A variable focus liquid lens

Abstract

The application discloses a zoom liquid lens. The zoom liquid lens comprises a shell, an inner cavity, a first filling liquid, a second filling liquid, a communication cavity and a zoom adjusting unit. The inner cavity is arranged in the shell and comprises an arc-shaped side wall. The first filling liquid and the second filling liquid, which are mutually insoluble, density-matched and different in refractive index, are filled in the inner cavity, a light-transmitting lens surface is formed at the contact interface of the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid, and the contact interface is in contact with the arc-shaped side wall. The communication cavity is arranged between the shell and the inner cavity and is in fluid communication with the inner cavity. The zoom adjusting unit is at least partially arranged in the communication cavity. When in a working state, the zoom adjusting unit is configured to adjust the position of the contact interface of the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid, thereby changing the radius of curvature of the liquid surface to complete zooming. The zoom control difficulty and the preparation difficulty are effectively reduced, and the zooming effect is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical device technology, and in particular to a zoom liquid lens. Background Technology

[0002] Today, optical imaging systems are widely used in engineering practice and audio-visual entertainment. Lenses are essential components in optical systems such as camera lenses, projection lenses, cameras, and optical microscopes. In recent years, lenses composed of liquid lenses have overcome the inherent shortcomings of traditional solid lenses due to their advantages of simple structure, low power consumption, and low cost. They can efficiently adjust the focal length by changing the radius of curvature of the liquid surface, making the lens structure more compact, zooming easier, and more efficient. Therefore, liquid lenses have become a new direction in the development of lens components. Liquid lenses mainly use dielectric wetting voltage modulation, but require a relatively high external driving voltage, typically in the range of 70-100V. Furthermore, the structure of liquid lenses is relatively complex, making their fabrication difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a zoom liquid lens that reduces the difficulty of zoom control and manufacturing while ensuring zoom performance.

[0004] This invention provides a zoom liquid lens, comprising: a housing, an inner cavity, a first filling liquid, a second filling liquid, a communicating cavity, and a zoom adjustment unit; The housing has an internal cavity, which includes an arc-shaped sidewall. The inner cavity is filled with a first filling liquid and a second filling liquid that are immiscible, have matching densities, and have different refractive indices. A light-transmitting lens surface is formed at the contact interface between the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid, and the contact interface is in contact with the arc-shaped sidewall. A communicating cavity is provided between the housing and the inner cavity, and the communicating cavity is in fluid communication with the inner cavity; The zoom adjustment unit is at least partially disposed within the communicating cavity; the zoom adjustment unit is configured to, when in operation, adjust the radius of curvature of the contact interface between the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid to complete zooming.

[0005] Optionally, the zoom adjustment unit includes a first drive unit located outside the housing and a piston unit located in the communicating cavity; The first driving part includes at least a first magnet; The piston portion includes a second magnet and a piston that houses the second magnet, wherein the first magnet is magnetically coupled to the second magnet; The first driving unit is used to adjust the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet to drive the piston to move within the communicating cavity.

[0006] Optionally, the driving voltage of the first driving unit is 3V-7V.

[0007] Optionally, the zoom adjustment unit includes a second drive unit located outside the housing and a first elastic unit located on the side wall of the housing; The second drive unit includes at least a pressure supply component; the pressure supply component is used to provide pressure; The first elastic portion contacts the first filling liquid, and the first elastic portion deforms in response to the pressure of the pressure supply component to adjust the radius of curvature of the contact interface between the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid.

[0008] Optionally, the zoom adjustment unit further includes a second elastic portion located on the side wall of the housing and a second isolation portion located in the communicating cavity; The pressure supply component includes a first pressure supply component; The second isolation section is used to isolate the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid located in the communicating cavity; The second elastic portion comes into contact with the second filling liquid, and the second elastic portion deforms in response to the pressure of the first pressure supply component. The deformation direction of the second elastic portion is opposite to that of the first elastic portion.

