.

In addition, the liquid lens of the present invention further comprises a flow control device 106, wherein the flow control device 106 is disposed on a sidewall of the liquid storage cavity 105 and is communicated with the liquid storage cavity 105 to control a ratio of the conductive liquid 109 to the non-conductive liquid 110, where the ratio may refer to a volume ratio of the two liquids to realize adjustment of the magnification of the liquid lens.

Illustratively, the flow rate control device 106 includes a first injection port 107 and a second injection port 108, which are disposed on the first electrode 100 and communicate with the reservoir 105, wherein the first injection port 107 is used for injecting or extracting a conductive liquid 109 into the reservoir 105, and the second injection port 108 is used for injecting or extracting a non-conductive liquid 110 into the reservoir 105. In the above description, the first liquid inlet 107 is taken as an example, the first liquid inlet 107 may be a hole directly formed in the side wall of the first electrode 100, or may be a duct formed in the side wall of the first electrode 100, the duct may be formed integrally with the first electrode 100, or may be formed externally based on an opening in the first electrode 100. In one example, the first liquid injection port 107 is correspondingly disposed at the upper portion of the first electrode 100, so as to be disposed corresponding to the conductive liquid 109, such that the first liquid injection port 107 corresponds to the conductive liquid when injecting or extracting the conductive liquid, such as being immersed in the conductive liquid. Similarly, the second pouring outlet 108 may be similarly disposed with reference to the first pouring outlet 107.

As an example, the flow control device 106 further includes a first flow control valve (not shown) disposed at the first liquid injection port 107 and a second flow control valve (not shown) disposed at the second liquid injection port 108, wherein the first flow control valve selects any one of the manual control valve and the electric control valve, and the second flow control valve selects any one of the manual control valve and the electric control valve, and can control input and output of liquid based on the flow control valves. Therefore, the input and output of the two liquids can be regulated and controlled based on the flow control valve. In one example, the first liquid inlet 107 and the second liquid inlet 108 are provided so as to communicate with each other, so that, for example, when the conductive liquid is introduced, the non-conductive liquid can be automatically discharged.

As an example, the liquid lens further includes a liquid storage tube 114 and a second cover 115, wherein the first cover 103 and the second cover 115 are respectively disposed on two end surfaces of the liquid storage tube 114, and the first electrode 100 is disposed on an inner tube wall of the liquid storage tube 114, which is equivalent to the liquid storage tube 114 being sleeved on the periphery of the first electrode 100. The second electrode 101 is disposed on a surface of the second cover 115 facing the receiving area, that is, the second electrode 101 is disposed between the second cover 115 and the first electrode 100. In addition, in one example, the liquid storage tube 114 and the first electrode 100 are both disposed on the basis of the first insulating layer 102 and the second electrode 101 in an insulating manner, the upper surface of the liquid storage tube 114 is flush with the upper surface of the first electrode 100, the first insulating layer 102 is simultaneously formed on the upper surfaces of the two, and the second electrode 101 is formed on the first insulating layer 102.

For example, the liquid storage tube 114 may be a glass tube, and both the first cover 103 and the second cover 115 may be made of glass. Of course, other transparent materials may be selected.

In an example, a transparent window may be formed in the second electrode 101, the second cover plate 115 covers the transparent window, and an edge of the second cover plate 115 is connected to the second electrode 101 through a glue layer, so as to fix the second cover plate 115 and the second electrode 101. So that the first electrode 100, the second electrode 101, the second cover plate 115 and the first cover plate 103 enclose the reservoir 105. In addition, in one example, the first cover plate 103 is disposed parallel to the second cover plate 115.

As an example, a dielectric layer 116 is further formed on the inner wall of the first electrode 100, the dielectric layer 116 is in contact with the optical liquid, and the material of the dielectric layer 116 is selected from one or more of parylene, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and aluminum oxide. In another example, the surface of the first electrode 100 in contact with the conductive liquid is sequentially plated with a dielectric film and a hydrophobic film, constituting the dielectric layer. Wherein the hydrophobic film covers the dielectric film. The dielectric film can prevent the electrodes from being electrically broken down, and the hydrophobic film is advantageous for obtaining a larger initial contact angle to make the retardation of the lens smaller. The dielectric film may be selected from one or more of parylene, tantalum pentoxide, aluminum oxide, silicon nitride. The hydrophobic membrane may be Cytop, AF1600, or other fluoride.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 4, the liquid lens further includes a mounting ring 307, the second electrode 302 is connected to the inner wall of the annular first electrode 301 via the mounting ring 307, and the mounting ring 307 is screwed to the first electrode 301. The first liquid inlet 312 is provided in the first electrode 301, and the second liquid inlet 313 is provided in the second electrode 302. Of course, it is also possible to have a structure as shown in fig. 1, in which the outer edge of the second electrode 101 is disposed on the inner wall of the annular first electrode 100, and is connected by the mounting ring.

