A range-adjustable laser triangulation sensor

Abstract

This invention discloses a range-adjustable laser triangulation ranging sensor, comprising a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit includes a first laser for emitting laser light and a first transmitting lens for focusing the emitted laser light. The first laser emits laser light, which is focused by the first transmitting lens and reaches the surface to be measured in a first range. After reflection, the laser light reaches the receiving unit. The transmitting unit also includes a second laser, a third laser, and an Nth laser, where N is greater than or equal to 2. The laser light emitted by the second, third, or Nth laser is reflected by a semi-transparent mirror to overlap with the laser emission path of the first laser, reaching the surface to be measured in the second, third, or Nth range, respectively. This ranging sensor, by incorporating multiple laser emitters within a single sensor, with each laser generator corresponding to a specific optical path and a specific range, enables range adjustment for a single sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical measurement equipment technology, and more specifically, to a laser triangulation range sensor with adjustable range. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the range of the ranging sensors used in laser triangulation is fixed, with one sensor corresponding to one range. However, in practical measurement tasks, it may be necessary to deal with objects of various sizes. To meet different measurement requirements, the detection device needs to have multi-range functionality. There are currently three main solutions to meet the requirement of multi-range functionality:

[0003] (1) Equipped with multiple sensors. The detection device is equipped with multiple laser sensors with different ranges. In actual measurement, the appropriate sensor range is selected according to different measurement objects and measurement requirements. However, equipping multiple laser sensors will directly increase the measurement cost, especially for some ranges that are not used frequently, the cost of configuring a separate sensor for them is too high. In addition, when facing measurement objects of different sizes, it is necessary to frequently switch sensors. Each switch requires reinstallation and calibration, which seriously affects the measurement efficiency.

[0004] (2) Used in conjunction with a high-precision lifting platform. The laser sensor is mounted on a platform with vertical lifting and precise positioning functions, and the precise spatial movement and positioning function of the platform is used to compensate for the range of the laser sensor. However, precision lifting platforms are generally expensive and have high requirements for the measurement site and environment.

[0005] (3) Self-made variable range sensor. The position sensing element in the laser triangulation probe is designed to be movable. In actual measurement, the range of the sensor can be changed by changing the position of the position sensing element, so that a single sensor can obtain various different ranges. However, it is difficult to achieve accurate positioning and repeatability of the position sensing element within its movable range.

[0006] In view of the above, this application is hereby submitted. Utility Model Content

[0007] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is that in actual measurement tasks, in order to meet different measurement needs, the measuring equipment needs to have multiple range functions. However, current methods are difficult to achieve adjustable range of a single sensor and ensure measurement accuracy. The purpose is to provide a laser triangulation distance sensor with adjustable range. By setting multiple laser emitters inside a single sensor, each laser generator corresponds to an optical path and a range, the range of a single sensor can be adjusted.

[0008] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0009] An adjustable-range laser triangulation range sensor includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit includes a first laser for emitting laser light and a first emitting lens for focusing the emitted laser light. The first laser emits laser light, which is focused by the first emitting lens to reach the surface to be measured within a first range, and then reflected to reach the receiving unit.

[0010] The transmitting unit is also equipped with a second laser, a third laser, and an Nth laser, wherein N is greater than or equal to 2;

[0011] The laser emitted by the second, third, or Nth laser is reflected by a semi-transparent mirror to overlap with the laser emission path of the first laser, and reaches the test surface in the second, third, or Nth range, respectively.

[0012] This invention relates to a ranging sensor that incorporates multiple laser emitters within a single sensor. Each laser emitter corresponds to a specific optical path and a specific measurement range, enabling adjustable range for a single sensor. During use, the appropriate laser emitter can be activated based on different range requirements, while the remaining laser emitters are kept off. This allows for measurement within the specified range, making operation convenient and simple. In its fabrication, the ranging sensor is pre-configured with all laser emitters and corresponding lenses, and the entire optical structure is fixed. Switching ranges requires no component movement; simply switching the activated laser emitter avoids mechanical installation or movement errors associated with component replacement or movement. This design ensures ease of operation and a simple structure.

[0013] The inventive concept of this utility model is to install multiple laser emitters and configure corresponding lens assemblies on the emitting unit of a single sensor, so that the laser light path emitted by each laser emitter can achieve a measurement range corresponding to a given range. This allows for measurement of different ranges by switching on different laser emitters. Compared to sensors with multiple ranges, this application only requires adding multiple additional laser emitters and lenses to a single sensor, resulting in lower costs. Furthermore, each optical element does not need to be moved, and the sensor does not require repeated disassembly and reassembly after being installed in the measurement position, ensuring measurement accuracy and efficiency.

