Liquid lens and optical module containing same

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of optical technology. It provides a liquid lens and an optical module containing the same. The liquid lens includes a fixed ring with a first ring body. The first ring body has a receiving area, which is sealed by an elastic membrane and filled with an optical liquid. Along the direction from the bottom interface to the top interface of the receiving area, the radial distance between the inner wall surface of the first ring body and the central axis of the first ring body gradually decreases, and a hydrophobic layer is provided on the inner wall surface. An actuating ring is disposed on one side of the bottom interface. In other words, by configuring the inner wall of the receiving area of ​​the first ring body in a specific inclined state and cooperating with the hydrophobic layer, this invention effectively prevents liquid leakage during injection and encapsulation from the top interface side, reduces the difficulty of the encapsulation process, increases the manufacturability of the liquid lens, and ensures the encapsulation quality and optical performance of the liquid lens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical technology and relates to a liquid lens and an optical module containing the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of optical and microelectronic technologies, thin-film deformable liquid lenses, as a new type of optical element, have advantages such as fast response, low power consumption and high integration, and are widely used in fields such as smartphones, autofocus cameras, biomedical imaging, optical communication and machine vision.

[0003] The basic structure of a liquid lens typically includes a sealed liquid chamber, one or more deformable elastic membranes, and a drive mechanism. The liquid chamber is sealed by the elastic membranes and filled with a transparent liquid. Focal length tuning is achieved by changing the shape of the liquid. Common types of liquid lenses include electrowetting liquid lenses, piezoelectrically driven liquid lenses, and mechanically driven liquid lenses. Mechanically driven lenses, in particular, use a mechanical force applied by a actuator to directly deform the liquid chamber, thereby adjusting the shape of the liquid.

[0004] In the manufacturing process of liquid lenses, the filling and encapsulation of the sealed liquid chamber is a crucial step. In existing technologies, the sealed liquid chamber mainly employs a straight-walled structure or a straight-walled structure with chamfered edges. Because the wettability of the elastic film to the liquid differs from that of the chamber wall, during injection, the liquid often tends to overflow along the chamber wall towards the chamber opening, easily leading to the problem of liquid overflowing from the chamber opening before it is fully filled. This issue not only increases the difficulty of the encapsulation process but also reduces the manufacturability of thin-film deformable liquid lenses and even affects the performance of the liquid lens.

[0005] CN111936893A discloses a method and components related to the manufacture of variable focusing diopter optical devices. Specifically, it discloses a method for packaging a filled, compressible, adjustable optical device, which can be a liquid lens or a mirror. The device uses an expandable film in conjunction with an overflow device. A liquid overflow conduit guides excess liquid to overflow from the package, while simultaneously slowing or stopping the supply of liquid to the package, causing the film to gradually relax until the diopter of the paired optical device decreases to a predetermined value, thus achieving the packaging requirements and target optical performance. Due to the need for a specific overflow device and coordinated processes, this method is costly and complex to operate.

[0006] As can be seen from the above, in order to further improve the manufacturability and performance of liquid lenses, it is necessary to continue to explore and develop new solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a liquid lens and an optical module containing the same. The liquid lens includes a fixed ring having a first ring body, the first ring body having a receiving area, the receiving area being sealed by an elastic membrane and filled with an optical liquid; along the direction from the bottom interface to the top interface of the receiving area, the radial distance between the inner wall surface of the first ring body and the central axis of the first ring body gradually decreases, and a hydrophobic layer is provided on the inner wall surface; and an actuating ring is disposed on one side of the bottom interface. That is, by configuring the inner wall of the receiving area of ​​the first ring body in a specific inclined state and cooperating with the hydrophobic layer, the present invention effectively prevents liquid leakage during liquid injection and encapsulation from the top interface side, reduces the difficulty of the encapsulation process, increases the manufacturability of the liquid lens, and ensures the encapsulation quality and optical performance of the liquid lens.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a liquid lens, comprising:

[0010] A fixing ring, comprising a first ring body, the interior space of the first ring body being a receiving region; along the axial direction of the first ring body, two opposing interfaces of the receiving region are a top interface and a bottom interface; along the direction from the bottom interface to the top interface, the radial distance between the inner wall surface of the first ring body and the central axis of the first ring body gradually decreases.