In one example, the first electrode 301 may include a housing body and a protrusion, the housing body having a mounting hole therein, including a receiving area for storing a liquid. Wherein the protrusion is provided on a wall of the assembly hole, in one example the protrusion is provided around the wall of the assembly hole. In one embodiment, the projection is two separate parts from the housing body, the projection being mounted in the mounting hole of the housing body. In another embodiment, the protrusion and the shell body are of an integral structure, when the shell body is processed, a tubular shell blank is processed, then pipe holes of the shell blank are processed from two ends of the shell blank, and the diameters of the pipe holes at the two ends of the shell blank are enlarged, so that the shell body with the protrusion in the middle is formed. The outer surface of the mounting ring is provided with the external thread, the inner thread is arranged on the hole wall of the assembling hole, the mounting ring can be connected with the shell through threads, and therefore quick disassembly and maintenance between the mounting ring and the first electrode can be achieved, and the service life of each part in the liquid lens is prolonged. Through set up the collar between first electrode and second electrode, can utilize the collar to improve liquid lens's leakproofness, prevent that liquid lens from appearing phenomenons such as weeping under adverse circumstances such as high temperature, violent vibrations to improve liquid lens's life.

In addition, the inner wall of the assembly hole is provided with internal threads. The length of the internal thread is more than 0.5mm, preferably 1mm-2 mm. The pitch may be set to 0.5mm, 0.75mm, 1mm, 1.25mm, 1.5mm, 1.75mm, 2mm or any value within the interval. . In one example, the mounting ring 307 is further disposed in the mounting hole, and the mounting ring 307 includes a mounting ring body and an extension. The extension portion extends from the end of the mounting ring body toward the second electrode. The outer wall of the mounting ring body is provided with external threads. The mounting ring is connected with the internal thread in the mounting hole through an external thread arranged on the outer wall of the mounting ring body. After the mounting ring is mounted in the mounting hole, the outer side surface of the extension portion is connected with the projection of the first electrode. The extension and the first cover plate 303 are mounted on opposite sides of the projection of the first electrode, respectively. In addition, a sealant layer 304 may be formed between the first cover plate 303 and the first electrode bump to connect the first cover plate and the first electrode.

In addition, in an example, a sealant layer 308 is further formed between the mounting ring 307 and the second electrode 302, and the sealant layer 308 is used for filling a gap between the second electrode 302 and the mounting ring 307. The surface of the second electrode 302 corresponds to the surface of the mounting ring extension. The surface of the extension is connected to the surface of the second electrode 302. In one example, the sealant layer 308 filled between the second electrode 302 and the mounting ring 307 has a "U" shape in cross section.

In one embodiment, the material of the mounting ring 307 is selected from brass, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. The length of the external thread structure arranged on the outer wall of the mounting ring body 1041 is greater than 0.5mm, preferably 1mm-2 mm. The pitch may be set to 0.5mm, 0.75mm, 1mm, 1.25mm, 1.5mm, 1.75mm, 2mm or any value within the interval.

In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the annular ring of the mounting ring 307 is the same as the cross-sectional profile of the second electrode 302. The second electrode 302 is bonded in the annular hole of the mounting ring 307 by a glue layer. The material of the second electrode 302 is brass, aluminum alloy, or the like. In addition, a through hole is formed in the second electrode 302, the through hole penetrates through the second electrode 302, and a second cover plate 305 is mounted in the through hole. In one example, the cross section of the through hole is stepped, and the second cover plate 305 is mounted on the stepped surface of the wall of the through hole. The second cover plate 305 covers the through-hole. In addition, the second cover plate 305 is disposed in parallel with the first cover plate 303. A sealant layer 306 is disposed between the second cover plate 305 and the wall of the through hole. Optionally, glass beads for defining the thickness of the sealant layer are disposed in the sealant layer 306. Glass beads are attached to the hole wall of the through-hole and the surface of the second cover plate 305, respectively. By arranging the glass beads between the second cover plate 305 and the hole wall of the through hole, the thickness of a glue layer between the second cover plate 305 and the hole wall of the through hole can be increased, and the bonding strength between the second cover plate 305 and the hole wall of the through hole is improved. The first sealant layer 103, the third sealant layer 105, and the second sealant layer 108 are all organic sealant layers. In one embodiment, each of the sealant layers 304, 306, 308 is an organic sealant layer, for example, an epoxy sealant is used.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the first cover plate 103 and the thickness of the second cover plate 115 are both less than 0.2 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the first cover plate 103 and the thickness of the second cover plate 115 are both less than 0.15 mm. Through making the thickness of first apron 103 and the thickness of second apron 115 all be less than 0.15mm, can be when the deformation takes place for the optical liquid in sealed cavity under the effect of electrode, first apron 103 and second apron 115 take place slight deformation, provide the deformation space for optical liquid.

