CN115480328A

CN115480328A - Liquid lens, camera device, mobile terminal and liquid lens zooming method

Info

Publication number: CN115480328A
Application number: CN202110665479.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘江伟
Original assignee: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co Ltd
Current assignee: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-16
Filing date: 2021-06-16
Publication date: 2022-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-16

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a liquid lens, a camera device, a mobile terminal and a liquid lens zooming method. The liquid lens includes: a first support part provided with an inflow port and an outflow port; the light-transmitting film is arranged on the first supporting part and forms a first cavity with the first supporting part, and fluid is filled in the first cavity; when fluid flows into the first cavity from the inflow port, the fluid in the first cavity extrudes the light-transmitting film to deform the light-transmitting film so as to change the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film; or when the fluid in the first cavity flows out of the outflow opening, the light-transmitting film restores to deform so as to change the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film. This disclosure is through the mode that the fluid is supplemented or is flowed out from first cavity inside to the inflow entrance or the outflow of first supporting part, directly extrudees the printing opacity membrane through the fluid and warp or make the printing opacity membrane resume deformation to change the curvature on printing opacity membrane surface, thereby can improve the precision of zooming.

Description

Liquid lens, camera device, mobile terminal and liquid lens zooming method

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of imaging technologies, and in particular, to a liquid lens, an imaging apparatus, a mobile terminal, and a liquid lens zooming method.

Background

With the rapid development of electronic consumer products, electronic devices such as smart phones have been greatly pursued from the traditional functions of communication, information sending, and the like to the aspects of image technology, screen technology, charging technology, and the like, wherein the image technology is widely used in the daily life of people as a fulcrum for people to record life.

In order to satisfy the great pursuit of consumers for images and simultaneously realize the functions of long focus and macro, liquid lenses are increasingly applied to electronic equipment. At present, most of the zooming principles of liquid lenses are that a voice coil motor drives a mover to move, and the mover extrudes a film of the liquid lens, so as to change the curvature of the liquid lens.

However, the method of pressing or pulling the liquid lens film by a mechanical member such as a mover has a problem of poor zooming accuracy.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to overcome the problems in the related art, the present disclosure provides a liquid lens, an image pickup apparatus, a mobile terminal, and a liquid lens zooming method.

According to a first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid lens, including: a first support part provided with an inflow port and an outflow port; the light-transmitting film is arranged on the first supporting part and forms a first cavity with the first supporting part, and fluid is filled in the first cavity; when the fluid flows into the first cavity from the inflow port, the fluid in the first cavity presses the light-transmitting film to deform the light-transmitting film so as to change the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film; or, in a state that the fluid in the first cavity flows out of the outflow port, the light-transmitting film recovers deformation to change the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film.

According to some embodiments of the disclosure, comprising: a second support portion; the driving component is arranged on the second supporting part, forms a second cavity with the second supporting part, is communicated with the first cavity through the inflow port and is used for driving the fluid in the second cavity to flow into the first cavity through the inflow port; a third supporting part formed with a third cavity communicated with the first cavity through the outflow port; and the control valve is used for controlling the opening or closing of the outflow port.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the driving member includes a first piezoelectric member, and the first piezoelectric member is configured to be deformed by being energized to press the fluid in the second cavity, so that the fluid flows into the first cavity through the inflow port.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control valve includes a second piezoelectric member disposed at the outflow port, the second piezoelectric member being electrically deformed to open or close the outflow port.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second cavity is in communication with the third cavity via a conduit.

According to some embodiments of the disclosure, comprising: the first one-way valve is arranged at the inflow port and used for allowing the fluid in the second cavity to flow to the first cavity and preventing the fluid in the first cavity from flowing to the second cavity; the second one-way valve is arranged on the pipeline or the second supporting part and used for allowing the fluid in the third cavity to flow to the second cavity and preventing the fluid in the second cavity from flowing to the third cavity.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second support portion extends from an outer wall of the first support portion to form an annular arm, and the first piezoelectric member is hermetically fixed at a periphery of the annular arm, wherein the first piezoelectric member, the annular arm and a part of the outer wall of the first support portion together form the second cavity; the third supporting part is fixed on the outer wall of the first supporting part and is opposite to the third cavity formed by the outer wall of the first supporting part.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first supporting portion includes an annular peripheral wall and a transparent substrate fixed to a lower end portion of the annular peripheral wall, and the light transmissive film is fixed to an upper end portion of the annular peripheral wall.