[0011] A hydrophobic layer is disposed on the inner wall surface of the first ring.

[0012] The elastic membrane includes a bottom elastic membrane disposed on one side of the bottom interface and a top elastic membrane disposed on one side of the top interface, the elastic membrane being used to seal the receiving area.

[0013] An optical liquid is disposed in the sealed containment area.

[0014] An actuation ring is disposed on the surface of the bottom elastic membrane away from the receiving area; the internal space of the actuation ring is the light-transmitting hole of the liquid lens; in the orthographic projection onto the actuation ring, the inner wall surface of the first ring body does not overlap with the light-transmitting hole.

[0015] In this invention, those skilled in the art will understand that the receiving area sealed by the elastic membrane is a closed liquid chamber filled with optical liquid. The actuating ring is located on one side of the bottom of the closed liquid chamber. Therefore, the liquid injection for the liquid lens occurs on the opposite side of the actuating ring, i.e., the top side of the closed liquid chamber, which serves as the chamber opening before sealing. For this injection and encapsulation process, this invention adjusts the inner wall surface of the first ring of the fixing ring to a non-vertical wall surface with a specific inclination. This can be understood as changing the shape of the receiving area from a cylindrical hole to a specific conical hole. Since the contact angle between the liquid and the container wall surface is fixed, compared to a straight wall structure, the specific inclination allows the liquid to concentrate more within the container. This "inclined wall surface" structure, combined with the synergistic effect of the hydrophobic layer, regulates and restricts the liquid injection process, preventing overflow due to insufficient filling. This effectively reduces the difficulty of the encapsulation process, increases the manufacturability of the liquid lens, and ensures the encapsulation quality and optical performance of the liquid lens.

[0016] It should be noted that the inclined wall refers to a specific inclination state. In a cross-section passing through the central axis of the fixed component, the inner wall surface closer to the top of the sealed liquid chamber is closer to the central axis, and the inner wall surface closer to the bottom of the sealed liquid chamber is closer to the outer edge of the annulus. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the sealed liquid chamber or containing area is an upright non-right-angled trapezoid, with the shorter base of the trapezoid forming the top interface and the longer base forming the bottom interface. If the cross-sectional shape of the sealed liquid chamber or containing area is an inverted non-right-angled trapezoid, i.e., the top interface is the longer side of the trapezoid and the bottom interface is the shorter side, although the inner wall surface is also non-vertical, this inclined structural feature cannot achieve the effect of solving the overflow problem.

[0017] It should also be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is limited to the inner wall surface of the first ring body not overlapping with the light-transmitting hole in the orthogonal projection of the actuating ring. This means that, in order not to affect the optical performance of the liquid lens, the space on both sides of the light-transmitting hole of the liquid lens should not be blocked by the inner wall surface of the accommodating area or the hydrophobic layer disposed thereon. Therefore, the dimensions of each component and / or structure should be reasonably adjusted.

[0018] The following are preferred technical solutions of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the technical solutions provided by the present invention. The technical objectives and beneficial effects of the present invention can be better achieved and realized through the following technical solutions.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing ring further includes a second ring body that contacts the first ring body. On the side of the bottom interface away from the receiving area, the second ring body is coaxially arranged with the first ring body, and the internal space of the second ring body is the bottom additional area.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuating ring is disposed in the bottom additional region and is in contact with the bottom elastic membrane.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the bottom additional region is smaller than the diameter of the bottom interface, such that the second ring body has a bottom radial protrusion extending from the outer edges of the ring body to the central axis of the second ring body; the bottom elastic membrane is disposed on the surface of the bottom radial protrusion on the bottom interface.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing ring further includes a third ring body in contact with the first ring body. On the side of the top interface away from the receiving area, the third ring body is coaxially arranged with the first ring body, and the internal space of the third ring body is a top expansion area. The top expansion area is connected to the receiving area to accommodate the optical liquid. The diameter of the top expansion area is smaller than the diameter of the top interface, so that the third ring body has a top radial protrusion extending from the outer edges of the three ring bodies toward the central axis of the third ring body. The top radial protrusion is used to block the liquid from flowing outward.