[0009] Optionally, the pressure supply component includes a second pressure supply component; The first elastic portion deforms in response to the pressure from the second pressure supply component, and the deformation direction of the second elastic portion is opposite to that of the first elastic portion. Optionally, the zoom liquid lens further includes a first viewing window and a second viewing window located on the surface of the housing and disposed opposite to each other; The zoom adjustment unit also includes a third isolation section located in the communicating cavity; The third isolation section is used to isolate the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid located in the communicating cavity; The first window includes a third elastic portion; The third elastic portion is in contact with the second filling liquid, and the third elastic portion deforms in response to the pressure of the pressure supply component. The deformation direction of the third elastic portion is opposite to that of the first elastic portion.

[0010] Optionally, the zoom adjustment unit includes a third drive unit located in the communicating cavity; The third drive unit includes at least a micro liquid pump; The third drive unit is used to control the flow direction of the liquid delivered by the micro liquid pump, so as to adjust the radius of curvature of the contact interface between the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid.

[0011] Optionally, the arc-shaped sidewall is an outwardly convex arc-shaped sidewall or an inwardly concave arc-shaped sidewall.

[0012] Optionally, the surface of the arc-shaped sidewall is provided with a hydrophobic layer.

[0013] The technical solution of this invention, through a zoom liquid lens, includes: a housing, an inner cavity, a first filling liquid, a second filling liquid, a connecting cavity, and a zoom adjustment unit. The housing contains an inner cavity with arc-shaped sidewalls. The inner cavity is filled with immiscible first and second filling liquids that have matching densities and different refractive indices. A light-transmitting lens surface is formed at the contact interface between the first and second filling liquids, and the contact interface contacts the arc-shaped sidewalls. A connecting cavity is provided between the housing and the inner cavity, and the connecting cavity is fluidly connected to the inner cavity. The zoom adjustment unit is at least partially disposed within the connecting cavity. The zoom adjustment unit is configured to adjust the radius of curvature of the contact interface between the first and second filling liquids when in operation, thereby achieving zooming. This invention does not require electrowetting; by adjusting the working state of the zoom adjustment unit, the position of the contact interface between the first and second filling liquids changes, thus changing the focal length of the liquid lens. This effectively reduces the difficulty of zoom control and fabrication, while ensuring zoom performance.

[0014] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an arc-shaped sidewall of an inner cavity provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the inner cavity arc-shaped sidewall provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the inner cavity arc-shaped sidewall provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the inner cavity arc-shaped sidewall provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 for Figure 14 A diagram showing the relationship between the contact interface height and focal length of a medium zoom liquid lens. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 for Figure 16 A diagram showing the relationship between the height of the contact interface and the focal length of a medium zoom liquid lens. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the zoom liquid lens includes: a housing 101, an inner cavity 102, a first filling liquid 103, a second filling liquid 104, a connecting cavity 105, and a zoom adjustment unit 106; the housing 101 has an inner cavity 102 inside, and the inner cavity 102 includes an arc-shaped sidewall 1021; the inner cavity 102 is filled with a first filling liquid 103 and a second filling liquid 104 that are immiscible, have matching densities, and different refractive indices, and a light-transmitting lens surface is formed at the contact interface 10 of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104, and the contact interface 10 contacts the arc-shaped sidewall 1021; a connecting cavity 105 is provided between the housing 101 and the inner cavity 102, and the connecting cavity 105 is in fluid communication with the inner cavity 102; the zoom adjustment unit 106 is at least partially disposed in the connecting cavity 105; the zoom adjustment unit 106 is configured to adjust the radius of curvature of the contact interface 10 of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 when in operation, so as to complete zooming.