[0014] In one specific embodiment, a plurality of semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirrors are arranged sequentially at intervals along the laser emission path of the first laser. The second laser, the third laser, and the Nth laser each correspond to a semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror. The fully transmissive surface of the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror faces the first laser, and the fully reflective surface of the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror faces the corresponding second laser, third laser, and Nth laser.

[0015] In one specific embodiment, the semi-transparent mirror is set at a 45° angle to the laser emission path of the first laser.

[0016] In one specific embodiment, the laser emission paths of the second, third, and Nth lasers are perpendicular to the laser emission path of the first laser. That is, the second, third, and Nth lasers reflect their emitted laser light through a semi-transparent mirror positioned at a 45° angle, so that it overlaps with the laser emission path of the first laser.

[0017] In one specific embodiment, the second laser, the third laser, and the Nth laser are each provided with a corresponding emitting lens.

[0018] In one specific embodiment, a semi-transparent mirror corresponding to the second laser is disposed between the first laser and the first emitting lens, and the second laser and the first laser share the first emitting lens. That is, in this invention, the first and second measurement ranges can share a single emitting lens. By designing the relative distances between the first and second lasers and the first semi-transparent mirror (i.e., the semi-transparent mirror corresponding to the second laser), the focal length is changed, thereby obtaining the desired first and second measurement ranges. This reduces the need for one emitting lens, further lowering costs, reducing mounting components, and thus reducing the internal installation complexity of the sensor and minimizing installation errors.

[0019] In one specific embodiment, the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirrors corresponding to the lasers other than the second laser are all disposed on the side of the first emitting lens away from the first laser, and the emitting lenses corresponding to the third laser and the Nth laser are respectively disposed between the third laser, the Nth laser and the corresponding semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror.

[0020] In one specific embodiment, the second, third, and Nth lasers are all disposed between the laser emission path and the laser receiving path of the first laser. That is, the second, third, and Nth lasers are installed in the empty space between the transmitting and receiving units of the sensor, which allows for a more compact component installation and a reduction in the overall size of the sensor while adding laser emitters and lenses.

[0021] In one specific embodiment, the receiving unit includes a receiving lens group and a photosensitive chip.

[0022] In one specific embodiment, the receiving lens group adopts a conventional combination of aspherical cemented doublet lens and filter.

[0023] This invention does not make any innovative improvements to the receiving unit of the sensor. Its specific structure and installation adopt the conventional settings of existing triangulation sensors. No additional optical components are added, which controls costs and further reduces the errors caused by component installation.

[0024] In this invention, the installation positions of multiple laser emitters and the specific structural parameters of their installation with the emitting lens and the semi-transparent mirror are determined according to the actual measurement range and scale required by the sensor.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0026] 1. The present invention provides a range-adjustable laser triangulation range sensor. By setting multiple laser emitters inside a single sensor, each laser emitter corresponds to an optical path and a range, the range of a single sensor can be adjusted. In use, the corresponding laser emitter can be turned on to emit laser according to different range requirements, while the other laser emitters are turned off, so that the corresponding range can be measured. The operation is convenient and simple.

[0027] 2. The laser triangulation range measuring sensor with adjustable range provided in this utility model embodiment adopts a fixed structure for all optical components of the sensor. When switching the range, there is no need to move the components. It can be achieved by simply switching the laser emitter that is started. This can avoid mechanical installation or movement errors caused by replacing or moving components. It is easy to operate and has a simple structure.

[0028] 3. The adjustable range laser triangulation range sensor provided in this utility model embodiment is lower in cost than a sensor with multiple ranges. It only requires adding multiple laser emitters and lenses to a single sensor. At the same time, each optical element does not need to be moved, and the sensor does not need to be repeatedly disassembled and reinstalled after it is installed at the measurement position, thus ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of the measurement. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 A structural diagram of a range-adjustable sensor provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 Another structural diagram of the range-adjustable sensor provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 A structural diagram of a range-adjustable sensor provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 The point diagram corresponding to the [S1] range-adjustable sensor provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0034] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names:

