Piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens

Abstract

The utility model discloses a piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscopic lens, including the prism subassembly, liquid lens subassembly and lens assembly that set gradually along the light path, the lens assembly can move along the light path before and after under the drive of drive mechanism to adjust the interval between liquid lens subassembly to realize zoom, or, the liquid lens in liquid lens subassembly is extruded to change the curvature of liquid lens and realizes focusing. The utility model discloses through liquid lens curvature regulation and lens assembly interval control, realizes long focus and macro function integration, replaces traditional multi -mode group switching, avoids focal point deviation and light loss. Through the integration of zoom module and focusing module, the module thickness can be greatly compressed, and is suitable for mobile phone, unmanned aerial vehicle and other ultrathin equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of periscope lens technology, and in particular relates to a piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of camera technology, periscope motors have emerged in mobile phone cameras to adapt to new trends. Periscope motors are designed for high resolution, large aperture, and ultra-thin designs. Current technologies typically use single-lens focusing or multi-lens zoom, both of which require a large overall space. Periscope motors change the direction of light, receiving light through prism refraction, thus solving the problem of large space requirements for component installation and enabling zooming for distant shots. However, current periscope motor camera products suffer from zoom distance limitations; for example, periscope cameras cannot capture close-up shots, resulting in blurry images of the subject. Existing technologies address these issues by separating telephoto and close-up lenses into two modules, requiring switching between them depending on the distance. However, assembling these two modules requires significant space, and inconsistent focus during lens switching can lead to deviations in active calibration and lighting conditions before and after the switch.

[0003] Chinese patent application CN202122021522.8 discloses a periscope zoom lens, including a reflector, a first lens group, a liquid lens, and a second lens group; the lens has an optical axis, and the reflector, the first lens group, the liquid lens, and the second lens group are arranged sequentially with the optical axis as a reference; the first lens group is installed in a first lens barrel, the second lens group is installed in a second lens barrel, and the liquid lens is located between the first lens barrel and the second lens barrel.

[0004] In the aforementioned prior art, the liquid lens consists of a front-end structure sealed with a liquid polymer and a rear-end glass plate bonded together. The rear side of the glass plate is either adhered to a second lens group or assembled onto a second lens barrel. The front-end structure sealed with the liquid polymer is divided into an inner effective working part and an outer connecting part. When the connecting part at the front edge of the liquid lens is compressed, the inner working part of the liquid lens bulges out, forming a plano-convex lens shape, generating a certain optical power. This reduces the object distance for clear focusing, thereby achieving the transformation from telephoto to macro imaging.

[0005] However, the aforementioned existing technologies cannot achieve zoom functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens, which partially solves or alleviates the above-mentioned shortcomings in the prior art and can achieve zoom or unicorn zoom by driving the lens assembly to move.

[0007] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention specifically adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] The first aspect of this utility model is to provide a piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens, including a prism assembly, a liquid lens assembly and a lens assembly arranged sequentially along the optical path;

[0009] Driven by the driving mechanism, the lens assembly can move back and forth along the optical path to adjust the distance between itself and the liquid lens assembly to achieve zoom, or to squeeze the liquid lens in the liquid lens assembly to change the curvature of the liquid lens to achieve focus.

[0010] Furthermore, the lens assembly includes a lens and a lens carrier for carrying the lens; the liquid lens assembly includes a liquid lens and a liquid lens carrier for carrying the liquid lens.

[0011] Furthermore, the driving mechanism includes a slide bar parallel to the axis of the lens assembly and a piezoelectric component; the slide bar passes through the lens carrier on the lens assembly, and the piezoelectric component acts on the lens assembly to drive the lens assembly to move along the axis of the slide bar.

[0012] Furthermore, the piezoelectric assembly includes a piezoelectric element and a ceramic rod fixed to the piezoelectric element; it also includes a clamp fixed to the lens assembly, the clamp holding the ceramic rod.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a base for mounting the prism assembly, lens assembly, and liquid lens assembly; ball bearings are provided between the lens carrier and the base.

[0014] Furthermore, the bottom of the lens carrier has two grooves parallel to the slide bar, and the ball bearing is placed in the grooves; the grooves cooperate with the concave corners on the base to limit the movement of the ball bearing.

[0015] Furthermore, the lens carrier and the base are respectively provided with adsorption components I and II that can adsorb each other.

