Microlens array optical system

Abstract

The utility model provides a micro-lens array optical system. The micro-lens array optical system comprises a light source, an optical element and a micro-lens array, the light source is arranged at the light inlet end of the optical element, and optical patterns are arranged on the optical element; and after reaching the optical element, light rays emitted by the light source enter the micro-lens array after being adjusted by the optical element and the optical patterns, and are emitted from the micro-lens array. According to the utility model, on the basis of the micro-lens array optical system, the geometrical optical structure principle of the condenser or the reflector is utilized, so that light patterns with multiple functions and uniform brightness can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of optical structures, in particular to a microlens array optical system. Background Art

[0002] The structure of the existing projection system is generally composed of a light source, a ball head collimating lens and a microlens array MLA, but the controllability of the collimating lens is poor, and the design of the ball head lens surface is relatively simple, with a single function and low flexibility. The light pattern can only be adjusted by a continuous surface. The maximum output value of a single system is insufficient. The ball head lens 2 is only suitable for outputting a light pattern with uniform brightness, and the performance is insufficient. The maximum light intensity of a single 1-chip LED output is only 8lx, which cannot meet the requirements of high-intensity light at a low cost. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the defects in the prior art, the purpose of the utility model is to provide a microlens array optical system.

[0004] According to the utility model, a microlens array optical system is provided, comprising: a light source, an optical element and a microlens array;

[0005] The light source is arranged at the light incident end of the optical element, and the optical element is provided with an optical pattern;

[0006] After the light emitted by the light source reaches the optical element, it is adjusted by the optical element and the optical pattern, enters the microlens array, and is emitted from the microlens array.

[0007] Preferably, the optical element is a concentrator;

[0008] The concentrator comprises a first light incident surface, a second light incident surface and a light exit surface; the second light incident surface is arranged on the peripheral side of the first light incident surface, the first light incident surface is used to realize a central bright spot light type, and the second light incident surface is used to realize a widened bright spot light type; the optical pattern is arranged on the light exit surface;

[0009] The light emitted by the light source: part of the light enters the light concentrator through the first light incident surface, and the other part of the light enters the light concentrator after being refracted by the second light incident surface; the light entering the light concentrator is emitted from the light exit surface and then enters the microlens array;

[0010] A light pattern with uniform brightness and darkness is achieved by adjusting the size ratio of the first light incident surface and the second light incident surface.

[0011] Preferably, the optical element is a reflector; the optical pattern is arranged on a reflective surface of the reflector;

[0012] The light emitted by the light source is reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector and then enters the microlens array;

[0013] A light pattern with uniform brightness and darkness is achieved by adjusting the focal length of the reflector and the size of the reflector area corresponding to the brightness distribution of the light source.

[0014] Preferably, the distance between the optical element and the microlens array is less than or equal to 20 mm.

[0015] Preferably, the optical pattern is partially provided with leather grain or painted black.

[0016] Preferably, a single pattern of the optical pattern is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with a single lens of the microlens array, and the sizes of the single pattern and the single lens are consistent or in an integer multiple relationship.

[0017] Preferably, the partition boundaries of the optical pattern correspond one-to-one to the lens group boundaries of the microlens array.

[0018] Preferably, the light source includes one or more light sources with optical functions, and the light source has one or more control chips.

[0019] Preferably, the optical element includes the condenser and the reflector, and both the condenser and the reflector are provided with optical patterns.

[0020] Preferably, the microlens array comprises a light incident lens surface, a shielding screen and a light exit lens surface;

[0021] The light from the light source is converged to the shielding screen through the light incident lens surface, emitted through the shape of the shielding screen, and then refracted at the light emitting lens surface to form a preset light pattern in a preset area.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. The utility model realizes the optical design on the basis of the microlens array optical system by adopting the geometric optical principle of the condenser or reflector; the traditional ball head lens design is relatively simple, and the uniform brightness light type output is only suitable for projection function. Because it is impossible to make a uniform bright and dark light type, the flexibility is poor, and the performance is insufficient. The maximum light intensity output by a single 1-chip LED is only 8lx, and many unit modules need to be superimposed to meet the requirements of the main function of the car light. Therefore, it is impossible to meet the requirements of high-intensity light at a low cost.

[0024] 2. The utility model adopts the optical system of the concentrator, so that the ratio of the light incident surface and the light incident surface of the concentrator can be adjusted to design the ratio of the light type brightness intervals A3, B3, and C3, and the optical performance is greatly improved to meet the high-intensity light requirements. The maximum light intensity of a single 1-chip LED output can reach 15-20lx.