[0035] 1-First laser emitter; 2-Second laser emitter; 3-Third laser emitter; 4-First emitting lens; 5-Second emitting lens; 6-First semi-reflective lens; 7-Second semi-reflective lens; 8-Receiving lens group; 9-Photosensitive chip. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0037] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary to implement the present invention. In other embodiments, well-known structures are not specifically described in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0038] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment," "an example," or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the phrases "an embodiment," "an example," "an example," or "an example" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable combination and / or sub-combination. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the illustrations provided herein are for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "vertical", "horizontal", "high", "low", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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 limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this utility model provides a range-adjustable laser triangulation ranging sensor, including a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit includes a first laser for emitting laser light and a first transmitting lens for focusing the emitted laser light. The first laser emits laser light, which is focused by the first transmitting lens and reaches the surface to be measured within a first range. After reflection, the laser light reaches the receiving unit.

[0042] The transmitting unit is also equipped with a second laser, a third laser, and an Nth laser, wherein N is greater than or equal to 2;

[0043] The laser emitted by the second, third, or Nth laser is reflected by a semi-transparent mirror to overlap with the laser emission path of the first laser, and reaches the test surface in the second, third, or Nth range, respectively.

[0044] This invention relates to a ranging sensor that incorporates multiple laser emitters within a single sensor. Each laser emitter corresponds to a specific optical path and a specific measurement range, enabling adjustable range for a single sensor. During use, the appropriate laser emitter can be activated based on different range requirements, while the remaining laser emitters are kept off. This allows for measurement within the specified range, making operation convenient and simple. In its fabrication, the ranging sensor is pre-configured with all laser emitters and corresponding lenses, and the entire optical structure is fixed. Switching ranges requires no component movement; simply switching the activated laser emitter avoids mechanical installation or movement errors associated with component replacement or movement. This design ensures ease of operation and a simple structure.

[0045] The inventive concept of this utility model is to install multiple laser emitters and configure corresponding lens assemblies on the emitting unit of a single sensor, so that the laser light path emitted by each laser emitter can achieve a measurement range corresponding to a given range. This allows for measurement of different ranges by switching on different laser emitters. Compared to sensors with multiple ranges, this application only requires adding multiple additional laser emitters and lenses to a single sensor, resulting in lower costs. Furthermore, each optical element does not need to be moved, and the sensor does not require repeated disassembly and reassembly after being installed in the measurement position, ensuring measurement accuracy and efficiency.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, a plurality of semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirrors are arranged sequentially at intervals along the laser emission path of the first laser. The second laser, the third laser, and the Nth laser each correspond to a semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror. The fully transmissive surface of the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror faces the first laser, and the fully reflective surface of the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror faces the corresponding second laser, third laser, and Nth laser.

[0047] In one specific embodiment, the semi-transparent mirror is set at a 45° angle to the laser emission path of the first laser.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, the laser emission paths of the second, third, and Nth lasers are perpendicular to the laser emission path of the first laser. That is, the second, third, and Nth lasers reflect their emitted laser light through a semi-transparent mirror positioned at a 45° angle, so that it overlaps with the laser emission path of the first laser.

[0049] In one specific embodiment, the second laser, the third laser, and the Nth laser are each provided with a corresponding emitting lens.

[0050] In one specific embodiment, a semi-transparent mirror corresponding to the second laser is disposed between the first laser and the first emitting lens, and the second laser and the first laser share the first emitting lens. That is, in this invention, the first and second measurement ranges can share a single emitting lens. By designing the relative distances between the first and second lasers and the first semi-transparent mirror (i.e., the semi-transparent mirror corresponding to the second laser), the focal length is changed, thereby obtaining the desired first and second measurement ranges. This reduces the need for one emitting lens, further lowering costs, reducing mounting components, and thus reducing the internal installation complexity of the sensor and minimizing installation errors.

[0051] In one specific embodiment, the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirrors corresponding to the lasers other than the second laser are all disposed on the side of the first emitting lens away from the first laser, and the emitting lenses corresponding to the third laser and the Nth laser are respectively disposed between the third laser, the Nth laser and the corresponding semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the second, third, and Nth lasers are all disposed between the laser emission path and the laser receiving path of the first laser. That is, the second, third, and Nth lasers are installed in the empty space between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit of the sensor, which allows for a more compact installation of components and a reduction in the overall size of the sensor while adding laser emitters and lenses.

[0053] In one specific embodiment, the receiving unit includes a receiving lens group and a photosensitive chip.

