Lidar optical lens module and lens dispensing and curing method using the same

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of laser radars, in particular to a laser radar optical lens module and a lens dispensing and curing mode using the same, which adopts a multiple fixing and dispensing mode of pre-fixing, secondary fixing and tertiary fixing in sequence, a single receiving convex mirror is inserted into a shell through a through hole along an installation groove, and the single receiving convex mirror is sequentially inserted along the installation groove until all installation stations are filled, so that pre-fixing is completed; then a bolt is inserted into the through hole, an outer frame is fixed by using a screw, the inner wall of the outer frame is abutted against the bolt, extrusion fixing is formed, secondary fixing is achieved, glue is reserved in a dispensing groove, and then the glue is baked and cured in an oven, considering the influence of the shrinkage stress of the glue during the curing process, the self-adaptive extrusion elasticity of the bolt in the secondary fixing is used to continuously shape and fix the receiving convex mirror, and the application has the advantages of simple structure, small volume, effective dispensing and stable heating and curing of the lens position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lidar technology, and more specifically, to lidar optical lens modules and a method for dispensing and curing lenses using the module. Background Technology

[0002] To meet the stability requirements of autonomous driving, rotating mirror semi-solid-state LiDAR is one of the most effective solutions. It uses a polygonal rotating mirror to scan the laser beam into a surface light source, effectively ensuring improved LiDAR beamwidth. However, the polygonal rotating mirror creates stray light in various directions on the receiving optical path. To simultaneously obtain a multi-beam point cloud effect, manufacturers typically arrange lasers at equal intervals on the emitting board and arrange photosensitive chips at corresponding intervals on the receiving circuit board. This requires the optical path to meet the optical size space requirements of the multi-array photosensitive chips in the vertical direction, making system space difficult to compress.

[0003] The invention patent with patent number 202010716913.9 discloses a lens mounting fixture. By setting a first top block, a second top block, and an elastic reset member, when installing the lens, the first top block and the second top block are pressed and slid along the first guide post to bring them closer together. After inserting the lens mounting fixture into the space on one side of the lens mounting slot, the buffer protrusion is aligned with the bearing surface of the lens. The first top block and the second top block are then released, and the elastic force of the elastic reset member pushes the first top block and the second top block to slide along the first guide post in opposite directions, so that the first positioning part and the second positioning part move away from each other. This causes the buffer protrusion to contact and abut against the bearing surface of the lens to press the lens. This achieves pressing and positioning of the lens during installation and prevents the lens from shifting during glue fixation.

[0004] However, the drawbacks of this installation method are equally obvious: Currently, the industry mostly uses two-component thermosetting adhesives as the preferred curing method for radar lenses. After the lens is installed in a specific position, it is difficult to completely irradiate the dispensing area with UV light. Therefore, the entire module, including the fixture, is usually placed in a high-temperature oven for complete curing. The entire curing process is completely sealed. After the fixture is heated, the elastic force of the elastic reset component is greatly affected, ultimately causing the pressed lens to loosen. This not only affects the final product shape but also, due to the addition of the elastic reset component in the lens mounting fixture, the overall installation volume of the rotating mirror semi-solid-state lidar is relatively large, occupying a large space on the required carrier. In view of this, it is necessary to provide a device with a simple structure, small size, and the ability to effectively dispense adhesive and stabilize the position of the heated and cured lens. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this application is to provide a lidar optical lens module that has the advantages of small size, stable signal output, and durability.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical objective of this application is achieved through the following technical solution: a lidar optical lens module, comprising...

[0007] The outer shell has a receiving area and a light-converting area. The inner diameter of the light-converting area is smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving area. The outer shell has an opening on one side of the receiving area, and the inner wall of the light-converting area has a matte thread.

[0008] A receiving module is located within the receiving area and is provided with multiple receiving convex lenses for receiving light source signals. The receiving area is provided with multiple mounting stations for mounting the receiving convex lenses. Pins that abut and restrict the receiving convex lenses are distributed within the receiving area and at each of the mounting stations. At least one side of the housing is provided with a positioning mechanism for fixing the position of the pins. The pins that are symmetrically arranged at each of the mounting stations can be spaced according to the size of the receiving convex lenses to be installed. The housing is provided with multiple mounting slots in the receiving area, and the mounting slots are provided one-to-one with the mounting stations.