[0023] It should be noted that, similar to the inner wall surface of the receiving area, in the orthographic projection onto the actuation ring, neither the bottom radial protrusion nor the top radial protrusion overlaps with the light-transmitting hole.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two opposite outer surfaces of the fixing ring in the axial direction are the outer bottom surface and the outer top surface, respectively; the top elastic membrane is disposed on the outer top surface.

[0025] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid lens further includes a light-transmitting plate, which is disposed on the surface of the top elastic membrane away from the receiving area.

[0026] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the material of the hydrophobic layer includes at least one of Teflon, PS or PTFE; the hydrophobic layer is disposed on the inner wall surface of the first ring body by at least one of chemical electroplating, deposition or coating.

[0027] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the contact angle between the liquid and the container wall surface is fixed, and the size of this contact angle depends on the material of the container wall surface, which in this invention is the liquid-repellent layer material. By reasonably selecting the liquid-repellent layer material, the size of the contact angle can be changed, thereby further achieving control over the shape of the liquid on the wall surface in conjunction with the tilt-avoidance structure, thereby preventing liquid from overflowing from the encapsulation.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an optical module comprising the liquid lens described in the first aspect.

[0029] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical module includes a lens driver, which includes a fixed part and a movable part; an actuation ring connector connected to the movable part is disposed at the center of one end of the lens driver; the lens driver includes a fixed ring connector surrounding the actuation ring connector, and the fixed ring connector is connected to the fixed part; the actuation ring connector is connected to the actuation ring in the liquid lens, and the fixed ring connector is connected to the fixed ring in the liquid lens.

[0030] Compared with existing technical solutions, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0031] This invention adjusts the inner wall of the first ring of the fixing ring to a non-vertical wall and a specific inclined state. By utilizing the structure of this "inclined wall" in conjunction with the synergistic effect of the hydrophobic layer set on it, the liquid injection process is standardized and restricted, avoiding the problem of liquid overflow due to incomplete filling. This effectively reduces the difficulty of the packaging process, increases the manufacturability of the liquid lens, and ensures the packaging quality and optical performance of the liquid lens. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention and the liquid lens in Example 1.

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional exploded view of a liquid lens in a liquid atmosphere.

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the liquid lens in the image.

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view cross-sectional view of the liquid lens in the image.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Exploded side view of the liquid lens in the image.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing ring in one embodiment of the present invention and in Example 1.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a side sectional view of the liquid lens in one embodiment of the present invention and in Example 2.

[0039] Figure 8 This is an assembly diagram of the lens driver, the fixed ring connector, and the actuating ring connector in one embodiment of the present invention and application example 1.

[0040] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Exploded view.

[0041] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Side view.

[0042] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 A sectional view.

[0043] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Exploded view.

[0044] Figure 13 This is an assembly diagram of an optical module containing the liquid lens of Example 1 in one embodiment of the present invention and application example 1.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a side cross-sectional view of an optical module containing the liquid lens of Example 1 in one embodiment and application example 1 of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a side cross-sectional view of an optical module containing the liquid lens of Example 2 in one embodiment and application example 1 of the present invention.