[0054] In one specific embodiment, the receiving lens group adopts a conventional combination of aspherical cemented doublet lens and filter.

[0055] This invention does not make any innovative improvements to the receiving unit of the sensor. Its specific structure and installation adopt the conventional settings of existing triangulation sensors. No additional optical components are added, which controls costs and further reduces the errors caused by component installation.

[0056] In this invention, the installation positions of multiple laser emitters and the specific structural parameters of their installation with the emitting lens and the semi-transparent mirror are determined according to the actual measurement range and scale required by the sensor.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, this utility model provides a range-adjustable laser triangulation ranging sensor, including a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit includes three laser emitters: a first laser emitter 1, a second laser emitter 2, and a third laser emitter 3. A first transmitting lens 4 is disposed on the laser emission path of the first laser emitter 1. A first semi-reflective lens 6 is disposed between the first transmitting lens 4 and the first laser emitter 1. A second semi-reflective lens 7 is disposed on the side of the first transmitting lens 4 away from the first laser emitter 1. A first transmitting lens 5 is disposed between the second semi-reflective lens 7 and the third laser emitter 3. The first semi-reflective lens 6 and the second semi-reflective lens 7 are respectively used to reflect the laser emitted by the second laser emitter 2 and the third laser emitter 3 to overlap with the emission path of the first laser emitter.

[0059] The receiving unit includes a receiving lens group 8 and a photosensitive chip 9;

[0060] Specifically, in this embodiment, the three laser emitters are designed with the following measurement ranges: first range: 50±10 mm; second range: 60±10 mm; third range: 100±30 mm; that is, the first range is 20 mm, the second range is 20 mm, and the third range is 60 mm. Therefore, the entire measurement range of the ranging sensor in this embodiment is 40-130 mm, a total measurement range of 90 mm.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the simulation data of the ranging sensor in this embodiment can be seen. It can be seen that the radius of all the light spots is within 10um (referencing the RMS radius), which has good imaging and can meet the measurement requirements of the range.

[0062] In principle, laser emitters and corresponding emitting lenses can be added to the emitting unit as needed, thereby increasing the measurement range. Only the corresponding receiving lens group needs to be adjusted.

[0063] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A range-adjustable laser triangulation distance sensor, comprising a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, wherein the transmitting unit includes a first laser for emitting laser light and a first emitting lens for focusing the emitted laser light, the first laser emitting laser light being focused by the first emitting lens to reach a surface to be measured within a first range, and then reflected to reach the receiving unit, characterized in that, The transmitting unit is also equipped with a second laser, a third laser, and an Nth laser, wherein N is greater than or equal to 2; The laser emitted by the second, third, or Nth laser is reflected by a semi-transparent mirror to overlap with the laser emission path of the first laser, and reaches the test surface in the second, third, or Nth range, respectively.

2. The range-adjustable laser triangulation distance sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirrors are arranged sequentially at intervals along the laser emission path of the first laser. The second, third, and Nth lasers each correspond to a semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror. The fully transparent surface of the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror faces the first laser, and the fully reflective surface of the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror faces the corresponding second, third, and Nth lasers.

3. The range-adjustable laser triangulation distance sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second, third, and Nth lasers are each equipped with a corresponding emitting lens.

4. The range-adjustable laser triangulation distance sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that, A semi-transparent mirror corresponding to the second laser is disposed between the first laser and the first emitting lens, and the second laser and the first laser share the first emitting lens.

5. A range-adjustable laser triangulation distance sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, Except for the second laser, the semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirrors corresponding to the other lasers are all set on the side of the first emitting lens away from the first laser. The emitting lenses corresponding to the third laser and the Nth laser are respectively set between the third laser and the Nth laser and the corresponding semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror.

6. The range-adjustable laser triangulation distance sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second, third, and Nth lasers are all positioned between the laser emission path and the laser receiving path of the first laser.

7. The range-adjustable laser triangulation distance sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The semi-transparent mirror is set at a 45° angle to the laser emission path of the first laser.

8. A range-adjustable laser triangulation distance sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The laser emission paths of the second, third, and Nth lasers are perpendicular to the laser emission path of the first laser.

9. A range-adjustable laser triangulation distance sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving unit includes a receiving lens group and a photosensitive chip.

10. A range-adjustable laser triangulation distance sensor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The receiving lens group adopts a combination of aspherical cemented doublet lens and filter.

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