[0009] The light conversion module, located within the light conversion area, is equipped with multiple reflectors that reflect the light source signal.

[0010] Preferably, the inner wall of the light-converting region is coated with a light-absorbing coating.

[0011] Preferably, the pin is made of plastic or soft metal.

[0012] Preferably, the positioning mechanism includes a through hole on the housing and an outer frame covering the through hole. The outer frame is fixedly connected to the housing by a threaded lock, and the inner wall of the outer frame can abut against and restrict a pin inserted into the through hole.

[0013] Preferably, the inner wall of the inner frame has a dotted groove at the installation position.

[0014] Preferably, the upper and lower pins of a single installation station are provided with arc-shaped cut surfaces from the ends that are close to each other.

[0015] Preferably, the outer casing is provided with a plurality of mounting slots at the receiving area, and the mounting slots are provided one-to-one with the mounting stations.

[0016] Preferably, a limiting block is provided between adjacent installation stations, which is partially inserted into the housing, and the side of the limiting block abuts against the receiving convex mirror.

[0017] A lens dispensing and curing method includes applying the aforementioned lidar optical lens module.

[0018] S1: Pre-fixing: Insert a single receiving convex lens into the housing through the through-hole along the mounting groove, and insert the single receiving convex lenses along the mounting groove in sequence until all mounting positions are filled;

[0019] S2: Secondary fixing: Next, insert the pin into the through hole and use screws to fix the outer frame. The inner wall of the outer frame abuts against the pin and forms a compression fixation.

[0020] S3: Three-stage fixing: Pre-fill the dispensing tank with adhesive, and then put it into the oven for baking and curing.

[0021] Preferably, in step S2, the application length of the pin needs to be selected according to the size of the receiving lens.

[0022] Preferably, in step S3, the reserved adhesive is UV adhesive, which needs to be placed in an oven at a preset temperature of 120 degrees Celsius and baked for 30 minutes.

[0023] In summary, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0024] 1. The light source signal enters the receiving area from the end of the housing, passes through multiple receiving convex mirrors in the receiving module, and is transferred to the light conversion module in the light conversion area. Multiple reflectors in the light conversion module reflect the light source signal out. During this process, the light source signal is stray light eliminated by the light-extinguishing threads or slots set in the inner wall of the light conversion area, and excess stray light is absorbed to improve the transmission of the light source signal.

[0025] 2. The light source signal needs to pass through multiple receiving convex lenses in the receiving module in the receiving area. Traditionally, most receiving convex lenses are fixed by annular spacers with internal threads or by the elastic force of elastic reset components. This traditional fixing method results in large cumulative tolerances due to the assembly of multiple parts, leading to a large installation space. Therefore, an installation station is set up in the receiving area for the corresponding receiving convex lenses. While minimizing the installation space of the receiving convex lenses, symmetrically arranged slots are used to restrict the receiving convex lenses in the installation station, reinforcing the installation of the receiving convex lenses. The setup structure is simple.

[0026] 3. Insert a single receiving convex lens into the housing through the through-hole along the mounting groove, and then insert the single receiving convex lenses along the mounting groove in sequence until all mounting positions are filled, completing the pre-fixation; then insert the pin into the through hole, and use screws to fix the outer frame. The inner wall of the outer frame abuts against the pin, forming a compression fixation, achieving secondary fixation. Then, leave adhesive in the glue dispensing groove, and then put it into the oven for baking and curing. Considering the influence of shrinkage stress of the adhesive during the curing process, the adaptive compression elasticity of the pin in the secondary fixation is used to continuously shape and fix the receiving convex lens, minimizing the possibility of the receiving convex lens installation position displacement. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure from a frontal view of an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a stereoscopic view of the internal structure of an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Reference numerals: 1. Outer shell; 11. Outer frame; 2. Receiving area; 21. Receiving convex lens; 22. Mounting station; 23. Pin; 3. Light conversion area; 31. Matte thread; 32. Reflector; 4. Dispensing groove; 5. Mounting groove; 6. Limiting block. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0032] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly or indirectly attached to that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0033] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., 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 application 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 application.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] A lidar optical lens module, see Figures 1 to 3The outer shell 1 has a receiving area 2 and a light-converting area 3. The inner diameter of the light-converting area 3 is smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving area 2. The outer shell 1 has an opening on one side of the receiving area 2. The inner wall of the light-converting area 3 is provided with a matte thread 31.