[0047] In the diagram: 100-Fixing ring, 110-First ring body, 111-Accommodation area, 112-Top interface, 113-Bottom interface, 120-Second ring body, 121-Bottom additional area, 122-Bottom radial protrusion, 130-Third ring body, 131-Top expansion area, 132-Top radial protrusion, 141-Outer top surface, 142-Outer bottom surface, 150-Inner wall surface, 200-Liquid-repellent layer, 300-Elastic membrane, 310-Bottom elastic membrane, 320-Top elastic membrane, 400-Optical liquid, 500-Actuating ring, 510-Light aperture, 600-Light-transmitting plate, 700-Lens driver, 800-Fixing ring connector, 900-Actuating ring connector. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated below through specific embodiments.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described are merely illustrative of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0050] In existing technologies, typical thin-film deformable liquid lenses mainly consist of a sealed liquid chamber, a deformable elastic film, and an actuator ring. External pressure is applied through the actuator ring, changing the pressure of the liquid on the elastic film within the chamber, causing it to bulge or depress, thereby altering the lens's focal length. The sealed liquid chamber is composed of related structural components and the elastic film. In actual manufacturing and assembly processes, the liquid needs to be encapsulated within this sealed liquid chamber. During this encapsulation process, due to imperfect chamber structure and differences in the wettability of the film to the liquid compared to the wettability of the chamber wall, liquid overflow occurs during injection. This phenomenon increases the difficulty of the encapsulation process and reduces the manufacturability of thin-film deformable liquid lenses.

[0051] To address the aforementioned problems, in some specific embodiments, the present invention provides a liquid lens, such as... Figures 1 to 6 As shown, it includes:

[0052] A fixing ring 100 includes a first ring body 110, the internal space of which is a receiving area 111. Along the axial direction of the first ring body 110, the two opposing interfaces of the receiving area 111 are a top interface 112 and a bottom interface 113. Along the direction from the bottom interface 113 to the top interface 112, the radial distance between the inner wall surface 150 of the first ring body 110 and the central axis of the first ring body 110 gradually decreases.

[0053] A hydrophobic layer 200 is disposed on the inner wall surface 150 of the first annular body 110.

[0054] The elastic membrane 300 includes a bottom elastic membrane 310 disposed on one side of the bottom interface 113 and a top elastic membrane 320 disposed on one side of the top interface 112. The elastic membrane 300 is used to seal the receiving area 111.

[0055] Optical liquid 400 is disposed in the sealed containment area 111.

[0056] An actuation ring 500 is disposed on the side surface of the bottom elastic membrane 310 away from the receiving area 111; the internal space of the actuation ring 500 is the light-transmitting hole 510 of the liquid lens; in the orthographic projection onto the actuation ring 500, the inner wall surface 150 of the first ring body 110 does not overlap with the light-transmitting hole 510.

[0057] In one embodiment, the fixing ring 100 further includes a second ring 120 that contacts the first ring 110. On the side of the bottom interface 113 away from the receiving area 111, the second ring 120 is coaxially arranged with the first ring 110, and the internal space of the second ring 120 is the bottom additional area 121.

[0058] In one embodiment, the actuation ring 500 is disposed in the bottom additional region 121 and in contact with the bottom elastic membrane 310.

[0059] It is understandable that the bottom elastic membrane 310, which is in contact with the actuation ring 500, is deformed by mechanical action.

[0060] In one embodiment, the diameter of the bottom additional region 121 is smaller than the diameter of the bottom interface 113, such that the second ring body 120 has a bottom radial protrusion 122 extending from the outer edges of the ring body 120 toward the central axis of the second ring body 120; the bottom elastic membrane 310 is disposed on the surface of the bottom radial protrusion 122 on the bottom interface 113.

[0061] In one embodiment, the fixing ring 100 further includes a third ring 130 in contact with the first ring 110. On the side of the top interface 112 away from the receiving area 111, the third ring 130 is coaxially arranged with the first ring 110, and the internal space of the third ring 130 is a top expansion area 131. The top expansion area 131 is connected to the receiving area 111 to contain the optical liquid 400. The diameter of the top expansion area 131 is smaller than the diameter of the top interface 112, such that the third ring 130 has a top radial protrusion 132 extending from the outer edges of the three rings towards the central axis of the third ring 130. The top radial protrusion 132 is used to block the outward flow of liquid.

[0062] In one embodiment, the two opposite outer surfaces of the fixing ring 100 in the axial direction are the outer bottom surface 142 and the outer top surface 141, respectively; the top elastic membrane 320 is disposed on the outer top surface 141.

