Optical device transmitting terminal and contrast type photoelectric sensor

Abstract

The invention provides an optical device transmitting terminal and a contrast type photoelectric sensor. The optical device transmitting end comprises a light source module and a lens module. The lens module is located on a light emitting path of the light source module and comprises an incident plane and an emergent plane, the incident plane is located on the side, close to the light source module, of the emergent plane, the emergent plane comprises a plurality of lens units arranged in an array mode, and each lens unit comprises a first curved surface protruding towards the side in the light emitting direction. Thus, the plurality of lens units arranged in the array are arranged in the light emitting direction of the light source module, light emitted by the light source module is dispersed and evenly overlaid, energy of light spots finally projected by the transmitting end of the optical device is evenly distributed, and the problem that the light spots are hollow is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical technology, and in particular to an optical device transmitter and a contrast-type photoelectric sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Through-beam photoelectric sensors, as non-contact detection devices, are widely used in industrial automation and security perimeter applications. At the emitting end, the light-emitting chip serves as the core of the light source. Due to manufacturing limitations, the surface of the chip typically has a metal electrode for bonding leads. This electrode does not emit light and blocks light from its covered area. When light is collimated or focused by a traditional spherical or aspherical lens, this blocked shadow is also projected onto the light spot, forming a hollow spot with bright edges. This hollow spot not only reduces overall optical efficiency but may also lead to unreliable detection due to insufficient energy variation caused by the blocked light in practical applications, resulting in missed detections and reduced detection reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides an optical device emitter and a contrast-type photoelectric sensor. By setting multiple arrayed lens units in the light-emitting direction of the light source module, the light emitted by the light source module is dispersed and superimposed uniformly, so that the energy distribution of the final projected light spot at the optical device emitter is uniform, avoiding the problem of hollow light spots.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an optical device transmitter, the optical device transmitter including a light source module and a lens module;

[0005] The lens module is located on the light output path of the light source module;

[0006] The lens module includes an incident surface and an exit surface. The incident surface is located on the side of the exit surface closer to the light source module. The exit surface includes a plurality of lens units arranged in an array. Each lens unit includes a first curved surface that convexes toward the light emission direction.

[0007] Optionally, the incident surface includes a second curved surface that bulges toward one side of the light source module.

[0008] Optionally, the maximum thickness of the exit surface from the second curved surface is 1.5 mm, and the minimum thickness of the exit surface from the second curved surface is 0.8 mm.

[0009] Optionally, the light source module includes an emitting tube and a circuit board; the emitting tube is disposed on the circuit board, and the circuit board is used to provide luminous current to the emitting tube so that the emitting tube emits light.

[0010] Optionally, the lens unit further includes a first plane near the side of the light source module, the first plane and the first curved surface forming the lens unit, and multiple first planes are in the same plane;

[0011] The vertical distance between the circuit board and the first plane is D, where D satisfies: 7.65mm≤D≤7.7mm.

[0012] Optionally, the emission aperture of the emission tube is 1.6 mm.

[0013] Optionally, the emitting end of the optical device further includes a light-blocking structure, which is disposed on the light path between the light source module and the lens module, and the light emitted by the light source module reaches the lens module through the cavity in the light-blocking structure.

[0014] Optionally, the light-blocking structure includes a first through hole facing the emitting tube, the first through hole having the same size as the emitting aperture of the emitting tube, and a portion of the emitting tube being located within the first through hole;

[0015] The light-blocking structure also includes a second through-hole facing the lens module, and the lens module covers the second through-hole.

[0016] Optionally, the shape of the lens unit includes one of a circle, an ellipse, or a regular hexagon.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a contrast-type photoelectric sensor, which includes the optical device emitting end described in any of the first aspects.

