Modularized industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction

Abstract

The invention provides a modular industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction. The modular industrial lens barrel comprises a main lens barrel body, an active vibration reduction module and an interface module, wherein the main lens barrel body, the active vibration reduction module and the interface module are coaxially arranged; the main lens barrel body is sleeved with the active vibration reduction module; the main lens barrel body is made of a diamond copper composite material or an ultrahigh heat conduction metal matrix composite material, and a micro cooling flow channel surrounding the optical inner cavity is integrally formed in the wall of the main lens barrel body through an additive manufacturing technology; the active vibration reduction module comprises a piezoelectric ceramic actuator set arranged outside the main lens barrel in a surrounding mode, an MEMS sensor set used for sensing multi-dimensional vibration of the main lens barrel, and an intelligent control unit. The industrial lens barrel with active thermal control, active vibration reduction and modular quick-release highly-integrated functions is realized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of optical imaging equipment, in particular to a modular industrial lens barrel integrated with active thermal control and vibration reduction. BACKGROUND

[0002] In high-end industrial vision inspection (such as semiconductor inspection, precision measurement, high-speed pipeline quality inspection), the imaging lens must maintain sub-micron level stability under the challenges of thermal load, mechanical vibration and frequent maintenance. The existing industrial lens barrel adopts metal mechanical structure, and its technical limitations are increasingly prominent: first, the heat dissipation mainly depends on passive heat conduction and natural convection of the shell, which is difficult to cope with the severe temperature rise caused by continuous work of high-power LED / laser illumination, resulting in thermal stress and focal point "thermal drift" of the lens group; second, passive vibration isolation methods such as rubber pads are generally used, which cannot effectively suppress wideband, especially low-frequency vibration, resulting in blurred imaging on mobile platforms or high-speed production lines; finally, the structure is highly integrated, and replacing the lens or internal sensor requires special tools and recalibration, resulting in long maintenance cycle and high cost.

[0003] The existing technology tries to solve a single problem, but lacks a system-level solution. For example, some patents propose to add heat sinks or fans to the lens barrel, but the effect is limited and the volume is increased; some patents design complex passive vibration isolation supports, but sacrifice rigidity and dynamic response speed; quick-release structures are commonly used in consumer-grade lenses, but their precision and sealing cannot meet the requirements of industrial-grade lenses. Simply stacking thermal management, vibration suppression and quick maintenance will fail due to space interference, control conflicts and precision difficulties. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated lens barrel solution that can achieve thermal-vibration collaborative control and facilitate maintenance. SUMMARY

[0004] To overcome the defects of the existing industrial lens barrel in dealing with complex working conditions, such as low-efficiency thermal management, passive vibration suppression, inconvenient maintenance, and mutual fragmentation of functional modules, an industrial lens barrel is provided, which is highly integrated with active thermal control, active vibration reduction and modular quick release through intelligent collaborative control and advanced material application.

[0005] To solve the problems of the existing technology, the present application discloses a modular industrial lens barrel integrated with active thermal control and vibration reduction, which comprises a main barrel body arranged coaxially, an active vibration reduction module arranged outside the main barrel body, and an interface module connected to the tail of the main barrel body through a quick-release connection mechanism.

[0006] The main barrel body is made of diamond-copper composite material or ultra-high thermal conductivity metal matrix composite material, and a micro cooling channel surrounding the optical inner cavity is integrally formed in the wall by additive manufacturing technology.

[0007] The active vibration reduction module includes a piezoelectric ceramic actuator group surrounding the main mirror barrel, a MEMS sensor group for sensing multidimensional vibrations of the main mirror barrel, and an intelligent control unit. The intelligent control unit is configured to receive vibration signals from the MEMS sensor group and thermal signals from temperature and / or flow sensors located at the inlet and outlet of the micro cooling channel, execute a thermal and vibration coupling adaptive control algorithm, and dynamically coordinate the drive of the piezoelectric ceramic actuator group and the external cooling system.

[0008] Preferably, the thermal and vibration coupling adaptive control algorithm built into the intelligent control unit is configured to take the temperature gradient and vibration spectrum of the key points of the main mirror barrel as inputs and the coolant flow rate and piezoelectric actuator output as outputs.

[0009] Preferably, in the optical cavity, the annular boss used to support the lens is an Invar alloy insert, and its surface is machined with a spiral air guide groove with a depth of 10-50 micrometers.

[0010] Preferably, the inner wall of the outer protective shell of the active vibration damping module is provided with a non-periodic sawtooth light-absorbing structure and coated with a nanoporous matting coating; the protective shell is connected to the main mirror body through a flexible metal diaphragm.