[0063] In one embodiment, the liquid lens further includes a light-transmitting plate 600 disposed on the side surface of the top elastic membrane 320 away from the receiving area 111.

[0064] In one embodiment, the material of the hydrophobic layer 200 includes any one of Teflon, PS (polystyrene), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or other fluorinated coatings, or a combination of the above materials.

[0065] In one embodiment, the hydrophobic layer 200 is disposed on the inner wall surface 150 of the first ring 110 by at least one of chemical electroplating, deposition or coating.

[0066] It is understood that the hydrophobic layer 200 has poor wettability with the optical liquid 400, and the optical liquid 400 does not easily adhere to the surface of the hydrophobic layer 200; the wettability of the hydrophobic layer 200 with the optical liquid 400 is lower than that of the elastic film 300 with the optical liquid 400, and the optical liquid 400 is more likely to adhere to the surface of the elastic film 300.

[0067] This invention does not limit the material selection of the liquid lens other than the hydrophobic layer 200. The material selection and size selection of other components should be reasonably adjusted according to the actual design and needs. Material selection and size selection already used in the art can be applied to this invention, provided that the spirit and meaning of this invention are followed. The spirit of this invention is that by setting a fixing ring 100 to make the receiving area 111 of the optical liquid 400 in its internal space have specific structural features such as an inclined inner wall and setting a hydrophobic layer 200, and by matching the fixed ring 100 with the hydrophobic layer 200 and other necessary components such as the elastic membrane 300, the optical liquid 400 and the actuating ring 500 in terms of setting position and connection relationship, a liquid lens with corresponding optical functions can be obtained. The specific structural features of the fixing ring 100 can be used to improve and solve the problem of liquid overflow when the liquid lens is not fully filled during liquid injection and packaging, effectively reducing the difficulty of the packaging process, increasing the manufacturability of the liquid lens, and ensuring the packaging quality and optical performance of the liquid lens. This is in accordance with the spirit of this invention.

[0068] For example: In one embodiment, the material of the fixing ring 100 includes any one of iron, iron alloy, copper, zinc, copper alloy, zinc alloy, copper-zinc alloy, aluminum or aluminum alloy, or any one of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PC (polycarbonate), PS (polystyrene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PI (polyimide), PP (polypropylene), COC (cyclic olefin copolymer), ABS (acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or any one of glass or silicon, or a combination of the above materials.

[0069] In one embodiment, the fixing ring 100 is obtained by CNC machine tool processing, sheet metal forming, or mold forming.

[0070] Understandably, the material of the retaining ring 100 should be chosen to support effective bonding with the corresponding elastic membrane 300 so that the elastic membrane 300 can perform a sealing function.

[0071] In one embodiment, the material of the elastic membrane 300 includes any one of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), hydrogenated styrene-butadiene block copolymer (SEBS), or platinum silicone (Ecoflex), or a combination of the above materials.

[0072] It is understandable that, in order to enable the elastic membrane 300 to be effectively combined with the fixed ring 100 / actuating ring 500 under a certain pressure and to play a sealing role, and to enable the elastic membrane 300 to be stretched and deformed under the action of mechanical external force, so as to change the lens surface shape and realize the zoom function, the elastic membrane 300 should not only have a low elastic modulus and a large elongation to meet the light transmission conditions, but also have uniform elastic properties and thickness at all positions.

[0073] In one embodiment, the optical liquid 400 has a certain transmittance to light, and its refractive index can be close to that of the elastic film 300.

[0074] In one embodiment, the material of the actuating ring 500 includes any one of metallic iron, iron alloy, metallic copper, metallic zinc, copper alloy, zinc alloy, copper-zinc alloy, metallic aluminum, or aluminum alloy, or any one of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PC (polycarbonate), PS (polystyrene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PI (polyimide), PP (polypropylene), COC (cyclic olefin copolymer), ABS (acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or any one of glass or silicon, or a combination of the above materials.