[0036] A receiving module is located within the receiving area 2 and is provided with multiple receiving convex lenses 21 for receiving light source signals. The receiving area 2 is provided with multiple mounting stations 22 for mounting the receiving convex lenses 21. Pins 23 for abutting and restricting the receiving convex lenses 21 are distributed within the receiving area 2 and at each of the mounting stations 22. At least one side of the housing 1 is provided with a positioning mechanism for fixing the position of the pins 23. The pins 23, which are symmetrically arranged at each of the mounting stations 22, can be spaced according to the size of the receiving convex lenses 21 to be installed. The housing 1 is provided with multiple mounting slots 5 in the receiving area 2, and the mounting slots 5 are provided one-to-one with the mounting stations 22.

[0037] The light conversion module is located within the light conversion area 3 and is equipped with multiple reflectors 32 that reflect the light source signal.

[0038] In this embodiment, the light source signal enters the receiving area 2 from the end of the housing 1, passes through multiple receiving convex mirrors 21 in the receiving module, and is transferred to the light conversion module in the light conversion area 3. The light source signal is reflected out by multiple reflectors 32 in the light conversion module. During this process, the light source signal is stray light eliminated by the light-extinguishing threads 31 provided on the inner wall of the light conversion area 3, and the excess stray light is absorbed to improve the transmission of the light source signal.

[0039] The light source signal needs to pass through multiple receiving convex lenses 21 in the receiving module in the receiving area 2. Traditionally, the receiving convex lenses 21 are mostly fixed by annular spacers with internal threads or by the elastic force of elastic reset members. This traditional fixing method results in large cumulative tolerances due to the assembly of multiple parts, leading to a large installation space. Therefore, an installation station 22 is set in the receiving area 2 for the receiving convex lenses 21. While compressing the installation space of the receiving convex lenses 21 as much as possible, the symmetrically arranged slots restrict the receiving convex lenses 21 in the installation station 22, thereby strengthening the installation of the receiving convex lenses 21. The structure is simple.

[0040] In addition, a single receiving convex lens 21 is inserted into the housing 1 through the through-hole along the mounting groove 5, and then the single receiving convex lens 21 is inserted along the mounting groove 5 in sequence until all mounting positions 22 are filled, thus completing the pre-fixing. Then, the pin 23 is inserted into the through hole, and the outer frame 11 is fixed with screws. The inner wall of the outer frame 11 abuts against the pin 23 and forms a compression fixation, thus achieving secondary fixation. Then, glue is reserved in the glue dispensing groove 4, and then it is placed in the oven for baking and curing. Considering the influence of shrinkage stress during the curing process of the glue, the adaptive compression elasticity of the pin 23 in the secondary fixation is used to continuously shape and fix the receiving convex lens 21, minimizing the possibility of the receiving convex lens 21 being offset in the installation position.

[0041] To achieve a multi-beam point cloud effect, most manufacturers arrange lasers at equal intervals on the reflector and arrange photosensitive chips at corresponding intervals on the receiving circuit board. This requires the optical path to meet the optical size space of the multi-array photosensitive chips in the vertical direction, and the system space is difficult to compress. Therefore, the space can only be compressed as much as possible in the structure of the outer shell 1 to reduce the overall installation volume of the lidar.