[0018] In summary, the optical device emitting end in this embodiment of the invention includes a light source module and a lens module. The lens module is located in the light emission path of the light source module. The lens module includes an incident surface and an emission surface. The incident surface is located on the side of the emission surface closer to the light source module. The emission surface includes multiple lens units arranged in an array. Each lens unit includes a first curved surface convex towards the light emission direction. Thus, by setting multiple lens units arranged in an array in the light emission direction of the light source module, the light emitted by the light source module is dispersed and uniformly superimposed, ensuring a uniform energy distribution of the final projected light spot from the optical device emitting end and avoiding the problem of hollow light spots. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical device transmitter provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a top view of the exit surface structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3This is an energy distribution diagram of a light spot formed at the emitting end of an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this invention, through specific implementation methods. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical device transmitter provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of the exit surface provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The optical device emitter includes a light source module 10 and a lens module 20. The lens module 20 is located on the light emission path of the light source module 10. The lens module 20 includes an incident surface S1 and an exit surface S2. The incident surface S1 is located on the side of the exit surface S2 closer to the light source module 10. The exit surface S2 includes a plurality of lens units 210 arranged in an array. Each lens unit 210 includes a first curved surface that protrudes toward the light emission direction.

[0024] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the emitting end of the optical device includes a light source module 10 and a lens module 20. The lens module 20 is located on the light-emitting path of the light source module 10. The light emitted by the light source module 10 passes through the lens module 20 and is adjusted before being emitted. The lens module 20 includes an incident surface S1 and an exit surface S2. The incident surface S1 is located on the side of the exit surface S2 closer to the light source module 10. That is, the light emitted by the light source module 10 is first adjusted (e.g., collimated or focused) by the incident surface S1, and then adjusted by the exit surface S2 before being emitted. In the prior art, due to manufacturing limitations, the light-emitting surface of the light source module 10 has a metal electrode for soldering leads. This metal electrode itself does not emit light and blocks light from other areas. When the light is collimated and focused by the lens, the blocked shadow is also projected into the light spot, forming a hollow center and bright edges. Hollow light spots not only reduce overall optical efficiency, but in practical applications, they may also fail to be reliably detected due to insufficient changes in light energy caused by obstruction, leading to missed detections and reducing the reliability of detection.

[0025] Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, multiple lens units 210 arranged in an array are provided on the exit surface S2 of the lens module 20. For example... Figure 2As shown, multiple arrayed lens units 210 are evenly distributed on the exit surface S2. Each lens unit 210 includes a first curved surface protruding towards the light-emitting direction, meaning the protrusion direction of the first curved surface is the same as the light-emitting direction of the light source module 10. Thus, the light emitted from the light source module 10, after being adjusted by the incident surface S1, illuminates the multiple lens units 210 on the exit surface S2. The first curved surface of the lens unit 210 disperses the light, and the multiple arrayed lens units 210 can disperse and re-converge the light emitted from the incident surface S1, resulting in a uniform energy variation at the center of the light spot formed by the final illumination from the exit surface S2. For example... Figure 3 This is an energy distribution diagram of a light spot formed at the emitting end of an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example... Figure 3 As shown, after passing through the lens module 20 provided in this embodiment of the invention, even if there are metal electrodes blocking the light in the light source module 10, the final formed light spot can still ensure uniform energy distribution in the central region, solving the problem of hollow light spots caused by metal electrode obstruction in the prior art. Furthermore, since the energy of the light spot formed in this embodiment is mainly concentrated in the central region, the formed light spot is stable. Therefore, when the optical device emitting end of this embodiment is applied to a contrast-type photoelectric sensor, the contrast distance between the two optical device emitting ends can be increased, thereby increasing the detection distance and making the detection of the contrast-type photoelectric sensor more reliable, improving product performance and market competitiveness.

[0026] It should be noted that, Figure 2 The illustration only uses the example of lens units 210 being uniformly distributed across the entire exit surface S2, but this is not a limitation. In other embodiments, multiple lens units 210 can be provided in a portion of the exit surface S2, as those skilled in the art can configure as needed. It is understood that the more lens units 210 there are, the better the energy concentration of the formed light spot. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention do not limit the size of the lens units 210, as long as multiple lens units 210 can be distributed on the exit surface S2.