[0075] In one embodiment, the actuating ring 500 is obtained by CNC machine tool processing, sheet metal forming, or mold forming.

[0076] In one embodiment, the surface of the actuation ring 500 is activated.

[0077] It is understandable that, since the actuating ring 500 is in direct contact with the elastic membrane 300, the material selection should support effective bonding with the corresponding elastic membrane 300. For example, surface activation treatment can be performed to support the elastic membrane 300 in playing a sealing role.

[0078] In one embodiment, the material of the light-transmitting plate includes glass or resin, etc.

[0079] It is understood that the light-transmitting plate should be made of a material that meets the light transmission conditions, and may be planar or have other specific optical surface features, have high chemical and physical (structural and performance) homogeneity, and have specific and precise optical constants.

[0080] In some specific embodiments, the present invention provides an optical module comprising the liquid lens described in the first aspect.

[0081] This invention does not limit the selection and connection method of other components in the optical module besides the liquid lens. The adjustment and setting should be reasonable so as to assemble a complete optical module and realize its normal function.

[0082] Exemplary: In one implementation, such as Figures 8 to 15 As shown, the optical module includes a lens driver 700, which includes a fixed part and a movable part. An actuation ring connector 900 connected to the movable part is disposed at the center of one end of the lens driver 700. The lens driver 700 includes a fixed ring connector 800 surrounding the actuation ring connector 900, and the fixed ring connector 800 is connected to the fixed part. The actuation ring connector 900 is connected to the actuation ring 500 in the liquid lens, and the fixed ring connector 800 is connected to the fixed ring 100 in the liquid lens.

[0083] In one embodiment, the respective components in the optical module are connected by adhesive bonding.

[0084] Example 1

[0085] This embodiment provides a liquid lens, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the liquid lens includes:

[0086] The fixing ring 100 includes a second ring body 120, a first ring body 110, and a third ring body 130 connected sequentially from bottom to top. Figure 1(Dashed box in the middle), the two opposite outer surfaces of the fixing ring 100 in the axial direction are the outer bottom surface 142 and the outer top surface 141, respectively; the internal space of the first ring body 110 is the receiving area 111; in the axial direction of the first ring body 110, the two opposite interfaces of the receiving area 111 are the top interface 112 and the bottom interface 113, respectively; along the direction from the bottom interface 113 to the top interface 112, the radial distance between the inner wall surface 150 of the first ring body 110 and the central axis of the first ring body 110 gradually decreases; on the side of the bottom interface 113 away from the receiving area 111, the second ring body 120 is coaxially arranged with the first ring body 110, and the internal space of the second ring body 120 is the bottom additional area 121; the diameter of the bottom additional area 121 is smaller than the diameter of the bottom interface 113, such that the The second ring 120 has a bottom radial protrusion 122 extending from its outer edges toward the central axis of the second ring 120; on the side of the top interface 112 away from the receiving area 111, the third ring 130 is coaxially arranged with the first ring 110, and the internal space of the third ring 130 is a top expansion area 131; the top expansion area 131 is connected to the receiving area 111 and together contains the optical liquid 400; and the diameter of the top expansion area 131 is smaller than the diameter of the top interface 112, so that the third ring 130 has a top radial protrusion 132 extending from its outer edges toward the central axis of the third ring 130; the top radial protrusion 132 is used to block the liquid from flowing outward; the first ring 110, the second ring 120 and the third ring 130 are separated by a dashed frame;

[0087] A hydrophobic layer 200 is disposed on the inner wall surface 150 of the first ring body 110; the material of the hydrophobic layer 200 is Teflon;

[0088] The elastic membrane 300 includes a bottom elastic membrane 310 and a top elastic membrane 320; the bottom elastic membrane 310 is disposed on the surface of the bottom radial protrusion 122 on the bottom interface 113; the top elastic membrane 320 is disposed on the outer top surface 141 of the fixing ring 100; the elastic membrane 300 is used to seal the receiving area 111 and the top expansion area 131;

[0089] Optical liquid 400 is disposed in the sealed receiving area 111 and the expansion area;