[0020] The zoom lens housing 101 includes an inner cavity 102, which comprises an arc-shaped sidewall 1021. The inner cavity 102 is filled with a first filling liquid 103 and a second filling liquid 104. The first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 are immiscible within their operating temperature range to ensure a contact interface 10 is formed between them. The first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 have matched densities, meaning their densities are close; the density difference between them can be set to be less than 5%. The first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 have different refractive indices, typically greater than 0.1. Both the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 are in contact with the arc-shaped sidewall 1021 and have different interfacial forces with it, ensuring that the contact interface 10 between them can form a light-transmitting lens surface. The materials of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 can be conductive liquids, non-conductive liquids, oligomers, hydrocarbons, alkanes, lipids, salt solutions, or ionic liquids. The material components of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 can be a single liquid or a mixture of two or more completely miscible liquids. The specific materials and components of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 can be selected according to actual design requirements, and this embodiment of the invention does not impose specific limitations. The formulations of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 are more flexible, eliminating the need for direct electrical control of the filling liquids, fundamentally preventing adverse phenomena such as electrolysis, bubble formation, and lens failure that occur when conventional liquid lenses are energized. A connecting cavity 105 is provided between the housing 101 and the inner cavity 102, and the connecting cavity 105 is fluidly connected to the inner cavity 102. The first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 can flow in the connecting cavity 105, so that the volume of the filling liquid remains constant during the focusing process. An inner cavity support 20 is also provided in the connecting cavity 105. The inner cavity support 20 supports the inner cavity 102, ensuring that the inner cavity 102 can be fixed in a preset position and ensuring structural stability. The inner cavity support 20 has a hollow structure, which can ensure that the filling liquid can flow through the inner cavity support 20. The zoom adjustment unit 106 is at least partially disposed in the connecting cavity 105. When the zoom adjustment unit 106 is in working state, when the magnetic force, pressure, etc. of the zoom adjustment unit 106 changes, without relying on the electrowetting principle to drive it, the position of the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 will also change. At the same time, in combination with the specific shape of the side wall of the inner cavity 102, the radius of curvature of the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 in the inner cavity 102 will change accordingly, thereby changing the focal length of the liquid lens to complete the zoom.The aforementioned zoom liquid lens has a more compact structure, smaller size, and thinner profile, reducing manufacturing costs and difficulty while effectively ensuring image quality.

[0021] This invention, by adjusting the working state of the zoom adjustment unit and combining it with the arc-shaped sidewall of the inner cavity, changes the position of the contact interface between the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid, thereby changing the focal length of the liquid lens. This effectively reduces the difficulty of zoom control and fabrication, and ensures zoom performance.

[0022] Based on the above embodiments, the zoom adjustment unit 106 has different settings, and various feasible settings are shown below.

[0023] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 1 The zoom adjustment unit 106 includes a first drive part 61 located outside the housing 101 and a piston part 62 located in the communicating cavity 105. The first drive part 61 includes at least a first magnet 611. The piston part 62 includes a second magnet 612 and a piston 613 that accommodates the second magnet 612. The first magnet 611 and the second magnet 612 are magnetically coupled. The first drive part 61 is used to adjust the magnetic force between the first magnet 611 and the second magnet 612 to drive the piston 613 to move within the communicating cavity 105.

[0024] The zoom adjustment unit 106 may include a first drive unit 61 located outside the housing 101 and a piston unit 62 located in the communicating cavity 105. The first drive unit 61 includes a first magnet 611, and the piston unit 62 includes a second magnet 612. Both the first magnet 611 and the second magnet 612 are electromagnets, and their magnetic poles are opposite, attracting each other. When energized, the first drive unit 61 can move up and down, and applying different voltages to the first drive unit 61 will affect the magnetic force between the first magnet 611 and the second magnet 612, thereby controlling their different displacement distances. The first drive unit 61 includes the first magnet 611. When the first magnet 611 moves, it drives the second magnet 612 and the piston 613 including the second magnet 612 to move in the same direction. When the lower part of the inner cavity 102 is filled with the first filling liquid 103 and the upper part of the inner cavity 102 is filled with the second filling liquid 104, since the volume of the filling liquid in the inner cavity 102 and the communicating cavity 105 remains unchanged, such as Figure 1As shown, when the first driving unit 61 moves along the first direction X1, a portion of the second filling liquid 104 enters the inner cavity 102 through the connecting cavity 105, and a portion of the first filling liquid 103 enters the connecting cavity 105 through the inner cavity 102. Alternatively, when the first driving unit 61 moves along the second direction X2, a portion of the first filling liquid 103 enters the inner cavity 102 through the connecting cavity 105, and a portion of the second filling liquid 104 enters the connecting cavity 105 through the inner cavity 102. The first direction X1 is opposite to the second direction X2. At this time, the position of the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 in the inner cavity 102 will change, and the focal length of the liquid lens will also deteriorate, thus achieving zoom.

