Dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation and image capturing device with same

Abstract

The invention relates to a dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation and an image capturing device with the same. The optical path switching device comprises a first optical element, a second optical element, a fluid medium and an actuating element, the first optical member includes a first end and a second end. The second optical part comprises an optical effective area; the second optical member is pivoted to the first end of the first optical member. The fluid medium is located between the first optical member and the second optical member. The actuating member is adapted to drive the second end of the first optical member to approach or leave the second optical member. When the second end of the first optical member approaches the second optical member and the fluid medium covers the optical effective area, an imaging light incident on the second optical member passes through the optical effective area of the second optical member, the fluid medium and the first optical member. When the second end of the first optical member is far away from the second optical member and the fluid medium is far away from the optical effective area, the imaging light incident on the second optical member is reflected at the optical effective area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical path switching device and an image capturing device, and particularly to a dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation and an image capturing device equipped with the device. Background Art

[0002] Existing electronic devices (such as smart phones, tablet computers, etc.) are often equipped with multiple lenses, which are respectively designed to have different optical characteristics to meet different photography scenarios and requirements. For example, some lenses are designed specifically for macro photography to capture details at close range; some lenses are wide-angle lenses suitable for shooting wide scenes; and some lenses are telephoto lenses capable of shooting at a long distance. Through the configuration of multiple lenses, users can select a suitable lens for shooting according to the actual situation to obtain better image quality and diverse photography effects. However, with the increase in the number and functions of lenses, image capturing devices also face more challenges in terms of structural design, spatial configuration, and image processing. Therefore, how to further improve the performance and application flexibility of multi-lens image capturing devices has become an urgent issue to be solved in the related technical fields. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation and an image capturing device equipped with the device in view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation, including a first optical member, a second optical member, a fluid medium, and an actuator; the first optical member includes a first end and a second end; the second optical member includes an optically effective area; the second optical member is pivotally connected to the first end of the first optical member; the fluid medium is located between the first optical member and the second optical member; the actuator is adapted to drive the second end of the first optical member to approach or move away from the second optical member; in response to the second end of the first optical member approaching the second optical member, the fluid medium covers the optically effective area, so that an imaging light ray incident on the second optical member passes through the optically effective area, the fluid medium, and the first optical member; in response to the second end of the first optical member moving away from the second optical member, the fluid medium moves away from the optically effective area, so that the imaging light ray incident on the second optical member is reflected at the optically effective area.

[0005] In one embodiment, the second optical member includes a fluid contact surface, the optically effective area is located on the fluid contact surface, the optically effective area includes a hydrophobic coating, and the area outside the optically effective area of the fluid contact surface includes a hydrophilic coating.

[0006] In one embodiment, the actuator includes a magnet and an electromagnetic generating coil. The magnet is disposed on the first optical element, and the electromagnetic generating coil is disposed on the second optical element. The actuator is adapted to generate a magnetic attraction force through the electromagnetic generating coil, and the electromagnetic generating coil interacts with the magnet to drive the second end of the first optical element to approach or move away from the second optical element.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first optical element includes a receiving groove and a sealing ring. The fluid medium is received in the receiving groove, and the sealing ring surrounds the receiving groove.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first optical element further includes a gas storage tank and a flexible sealing film. One end of the gas storage tank is communicated with the receiving groove, and the flexible sealing film covers the other end of the gas storage tank.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first optical element further includes a waterproof and breathable element, which is located in the gas storage tank.

[0010] In one embodiment, the receiving groove further includes a hydrophilic coating, a hydrophobic coating and a gas flow recess. The hydrophilic coating corresponds to the optical effective area of the second optical element, the hydrophobic coating covers the gas flow recess, and the gas storage tank is communicated with the gas flow recess.

[0011] In one embodiment, the imaging light enters the second optical element at an incident angle, and the incident angle is greater than or equal to the critical angle. The first optical element has a first refractive index, the second optical element has a second refractive index, and the fluid medium has a third refractive index. The first refractive index, the second refractive index and the third refractive index are greater than or equal to the refractive index of air.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first optical element is a plastic prism, the second optical element is a glass prism, and the fluid medium is water.