[0090] An actuation ring 500 is disposed in the bottom additional region 121 of the bottom elastic membrane 310 away from the receiving region 111, and is in contact with the surface of the bottom elastic membrane 310; the internal space of the actuation ring 500 is the light-transmitting hole 510 of the liquid lens; the central axis of the actuation ring 500 is the central axis (optical axis) of the light-transmitting hole 510 and coincides with the central axis of the fixing ring 100; in the orthographic projection onto the actuation ring 500, the inner wall surface 150 of the first ring body 110 does not overlap with the light-transmitting hole 510;

[0091] A light-transmitting plate 600 is disposed on the side surface of the top elastic membrane 320 away from the receiving area 111.

[0092] Example 2

[0093] This embodiment provides a liquid lens, such as Figure 7 As shown, the fixing ring 100 of the liquid lens only includes the first ring body 110 and the second ring body 120. The first ring body 110 and the second ring body 120 are divided by a dashed frame, but there is no third ring body 130 and the corresponding top expansion area 131 and top radial protrusion 132. Except for the above, the other conditions are exactly the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0094] Comparative Example 1

[0095] This comparative example provides a liquid lens in which all inner wall surfaces 150 of the fixing ring 100 of the liquid lens are uniformly vertical, that is, all inner wall surfaces 150 are perpendicular to the top interface 112, bottom interface 113, outer top surface 141 and inner top surface. Except for the above, other conditions are exactly the same as in Example 1.

[0096] Comparative Example 2

[0097] This comparative example provides a liquid lens in which all inner wall surfaces 150 of the fixing ring 100 of the liquid lens are uniformly vertical, that is, all inner wall surfaces 150 are perpendicular to the top interface 112, bottom interface 113, outer top surface 141 and inner top surface. Except for the above, other conditions are exactly the same as in Example 2.

[0098] Comparative Example 3

[0099] This comparative example provides a liquid lens in which the liquid lens does not have the hydrophobic layer 200 on any of the inner wall surfaces of the fixing ring 100. Except for the above, the other conditions are exactly the same as in Example 1.

[0100] Comparative Example 4

[0101] This comparative example provides a liquid lens in which the liquid lens does not have the hydrophobic layer 200 on any of the inner wall surfaces of the fixing ring 100. Except for the above, the other conditions are exactly the same as in Example 2.

[0102] Application Example 1

[0103] This application example provides an optical module, such as Figures 8 to 15 As shown, the optical module includes the liquid lenses provided in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2, and also includes a lens driver 700. An actuation ring connector 900 is centrally located at one end of the lens driver 700. The lens driver 700 includes a fixing ring connector 800 surrounding the actuation ring connector 900. The actuation ring connector 900 is connected to the actuation ring 500 in the liquid lens, and the fixing ring connector 800 is connected to the fixing ring 100 in the liquid lens. The fixing ring 100 in the liquid lens is bonded to the inner cylindrical surface of the fixing ring connector 800, and the lower surface of the fixing ring connector 800 is bonded to the fixed portion of the lens driver 700. The actuation ring 500 is bonded to the upper surface of the actuation ring connector 900, and the lower surface of the actuation ring connector 900 is bonded to the movable portion of the lens driver 700.

[0104] Compared to optical modules containing liquid lenses in Comparative Examples 1-4, optical modules containing liquid lenses in Examples 1 and 2, by adjusting the inner wall of the first ring of the fixing ring to a non-vertical wall and in a specific inclined state, utilize the synergistic effect of this "inclined wall" structure and the hydrophobic layer set thereon to regulate and restrict the liquid injection process, avoiding the problem of liquid overflow due to incomplete filling, thereby effectively reducing the difficulty of the packaging process, increasing the manufacturability of the liquid lens, ensuring the packaging quality and optical performance of the liquid lens, and further ensuring the acquisition of a high-performance optical module.