[0025] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 1 The driving voltage of the first driving unit 61 is 3V-7V. When the zoom adjustment unit 106 uses magnetic force to change the position of the contact interface 10 of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 in the inner cavity 102, the driving voltage of the first driving unit 61 is much lower than the driving voltage of the electrowetting liquid lens in the prior art. By using a driving voltage of 3V-7V, the first magnet 611 is driven to move in conjunction with the piston 613 that houses the second magnet 612, causing a change in the contact interface 10 of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104. Combined with the arc-shaped sidewall 1021 of the inner cavity 102, the focal length adjustment range is effectively expanded, achieving an ultra-long focusing effect.

[0026] Optional, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the zoom adjustment unit 106 includes a second drive section 63 located outside the housing 101 and a first elastic section 64 located on the side wall of the housing 101; the second drive section 63 includes at least a pressure supply component 631; the pressure supply component 631 is used to provide pressure; the first elastic section 64 is in contact with the first filling liquid 103, and the first elastic section 64 deforms in response to the pressure of the pressure supply component 631 to adjust the radius of curvature of the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104.

[0027] The zoom adjustment unit 106 includes a second drive unit 63 located outside the housing 101 and a first elastic unit 64 located on the side wall of the housing 101. The first elastic unit 64 is provided on both the left and right side walls of the housing to ensure symmetrical control. The first elastic unit 64 includes a pressure supply component 631, which can be an electric cam, and the first elastic unit 64 can be an elastic membrane. The elastic membrane can be a PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) membrane, etc. The first elastic unit 64 includes a first surface 641 and a second surface 642 facing each other. The first surface 641 of the first elastic unit 64 is in contact with the second drive unit 63, and the second surface 642 of the first elastic unit 64 is in contact with the first filling liquid 103. The pressure provided by the pressure supply component 631 causes the first elastic unit 64 to deform. The deformed first elastic unit 64 compresses the first filling liquid 103, thereby changing the radius of curvature of the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104, thus achieving zoom. The pressure supply component 631 provides different pressures, which can cause different degrees of deformation to the first elastic part 64, resulting in different degrees of displacement of the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104, thereby producing different focal lengths. When the pressure supply component 631 does not provide pressure, the first elastic part 64 will gradually return to a flat state. At this time, the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 will also shift downward, and the focal length of the liquid lens will change in the opposite direction.

[0028] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The zoom adjustment unit 106 also includes a second elastic portion 66 located on the side wall of the housing 101 and a second isolation portion 67 located in the communicating cavity 105; the pressure supply component 631 includes a first pressure supply component 6311; the second isolation portion 67 is used to isolate the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 located in the communicating cavity 105; the second elastic portion 66 is in contact with the second filling liquid 104, and the second elastic portion 66 deforms in response to the pressure of the first pressure supply component 6311, and the deformation direction of the second elastic portion 66 is opposite to the deformation direction of the first elastic portion 64.