[0027] In summary, the optical device emitting end in this embodiment of the invention includes a light source module and a lens module. The lens module is located in the light emission path of the light source module. The lens module includes an incident surface and an emission surface. The incident surface is located on the side of the emission surface closer to the light source module. The emission surface includes multiple lens units arranged in an array. Each lens unit includes a first curved surface convex towards the light emission direction. Thus, by setting multiple lens units arranged in an array in the light emission direction of the light source module, the light emitted by the light source module is dispersed and uniformly superimposed, ensuring a uniform energy distribution of the final projected light spot from the optical device emitting end and avoiding the problem of hollow light spots.

[0028] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, see also... Figure 2 The lens unit 210 is hexagonal in shape. However, this is not a limitation of the invention. In other embodiments, the lens unit 210 may also be square, circular, or elliptical, etc. It is understood that when the lens unit 210 is hexagonal or square, multiple arrayed lens units 210 can cover the central area of ​​the exit surface S2, which is beneficial for forming a concentrated light spot.

[0029] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, see also... Figure 1 The incident surface S1 includes a second curved surface protruding towards the light source module 10. Specifically, the incident surface S1 is the side of the lens module 20 closest to the light source module 10, meaning that the light source module 10 is first adjusted by the incident surface S1 before illuminating the exit surface S2. This embodiment of the invention, by setting the incident surface S1 to include a second curved surface protruding towards the light source module 10, uses this second curved surface to focus the light emitted by the light source module 10, thereby facilitating the formation of a uniformly distributed and concentrated light spot. Furthermore, the lens module 20 can be made entirely of polycarbonate, which possesses high strength, high transparency, and processability, and can be molded through injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding, making processing simple. Based on the above, the maximum thickness of the exit surface S2 from the second curved surface is 1.5 mm, meaning the vertical distance from the center of the second curved surface to the exit surface S2 is 1.5 mm. The minimum thickness of the exit surface S2 from the second curved surface is 0.8 mm, meaning the vertical distance from the edge region (or circumferential region) of the second curved surface to the exit surface S2 is 0.8 mm. This ensures optimal optical performance (spot effect, light energy utilization) and manufacturability (injection molding process, structural strength). It is understood that this embodiment of the invention only exemplifies the thickness data of a set of lens modules and is not intended to limit the scope. In other embodiments, other thickness data can be used, and those skilled in the art can set them as needed.

[0030] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, see also... Figure 1 and Figure 2The light source module 10 includes an emitting tube 110 and a circuit board 120. The emitting tube 110 is disposed on the circuit board 120 and electrically connected to the circuit board 120. The circuit board 120 provides a light-emitting current to the emitting tube 110 to make the emitting tube 110 emit light. The light emitted by the emitting tube 110 exits through the emission aperture of the emitting tube 110, thereby providing a light source for the lens unit 20. In this embodiment of the invention, the lens unit 210 also includes a first plane near the side of the light source module 10. The first plane and the first curved surface form the lens unit 210, and multiple first planes are located on the same plane. The vertical distance between the circuit board 120 and the first plane is D, where D satisfies: 7.65mm ≤ D ≤ 7.7mm. Specifically, the lens unit 210 is uniformly disposed on the emission surface S2, that is, the surface where the emission surface S2 is located includes multiple first planes. In one embodiment, multiple lens units 210 can be directly thermoformed on the original flat emission surface S2. The vertical distance D between the circuit board 120 and the first plane of the lens unit 210 satisfies 7.65mm ≤ D ≤ 7.7mm, thereby ensuring that the light emitted by the emitting tube can be efficiently passed through the lens unit 20. It should be noted that the emission aperture of the emitting tube 110 is 1.6mm, thus ensuring that the emission aperture of the emitting tube 110 is large enough to allow a sufficient amount of light to be emitted from the emitting tube 110. It should be noted that this embodiment of the invention only exemplifies the situation where the vertical distance between the circuit board 120 and the first plane satisfies 7.65mm ≤ D ≤ 7.7mm, and the emission aperture of the emitting tube 110 is 1.6mm, but it is not a limitation; those skilled in the art can set it as needed.