[0011] Preferably, the interface module has an independently temperature-controlled sensor cavity, whose sidewall is integrated with a thermoelectric cooler, and the sensor cavity is isolated from the optical cavity of the main mirror tube by a high-transmittance sealing window.

[0012] Preferably, the micro cooling channel is a double-helix reverse loop design, and its cross-sectional shape is topologically optimized based on the mirror barrel wall thickness and heat source distribution.

[0013] Preferably, the MEMS sensor group includes at least one triaxial accelerometer and one tilt sensor.

[0014] Preferably, the intelligent control unit has edge computing capabilities, enabling it to learn and store optimal control parameters under different typical operating conditions, and to achieve rapid mode switching.

[0015] Preferably, the optical mating surface between the primary lens barrel and the interface module is coated with a hard ceramic material and has an elastic sealing ring arranged circumferentially.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0017] 1. By employing a primary mirror barrel made of ultra-high thermal conductivity composite material and an integrated micro-cooling channel, the thermal conductivity is significantly improved, rapidly homogenizing the mirror's temperature field. Combined with an active vibration damping module (piezoelectric ceramic actuator, MEMS sensor) and an intelligent control unit, the system can sense and process thermal and vibration signals in real time, execute a coupled adaptive control algorithm, and dynamically coordinate cooling and actuation. This suppresses the coupling interference of thermal deformation and vibration on the optical path from the source, breaking through the limitations of traditional passive isolation or single control, and significantly improving the image plane stability and imaging quality of the optical system under dynamic thermal loads and mechanical vibration environments.

[0018] 2. Improved system accuracy and long-term stability:

[0019] Thermal stability: The high thermal conductivity material of the main lens barrel and the optimized design of the double helix micro cooling channel ensure efficient and uniform heat dissipation, effectively reduce the axial and radial thermal gradients, and reduce the thermal lens effect and lens mount offset.

[0020] Structural stability: The lens support ring boss uses an Invar alloy insert, whose extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion matches the primary lens barrel material, minimizing thermal stress and fretting wear between different materials. The spiral air vents on the boss surface facilitate air expulsion during assembly, ensuring a tight fit between the lens positioning surfaces and improving assembly accuracy and repeatability.

[0021] Vibration suppression: The active vibration damping module can cancel out multi-dimensional vibrations (especially low-frequency vibrations) in real time, protecting precision optical components and extending their service life.

[0022] 3. The inner wall of the outer protective shell of the active vibration damping module adopts a non-periodic sawtooth structure and is coated with a nanoporous matting coating, which can effectively absorb and scatter incident stray light at different angles, significantly reducing the stray light level in the system. The connection method of the flexible metal diaphragm not only ensures the necessary stiffness transmission between the main mirror body and the vibration damping mechanism, but also provides vibration decoupling and thermal isolation.

[0023] 4. The modular design improves the system's flexibility, maintainability, and functional scalability.

[0024] Quick-release interface module: Allows users to quickly change the interface module according to different camera sensor models without disassembling the entire lens or disturbing the core optical path, greatly improving the device's compatibility and maintenance convenience.

[0025] Independent temperature-controlled sensor cavity: The thermoelectric cooler integrated within the interface module provides an independent and precise temperature-controlled environment for the camera sensor, ensuring stable sensor performance and effectively isolating the sensor from interference that may occur during the thermal control process of the main lens barrel.

[0026] High-precision processing of optical mating surfaces: The hard ceramic coating improves the wear resistance and precision retention of the mating surfaces, while the circumferential elastic sealing ring ensures the sealing and dustproofing of the module connection.

[0027] 5. The intelligent control unit possesses edge computing capabilities, enabling it to learn and store optimal control parameters (coolant flow rate, piezoelectric output curve) under different typical operating conditions (such as different ambient temperatures, different scanning speeds, and different thermal loads), and achieve rapid mode switching. This allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions, shorten adjustment time, maintain optimal operating status at all times, reduce dependence on external control systems, and improve the overall system intelligence level. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0029] The attached figures are labeled as follows: main lens body 10, interface module 11, MEMS sensor group 12, piezoelectric ceramic actuator group 13, thermoelectric cooler 14, micro cooling channel 15, flexible metal diaphragm 16, external protective shell 17, sensor cavity 18, intelligent control unit 19, optical cavity 20, quick-release connection mechanism 21, annular boss 23, spiral air guide groove 24, active vibration damping module 25. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 .

[0032] The present invention provides a modular industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction, the core of which lies in the innovative integration and collaborative work of three major components: the main lens barrel body, the active vibration reduction module, and the interface module.