[0013] The present invention further provides an image capturing device, which includes a first imaging module, a second imaging module, a fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device, and an image sensor; the first imaging module includes a first lens and an optical steering member, and the optical steering member is configured to steer the imaging light incident on the first lens; the second imaging module includes a second lens; the fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device includes a first optical member, a second optical member, a fluid medium, and an actuating member; the first optical member includes a first end and a second end; the second optical member includes an optically effective area; the second optical member is pivotally connected to the first end of the first optical member; the fluid medium is located between the first optical member and the second optical member; the actuating member is adapted to drive the second end of the first optical member to approach or move away from the second optical member; wherein, in response to the second end of the first optical member approaching the second optical member, the fluid medium covers the optically effective area, so that the imaging light incident on the first lens passes through the optically effective area of the second optical member, the fluid medium, and the first optical member to the image sensor; in response to the second end of the first optical member moving away from the second optical member, the fluid medium moves away from the optically effective area, so that the imaging light incident on the second lens is reflected at the optically effective area of the second optical member to the image sensor.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first imaging module includes a first shutter, and the second imaging module includes a second shutter; in response to the first shutter being opened, the actuating member drives the second end of the first optical member to approach the second optical member; in response to the second shutter being opened, the actuating member drives the second end of the first optical member to move away from the second optical member.

[0015] In one embodiment, the image capturing device further includes a third imaging module and another fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device; the third imaging module includes a third lens and a third shutter; in response to the first shutter being opened, the actuating members of the two fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching devices respectively drive the second end of the first optical member to approach the second optical member; in response to the second shutter being opened, the actuating member of the fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device drives the second end of the first optical member to move away from the second optical member, and the actuating member of the other fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device drives the second end of the first optical member to approach the second optical member; in response to the third shutter being opened, the actuating member of the other fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device drives the second end of the first optical member to move away from the second optical member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the image capturing device further includes a focusing module, which is located between the first optical member and the image sensor.

[0017] In one embodiment, the image sensor has a photosensing optical axis, the first imaging module has a first optical axis, and the second imaging module has a second optical axis; in response to the second end of the first optical member approaching the second optical member, the first optical axis is aligned with the photosensing optical axis; in response to the second end of the first optical member moving away from the second optical member, the second optical axis is aligned with the photosensing optical axis.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first lens and the second lens each have a focal length, and the focal lengths of the first lens and the second lens are different.

[0019] The technical effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0020] The present invention can achieve dynamic optical path switching through fluid modulation and precisely control the flow of the fluid medium by capillary action. When the gap between the first optical component and the second optical component changes, the fluid medium can stably cover or withdraw from the optical effective area Zp to ensure the switching of light transmission or total reflection. At the same time, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings can effectively reduce fluid residue and bubble formation, while the gas storage tank, flexible sealing film and waterproof and breathable component can further promote air discharge and prevent evaporation loss, improving the clarity and stability of the optical system.

[0021] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but it is not intended to limit the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1A It is a schematic optical path diagram of a dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the second end of the first optical component approaching the second optical component;

[0023] Figure 1B It is a schematic optical path diagram of a dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the second end of the first optical component moving away from the second optical component;

[0024] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of imaging light incident on the first optical component from the second optical component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3A It is a perspective view of a dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3B It is an exploded perspective view of a dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the fluid contact surface of the second optical component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the first optical component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 It is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the first optical component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7AA cross-sectional view of an image capturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an image captured by a first lens;

[0031] Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of an image capturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an image captured by a second lens;

[0032] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an image capturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Wherein, reference numerals:

[0034] 1: Fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device;

[0035] 2: First optical element;

[0036] 3: Second optical element;

[0037] 4: Fluid medium;

[0038] 5: Actuator;

[0039] 6: First imaging module;

[0040] 7: Second imaging module;

[0041] 8: Image sensor;

[0042] 9: Focusing module;

[0043] 10: Third imaging module;

[0044] 11: First end;

[0045] 12: Second end;

[0046] 21: Receiving groove;

[0047] 22: Sealing ring;