[0029] The zoom adjustment unit 106 may include a second elastic portion 66 located on the side wall of the housing 101 and a second isolation portion 67 located in the communicating cavity 105. The second elastic portion 66 is provided on both the left and right side walls of the housing to ensure symmetrical control. The second elastic portion 66 may be an elastic membrane, and the first elastic portion 64 and the second elastic portion 66 may be made of the same material. The second isolation portion 67 may be an isolation component that does not deform, or it may be a partition component that deforms. Figure 2 and Figure 3The second isolation part 67 is used as an example of an isolation component that does not deform. When the first elastic part 64 deforms under the pressure of the first pressure supply part 6311, it will compress the first filling liquid 103, thereby squeezing part of the second filling liquid 104 into the connecting cavity 105. Since the second elastic part 66 is provided on the side wall of the housing 101, the second elastic part 66 will deform under the pressure of the second filling liquid 104. The second elastic part 66 will bulge outward to maintain the volume of the filling liquid unchanged, thereby changing the radius of curvature of the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104, thus achieving zoom.

[0030] Optional, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the pressure supply component 631 includes a second pressure supply component 6312; the first elastic part 64 deforms in response to the pressure of the second pressure supply component 6312, and the deformation direction of the second elastic part 66 is opposite to the deformation direction of the first elastic part 64.

[0031] in, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second isolation part 67 is used as an example of an isolation component that does not deform. When the second elastic part 66 deforms under the pressure of the second pressure supply part 6312, it will squeeze the second filling liquid 104, thereby squeezing part of the first filling liquid 103 into the connecting cavity 105. Since the first elastic part 64 is provided on the side wall of the housing 101, the first elastic part 64 will deform under the pressure of the first filling liquid 103. The first elastic part 64 will bulge outward to maintain the volume of the filling liquid unchanged, thereby changing the radius of curvature of the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104, thus achieving zoom.

[0032] Optional, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the zoom liquid lens also includes a first window 68 and a second window 69 located on the surface of the housing 101 and disposed opposite to each other; the zoom adjustment unit 106 also includes a third isolation portion 16 located in the communicating cavity 105; the third isolation portion 16 is used to isolate the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 located in the communicating cavity 105; the first window 68 includes a third elastic portion 681; the third elastic portion 681 is in contact with the second filling liquid 104, and the third elastic portion 681 deforms in response to the pressure of the pressure supply component 631, and the deformation direction of the third elastic portion 681 is opposite to the deformation direction of the first elastic portion 64.

[0033] The zoom adjustment unit 106 also includes a third isolation section 16 located in the connecting cavity 105. The third isolation section 16 is used to isolate the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 located in the connecting cavity 105. The third isolation section 16 can be an isolation component that will not deform, or it can be a partition component that will deform. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The third isolation section 16 is used as an example of an isolation component that does not deform. The zoom liquid lens also includes a first window 68 and a second window 69 located on the surface of the housing 101 and disposed opposite to each other. The first window 68 and the second window 69 can provide a propagation path for light. The first window 68 may include a third elastic section 681, which can be a transparent elastic film, so that the third elastic section 681 can ensure the propagation of light. When the first elastic part 64 deforms under the pressure of the pressure supply part, it will compress the first filling liquid 103 and also compress the second filling liquid 104. Since the third elastic part 681 is provided on the surface of the housing 101, the third elastic part 681 will deform under the pressure of the second filling liquid 104 and will bulge outward to maintain the volume of the filling liquid. The outwardly protruding third elastic part 681 can also form another lens surface. Combined with the light-transmitting lens surface formed by the contact interface 10 of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104, the liquid lens includes a double lens structure. When the radius of curvature of the contact interface 10 of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 changes, more flexible focal length control is achieved, and zoom is realized.

[0034] Optional, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the zoom adjustment unit 106 includes a third drive unit 70 located in the communicating cavity 105; the third drive unit 70 includes at least a micro liquid pump 701; the third drive unit 70 is used to control the flow direction of the liquid delivered by the micro liquid pump 701, so as to adjust the radius of curvature of the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104.