According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided an image pickup apparatus including: a liquid lens as described in any embodiment of the first aspect above; and the image sensor is arranged on the imaging side of the liquid lens, and the light refracted by the liquid lens is incident on the image sensor to form an image.

According to a third aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is also provided a mobile terminal, including: the image pickup apparatus according to any one of the embodiments of the second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is further provided a liquid lens zooming method applied to the liquid lens of any of the embodiments of the first aspect, the method including: the fluid flows into the first cavity from the inflow port of the first support component, so that the fluid in the first cavity extrudes the light-transmitting film, the light-transmitting film is deformed, and the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film is changed; and/or the fluid in the first cavity flows out of the outflow port to restore the deformation of the light-transmitting film so as to change the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film.

The technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the disclosure can have the following beneficial effects:

the liquid lens of the embodiment of the disclosure, in a manner that the fluid is supplemented to the inside of the first cavity or flows out from the inside of the first cavity through the inflow port or the outflow port of the first support part, directly extrudes the light-transmitting film through the fluid to deform or enables the light-transmitting film to recover the deformation, so as to change the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film. Compare in traditional voice coil motor drive connection structure extrusion or drag the mode that printing opacity membrane produced deformation, the fluid volume that flows in and flows out in the first cavity is controlled more easily, and printing opacity membrane takes place deformation surface curvature and changes more accurately, can improve the precision of zooming.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image pickup apparatus shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid lens according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a one-way valve configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view illustrating another perspective structure of a check valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile terminal shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a liquid lens zooming method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, like numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The implementations described in the exemplary embodiments below are not intended to represent all implementations consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present disclosure, as detailed in the appended claims.

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image pickup apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid lens according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile terminal shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 1, 2 and 5, a liquid lens 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed in an image pickup apparatus 200. The camera device 200 may be applied to the mobile terminal 300, and is used for providing functions of taking pictures or recording videos for the mobile terminal 300. The mobile terminal 300 may be a mobile phone, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a wearable device such as a smart band and a smart watch, an electronic device with a photographing or shooting function such as a camera, a video camera, a vehicle data recorder, and an unmanned aerial vehicle. In the following description, the imaging apparatus 200 provided in a mobile phone is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The mobile terminal 300 may include a housing 310 and a camera device 200, a processor, a display screen, etc., disposed within the housing 310.

In some embodiments, the camera device 200 may have a continuous focusing, anti-shake function, wherein the anti-shake function may be used to eliminate imaging blur caused by shake of the mobile terminal 300 to obtain a clearer image. The shaking of the mobile terminal 300 may be vibration (shaking) or rotation generated as a result of a user holding the mobile terminal 300 in his/her hand, or vibration (shaking) or rotation generated during movement of a mobile device carrying the mobile terminal 300. The moving device may be, for example, a moving frame or a traveling vehicle.

In some embodiments, the camera device 200 may be used as a rear camera of the mobile terminal 300. In other embodiments, the camera device 200 may be used as a front camera of the mobile terminal 300. Whether the camera device 200 is a front camera or a rear camera of the mobile terminal 300, the number thereof may be one or more.

The display screen is used for displaying images or videos captured by the image capturing apparatus 200. The processor may be used to control the mobile terminal 300 to perform various functions. For example, controls the image pickup device 200 to perform functions such as anti-shake and continuous focusing.

As shown in fig. 2, the liquid lens 100 of the embodiment of the disclosure may include a first support part 2 and a light-transmitting film 1.

The first support part 2 may have a hollow cylindrical shape, and an axis of the hollow cylindrical shape may substantially coincide with an optical axis of the liquid lens 100. The light-transmitting film 1 is disposed on the first supporting portion 2, and forms a first cavity 9 with the first supporting portion 2. The first support 2 may be a rigid structure to facilitate supporting and holding the light transmissive film 1. The first support 2 may include a bottom wall 21 and a peripheral wall, and the light transmissive film 1 is hermetically fixed to a top edge of the peripheral wall, so that the bottom wall 21, the peripheral wall, and the light transmissive film 1 of the first support 2 form the first cavity 9.