[0048] 23: Gas storage tank;

[0049] 24: Flexible sealing film;

[0050] 25: Waterproof and breathable component;

[0051] 31: Fluid contact surface;

[0052] 51: Magnet;

[0053] 52: Electromagnetic generating coil;

[0054] 61: First lens;

[0055] 62: Optical steering element;

[0056] 70: Second lens;

[0057] 71: First shutter;

[0058] 72: Second shutter;

[0059] 101: Third lens;

[0060] 102: Third shutter;

[0061] 111: Another fluid - modulated dynamic optical path switching device;

[0062] 201: Hydrophilic coating;

[0063] 202: Hydrophobic coating;

[0064] 211: Gas - flow recess;

[0065] ALs: Sensing optical axis;

[0066] AL1: First optical axis;

[0067] AL2: Second optical axis;

[0068] AL3: Third optical axis;

[0069] IL: Imaging light ray;

[0070] IL1: Incident light;

[0071] IL2: Refracted light;

[0072] IL3: Reflected light;

[0073] N: Interface normal;

[0074] Zp: Optically effective area;

[0075] θ1: Angle of incidence;

[0076] θ2: Angle of refraction. Detailed implementation mode

[0077] The structural principle and working principle of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0078] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B , Figure 1A is the optical path schematic diagram of the fluid - modulated dynamic optical path switching device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing that the second end 12 of the first optical member 2 approaches the second optical member 3; Figure 1BThe optical path diagram of the fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention shows that the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 is far from the second optical element 3. The fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device 1 includes: a first optical element 2, a second optical element 3, a fluid medium 4, and an actuator 5. The first optical element 2 has a first end 11 and a second end 12, and the second optical element 3 has an optically effective area Zp; and the second optical element 3 is pivotally connected to the first end 11 of the first optical element 2. The fluid medium 4 is located between the first optical element 2 and the second optical element 3. The actuator 5 is adapted to drive the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 to approach or move away from the second optical element 3.

[0079] As Figure 1A shown, when the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 approaches the second optical element 3, the fluid medium 4 covers the optically effective area Zp, enabling the imaging light ray IL incident on the second optical element 3 to pass through the optically effective area Zp of the second optical element 3, the fluid medium 4, and the first optical element 2. As Figure 1B shown, when the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 moves away from the second optical element 3, the fluid medium 4 moves away from the optically effective area Zp, causing the imaging light ray IL incident on the second optical element 3 to be reflected at the optically effective area Zp.

[0080] In some embodiments, the capillary action of the liquid is used to control the flow mechanism of the fluid medium 4. When the gap between the first optical element 2 and the second optical element 3 is small, the fluid medium 4 tends to condense in the entire area, so the imaging light ray IL can smoothly pass through the optically effective area Zp of the second optical element 3, the fluid medium 4, and the first optical element 2. On the contrary, when the gap between them increases, the fluid medium 4 will flow from the wider gap area to the narrower gap area. Therefore, no fluid medium 4 will remain in the optically effective area Zp of the wider gap, causing the imaging light ray IL incident on the second optical element 3 to be reflected at the optically effective area Zp.

[0081] Refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging light ray incident from the second optical element 3 to the first optical element 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the imaging light ray is incident from an optically denser medium to an optically thinner medium at an incident angle greater than or equal to the critical angle, the light ray will undergo total internal reflection in the optically denser medium. Specifically, refer to Figure 2 , the imaging light ray incident on the second optical element 3 is the incident light IL1. When the incident light IL1 is incident from the second optical element 3 (with a first refractive index n1) to air with a lower refractive index (refractive index n air ≈1), if the incident angle θ1 is less than the critical angle θ c , a refracted light ray IL2 will be generated; if θ1 is greater than or equal to θ c, total internal reflection occurs, generating reflected light IL3. The relationship between incident light IL1 and refracted light IL2 satisfies Snell's law: n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2, where n1 is the first refractive index of the second optical component 3, n air is the refractive index of air, θ1 is the angle between incident light IL1 and the interface normal N (i.e., the angle of incidence), and θ2 is the angle between refracted light IL2 and the interface normal N (i.e., the angle of refraction).