[0035] The zoom adjustment unit 106 includes a third drive unit 70 located in the connecting cavity 105. For example, the third drive unit 70 includes two miniature liquid pumps 701, which are symmetrically arranged within the connecting cavity 105. The zoom adjustment unit 106 may also include a pipe containing the miniature liquid pumps 701. The third drive unit 70 also includes a drive component that simultaneously drives both miniature liquid pumps 701, with the liquid flowing in the same direction. When the filling liquid is simultaneously controlled to be delivered downwards, the amount of filling liquid in the lower part of the inner cavity 102 increases. At this time, the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 moves upwards. Combined with the arcuate sidewall of the inner cavity 102, the contact angle formed by the contact interface 10 and the arcuate sidewall changes, thus changing the focal length of the liquid lens and achieving zoom. Similarly, when the filling liquid is simultaneously conveyed upwards, the amount of filling liquid in the upper part of the inner cavity 102 increases. At this time, the contact interface 10 between the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104 will move downwards. Combined with the arc-shaped sidewall of the inner cavity 102, the contact angle formed by the contact interface 10 and the arc-shaped sidewall changes. At this time, the focal length of the liquid lens will change and gradually return to the initial state.

[0036] Optional, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an arc-shaped sidewall of an inner cavity provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the arc-shaped sidewall of the inner cavity provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 A schematic diagram of another internal cavity arc-shaped sidewall provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the arc-shaped sidewall 1021 is either a convex arc-shaped sidewall or a concave arc-shaped sidewall. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the arc-shaped sidewall 1021 can be an outwardly convex arc-shaped sidewall that protrudes toward the contact interface 10 of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104; as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the inner arc-shaped sidewall can also be recessed towards the contact interface 10 of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104. Alternatively, only part of the sidewall of the inner cavity 102 can be arc-shaped. The specific shape design of the sidewall of the inner cavity 102 can be selected according to actual design requirements. This embodiment of the invention does not impose specific limitations.

[0037] Specifically, Figure 12 A schematic diagram of another internal cavity arc-shaped sidewall provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 12 As shown, when the sidewall of the inner cavity 102 is set as an arc-shaped sidewall 1021, according to the formula... Where f is the focal length, R is the radius of curvature of the contact interface 10, n1 is the refractive index of the first filling liquid 103, n2 is the refractive index of the second filling liquid 104, r is the radius of the cross section of the contact interface 10 at a specific position, α is the inclination angle of the sidewall at that specific position, and θ is the contact angle when the first filling liquid 103, the second filling liquid 104 and the sidewall are in equilibrium. It is related to parameters such as the interfacial tension of the first filling liquid 103, the second filling liquid 104 and the sidewall of the inner cavity 102. Therefore, as long as the sidewall of the inner cavity 102 with a specific shape is designed and the position of the contact interface 10 of the two liquids is changed, r and α will change, and the focal length f of the contact interface 10 will change accordingly. In this way, a zoom liquid lens can be formed without applying a high voltage electrowetting principle.

[0038] Optional, Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 13 As shown, a hydrophobic layer 12 is provided on the surface of the arc-shaped sidewall 1021.

[0039] The surface of the arc-shaped sidewall 1021 of the inner cavity 102 may also be provided with a hydrophobic layer 12 to improve the zoom characteristics of the liquid lens. The hydrophobic layer 12 can be made of materials such as phenelzine, polyimide, or Teflon. The specific material selection of the hydrophobic layer 12 can be based on the materials of the first filling liquid 103 and the second filling liquid 104. This embodiment of the invention does not impose specific limitations.

[0040] Based on simulations performed according to embodiments of the present invention, the following two structures of zoom liquid lenses were designed. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 for Figure 14 A diagram showing the relationship between the contact interface height and focal length of a medium zoom liquid lens, as shown below. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, with an inner cavity height of 3mm and a light aperture diameter of 10mm, Figure 14 The horizontal axis represents the aperture diameter, and the vertical axis represents the inner cavity height. The surface shape of the arc-shaped sidewall is shown as a partially circular cross-section. Without the addition of dielectric, the height of the contact interface of the filling liquid is adjusted by voltage or electromagnetic drive. The focal length is adjusted by the change in height position. According to the simulation results, the focal length of this structure can vary from 100mm to infinity.