The bottom wall 21 and the peripheral wall may be integrally formed or may be provided separately. The bottom wall 21 may be a transparent substrate made of a rigid material and fixed to the peripheral wall by gluing so as to allow light to pass through. The transparent substrate may be a glass plate, a transparent crystal plate, a transparent rigid polymer, or the like.

The light-transmitting film 1 may be made of a flexible transparent material and is not prone to water seepage. For example, transparent and elastic films made of polyolefins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polyethers, polyesters, polyamides, and polyurethanes.

The first cavity 9 is filled with a fluid, which is a colorless transparent liquid so as to facilitate light to pass through. The colorless transparent liquid can be water, mineral oil, glycerol, silicone, etc.

The first support part 2 is provided with an inflow port 201 and an outflow port 203. The inflow port 201 and the outflow port 203 may be provided in the peripheral wall of the first support part 2 to communicate with the first cavity 9. For example, the inflow port 201 faces the outflow port 203. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the inflow port 201 and the outflow port 203 may be disposed not to face each other, for example, at a certain distance. The external fluid flows into the first chamber 9 through the inflow port 201, and the fluid in the first chamber 9 flows out through the outflow port 203. When fluid flows into the first cavity 9 from the inflow port 201, the fluid in the first cavity 9 is increased to press the light-transmitting film 1, so that the light-transmitting film 1 is deformed to change the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film 1; alternatively, when the fluid in the first chamber 9 flows out from the outflow port 203, the fluid in the first chamber 9 decreases, and the light transmissive film 1 recovers its shape to change the curvature of the surface of the light transmissive film 1.

When the light-transmitting film is used, the outlet 203 of the first supporting part 2 can be closed, the inlet 201 is opened, external fluid flows into the first cavity 9 through the inlet 201, the fluid in the first cavity 9 extrudes the light-transmitting film 1, and the light-transmitting film 1 protrudes and deforms to change the surface curvature. The fluid in the first chamber 9 can flow out through the outlet port 203 without flowing external fluid into the first chamber 9 through the inlet port 201 by closing the inlet port 201 of the first support 2 and opening the outlet port 203, and the fluid in the first chamber 9 can be reduced and the light-transmitting film 1 can be restored to change its surface curvature. The zoom of the imaging device can be realized by the change of the curvature of the light transmissive film 1. Furthermore, the continuous zooming of the camera device can be realized by controlling the inflow or outflow of the fluid in the first cavity 9.

In the liquid lens 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid is supplemented into the first cavity 9 through the inflow port 201 or the outflow port 203 of the first supporting portion 2 or flows out of the first cavity 9, and the light transmissive film 1 is directly deformed by the fluid pressing or the light transmissive film 1 is deformed again, so as to change the curvature of the surface of the light transmissive film 1. Compare in traditional voice coil motor drive connection structure extrusion or drag printing opacity membrane and produce the mode of deformation, the inflow or the outflow of the fluid volume in first cavity 9 are more easily controlled, and printing opacity membrane 1 takes place deformation surface curvature and changes more accurately, can improve the precision of zooming like this.

In some embodiments, the liquid lens 100 further includes a second support portion, a driving member 4, a third support portion, and a control valve. The driving member 4 and the second supporting portion form a second cavity 3, the second cavity 3 is communicated with the first cavity 9 through the inlet 201, and the second cavity 3 is filled with fluid. The driving member 4 is used for driving the fluid in the second cavity 3 to flow into the first cavity 9 through the inflow port 201, so that the fluid in the first cavity 9 presses the light-transmitting film 1, the light-transmitting film 1 is deformed, and the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film 1 is changed. The third supporting portion is formed with a third cavity 7, the third cavity 7 is communicated with the first cavity 9 through the outflow port 203, and the second cavity 3 is communicated with the third cavity 7 through the pipeline 6. The control valve is used to control the outflow port 203 to be opened or closed.