[0042] In this embodiment, the receiving convex lens 21 can be beveled to a certain size in terms of installation volume. After beveling, the receiving convex lens 21 is still inserted into the housing 1 through the through-hole along the mounting groove 5. The receiving convex lens 21 is then inserted along the mounting groove 5 in sequence until all mounting positions 22 are filled, thus completing the pre-fixation. However, in the secondary fixation, a longer pin 23 that can abut against the surface of the receiving lens is selected. The pin 23 is used to abut against and fix the pre-fixed receiving convex lens 21. The beveled receiving convex lens 21 provides installation space for the receiving light sensor chip, effectively utilizing the limited space.

[0043] Specifically, the inner wall of the light-converting region 3 is coated with a light-absorbing coating. To effectively remove stray light, the stray light is first reflected multiple times by the light-extinguishing thread 31, and then the stray light is finally absorbed and eliminated by the coated light-absorbing coating. In order to improve the refractive efficiency of the light-extinguishing thread 31, in this embodiment, the light-extinguishing thread 31 is arranged around the inner wall of the light-converting region 3, and the light-extinguishing thread 31 is always kept perpendicular to the beam of the light source signal.

[0044] Specifically, the pin 23 is made of plastic or soft metal. The pin 23, made of plastic or soft metal, has a certain degree of elastic compression and can effectively prevent scratches on the receiving convex lens 21. During the adhesive curing process, the self-adaptive compression elasticity of the pin 23 during secondary fixing continuously and elastically shapes and fixes the receiving convex lens 21, reducing the impact of adhesive shrinkage stress and minimizing the possibility of the receiving convex lens 21 shifting its installation position.

[0045] Specifically, the positioning mechanism includes a through hole on the outer shell 1 and an outer frame 11 covering the through hole. The outer frame 11 is fixedly connected to the outer shell 1 by a threaded lock. The inner wall of the outer frame 11 can abut against and restrict the pin 23 inserted into the through hole.

[0046] In this embodiment, the outer shell 1 and the outer frame 11 covering the through hole are reinforced and connected by screws. The through hole of the outer shell 1 is used to install the pin 23, and then the outer frame 11 is fixed so that the outer frame 11 fixes the pin 23 in the through hole, thereby realizing the detachable installation of the pin 23.

[0047] Specifically, an adhesive groove 4 is formed on the inner wall of the inner frame at the installation station 22. The adhesive groove 4 is used for filling with adhesive, which can further reinforce the installation of the receiving convex mirror 21 at the installation station 22.

[0048] Specifically, the upper and lower pins 23 of each of the individual mounting stations 22 are provided with arc-shaped cut surfaces from their closest points. Since the surface of the receiving convex lens 21 is arc-shaped, the arc-shaped cut surfaces increase the contact area between the pin 23 and the surface of the receiving convex lens 21.

[0049] Specifically, a limiting block 6 is provided between adjacent installation stations 22, which is partially inserted into the outer shell 1, and the side of the limiting block 6 abuts against the receiving convex mirror 21.

[0050] The limiting block 6 is inserted into the housing 1, which can press tightly against the side of the receiving convex lens 21. It and the pin 23 on the mounting station 22 simultaneously abut against the receiving convex lens 21, surrounding and fixing the receiving convex lens 21. The limiting block 6 is also made of plastic or soft metal.

[0051] In this embodiment, four receiving convex mirrors 21 are provided, and four mounting stations 22 are correspondingly provided inside the outer casing 1. Each mounting station 22 has a corresponding mounting groove 5, which allows the receiving convex mirror 21 to be inserted and for adhesive to be embedded, acting as an adhesive dispensing groove 4. There are four sets of symmetrically arranged pins 23, with adjacent sets of pins 23 isolating adjacent receiving convex mirrors 21. Two reflectors are provided at the corners of the outer casing 1 to reflect light out of the outer casing 1. Of course, the number and arrangement of the receiving convex mirrors 21, mounting grooves 5, mounting stations 22, pins 23, and reflectors can be set according to the actual product requirements.

[0052] Working principle: This embodiment adopts a multi-stage adhesive fixing method for the receiving lens, including...