[0082] When the incident light IL1 incident on the second optical component 3 has an angle of incidence θ1 equal to a certain specific angle, the angle of refraction θ2 is 90°. At this time, sinθ2 = 1. Substituting into Snell's law n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2, we can get This angle of incidence θ1 is the critical angle θ c , satisfying When the angle of incidence θ1 is greater than the critical angle θ c , substituting into Snell's law gives sinθ2 > 1, which is physically meaningless. Therefore, when the incident light IL1 is incident on the second optical component 3 at an angle of incidence θ1 greater than the critical angle θ c , there is no refracted light IL2, and total internal reflection occurs at the interface between the second optical component 3 and air, generating reflected light IL3.

[0083] The critical angle θ c depends on the ratio of the first refractive index n1 of the second optical component 3 to the refractive index n of air, that is air

[0084] When the second end 12 of the first optical component 2 is far from the second optical component 3, the optical effective regions Zp of the two no longer fit together, and when the fluid medium 4 is discharged from the optical effective region Zp, the imaging light rays IL with an angle of incidence greater than or equal to the critical angle will enter from the second optical component 3 as the optically denser medium and total internal reflection will occur at the air interface as the optically rarer medium.

[0085] Please also refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , Figure 3A is a perspective view of the dynamic optical path switching device 1 based on fluid modulation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B ​Exploded perspective view of a fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the first optical element 2 is a plastic prism, the second optical element 3 is a glass prism, and the fluid medium 4 is water. In other embodiments, the first optical element 2 and the second optical element 3 can be made of other materials with high light transmittance and high refractive index, and the fluid medium 4 can be benzene (refractive index 1.5), carbon disulfide (refractive index 1.63), carbon tetrachloride (refractive index 1.46), ethanol (refractive index 1.36), or silicone oil (refractive index 1.52). In addition, the fluid medium 4 can also be a highly transparent fluid such as a gel, liquid, or gas.

[0086] The actuator 5 includes a magnet 51 and an electromagnetic generating coil 52. Among them, the magnet 51 is disposed on the first optical element 2, and the electromagnetic generating coil 52 is configured on the second optical element 3. The actuator 5 generates a magnetic suction force through the electromagnetic generating coil 52 and interacts with the magnet 51 to drive the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 to approach or move away from the second optical element 3. In other embodiments, the actuator 5 can be a shape memory alloy actuator (SMA Actuator), a piezoelectric actuator (Piezoelectric Actuator), a linear motor (Linear Motor), a stepper motor (Stepper Motor), an electromagnet (Solenoid), a reluctance motor (Reluctance Motor), a voice coil motor (Voice Coil Motor), etc. These devices can all generate linear displacement to drive the movement of the optical components.

[0087] In other words, in certain embodiments, by controlling the energization state of the electromagnetic generating coil 52 and adjusting the amount of current flowing through it, the lifting movement of the magnet 51 within the electromagnetic generating coil 52 can be precisely controlled, thereby driving the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 to approach and fit or move away from the second optical element 3.

[0088] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the fluid contact surface 31 of the second optical element 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 Perspective view of the first optical element 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 4 shown, the second optical element 3 includes a fluid contact surface 31 for carrying the fluid medium 4, and the optically effective area Zp is located above the fluid contact surface 31. In some embodiments, the optically effective area Zp is covered with a hydrophobic coating 202, and the area outside the optically effective area Zp on the fluid contact surface 31 is covered with a hydrophilic coating 201.

[0089] On the other hand, the surface of the first optical element 2 corresponding to the fluid contact surface 31 includes a receiving groove 21 and a sealing ring 22 (please seeFigure 3B ) The fluid medium 4 can be accommodated in the receiving groove 21, and the sealing ring 22 surrounds the receiving groove 21. In addition, the receiving groove 21 further includes a hydrophilic coating 201, a hydrophobic coating 202, and a gas flow recess 211. Among them, the hydrophilic coating 201 corresponds to the optical effective area Zp of the second optical element 3, and the hydrophobic coating 202 covers the gas flow recess 211, and the gas storage tank 23 (see Figure 3B ) communicates with the gas flow recess 211.