[0033] Primary mirror body: The primary mirror body 10 is preferably made of diamond-copper composite material or similar ultra-high thermal conductivity metal matrix composite material through precision machining. Micro-cooling channels 15 are integrally formed within its walls using additive manufacturing technologies such as selective laser melting (SLM). This process ensures the complexity of the channel shape and perfect integration with the mirror body structure, eliminating contact thermal resistance.

[0034] Cooling channel design: The micro-cooling channel 15 is a double-helix reverse loop, tightly surrounding the optical cavity 20. This design increases the heat exchange area and causes the coolant to flow in reverse along the length of the lens barrel, which is beneficial for homogenizing the axial temperature distribution. The cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, or irregular) and path of the channel are designed using a topology optimization algorithm based on the actual wall thickness of the lens barrel and the distribution of internal heat sources (e.g., absorbed light energy, heat generated by electronic components) to achieve optimal heat dissipation efficiency and minimal structural weight gain.

[0035] Optical Cavity Details: In the optical cavity 20, the annular boss 23 used to support and position the lens is not integrally formed with the main lens barrel, but is an independent insert made of Invar alloy (Fe-Ni36 or similar), precisely fixed to the main lens barrel by interference fit or adhesive bonding. Each boss 23 has a precision-machined spiral air guide groove 24 with a depth of 10-50 micrometers on its end face (lens support surface). This groove serves as an exhaust channel when the lens is pressed in, preventing air from being trapped and creating false pressure, ensuring complete contact between the lens end face and the boss, and guaranteeing positioning accuracy.

[0036] Active vibration damping module 25: This module is encapsulated within a cylindrical outer protective shell 17. The inner wall of the shell 17 is machined with a non-periodic sawtooth or pyramidal light-absorbing structure and further coated with a nanoporous oxide black or other matting coating, which work together to efficiently absorb stray light.

[0037] Connection method: The protective housing 17 is connected to the outer wall of the primary mirror barrel 10 via several flexible metal diaphragms 16 (such as corrugated diaphragms made of beryllium bronze). These diaphragms provide a certain degree of flexibility in the radial direction, allowing the primary mirror barrel to move slightly relative to the housing to achieve vibration control, while maintaining sufficient rigidity in the axial direction to transmit thrust and provide a certain degree of thermal insulation.

[0038] Sensing and Actuation: Within the annular space between the protective housing 17 and the main mirror barrel 10, multiple sets of piezoelectric ceramic actuators 13 are evenly distributed circumferentially, directly acting on the outer wall of the main mirror barrel 10. Simultaneously, a MEMS sensor group 12 is arranged, including at least one triaxial accelerometer (for measuring vibration acceleration in the X, Y, and Z directions) and a high-precision tilt sensor (for measuring pitch and yaw angles). The positions of the sensors and actuators are optimized based on vibration modal analysis.

[0039] Intelligent control unit: This unit is installed in a separate sealed cavity on the protective housing 17. Its hardware core is a microprocessor with edge computing capabilities (such as ARM Cortex series or FPGA). The control unit receives real-time vibration signals from the MEMS sensor group 12, as well as signals from temperature sensors and / or flow sensors installed at the inlet and outlet of the miniature cooling channel 15 via cables.

[0040] Control Algorithm and Process: The built-in thermal and vibration coupling adaptive control algorithm of the intelligent control unit 19 operates according to the following logic:

[0041] Signal input: Real-time acquisition of the temperature of key points (such as the front, middle and rear parts) on the main lens tube 10, and calculation of the temperature gradient (ΔT); Simultaneously, acquisition of vibration spectrum signals.

[0042] Coupling analysis: The algorithm model treats the temperature gradient as a quasi-static load and analyzes the possible bending of the lens barrel or focus drift caused by it; it decomposes the vibration spectrum into different frequency components.

[0043] Coordinated Output: The algorithm outputs two coordinated control signals. One signal controls the flow rate of coolant pumped into the micro-cooling channel 15 by the external cooling system (not shown in the attached diagram) through a proportional valve to stabilize the temperature gradient within a set threshold. The other signal generates a drive signal that is out of phase with the vibration signal and outputs it to the piezoelectric ceramic actuator group 13, causing it to generate a counteracting force, thereby actively suppressing the vibration of the main mirror barrel. When the system detects a large change in thermal load, it may prioritize ensuring thermal control response while adjusting the vibration reduction strategy to cope with vibration characteristics that may be altered due to thermal deformation.

[0044] Learning and Switching: The control unit can record the combination of control parameters that achieves the best imaging quality under different operating conditions (through feedback from external image analysis or preset indicators) and store it as an "operating condition mode". When entering a similar environment or task again, it can be directly recalled and quickly switched to this mode to achieve rapid stabilization.