In addition, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, as an example, a first external force absorption layer is disposed on the second electrode, and a second external force absorption layer is disposed on a side of the first cover plate away from the liquid storage chamber. In order to protect the liquid lens, a first external force absorbing layer is provided in the first electrode, and a second external force absorbing layer is provided in the second electrode. The first external force absorption layer and the second external force absorption layer can absorb external impact force and prevent the liquid lens from generating bubbles under the impact of external force. Wherein the first external force absorbing layer and the second external force absorbing layer are both suitable for the liquid lens structure shown in fig. 1 and 4.

In one embodiment, a first external force absorbing layer is provided in the first electrode 301 for protecting the liquid lens. As shown in fig. 5, the first external force absorbing layer includes a packing tube 1111 and a first connection tube 1112 provided on an end surface of the packing tube 1111. The wall thickness of first connecting tube 1112 is smaller than the wall thickness of packaging tube 1111. The first connection tube 1112 is concentrically disposed with the package tube 1111. The first connecting pipe 1112 is provided with a plurality of first through holes 1114 distributed in a circular array on the circumferential surface. When the liquid lens falls from a high place, the first through hole arranged in the first external force absorption layer can absorb external impact force, so that the liquid in the liquid lens is prevented from generating bubbles when the liquid lens is impacted or falls, and the service life of the liquid lens is prolonged.

In one embodiment, the first through hole 1114 extends through an annular wall of the first connection tube 1112. The first through hole 1114 is a square hole. The first connecting pipe 1112 is provided with a first end surface 1113. The first external force absorbing layer is installed in a mounting hole surrounded by the first electrode 301, a part of the mounting hole forms a receiving area for storing liquid, the circumferential surface of the sealing tube 1111 is connected with the hole wall of the mounting hole, and in another example, the first end 1113 of the first connecting tube 1112 may be adhered to the first cover plate. The first external force absorbing layer 111 is disposed concentrically with the fitting hole 1013. The light beam is incident into the sealed cavity through the annular hole of the first connection pipe 1112 and the pipe hole of the packaging pipe 1111.

In one embodiment, the material of the first external force absorbing layer is a metal material. The material of the first external force absorbing layer includes iron, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy TC4, and the like. In one embodiment, the yield strength of the first external force absorbing layer is between 400MPa and 1000MPa, for example the yield strength of the first external force absorbing layer is 500MPa, 700MPa or 800MPa, 950 MPa. The thickness of the first external force absorbing layer is 8mm-20mm, for example the thickness of the first external force absorbing layer is 10mm, 12mm or 15 mm. The first connection tube 1112 is arranged coaxially with the package tube 1111. The first connection tube 1112 has a wall thickness of between 0.5mm and 2mm, for example the wall thickness of the first connection tube 1112 is 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm or 1.8 mm. The first connection pipe 1112 is provided with a plurality of first through holes 1114 distributed in a circular array along the circumference of the first connection pipe 1112. The first through hole 1114 has a length in the axial direction of the first connection pipe 1112 of between 0.2mm and 1mm, for example a length of 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm or 0.9 mm. The first through-going hole 1114 has a length along the circumferential surface of the first connection pipe 1112 of between 2mm and 5mm, for example a length of 3mm, 4mm or 4.5 mm.