[0090] Specifically, in some embodiments, the hydrophobic coating 202 covers the optical effective area Zp of the fluid contact surface 31, and the remaining areas are covered with the hydrophilic coating 201. Also, the surface of the first optical element 2 corresponding to the optical effective area Zp is also coated with the hydrophilic coating 201. The main purpose of these configurations is to enable the optical effective area Zp to more easily discharge the fluid medium 4 and prevent the fluid medium 4 from remaining on the optical effective area Zp. In addition, the configuration of the hydrophobic area and the hydrophilic area also helps the flow of the fluid medium 4, thereby reducing the formation of bubbles and promoting the discharge of air. In addition, the hydrophobic coating 202 can prevent the fluid medium 4 from flowing into the gas flow recess 211.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 3B and Figure 6 , Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the first optical element 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention; in some embodiments, the first optical element 2 further includes a gas storage tank 23 and a flexible sealing film 24. One end of the gas storage tank 23 communicates with the gas flow recess 211 of the receiving groove 21, and the flexible sealing film 24 covers the other end of the gas storage tank 23. In addition, the first optical element 2 further includes a waterproof and breathable element 25 located in the gas storage tank 23.

[0092] The flexible sealing film 24 adheres to the surface of the gas storage tank 23, and its main function is to serve as a buffer space when gas enters and exits the gas storage tank 23. When the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 is away from the second optical element 3, gas flows into the receiving groove 21, and the flexible sealing film 24 will concave inward; when the first optical element 2 approaches and fits the second optical element 3, gas flows into the gas storage tank 23, and the gas storage tank 23 can provide a gas buffering effect. If the gas pressure or volume exceeds the capacity of the gas storage tank 23, the flexible sealing film 24 will bulge outward like a balloon.

[0093] The waterproof and breathable component 25 is disposed within the gas storage tank 23, and its main function is to block moisture and prevent the fluid medium 4 from entering the gas storage tank 23. Its working principle is based on the fact that water molecules are larger than gas molecules. Through the finely designed pore size, it can effectively block the entry of the fluid medium 4 and at the same time allow gas to pass through. However, in a high-temperature environment, water molecules may evaporate into water vapor and penetrate the waterproof and breathable component 25. Therefore, an additional flexible sealing film 24 is configured to provide a better sealing effect and prevent the internal liquid from being lost due to evaporation.

[0094] Overall, the flexible sealing film 24 and the waterproof and breathable component 25 together ensure that the internal gas and liquid are maintained in a sealed state, effectively preventing external dust and impurities from entering, while providing a gas buffering function and reducing the evaporation of the internal liquid.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B , Figure 7A which is a cross-sectional view of an image capturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing that an image is captured by the first lens 61. Figure 7B which is a cross-sectional view of an image capturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing that an image is captured by the second lens 70. As shown in the figure, the image capturing device mainly consists of a first imaging module 6, a second imaging module 7, a fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device 1, an image sensor 8, and a focusing module 9. The first imaging module 6 includes a first lens 61 and an optical steering member 62. Among them, the optical steering member 62 is used to change the direction of the imaging light IL incident on the first lens 61. The second imaging module 7 includes a second lens 70. The focusing module 9 is located between the first optical member 2 and the image sensor 8. In some embodiments, the first lens 61 and the second lens 70 have different focal lengths to meet different image capturing requirements.

[0096] Regarding the fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device 1, please also refer to Figures 1A to 6 and the above related descriptions. The operating principle of this embodiment is as follows: When the actuator 5 drives the second end 12 of the first optical member 2 to approach the second optical member 3, and the fluid medium 4 covers the optical effective area Zp, the imaging light IL incident on the first lens 61 will pass through the optical effective area Zp of the second optical member 3, the fluid medium 4, and the first optical member 2, and finally reach the image sensor 8, as Figure 7A shown. On the other hand, when the actuator 5 drives the second end 12 of the first optical member 2 to move away from the second optical member 3, and the fluid medium 4 leaves the optical effective area Zp, the imaging light IL incident on the second lens 70 will be reflected at the optical effective area Zp of the second optical member 3 to the image sensor 8, as Figure 7B shown.