[0016] Furthermore, the adsorption component I is a permanent magnet embedded in the lens carrier, and the adsorption component II is a steel sheet fixed on the base.

[0017] Furthermore, the liquid lens is fixed on a mounting plate, which is inserted into the liquid lens carrier.

[0018] Furthermore, the liquid lens is disposed on the side of the mounting plate adjacent to the lens assembly and protrudes from the liquid lens carrier. Beneficial effects

[0019] The piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens with the above structure integrates telephoto and macro functions by adjusting the curvature of the liquid lens and controlling the spacing of the lens components, replacing the traditional multi-module switching and avoiding focus deviation and light loss.

[0020] When shooting distant scenes, the lens assembly moves between the liquid lens assembly and the prism assembly, but always maintains a certain distance from the liquid lens assembly. The distance between the lens assembly and the liquid lens assembly changes depending on the distance to the subject, thus achieving a zoom effect.

[0021] When a close-up shot is needed, the lens assembly moves toward the liquid lens assembly until the lens touches the liquid lens, at which point the lens and liquid lens merge into a single lens. The protruding part of the liquid lens, namely the liquid cavity of the liquid lens, is squeezed by the lens, thereby changing the optical characteristics of the liquid lens and achieving focusing within the range of liquid curvature changes in the liquid cavity of the liquid lens.

[0022] By integrating the zoom module and the focus module, the module thickness can be greatly reduced, making it suitable for ultra-thin devices such as mobile phones and drones. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. The elements or parts in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a top view of the structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a front view of the present invention, showing that the lens assembly is not in contact with the liquid lens assembly;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a front view of the present invention, showing the lens assembly in contact with the liquid lens assembly;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a magnified view of the contact state between the lens and the liquid lens.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the state of the lens compressing the liquid lens.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the drive mechanism;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a side view of the lens assembly.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid lens.

[0032] Summary of attached labeling and identification:

[0033] 1-Base, 2-Prism assembly, 3-Liquid lens assembly, 4-Lens assembly, 5-Drive mechanism, 6-Ball bearing, 7-Permanent magnet, 8-Steel sheet, 31-Liquid lens, 32-Mounting plate, 33-Liquid lens carrier, 41-Lens, 42-Lens carrier, 51-Slide bar, 52-Piezoelectric element, 53-Ceramic rod, 54-Clamping plate. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0035] In this document, suffixes such as "module," "part," or "unit" used to denote elements are used only for the purpose of illustrative purposes and have no specific meaning in themselves. Therefore, "module," "part," or "unit" can be used interchangeably.

[0036] In this document, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front," "rear," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In this document, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," and "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this document, "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed related items.

[0039] In this article, "multiple" means two or more, that is, it includes two, three, four, five, etc.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens, including a prism assembly 2, a liquid lens assembly 3, and a lens assembly 4 arranged sequentially along the optical path.

[0041] Prism assembly 2 changes the direction of light through refraction, realizing periscope-style optical path folding, shortening the axial thickness of the lens, and providing a spatial basis for telephoto shooting.

[0042] The lens assembly 4 includes a lens 41 and a lens carrier for supporting the lens 41.

[0043] The liquid lens assembly 3 includes a liquid lens 31 and a liquid lens carrier 33 for carrying the liquid lens 31.

[0044] Driven by the driving mechanism 5, the lens assembly 4 can move back and forth along the optical path to adjust the distance between itself and the liquid lens assembly 3 to achieve zoom, or to squeeze the liquid lens 31 in the liquid lens assembly 3 to change the curvature of the liquid lens 31 to achieve focus.

[0045] Zooming refers to the process of adjusting the angle of view, magnification, and imaging range of a captured image by changing the focal length of a lens. In other words, it allows the lens to clearly depict objects at different distances or alter the composition of the image without changing the shooting position. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, when shooting distant scenes, the lens assembly 4 moves between the liquid lens assembly 3 and the prism assembly 2, but always maintains a certain distance from the liquid lens assembly 3. Depending on the distance to the subject being shot, the distance between the lens assembly 4 and the liquid lens assembly 3 also changes, thus achieving a zoom effect.