[0105] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0106] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0107] Furthermore, various different embodiments of the present invention can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of the present invention, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid lens that prevents liquid encapsulation from overflowing, characterized by, The application relates to a liquid lens, which comprises the following components: a fixed ring (100) comprising a first ring body (110), an inner space of the first ring body (110) being a containing area (111); in the axial direction of the first ring body (110), two opposite interfaces of the containing area (111) are respectively a top interface (112) and a bottom interface (113); in the direction from the bottom interface (113) to the top interface (112), the radial distance between the inner wall surface (150) of the first ring body (110) and the central axis of the first ring body (110) gradually decreases; the fixed ring (100) further comprises a third ring body (130) in contact with the first ring body (110), the inner space of the third ring body (130) being a top expanded area (131), and the diameter of the top expanded area (131) is smaller than the diameter of the top interface (112), so that the third ring body (130) has a top radial protruding part (132) extending from the peripheral outer edge to the central axis of the third ring body (130); the top radial protruding part (132) is used for blocking the outward flow of liquid; a liquid-repellent layer (200) arranged on the inner wall surface (150) of the first ring body (110); an elastic film (300) comprising a bottom elastic film (310) arranged on one side of the bottom interface (113) and a top elastic film (320) arranged on one side of the top interface (112), the elastic film (300) being used for realizing the sealing of the containing area (111); an optical liquid (400) arranged in the sealed containing area (111); an actuating ring (500) arranged on the surface of the bottom elastic film (310) away from the containing area (111); the inner space of the actuating ring (500) is a light passing hole (510) of the liquid lens; in the orthographic projection of the actuating ring (500), the inner wall surface (150) of the first ring body (110) does not overlap the light passing hole (510).

2. The liquid lens of claim 1, wherein, The fixed ring (100) further comprises a second ring body (120) in contact with the first ring body (110), and the second ring body (120) is coaxially arranged with the first ring body (110) on the side of the bottom interface (113) away from the containing area (111); the inner space of the second ring body (120) is a bottom additional area (121).

3. The liquid lens of claim 2, wherein, The actuating ring (500) is arranged in the bottom additional area (121) and is in contact with the bottom elastic film (310).

4. The liquid lens of claim 2 or 3, wherein, The diameter of the bottom additional area (121) is smaller than the diameter of the bottom interface (113), so that the second ring body (120) has a bottom radial protruding part (122) extending from the peripheral outer edge to the central axis of the second ring body (120); the bottom elastic film (310) is arranged on the surface of the bottom radial protruding part (122) on the bottom interface (113).

5. The liquid lens of claim 1, wherein, A third ring body (130) is coaxially arranged with the first ring body (110) on the side of the top interface (112) away from the containing area (111); and a top volume expansion area (131) is in communication with the containing area (111) to contain the optical liquid (400).

6. The liquid lens of claim 1, wherein, The two opposite outer surfaces of the fixed ring (100) in the axial direction are an outer bottom surface (142) and an outer top surface (141); and the top elastic film (320) is arranged on the outer top surface (141).

7. The liquid lens of claim 6, wherein, The liquid lens further comprises a light-transmitting plate (600) arranged on the side surface of the top elastic film (320) away from the containing area (111).

8. The liquid lens of claim 1, wherein, The material of the liquid-repellent layer (200) comprises at least one of Teflon, PS or PTFE; and the liquid-repellent layer (200) is arranged on the inner wall surface (150) of the first ring body (110) by at least one of chemical electroplating, deposition or coating.

9. An optical module characterized by comprising: The liquid lens comprises the fixed ring (100) and the liquid-repellent layer (200).

10. The optical module according to claim 9, wherein The optical module comprises a lens driver (700) comprising a fixed part and a movable part; a center of one end of the lens driver (700) is provided with an actuating ring connector (900) connected with the movable part; the lens driver (700) comprises a fixed ring connector (800) surrounding the actuating ring connector (900), and the fixed ring connector (800) is connected with the fixed part; the actuating ring connector (900) is connected with an actuating ring (500) in the liquid lens, and the fixed ring connector (800) is connected with a fixed ring (100) in the liquid lens.

Images