[0025] 3. The utility model designs the size of the light pattern brightness intervals A3, B3, and C3 by adjusting the pattern on the light-emitting surface of the concentrator, thereby realizing the light pattern width design and satisfying the improvement of the light pattern performance.

[0026] 4. The utility model adopts the optical system of the reflector, so that the focal length of the reflector and the size of the reflective surface area corresponding to the LED brightness distribution can be adjusted. The angle corresponding to 50% of the central light intensity of the LED is 60 degrees and is the main usable range angle. The parameters of each type of LED are different to design the ratio of the light type brightness interval A4, B4, and C4, thereby realizing the light type design required for different areas, and the maximum light intensity output by a single 1-chip LED can reach 20-25lx.

[0027] 5. The utility model designs the size of the light pattern brightness intervals A4, B4, and C4 by adjusting the pattern on the reflector surface, thereby realizing the light pattern width design and satisfying the improvement of the light pattern performance.

[0028] 6. The concentrator and the reflector each have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of maximum value and width. The concentrator has a larger width and the reflector has a higher maximum value. The utility model matches the two in combination to maximize the desired functional design. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by reading the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the following drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a conventional microlens array system and light pattern;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a condenser type micro lens array system and light pattern;

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a reflector type micro lens array system and a light pattern;

[0033] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the optical principle of the concentrator and reflector;

[0034] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the dual-function or multi-function principle of the concentrator and reflector;

[0035] Figure 6Schematic diagram of the cross section of the microlens array structure and the shielding screen;

[0036] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the light pattern of the concentrator and reflector system based on the microlens array.

[0037] The figure shows:

[0038] Light source 1 Reflector 4

[0039] Functional light source 101 Microlens array 5

[0040] Spherical lens 2 Light-entering lens surface 501

[0041] Condenser 3 Shielding screen 502

[0042] First light incident surface 301 First shielding edge 5021

[0043] Second light incident surface 302 Second shielding edge 5022

[0044] Light exit surface 303 Light exit lens surface 503 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The utility model is described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments. The following embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the utility model, but do not limit the utility model in any form. It should be pointed out that for those of ordinary skill in the art, several changes and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the utility model. These all belong to the protection scope of the utility model.

[0046] Embodiment 1:

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a microlens array optical system, including: a light source 1, an optical element and a microlens array 5; the light source 1 is arranged at the light incident end of the optical element, and an optical pattern is arranged on the optical element; after the light emitted by the light source 1 reaches the optical element, it is adjusted by the optical element and the optical pattern, enters the microlens array 5, and is emitted from the microlens array 5.

[0048] The principle of optical patterns is the principle of curved surface geometric refraction of light. After being adjusted by the optical pattern, the light is emitted with a certain diffusion angle. Each corresponding area has different functions and its own diffusion requirements. The area that performs focusing can have no diffusion or very little diffusion, while the area that performs widening can adjust a larger diffusion angle.

[0049] In this embodiment, the optical element is a concentrator 3; the concentrator 3 includes a first light incident surface 301, a second light incident surface 302 and a light exiting surface 303; the second light incident surface 302 is arranged on the peripheral side of the first light incident surface 301, the first light incident surface 301 is used to realize a central bright spot light type, and the second light incident surface 302 is used to realize a widened bright spot light type; the light emitted by the light source 1: a part of the light enters the concentrator 3 through the first light incident surface 301, and the other part of the light enters the concentrator 3 after being refracted by the second light incident surface 302; the light entering the concentrator 3 is emitted from the light exiting surface 303, and then enters the microlens array 5; a light type with uniform brightness and darkness is realized by adjusting the size ratio of the first light incident surface 301 and the second light incident surface 302.

[0050] In this embodiment, the distance between the condenser 3 and the microlens array 5 is less than or equal to 20 mm. In other embodiments, the distance between the condenser 3 and the microlens array 5 can be adjusted according to actual needs. An optical pattern is arranged on the light emitting surface 303 of the condenser 3.

[0051] In this embodiment, the optical pattern is partially provided with leather grain or blackened, and in other embodiments, leather grain or blackening may not be provided. A single pattern of the optical pattern is provided in one-to-one correspondence with a single lens of the microlens array 5, and the size of the single pattern and the single lens is consistent or in an integer multiple relationship. The partition boundary of the optical pattern corresponds to the lens group boundary of the microlens array 5 in one-to-one correspondence.