When the device is used, the control valve controls the outlet 203 to be closed, the driving component 4 drives the fluid in the second cavity 3 to flow into the first cavity 9 through the inlet 201, the fluid in the first cavity 9 presses the light-transmitting film 1, and the light-transmitting film 1 protrudes and deforms to change the curvature of the surface. The control valve controls the opening of the outflow port 203, the fluid in the first cavity 9 flows out into the third cavity 7 through the outflow port 203, the fluid in the first cavity 9 is reduced, and the light-transmitting film 1 recovers to deform so that the surface curvature changes. The second cavity 3 and the third cavity 7 are communicated through a pipeline 6, a diversion port 202 is arranged on the second supporting portion, and fluid in the third cavity 7 flows back to the second cavity 3 through the diversion port 202. A second check valve 52 is disposed at the diversion port 202 or the pipeline 6, and the second check valve 52 only allows the fluid in the third cavity 3 to flow into the second cavity 3, but prevents the fluid in the second cavity 3 from flowing into the third cavity 7, so as to adjust the fluid balance between the two cavities.

In some embodiments, the driving member 4 may be a first piezoelectric member, and the first piezoelectric member is energized to deform and squeeze the fluid in the second chamber 3, so that the fluid flows into the first chamber 9 through the inflow port 201.

When the piezoelectric film is used, the first piezoelectric component is electrified, the first piezoelectric component deforms to extrude fluid in the second cavity 3, the fluid in the second cavity 3 flows into the first cavity 9 through the inflow port 201, and the fluid in the first cavity 9 extrudes the light-transmitting film 1 to deform, so that the surface curvature changes. The first piezoelectric member may be a piezoelectric ceramic.

Specifically, the outer wall of the first support part 2 extends towards the outside with an annular arm, and the first piezoelectric element is fixed at the periphery of the annular arm in a sealing manner, so that the first piezoelectric element, the annular arm and part of the outer wall of the first support part 2 together form the second cavity 3. The annular support arm can be in a ring shape, the first piezoelectric component can be in a circular shape, and the circular first piezoelectric component is fixed on the periphery of the annular support arm through the sealant. But not limited thereto, the annular arm may also be rectangular or other shapes.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid in the second cavity 3 is extruded to the first cavity 1 by the way that the first piezoelectric component is electrified to deform itself, and the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film 1 is changed by the way that the fluid in the first cavity 1 extrudes the light-transmitting film 1 to deform. The magnitude of the vibration of the first piezoelectric member can be controlled by controlling the magnitude of the current flowing into the first piezoelectric member to control the magnitude of the deformation of the first piezoelectric member, thereby controlling the magnitude of the flow of fluid from the second chamber 3 into the first chamber 1. Because the vibration amplitude range of the first piezoelectric component is very small, the flow rate of the fluid flowing into the first cavity 1 from the second cavity 3 can be accurately controlled, and therefore, the surface curvature of the light-transmitting film 1 can be accurately controlled, and a better continuous zooming effect can be obtained. In addition, compare in voice coil motor magnetic drive's mode, piezoelectric drive does not produce magnetic interference, also can not receive the interference of other magnetism devices of inhaling, ensures to zoom more accurately. The power density of the piezoelectric drive is high, and the output power is higher than that of the electromagnetic drive in a small-size use scene.

In some embodiments, the control valve may comprise a second piezo member 8 arranged at the outflow opening 203, the second piezo member 8 being electrically deformable to open or close the outflow opening 203.

When the liquid transmission membrane is used, the second piezoelectric member 8 is electrified, the second piezoelectric member deforms, the second piezoelectric member 8 is separated from the outflow port 203, the fluid in the first cavity 9 flows out to the third cavity 7 through the outflow port 203, the fluid in the first cavity 9 is reduced, the light transmission membrane 1 restores to deform, and the surface curvature changes. The amount of fluid flowing out of the outflow port 203 can be adjusted by controlling the amount of current flowing through the second piezoelectric member to control the amount of deformation of the light-transmissive film 1, and the surface curvature can be changed by controlling the magnitude of the current flowing through the second piezoelectric member to control the amplitude of vibration of the second piezoelectric member to adjust the amount of deformation of the second piezoelectric member 8. The second piezoelectric member may be a piezoelectric ceramic.

Specifically, the third support portion may be formed by extending outward from the outer wall of the first support portion 2, so that the third support portion and a part of the outer wall of the first support portion 2 form a sealed third cavity 7. The second piezoelectric member 8 may have a plate shape, be fixed in the third cavity 7 formed by the third support portion, and block the outflow port 203.