In one embodiment, a second external force absorbing layer is disposed in the second electrode 302 to protect the liquid lens. As shown in fig. 6, the second external force absorption layer includes a circular plate 1121. The circular plate 1121 is provided with a circular hole 1124. The circular plate 1121 is further provided with a second connection pipe 1122. The annular hole of the second connection pipe 1122 is concentrically disposed with the circular hole 1124. A plurality of second through holes 1123 are formed in the circumferential surface of the second connecting pipe 1122 in a circular array. The height of the second penetration hole 1123 in the axial direction of the second external force absorption layer 112 is between 0.05mm and 0.2 mm. In one embodiment, second through hole 1123 penetrates through the annular wall of second connecting pipe 1122. The second through hole 1123 is a square hole. The second connecting pipe 1122 is provided with a second end face 1125. The second external force absorbing layer 112 is installed in the through hole 1061, the circumferential surface of the circular plate 1121 is connected to the hole wall of the through hole 1061, and the second end face 1125 of the second connecting pipe 1122 is adhered to the second transparent plate 107. The second external force absorbing layer 112 is disposed concentrically with the through hole 1061. The light beam is incident into the sealed chamber through the annular hole of the second connection pipe 1122 and the circular hole 1124. The second external force absorption layer can also absorb external force impacting the liquid lens, and plays a role in preventing liquid in the liquid lens from generating bubbles when the liquid lens is impacted or falls off and prolonging the service life of the liquid lens.

In one embodiment, the parameters of the second external force absorbing layer are the same as the parameters of the first external force absorbing layer.

In another embodiment, the first external force absorbing layer and the second external force absorbing layer may also be made of a flexible material having elasticity. The flexible materials such as rubber and foam can also absorb the impact force of the outside on the liquid lens, and play a role in preventing the liquid lens from generating bubbles when being impacted or falling. In one embodiment, the outer sidewall of the first electrode is also provided with a material layer for absorbing external force, and the material is selected to be compatible with the first external force absorbing layer and the second external force absorbing layer when the liquid lens is impacted by external force, and the material layer for absorbing external force arranged on the outer sidewall can also absorb the impact force of external force to prevent the liquid in the liquid lens from generating bubbles.

In addition, as shown in fig. 3, the present invention further provides a method for using the liquid lens according to any one of the above aspects, the method at least comprising the following steps:

first, step S1 is performed to provide a liquid lens according to any one of the above schemes;

next, step S2 is performed to inject an initial conductive liquid and an initial non-conductive liquid into the liquid storage cavity 105, respectively; the initial conductive liquid and the initial non-conductive liquid may be added in the lens manufacturing process, or may be injected based on the flow control device 106 after the liquid lens is manufactured;

next, step S3 is performed to control the power supplies connected to the first electrode 100 and the second electrode 101 to supply power to the first electrode 100 and the second electrode 101, respectively;

finally, step S4 is performed to adjust the output voltage of the power supply, thereby changing the focal length of the liquid lens.

As an example, referring to fig. 1 and 2, the using method further comprises the steps of: the flow control device 106 is controlled to inject or withdraw a conductive liquid into the reservoir chamber 105, or the flow control device 106 is controlled to inject or withdraw a non-conductive liquid into the reservoir chamber 105. Here, as an example, the non-conductive liquid may be simultaneously extracted (including automatically discharged) when the flow rate control device 106 injects the conductive liquid, and the conductive liquid may be simultaneously extracted (including automatically discharged) when the non-conductive liquid is injected. To change the volume ratio of the two liquids. It should be noted that the adjustment of the ratio of the conducting liquid to the non-conducting liquid based on the flow control device 106 and the adjustment of the voltage across the first and second electrodes based on the power supply may be used in combination, and the step of adjusting the ratio may be selected according to actual requirements.

In one example, the reservoir 105 is connected to a first hydraulic pump for injecting or extracting conductive liquid into or from the reservoir and a second hydraulic pump for injecting or extracting non-conductive liquid into or from the hydraulic chamber; the method further comprises the following steps:

controlling the first hydraulic pump to inject conductive liquid into the liquid storage cavity, and simultaneously controlling the second hydraulic pump to pump non-conductive liquid into the liquid storage cavity; or the second hydraulic pump is controlled to inject non-conductive liquid into the liquid storage cavity, and the first hydraulic pump is controlled to extract the conductive liquid from the liquid storage cavity.

Two specific examples are provided below to further illustrate the method of using the liquid lens of the present invention.