[0046] When the lens assembly 4 and the liquid lens 31 are kept at a certain distance, they form a combined lens system 41. When the distance between them increases, their equivalent focal length becomes longer and the angle of view becomes narrower, resulting in magnified images of distant objects, i.e., a telephoto effect. When the distance between them decreases, their equivalent focal length becomes shorter and the angle of view becomes wider, which is suitable for mid-to-long-range transitional scenes.

[0047] Focusing is a crucial operation in an optical system that enables the subject to form a sharp image on the imaging plane. Its core principle is to adjust the relative position of the lens and the object, or the internal structure of the lens, so that the light emitted from the object accurately converges onto the imaging plane. For example... Figure 3As shown, when a close-up shot is needed, the lens assembly 4 moves toward the liquid lens assembly 3 until the lens 41 touches the liquid lens 31. At this point, the lens 41 and the liquid lens 31 merge into a single lens. Figure 4 The protruding part of the liquid lens, namely the liquid lens 31, is compressed by the lens 41, thereby changing the optical characteristics of the liquid lens and achieving focusing within the range of liquid curvature changes in the liquid cavity of the liquid lens. Figure 5 .

[0048] Lens assembly 4 includes a conventional lens 41, which moves towards liquid lens assembly 3 under the action of drive mechanism 5 until the surface of lens 41 directly contacts liquid lens 31. Liquid lens 31 has a core of a sealed liquid cavity covered by an elastic diaphragm. When not compressed, it is flat or slightly convex; compression causes deformation of the liquid cavity, increasing the curvature of the diaphragm. After contact between lens 41 and liquid lens 31, they can be considered a combined lens. Lens 41 provides the basic refractive power, while liquid lens 31 fine-tunes the focus through changes in curvature. The degree of compression and focal length change are linearly related within the elastic range of the liquid cavity, achieving stepless focusing; that is, continuously adjusting the compression pressure continuously changes the focal length to adapt to different close-up distances.

[0049] To facilitate the movement of the driving lens assembly 4, such as Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the driving mechanism 5 includes a slide rod 51 parallel to the axis of the lens assembly 4 and a piezoelectric component; the slide rod 51 passes through the lens carrier on the lens assembly 4 (the lens carrier has a sliding hole through which the slide rod 51 passes). The slide rod 51 is used to guide the movement of the lens assembly 4 and prevent the lens assembly 4 from deviating.

[0050] The piezoelectric component acts on the lens assembly 4 to drive the lens assembly 4 to move axially along the slide bar 51. More specifically, the piezoelectric component includes a piezoelectric element 52 and a ceramic rod 53 fixed to the piezoelectric element 52; it also includes a clamping piece 54 fixed to the lens assembly 4, which clamps the ceramic rod 53.

[0051] Under the influence of an alternating electric field, the piezoelectric element 52 undergoes expansion and contraction deformation. During operation, the piezoelectric element 52 slowly extends, and the ceramic rod 53 drives the lens carrier to move along the slide rod 51 through friction. The piezoelectric element 52 rapidly contracts, and relative sliding occurs between the ceramic rod 53 and the lens carrier due to inertia, keeping the lens carrier in its original position. This cycle is repeated to achieve the stepping motion of the lens carrier with precision down to the nanometer level.

[0052] like Figure 7As shown, to ensure smoother movement of the lens assembly 4, a base 1 is also included for mounting the prism assembly 2, lens assembly 4, and liquid lens assembly 3; a ball bearing 6 is provided between the lens carrier and the base 1. The number of balls bearing 6 can be set according to actual needs, and is not limited in this embodiment. In addition, to make the movement of the lens assembly 4 more balanced, the balls bearing 6 are arranged in two symmetrical rows. More specifically, the bottom of the lens carrier has two grooves parallel to the slide bar 51, and the balls bearing 6 are placed in the grooves; the grooves cooperate with the concave corners on the base 1 to limit the movement of the balls bearing 6. The grooves provide limiting on the top surface and one side of the balls bearing 6, while the concave corners limit the bottom surface and the other side, so that the balls bearing 6 can only roll in the back-and-forth direction, thereby ensuring that the lens assembly 4 does not experience radial movement during the back-and-forth movement.

[0053] To further ensure a close fit between the lens assembly 4 and the base 1, the lens carrier and the base 1 are respectively provided with adsorption components I and II that can attract each other. Specifically, adsorption component I is a permanent magnet 7 embedded in the lens carrier, and adsorption component II is a steel sheet 8 fixed to the base 1. When the lens assembly 4 is subjected to external vibration, the lens assembly 4 and the base 1 can remain tightly attached under the adsorption of adsorption components I and II, avoiding image blurring caused by displacement of the two components.