The control flow outlet 203 is opened or closed by the power-on and power-off of the second piezoelectric component 8 to control the fluid in the first cavity 9 to flow out, and the surface curvature of the light-transmitting film 1 is changed, because the vibration amplitude range of the second piezoelectric component 8 is very small, the fluid flow flowing from the first cavity 9 to the third cavity 7 can be accurately controlled, and therefore, the surface curvature of the light-transmitting film 1 can be accurately controlled, and a better continuous zooming effect can be obtained

In some embodiments, the liquid lens 100 further includes a first check valve 51 and a second check valve 52. The first check valve 51 is disposed at the inflow port, and is configured to allow the fluid in the second cavity 3 to flow to the first cavity 9, and prevent the fluid in the first cavity 9 from flowing to the second cavity 3. The second check valve 52 is disposed on the pipeline 6 or the second supporting portion, and is used for allowing the fluid in the third cavity 7 to flow to the second cavity 3, and preventing the fluid in the second cavity 3 from flowing to the third cavity 7. Thus, the fluid in the first cavity 9 is supplemented through the second cavity 3, the fluid in the second cavity 3 is supplemented through the third cavity 7, and the fluid is circulated in a single direction.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a check valve structure shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a schematic view illustrating another perspective structure of a check valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, taking the first check valve 51 as an example, the first check valve 51 includes a body 511, a sealing portion 513, and an elastic connection portion 512. The body 511 is provided with a through hole, and the sealing portion 513 is connected to the body 511 through a plurality of elastic connection portions 512 arranged at intervals. In an initial state, the sealing portion 513 blocks the through hole of the body 511, when fluid flows into the first cavity 9 from the second cavity 3, the sealing portion 513 is separated from the body 511 by the self pressure of the fluid to open the through hole, at this time, the elastic connection portion 512 extends, the fluid flows into the first cavity 9 through the through hole and the gaps between the elastic connection portions (as shown by arrows in fig. 4), and when the fluid is not required to flow into the first cavity from the second cavity 3, the elastic connection portion 512 recovers to deform, so that the sealing portion 513 blocks the through hole of the body 511 to prevent the fluid in the first cavity 9 from flowing into the second cavity 3.

To sum up, when the liquid lens 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is used, the outflow port 203 of the first cavity 9 is sealed by the second piezoelectric component 8, the first piezoelectric component is energized to deform itself, and the fluid in the second cavity 3 is squeezed, and the fluid flows into the first cavity 9 through the first check valve 51, and the fluid in the first cavity 9 increases to squeeze the transparent film 1, so that the transparent film 1 deforms, and the curvature of the surface changes, thereby achieving zooming. The second piezoelectric member 8 is electrified to deform itself and is separated from the outlet 203 of the first cavity 9, and the fluid in the first cavity 9 flows into the third cavity 7 through the outlet, so that the fluid in the first cavity 9 is reduced, the light-transmitting film 1 is deformed again, the surface curvature is changed, and zooming is realized. The fluid in the third chamber 7 flows into the second chamber 3 through the second check valve 52 via the conduit 6 to replenish the fluid in the second chamber 3.

There is also provided an image pickup apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in fig. 1, the image pickup apparatus 200 including the liquid lens 100 according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments, and an image sensor. The image sensor is disposed at an image forming side of the liquid lens 100, and light refracted by the liquid lens 100 is incident on the image sensor for image formation.

The liquid lens 100 is used for receiving incident light reflected by an object to be photographed and converging visible light to an image sensor. The liquid lens 100 has an entrance side and an exit side. The light incident side is a side close to an object to be photographed and is also called an object side. The light-emitting side is the side close to the image sensor, also called imaging side.

The image sensor is located on the light-emitting side of the liquid lens 100. The light-sensing surface of the image sensor may face the liquid lens 100, and the center of the light-sensing surface is located on the optical axis O of the liquid lens 100, and is used for receiving incident light emitted from the light-emitting side of the liquid lens 100 and converting an optical signal into an electrical signal. The image sensor may transmit the generated image to the processor.

In some embodiments, the image sensor may be a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS).

The image pickup apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure changes the curvature of the surface of the light transmissive film 1 by directly pressing the light transmissive film 1 with the fluid to deform or restoring the light transmissive film 1 to deform in a manner that the fluid is supplemented into the first cavity 9 or flows out of the first cavity 9 through the inflow port 201 or the outflow port 203 of the first support 2. Compare in traditional voice coil motor drive connection structure extrusion or pull the printing opacity membrane and produce the mode of deformation and compare, the fluid volume that flows in and flow out in first cavity 9 is controlled more easily, and printing opacity membrane 1 takes place deformation surface curvature and changes more accurately, can improve the precision of zooming like this.