[0097] In Figure 7A and Figure 7BIn the illustrated embodiment, the first imaging module 6 further includes a first shutter 71, and the second imaging module 7 includes a second shutter 72. When the first shutter 71 is opened, the actuator 5 drives the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 to approach the second optical element 3, so that the imaging light IL incident on the first lens 61 is smoothly transmitted to the image sensor 8, as Figure 7A shown. Similarly, when the second shutter 72 is opened, the actuator 5 drives the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 away from the second optical element 3, so that the imaging light IL incident on the second lens 70 is smoothly transmitted to the image sensor 8, as Figure 7B shown.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 which is a cross-sectional view of an image capturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the image capturing device further includes a third imaging module 10 and another fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device 111. The third imaging module 10 includes a third lens 101 and a third shutter 102. In some embodiments, the image sensor 8 has a photosensing optical axis ALs, the first imaging module 6 has a first optical axis AL1, the second imaging module 7 has a second optical axis AL2, and the third imaging module 10 has a third optical axis AL3.

[0099] Please also refer to Figures 1A to 6 and the above related descriptions. Similar to the operating principle of the previous embodiment, when the first shutter 71 is opened, the actuators 5 of the fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device 1 and another fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device 111 respectively drive the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 to approach the second optical element 3, so that the first optical axis AL1 is aligned with the photosensing optical axis ALs, and the imaging light IL incident on the first lens 61 is smoothly transmitted to the image sensor 8.

[0100] In addition, when the second shutter 72 is opened, the actuator 5 of the fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device 1 drives the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 away from the second optical element 3, while the actuator 5 of another fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device 111 drives the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 to approach the second optical element 3, so that the second optical axis AL2 is aligned with the photosensing optical axis ALs, and the imaging light IL incident on the second lens 70 is smoothly transmitted to the image sensor 8.

[0101] Finally, when the third shutter 102 is opened, the actuator 5 of another fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device 111 drives the second end 12 of the first optical element 2 away from the second optical element 3, so that the third optical axis AL3 is aligned with the photosensing optical axis ALs, and the imaging light IL incident on the third lens 101 is smoothly transmitted to the image sensor 8.

[0102] In summary, in some embodiments of the present invention, dynamic optical path switching can be achieved through fluid modulation, and the flow of the fluid medium 4 can be precisely controlled by capillary action. When the gap between the first optical element 2 and the second optical element 3 changes, the fluid medium 4 can stably cover or withdraw from the optical effective area Zp, ensuring the switching between light transmission and total reflection. At the same time, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings effectively reduce fluid residue and bubble formation, while the gas storage tank 23, the flexible sealing film 24, and the waterproof and breathable component 25 can further promote air discharge and prevent evaporation loss, improving the clarity and stability of the optical system.

[0103] Of course, the present invention can also have many other embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and deformations according to the present invention. However, these corresponding changes and deformations should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation, characterized in that, Comprising: A first optical component, including a first end and a second end; A second optical component, including an optically effective region; The second optical component is pivotally connected to the first end of the first optical component; A fluid medium, located between the first optical component and the second optical component; And An actuator, adapted to drive the second end of the first optical component to approach or move away from the second optical component; Wherein, in response to the second end of the first optical component approaching the second optical component, the fluid medium covers the optically effective region, enabling an imaging light ray incident on the second optical component to pass through the optically effective region of the second optical component, the fluid medium, and the first optical component; In response to the second end of the first optical component moving away from the second optical component, the fluid medium moves away from the optically effective region, causing the imaging light ray incident on the second optical component to be reflected at the optically effective region.

2. The dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation according to claim 1, wherein The second optical component includes a fluid contact surface, the optically effective region is located on the fluid contact surface, the optically effective region includes a hydrophobic coating, and the region other than the optically effective region of the fluid contact surface includes a hydrophilic coating.