[0053] Pre-fixing: Insert a single receiving convex lens 21 into the housing 1 through the through-hole along the mounting groove 5, and insert the single receiving convex lens 21 along the mounting groove 5 in sequence until all mounting positions 22 are filled;

[0054] Secondary fixing: Next, insert the pin 23 into the through hole and fix the outer frame 11 with screws. The inner wall of the outer frame 11 abuts against the pin 23 and forms a compression fixation. The adaptive compression elasticity of the pin 23 is used to continuously shape and fix the receiving convex lens 21.

[0055] Three-stage fixing: Pre-fill the dispensing tank 4 with adhesive, and then put it into the oven for baking and curing.

[0056] In the third fixing process, the entire module, including the fixture, is placed in a high-temperature oven at 120 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes to cure the adhesive. The entire curing process is completely sealed. During curing, the adhesive experiences shrinkage stress, causing the receiving lens to shift. At this point, the pin 23 in the second fixing process utilizes its adaptive compression elasticity to continuously shape and fix the receiving convex lens 21, thereby achieving precise fixation of the receiving convex lens 21. The adhesive used is UV adhesive.

[0057] The matte thread 31 can also be replaced by a slot.

[0058] The above embodiments are merely explanations of this application and are not intended to limit it. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to these embodiments without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A lens dispensing and curing method, characterized in that: Its application of LiDAR optical lens modules includes The outer shell has a receiving area and a light-converting area. The inner diameter of the light-converting area is smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving area. The outer shell has an opening on one side of the receiving area, and the inner wall of the light-converting area has a matte thread. A receiving module is located within the receiving area and includes multiple receiving convex lenses for receiving light source signals. The receiving area has multiple mounting stations for installing the receiving convex lenses. Pins, made of plastic or soft metal, are distributed within the receiving area and at each mounting station to abut and restrict the receiving convex lenses. At least one side of the housing has a positioning mechanism for fixing the pin positions. The pins, symmetrically arranged at each mounting station, have a spacing that can be adjusted according to the size of the receiving convex lenses being installed. The housing has multiple mounting slots in the receiving area, each corresponding to one of the mounting stations. The inner wall of the housing has adhesive grooves at each mounting station. A light-converting module, located within the light-converting area, is equipped with multiple reflectors that reflect the light source signal; The lens dispensing and curing method includes the following steps: S1: Pre-fixing: Insert a single receiving convex lens into the housing through the through-hole along the mounting groove, and insert the single receiving convex lenses along the mounting groove in sequence until all mounting positions are filled; S2: Secondary fixing: Next, insert the pin into the through hole and use screws to fix the outer frame. The inner wall of the outer frame abuts against the pin and forms a compression fixation. S3: Three-stage fixing: Reserve adhesive in the dispensing tank, and then put it into the oven for baking and curing; In the third fixing process, the entire module, including the fixture, needs to be placed in a high-temperature oven at a continuous temperature of 120 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes to cure the adhesive. The entire adhesive curing process is completely sealed. During the curing process, the adhesive shrinks and causes the receiving lens to shift. At this time, the pin in the second fixing process uses the self-adaptive compression elasticity of the pin to continuously shape and fix the receiving convex lens, thereby achieving the purpose of accurately fixing the receiving convex lens.

2. The lens dispensing and curing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the light-converting area is coated with a light-absorbing coating.

3. The lens dispensing and curing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning mechanism includes a through hole on the outer shell and an outer frame covering the through hole. The outer frame is fixedly connected to the outer shell by threads, and the inner wall of the outer frame can abut against and restrict a pin inserted into the through hole.

4. The lens dispensing and curing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the upper and lower pins of a single installation station has an arc-shaped cut surface at one end that is close to the other.

5. The lens dispensing and curing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting block is provided between adjacent installation stations, which is partially inserted into the housing, and the side of the limiting block abuts against the receiving convex mirror.

6. The lens dispensing and curing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the length of the pin used needs to be selected according to the size of the receiving lens.

7. The lens dispensing and curing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: S3 In this step, the reserved adhesive is UV adhesive, which needs to be placed in an oven with a preset temperature of 120 degrees Celsius and baked for 30 minutes.

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