Through the cooperation of first piezoelectric part and second piezoelectric part 8, the fluid flow that flows into first cavity 1 from second cavity 3 is accurate control, consequently, the light-transmitting film 1 surface curvature can accurate control to can obtain the continuous effect of zooming of preferred. In addition, compare in voice coil motor magnetic drive's mode, piezoelectric drive does not produce magnetic interference, also can not receive the interference of other magnetism devices of inhaling, ensures to zoom more accurately. The power density of the piezoelectric drive is high, and in a small-size use scene, the output power is higher than that of the electromagnetic drive.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is also provided a mobile terminal 300, as shown in fig. 5, the mobile terminal 300 includes a housing 310 and a camera device 200 supported on the housing 310. The camera device 200 is used for providing functions such as photographing or video recording for the mobile terminal 300. The mobile terminal 300 may be a mobile phone, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a wearable device such as a smart band and a smart watch, a camera, a video camera, a vehicle data recorder, an unmanned aerial vehicle, and other electronic devices having a photographing or image capturing function.

In one example, the light incident side of the camera device 200 may face the front of the mobile terminal 300 to serve as a front camera of the mobile terminal 300. In another example, the light incident side of the camera device 200 may face the back side of the mobile terminal 300, serving as a rear camera of the mobile terminal 300. The number of the camera device 200 may be one or more, regardless of whether it is a front camera or a rear camera of the mobile terminal 300.

The display screen is used for displaying images or videos captured by the image capturing apparatus 200. The processor may be used to control the mobile terminal 300 to perform various functions. For example, controls the image pickup device 200 to perform functions such as anti-shake and focusing.

The mobile terminal 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is configured with the image capturing device 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and the first piezoelectric component and the second piezoelectric component 8 are matched to precisely control the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the second cavity 3 into the first cavity 1, so that the curvature of the surface of the transparent film 1 can be precisely controlled, and a better continuous zooming effect can be obtained. In addition, compare in voice coil motor magnetic drive's mode, piezoelectric drive does not produce magnetic interference, also can not receive the interference of other magnetism devices of inhaling, ensures to zoom more accurately. The power density of the piezoelectric drive is high, and the output power is higher than that of the electromagnetic drive in a small-size use scene.

There is also provided a liquid lens zooming method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in fig. 6, the method includes step S11 and/or step S12.

In step S11, the fluid flows into the first cavity through the inlet of the first supporting member, and the fluid in the first cavity presses the light transmissive film to deform the light transmissive film, thereby changing the curvature of the surface of the light transmissive film.

In step S12, the fluid in the first chamber flows out from the outflow port, and the light-transmissive film is deformed to change the curvature of the surface of the light-transmissive film.

When the light-transmitting film is used, the outlet 203 of the first supporting part 2 can be closed, the inlet 201 is opened, external fluid flows into the first cavity 9 through the inlet 201, the fluid in the first cavity 9 extrudes the light-transmitting film 1, and the light-transmitting film 1 protrudes and deforms to change the surface curvature. The fluid in the first chamber 9 can flow out through the outlet port 203 without flowing external fluid into the first chamber 9 through the inlet port 201 by closing the inlet port 201 of the first support 2 and opening the outlet port 203, and the fluid in the first chamber 9 can be reduced and the light-transmitting film 1 can be restored to change its surface curvature. Zooming of the image pickup apparatus can be realized by changing the curvature of the light-transmitting film 1. Furthermore, the continuous zooming of the camera device can be realized by controlling the inflow or outflow of the fluid in the first cavity 9.

In the liquid lens zooming method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid is supplemented into the first cavity 9 or flows out from the first cavity 9 through the inlet 201 or the outlet 203 of the first support part 2, and the light transmissive film 1 is directly extruded by the fluid to deform or the light transmissive film 1 is deformed again, so as to change the curvature of the surface of the light transmissive film 1. Compare in traditional voice coil motor drive mode extrusion or pull printing opacity membrane and produce the mode of deformation, the fluid volume that flows in and flow out in first cavity 9 is controlled more easily, and printing opacity membrane 1 takes place deformation surface curvature and changes more accurately, can improve the precision of zooming like this.