3. The dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The actuator includes a magnet and an electromagnetic generating coil, the magnet is disposed on the first optical component, and the electromagnetic generating coil is disposed on the second optical component; the actuator is adapted to generate a magnetic suction force through the electromagnetic generating coil, and the electromagnetic generating coil interacts with the magnet to drive the second end of the first optical component to approach or move away from the second optical component.

4. The dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation according to claim 1, wherein The first optical component includes a receiving groove and a sealing ring; the fluid medium is received in the receiving groove, and the sealing ring surrounds the receiving groove.

5. The dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation according to claim 4, wherein The first optical component further includes a gas storage tank and a flexible sealing film, one end of the gas storage tank is communicated with the receiving groove, and the flexible sealing film covers the other end of the gas storage tank.

6. The dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The first optical component further includes a waterproof and breathable component, located in the gas storage tank.

7. The dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation according to claim 5, wherein The receiving groove further includes a hydrophilic coating, a hydrophobic coating, and a gas flow recess, the hydrophilic coating corresponds to the optically effective region of the second optical component, the hydrophobic coating covers the gas flow recess, and the gas storage tank is communicated with the gas flow recess.

8. The dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation according to claim 1, wherein The imaging light ray is incident on the second optical component at an incident angle greater than or equal to the critical angle; the first optical component has a first refractive index, the second optical component has a second refractive index, and the fluid medium has a third refractive index; the first refractive index, the second refractive index, and the third refractive index are greater than or equal to the refractive index of air.

9. The dynamic optical path switching device based on fluid modulation according to claim 1, wherein, The first optical component is a plastic prism, the second optical component is a glass prism, and the fluid medium is water.

10. An image capturing device, characterized in that, Comprising: A first imaging module, including a first lens and an optical deflecting member, the optical deflecting member being used to deflect the imaging light ray incident on the first lens; A second imaging module, including a second lens; A fluid-modulation-based dynamic optical path switching device, including a first optical component, a second optical component, a fluid medium, and an actuator; the first optical component includes a first end and a second end; the second optical component includes an optically effective region; the second optical component is pivotally connected to the first end of the first optical component; the fluid medium is located between the first optical component and the second optical component; the actuator is adapted to drive the second end of the first optical component to approach or move away from the second optical component; And Image sensor; Wherein, in response to the second end of the first optical member approaching the second optical member, the fluid medium covers the optically active area, so that the imaging light incident on the first lens passes through the optically active area of the second optical member, the fluid medium and the first optical member to the image sensor; In response to the second end of the first optical member moving away from the second optical member, the fluid medium moves away from the optically active area, so that the imaging light incident on the second lens is reflected at the optically active area of the second optical member to the image sensor.

11. The image capturing device according to claim 10, wherein, The first imaging module includes a first shutter, and the second imaging module includes a second shutter; in response to the first shutter being opened, the actuator drives the second end of the first optical member to approach the second optical member; in response to the second shutter being opened, the actuator drives the second end of the first optical member to move away from the second optical member.

12. The image capturing device according to claim 11, wherein It further includes a third imaging module and another fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device; the third imaging module includes a third lens and a third shutter; in response to the first shutter being opened, the actuators of the fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device and the other fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device respectively drive the second end of the first optical member to approach the second optical member; in response to the second shutter being opened, the actuator of the fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device drives the second end of the first optical member to move away from the second optical member, while the actuator of the other fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device drives the second end of the first optical member to approach the second optical member; In response to the third shutter being opened, the actuator of the other fluid-modulated dynamic optical path switching device drives the second end of the first optical member to move away from the second optical member.

13. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein It further includes a focusing module located between the first optical member and the image sensor.

14. The image capturing device according to claim 10, wherein, The image sensor has a photosensitive optical axis, the first imaging module has a first optical axis, and the second imaging module has a second optical axis; in response to the second end of the first optical member approaching the second optical member, the first optical axis is aligned with the photosensitive optical axis; In response to the second end of the first optical member moving away from the second optical member, the second optical axis is aligned with the photosensitive optical axis.

15. The image capturing device according to claim 10, wherein The first lens and the second lens respectively have a focal length, and the focal lengths of the first lens and the second lens are different.

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