[0054] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the liquid lens 31 is fixed on the mounting plate 32, and the mounting plate 32 is inserted into the liquid lens carrier 33. Specifically, the liquid lens carrier 33 is C-shaped, and its two sides are provided with grooves that cooperate with the two sides of the mounting plate 32, so that the mounting plate 32 can be inserted into the liquid lens carrier 33 through the grooves. The mounting plate 32 and the liquid lens carrier 33 adopt an insert-in form, which facilitates quick installation and disassembly and improves assembly efficiency.

[0055] In addition, the liquid lens 31 is disposed on the mounting plate 32 on the side adjacent to the lens assembly 4 and protrudes from the liquid lens carrier 33, so that the lens 41 on the lens assembly 4 can squeeze the liquid lens 31 to avoid interference.

[0056] In use, light enters the lens module from the subject and first passes through prism assembly 2. The prism reflects the light by 90°, causing the light, which originally propagated along the lens axis, to propagate laterally, achieving periscope-like optical path folding. The folded light then passes sequentially through lens assembly 4 and liquid lens assembly 3, finally focusing on the CMOS sensor to achieve imaging.

[0057] When shooting distant scenes, the system triggers zoom demand through distance measurement or user commands. When the piezoelectric component is energized, it generates micron-level expansion and contraction, pushing the lens assembly 4 to move axially along the slider 51. The change in the distance between the lens assembly 4 and the liquid lens 31 alters the equivalent focal length of the combined lens 41. The curvature of the liquid lens 31 can be finely adjusted via an electric field or mechanical force, working in conjunction with the distance adjustment to achieve continuous zoom.

[0058] When shooting close-ups, the lens assembly 4 moves further towards the liquid lens 31 until the lens 41 directly touches the liquid lens 31. The lens 41 squeezes the liquid cavity of the liquid lens 31, increasing the curvature of the elastic diaphragm and shortening the focal length to meet the light convergence requirements of the close-up object. The system evaluates the image sharpness in real time through contrast detection or phase detection and fine-tunes the squeezing force to ensure that the close-up object is in sharp focus.

[0059] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0060] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All of these forms are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens, characterized in that: It includes a prism assembly, a liquid lens assembly, and a lens assembly arranged sequentially along the optical path; Driven by the driving mechanism, the lens assembly can move back and forth along the optical path to adjust the distance between itself and the liquid lens assembly to achieve zoom, or to squeeze the liquid lens in the liquid lens assembly to change the curvature of the liquid lens to achieve focus.

2. The piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lens assembly includes a lens and a lens carrier for supporting the lens; the liquid lens assembly includes a liquid lens and a liquid lens carrier for supporting the liquid lens.

3. The piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens according to claim 2, characterized in that: The driving mechanism includes a slide bar parallel to the axis of the lens assembly and a piezoelectric component; the slide bar passes through the lens carrier on the lens assembly, and the piezoelectric component acts on the lens assembly to drive the lens assembly to move along the axis of the slide bar.

4. The piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens according to claim 3, characterized in that: The piezoelectric assembly includes a piezoelectric element and a ceramic rod fixed to the piezoelectric element; it also includes a clip fixed to the lens assembly, the clip holding the ceramic rod.

5. A piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a base for mounting the prism assembly, lens assembly, and liquid lens assembly; ball bearings are provided between the lens carrier and the base.

6. A piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom of the lens carrier has two grooves parallel to the slide bar, and the ball bearing is placed in the grooves; the grooves cooperate with the concave corners on the base to limit the movement of the ball bearing.

7. A piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lens carrier and the base are respectively provided with adsorption components I and adsorption components II that can adsorb each other.

8. A piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens according to claim 7, characterized in that: The adsorption component I is a permanent magnet embedded in the lens carrier, and the adsorption component II is a steel sheet fixed on the base.

9. A piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid lens is fixed on the mounting plate, which is inserted into the liquid lens carrier.

10. A piezoelectric liquid lens zoom periscope lens according to claim 9, characterized in that: The liquid lens is disposed on the mounting plate adjacent to the lens assembly and protrudes from the liquid lens carrier.

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