It is understood that "plurality" in this disclosure means two or more, and other terms are analogous. "and/or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, meaning that there may be three relationships, e.g., a and/or B, which may mean: a exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character "/" generally indicates that the former and latter associated objects are in an "or" relationship. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It will be further understood that the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to describe various information and that such information should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one type of information from another and do not denote a particular order or importance. Indeed, the terms "first," "second," and the like are fully interchangeable. For example, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be further understood that the terms "central," "longitudinal," "lateral," "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and the like are used in an orientation or positional relationship indicated in the drawings for convenience in describing the present embodiment and to simplify the description, but do not indicate or imply that the referenced device or element must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation.

It is further understood that, unless otherwise specified, "connected" includes direct connections between the two without other elements and indirect connections between the two with other elements.

It is further to be understood that while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this is not to be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in serial order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure following, in general, the principles of the disclosure and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the disclosure pertains. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

It will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements described above and shown in the drawings and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid lens, comprising:

a first support part provided with an inflow port and an outflow port;

the light-transmitting film is arranged on the first supporting part and forms a first cavity with the first supporting part, and fluid is filled in the first cavity;

when fluid flows into the first cavity from the inflow port, the fluid in the first cavity extrudes the light-transmitting film to deform the light-transmitting film so as to change the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film; or, the light-transmitting film restores to be deformed to change the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film in the state that the fluid in the first cavity flows out from the outflow port.

2. A liquid lens as recited in claim 1, comprising:

a second support portion;

the driving component is arranged on the second supporting part, forms a second cavity with the second supporting part, is communicated with the first cavity through the inflow port, and is used for driving the fluid in the second cavity to flow into the first cavity through the inflow port;

a third supporting part formed with a third cavity communicated with the first cavity through the outflow port;

and the control valve is used for controlling the opening or closing of the outflow port.

3. The liquid lens of claim 2,

the driving component comprises a first piezoelectric component, and the first piezoelectric component is electrified to deform and extrude the fluid in the second cavity so that the fluid flows into the first cavity through the inflow port.

4. The liquid lens of claim 2,

the control valve comprises a second piezoelectric component which is arranged at the outflow opening, and the second piezoelectric component is electrified to deform so as to open or close the outflow opening.

5. A liquid lens according to any one of claims 2-4,

the second cavity is communicated with the third cavity through a pipeline.

6. A liquid lens as recited in claim 5, comprising:

the first one-way valve is arranged at the inflow port and used for allowing the fluid in the second cavity to flow to the first cavity and preventing the fluid in the first cavity from flowing to the second cavity;

the second one-way valve is arranged on the pipeline or the second supporting part and used for allowing the fluid in the third cavity to flow to the second cavity and preventing the fluid in the second cavity from flowing to the third cavity.

7. A liquid lens according to claim 3,

the second supporting part extends outwards from the outer wall of the first supporting part to form an annular supporting arm, the first piezoelectric part is fixed at the periphery of the annular supporting arm in a sealing mode, and the first piezoelectric part, the annular supporting arm and part of the outer wall of the first supporting part form the second cavity together;

the third supporting part is fixed on the outer wall of the first supporting part, and a third cavity is formed by the third supporting part and the outer wall of the first supporting part.

8. The liquid lens of claim 1,

the first supporting part comprises an annular peripheral wall and a transparent substrate, the transparent substrate is fixed at the lower end part of the annular peripheral wall, and the light-transmitting film is fixed at the upper end part of the annular peripheral wall.

9. An image pickup apparatus, comprising:

a liquid lens as claimed in any one of claims 1-8;

and the image sensor is arranged on the imaging side of the liquid lens, and the light refracted by the liquid lens is incident on the image sensor to form an image.

10. A mobile terminal, comprising:

the image pickup apparatus according to claim 9.

11. A liquid lens zooming method, applied to the liquid lens claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising:

the fluid flows into the first cavity from the inflow port of the first support component, so that the fluid in the first cavity extrudes the light-transmitting film, the light-transmitting film is deformed, and the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film is changed; and/or

And the fluid in the first cavity flows out of the outflow hole to restore the deformation of the light-transmitting film so as to change the curvature of the surface of the light-transmitting film.