[0031] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, see also... Figure 1 The optical device emitter also includes a light-blocking structure 30, which is disposed on the light path between the light source module 10 and the lens module 20. The light emitted by the light source module 10 passes through the cavity S3 in the light-blocking structure 30 to reach the lens unit 20.

[0032] For example, such as Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, a light-blocking structure 30 is further provided between the light source module 10 and the lens module 20. The light-blocking structure 30 surrounds the light path between the light source module 10 and the lens module 20 and forms a cavity S3 inside it, so that the light emitted by the light source module 10 reaches the lens module 20 after passing through the cavity S3. The light-blocking structure 30 can absorb ambient light shining on the light propagation area between the light source module 10 and the lens module 20, thereby avoiding the influence of external light sources.

[0033] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, see also... Figure 1The light-blocking structure 30 includes a first through-hole facing the emitting tube 110. The first through-hole has the same size as the emitting aperture of the emitting tube 110, and a portion of the emitting tube 110 is located within the first through-hole. The light-blocking structure 30 also includes a second through-hole facing the lens module 20, and the lens module 20 covers the second through-hole. Specifically, both the first and second through-holes are connected to the cavity S3. The first through-hole has the same size as the emitting aperture of the emitting tube 110, thus allowing a portion of the emitting aperture of the emitting tube 110 to be located within the first through-hole, ensuring that all light emitted from the emitting aperture passes through the cavity S3. It can be understood that the light-emitting range of the emitting aperture can have the same shape as the portion of the cavity S3 near the first through-hole, thereby preventing the light emitted from the emitting aperture from being blocked by the light-blocking structure 30. The lens module 20 covers the second through-hole, and the size of the second through-hole can be the same as the size of the lens module 20, ensuring that light passing through the cavity S3 can illuminate the lens module 20.

[0034] Based on the same inventive concept, this invention also provides a contrast-type photoelectric sensor, which includes the aforementioned optical device emitting end. Therefore, the contrast-type photoelectric sensor also has the same beneficial effects, which will not be described in detail here.

[0035] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, combinations, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical device transmitter, characterized in that, The optical device's emitting end includes a light source module and a lens module; The lens module is located on the light output path of the light source module; The lens module includes an incident surface and an exit surface. The incident surface is located on the side of the exit surface closer to the light source module. The exit surface includes a plurality of lens units arranged in an array. Each lens unit includes a first curved surface that convexes toward the light emission direction.

2. The optical device transmitter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The incident surface includes a second curved surface that bulges toward one side of the light source module.

3. The optical device transmitter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The maximum thickness of the exit surface from the second curved surface is 1.5 mm, and the minimum thickness of the exit surface from the second curved surface is 0.8 mm.

4. The optical device transmitter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source module includes an emitting tube and a circuit board; the emitting tube is disposed on the circuit board, and the circuit board is used to provide luminous current to the emitting tube so that the emitting tube emits light.

5. The optical device transmitter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lens unit also includes a first plane near the light source module, the first plane and the first curved surface forming the lens unit, and multiple first planes are located on the same plane; The vertical distance between the circuit board and the first plane is D, where D satisfies: 7.65mm≤D≤7.7mm.

6. The optical device transmitter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The emission aperture of the emission tube is 1.6 mm.

7. The optical device transmitter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The emitting end of the optical device also includes a light-blocking structure, which is disposed on the light path between the light source module and the lens module, and the light emitted by the light source module reaches the lens module through the cavity in the light-blocking structure.

8. The optical device transmitter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The light-blocking structure includes a first through hole facing the emitting tube, the first through hole having the same size as the emitting aperture of the emitting tube, and a portion of the emitting tube being located within the first through hole; The light-blocking structure also includes a second through-hole facing the lens module, and the lens module covers the second through-hole.

9. The optical device transmitter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the lens unit includes one of the following: circular, elliptical, or regular hexagonal.

10. A comparative photoelectric sensor, characterized in that, The comparative photoelectric sensor includes an optical device transmitter as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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