[0045] Interface Module: Interface module 11 is connected to the tail of the primary lens barrel 10 via a quick-release connection mechanism 21 (e.g., a spring-locked bayonet or cam-locked structure). The mating optical surfaces are ultra-precision ground and coated with a hard ceramic coating (such as a diamond-like carbon coating) to improve wear resistance. The mating surfaces have circumferential grooves and are fitted with elastic sealing rings (such as fluororubber O-rings) to ensure a tight seal after connection.

[0046] Independent Temperature Control Chamber: The interface module 11 contains a sensor chamber 18 for mounting industrial camera sensors. A thermoelectric cooler 14 is integrated into the side wall or bottom of this chamber. The sensor chamber 18 is isolated and sealed from the optical cavity 20 of the main lens barrel 10 by a highly parallel, high-transmittance optical glass window (e.g., a fused silica window). This allows the temperature of the sensor chamber 18 to be independently controlled by the thermoelectric cooler 14 (e.g., kept constant at 25°C), completely unaffected by coolant temperature fluctuations during active thermal control of the main lens barrel, providing an extremely stable operating environment for the camera sensor.

[0047] Brief Description of Working Principle: In practical operation, industrial lenses face external vibrations and ambient temperature changes, causing their internal components to heat up. The MEMS sensor group 12 and temperature sensor monitor the vibration state and temperature field of the lens barrel in real time. The intelligent control unit 19 comprehensively analyzes this information and, through a coupled control algorithm, adjusts the coolant flow rate to efficiently and uniformly remove heat and suppress thermal deformation; simultaneously, it drives the piezoelectric ceramic actuator 13 to generate a counterforce, actively counteracting the incoming vibrations. Meanwhile, the interface module provides an independent constant-temperature environment for the sensors, and its quick-release design facilitates adaptation to different cameras. The entire system works collaboratively to ensure that the optical system maintains extremely high image plane stability and imaging accuracy under various complex operating conditions.

[0048] The above-described embodiments are merely one implementation of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction, characterized in that: It includes a main lens barrel (10) coaxially arranged, an active vibration damping module (25) sleeved outside the main lens barrel (10), and an interface module (11) connected to the tail of the main lens barrel (10) via a quick-release connection mechanism (21); The main lens barrel (10) is made of diamond copper composite material or ultra-high thermal conductivity metal matrix composite material, and its wall is integrally formed with a micro cooling channel (15) surrounding the optical cavity (20) by additive manufacturing technology. The active vibration reduction module (25) includes a piezoelectric ceramic actuator group (13) surrounding the main mirror barrel (10), a MEMS sensor group (12) for sensing multidimensional vibrations of the main mirror barrel (10), and an intelligent control unit (19). The intelligent control unit (19) is configured to receive vibration signals from the MEMS sensor group (12) and thermal signals from temperature and / or flow sensors located at the inlet and outlet of the micro cooling channel (15), execute a thermal and vibration coupling adaptive control algorithm, and dynamically coordinate the drive of the piezoelectric ceramic actuator group (13) and the external cooling system.

2. The modular industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The built-in thermal and vibration coupling adaptive control algorithm of the intelligent control unit (19) is configured to take the temperature gradient and vibration spectrum of the key point of the main mirror body (10) as input and the coolant flow rate and piezoelectric actuator output as output.

3. The modular industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the optical cavity (20), the annular boss (23) used to support the lens is an Invar alloy insert, and its surface is machined with a spiral air guide groove (24) with a depth of 10-50 micrometers.

4. The modular industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer protective shell (17) of the active vibration damping module (25) has a non-periodic sawtooth light-absorbing structure on its inner wall and is coated with a nanoporous matting coating; the protective shell (17) is connected to the main mirror body (10) through a flexible metal diaphragm (16).

5. A modular industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interface module (11) is equipped with an independently temperature-controlled sensor cavity (18), and its side wall is integrated with a thermoelectric cooler (14). The sensor cavity (18) is isolated from the optical cavity (20) of the main mirror tube (10) by a high-transmittance sealing window.

6. The modular industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The micro cooling channel (15) is a double-helix reverse loop design, and its cross-sectional shape is topologically optimized according to the mirror barrel wall thickness and heat source distribution.

7. A modular industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The MEMS sensor group (12) includes at least one triaxial accelerometer and one tilt sensor.

8. A modular industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The intelligent control unit (19) has edge computing capabilities, can learn and store the optimal control parameters under different typical working conditions, and realize fast mode switching.

9. A modular industrial lens barrel integrating active thermal control and vibration reduction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical mating surfaces of the main lens barrel (10) and the interface module (11) are coated with hard ceramic and have elastic sealing rings arranged in the circumferential direction.

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