In one example, as shown in fig. 1, at an initial time, a first interface 111 is formed between the conductive liquid 109 and the non-conductive liquid 110, and at this time, the imaging magnification of the liquid lens is γ₁. In addition, based on the flow control device 106 adding the conductive liquid 109 to the liquid storage cavity 105, the volume of the conductive liquid 109 is increased, the volume ratio of the conductive liquid 109 and the non-conductive liquid 110 is changed, the liquid interface is changed from a first interface 111 to a second interface 112, and the imaging magnification is changed from gamma₁Becomes gamma₂. Thereby, the magnification of the liquid lens can be adjusted. In addition, in one example, the voltage across the first electrode 100 and the second electrode 101 can be changed to change the hydrophobic angle of the dielectric layer, change the liquid interface between the two liquids from the second interface 112 to the third interface 113, and change γ₂The image is clear under magnification.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 2, at an initial time, the liquid interface formed between the conducting liquid 209 and the non-conducting liquid 210 is a first interface211 at the time, the imaging magnification of the liquid lens is gamma₁. In addition, the voltage across the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 201 is changed, thereby changing the hydrophobic angle of the dielectric layer, so that the liquid interface between the two liquids is changed from the first interface 211 to the second interface 212. In addition, based on the flow control device 206 adding the conductive liquid 209 into the liquid storage cavity 205, the volume of the conductive liquid 209 is increased, the volume ratio of the conductive liquid 209 to the non-conductive liquid 210 is changed, the liquid interface is changed from a second interface 212 to a third interface 213, and the imaging magnification is changed from gamma₁Becomes gamma₂. Therefore, the magnification of the liquid lens can be adjusted, and clear imaging can be realized.

The present invention also provides an optical system including the liquid lens according to any one of the above embodiments, but may include other existing components, and may be any optical system to which a liquid lens is applied.

In summary, the liquid lens, the use method thereof and the optical system of the invention form the liquid storage cavity based on the containing area surrounded by the annular first electrode, the flow control device is designed at the side part of the liquid storage cavity, the proportion of the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid in the liquid storage cavity can be changed through the flow control device, and the liquid lens has the advantages of simple structure, high imaging quality, adjustable magnification and convenient integration, and can be widely applied to optical focusing and zooming systems. Therefore, the invention effectively overcomes various defects in the prior art and has high industrial utilization value.

The foregoing embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and utilities of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or change the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all equivalent modifications or changes which can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical spirit of the present invention be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid lens, comprising:

the optical liquid is arranged in the liquid storage cavity and comprises immiscible conductive liquid and non-conductive liquid, the conductive liquid is in contact with the second electrode, and the non-conductive liquid is positioned below the conductive liquid; and

2. The liquid lens according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate control means includes a first liquid injection port and a second liquid injection port provided on the first electrode and communicating with the reservoir chamber, the first liquid injection port being used for injecting or extracting a conductive liquid into or from the reservoir chamber, the second liquid injection port being used for injecting or extracting a non-conductive liquid into or from the reservoir chamber.

3. The liquid lens according to claim 2, wherein the flow rate control device further comprises a first flow rate control valve provided at the first liquid injection port and a second flow rate control valve provided at the second liquid injection port, wherein the first flow rate control valve selects any one of a manual control valve and an electric control valve, and the second flow rate control valve selects any one of a manual control valve and an electric control valve.

4. The liquid lens according to claim 1, further comprising a reservoir and a second cover, wherein the first cover and the second cover are respectively disposed on two end surfaces of the reservoir, the reservoir is disposed at a periphery of the first electrode, the second electrode is disposed at a side of the second cover facing the receiving area, and the reservoir and the first electrode are both disposed on the basis of the first insulating layer and insulated from the second electrode.

5. The liquid lens according to claim 4, wherein the reservoir tube comprises a glass tube, and the first cover and the second cover are both made of glass.

6. The liquid lens according to claim 1, wherein a dielectric layer is further formed on the inner wall of the first electrode, and the material of the dielectric layer is selected from one or more of parylene, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and aluminum oxide.

7. The liquid lens of claim 1, wherein the first electrode is disposed perpendicular to the second electrode.

8. The liquid lens according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second electrode is connected to the inner wall of the annular first electrode by a mounting ring, and the mounting ring is screwed to the first electrode.

9. The liquid lens according to claim 8, wherein a first external force absorbing layer is disposed on the second electrode, and a second external force absorbing layer is disposed on a side of the first cover plate away from the liquid storage chamber.

10. A method of using a liquid lens according to any of claims 1-9, comprising the steps of:

providing the liquid lens;

11. The method of use of claim 10, further comprising the steps of: controlling the flow control device to inject or withdraw a conductive liquid into or from the reservoir chamber, or controlling the flow control device to inject or withdraw a non-conductive liquid into or from the reservoir chamber.

12. An optical system comprising a liquid lens according to any one of claims 1 to 9.