[0041] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another zoom liquid lens provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 for Figure 16 A diagram showing the relationship between the contact interface height and focal length of a medium zoom liquid lens, as shown below. Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, with an inner cavity height of 3mm and a light aperture diameter of 10mm, Figure 16 The horizontal axis represents the aperture diameter, and the vertical axis represents the internal cavity height. Taking a non-spherical cross-section with a large variation in curvature as an example, the focal length is adjusted by regulating the height of the contact interface with the liquid filling via voltage or electromagnetic drive. According to simulation results, the focal length of this structure can range from a few millimeters to infinity.

[0042] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A zoom liquid lens, characterized in that, include: The housing, inner cavity, first filling liquid, second filling liquid, connecting cavity, and zoom adjustment unit; The housing has an internal cavity, which includes an arc-shaped sidewall. The inner cavity is filled with a first filling liquid and a second filling liquid that are immiscible, have matching densities, and have different refractive indices. A light-transmitting lens surface is formed at the contact interface between the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid, and the contact interface is in contact with the arc-shaped sidewall. A communicating cavity is provided between the housing and the inner cavity, and the communicating cavity is in fluid communication with the inner cavity; The zoom adjustment unit is at least partially disposed within the communicating cavity; the zoom adjustment unit is configured to adjust the curvature radii of the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid when in operation, so as to complete zooming.

2. The zoom liquid lens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The zoom adjustment unit includes a first drive unit located outside the housing and a piston unit located in the communicating cavity; The first driving part includes at least a first magnet; The piston portion includes a second magnet and a piston that houses the second magnet, wherein the first magnet is magnetically coupled to the second magnet; The first driving unit is used to adjust the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet to drive the piston to move within the communicating cavity.

3. The zoom liquid lens according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving voltage of the first driving unit is 3V-7V.

4. The zoom liquid lens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The zoom adjustment unit includes a second drive unit located outside the housing and a first elastic unit located on the side wall of the housing; The second drive unit includes at least a pressure supply component; the pressure supply component is used to provide pressure; The first elastic portion contacts the first filling liquid, and the first elastic portion deforms in response to the pressure of the pressure supply component to adjust the radius of curvature of the contact interface between the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid.

5. The zoom liquid lens according to claim 4, characterized in that, The zoom adjustment unit further includes a second elastic part located on the side wall of the housing and a second isolation part located in the communicating cavity; The pressure supply component includes a first pressure supply component; The second isolation section is used to isolate the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid located in the communicating cavity; The second elastic portion comes into contact with the second filling liquid, and the second elastic portion deforms in response to the pressure of the first pressure supply component. The deformation direction of the second elastic portion is opposite to that of the first elastic portion.

6. The zoom liquid lens according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pressure supply component includes a second pressure supply component; The first elastic part deforms in response to the pressure of the second pressure supply component, and the deformation direction of the second elastic part is opposite to that of the first elastic part.

7. The zoom liquid lens according to claim 4, characterized in that, The zoom liquid lens also includes a first window and a second window located on the surface of the housing and disposed opposite to each other; The zoom adjustment unit also includes a third isolation section located in the communicating cavity; The third isolation section is used to isolate the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid located in the communicating cavity; The first window includes a third elastic portion; The third elastic portion is in contact with the second filling liquid, and the third elastic portion deforms in response to the pressure of the pressure supply component. The deformation direction of the third elastic portion is opposite to that of the first elastic portion.

8. The zoom liquid lens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The zoom adjustment unit includes a third drive unit located in the communicating cavity; The third drive unit includes at least a micro liquid pump; The third drive unit is used to control the flow direction of the liquid delivered by the micro liquid pump, so as to adjust the radius of curvature of the contact interface between the first filling liquid and the second filling liquid.

9. The zoom liquid lens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped sidewall is either an outwardly convex arc-shaped sidewall or an inwardly concave arc-shaped sidewall.

10. The zoom liquid lens according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the arc-shaped sidewall is provided with a hydrophobic layer.

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