[0052] The microlens array 5 includes a light incident lens surface 501, a shielding screen 502 and a light emitting lens surface 503; the light from the light source 1 is converged to the shielding screen 502 through the light incident lens surface 501, emitted through the shape of the shielding screen 502, and then reaches the light emitting lens surface 503 for refracting, and forms a preset light pattern in a preset area.

[0053] The light source 1 includes one or more light sources 1 with one or more optical functions, and the light source 1 includes one or more control chips.

[0054] In this embodiment, the light source is configured as a SMD LED, which is integrated on a PCBA or a heat sink and connected to the PCB board via a metal wire. In other embodiments, other light source types may be selected according to actual needs.

[0055] Embodiment 2:

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the optical element is a reflector 4 .

[0057] The light emitted by the light source 1 is reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector 4 and then enters the microlens array 5; a light pattern with uniform brightness and darkness is achieved by adjusting the focal length of the reflector 4 and the size of the reflector 4 area corresponding to the brightness distribution of the light source 1.

[0058] In this embodiment, the distance between the reflector 4 and the microlens array 5 is less than or equal to 20 mm. In other embodiments, the distance between the reflector 4 and the microlens array 5 can be adjusted according to actual needs. An optical pattern is arranged on the reflective surface of the reflector 4.

[0059] Embodiment 3:

[0060] The difference between this embodiment and the first and second embodiments is that the optical element comprises a condenser 3 and a reflector 4, and both the condenser 3 and the reflector 4 are provided with optical patterns.

[0061] The structure and function of the concentrator 3 are the same as those in embodiment 1, and the structure and function of the reflector 4 are the same as those in embodiment 2. The concentrator 3 has a larger width and insufficient maximum value, and the reflector 4 has a larger maximum value and insufficient width, and they can be matched and used in combination to maximize the desired design function.

[0062] The light incident ends of the condenser 3 and the reflector 4 may be provided with a light source having one function or light sources having multiple functions.

[0063] Embodiment 4:

[0064] Those skilled in the art may understand this embodiment as a more specific description of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 3.

[0065] This embodiment provides a solution to a microlens array, including a light source 1, a condenser 3 or a reflector 4, and a microlens array 5.

[0066] The condenser 3 includes a first light incident surface 301 , a second light incident surface 302 and a light emitting surface 303 . The micro lens array 5 includes a light incident lens surface 501 , a shielding screen 502 and a light emitting lens surface 503 .

[0067] The light is emitted by the light source 1, and refracted into the concentrator 3 through the first light incident surface 301 and the second light incident surface 302 of the concentrator 3. The first light incident surface 301 is designed as a central bright spot A3 light type, and the second light incident surface 302 is designed as a widened bright spot C3 light type. The light type with uniform brightness is designed by adjusting the size ratio of each light incident surface. Then, the light is diffused through the pattern partition on the light exiting surface 303, which can not only ensure the light intensity of the central bright spot A3, but also expand the diffusion angle of the widened bright spot C3. Finally, before the optical reaches the microlens array 5, it converges to the shielding screen 503 through the light incident lens surface 501, and the light is emitted through the designed shielding screen shape, and then reaches the light exiting lens surface 503 for light refraction, and forms the designed light type at 25m.

[0068] The light is emitted by the light source 1 and reflected by the reflector 4. The light pattern with uniform brightness is designed by adjusting the focal length of the reflector 4 and the size of the reflector 4 area corresponding to the LED brightness distribution. The light is diffused by adjusting the pattern on the reflector 4 in different areas, which can ensure the light intensity of the central bright spot A4 and expand the diffusion angle of the widened bright spot C4. Finally, before the optical beam reaches the microlens array 5, it converges to the shielding screen 503 through the light incident lens surface 501, and then exits through the designed shielding screen shape, and then reaches the light exiting lens surface 503 for light refraction, and forms the designed light pattern at 25m.

[0069] Furthermore, the smaller the distance between the condenser 3 and the reflector 4 and the microlens array 5, the better, and the maximum distance should not exceed 20 mm, otherwise the cross-talk will cause more stray light, and will also reduce the optical efficiency and affect the light type performance.

[0070] Furthermore, the patterns on the concentrator 3 and the reflector 4 can be partially leather-grained or painted black according to the design.

[0071] Furthermore, a single pattern on the condenser 3 and the reflector 4 should correspond to a single lens on the microlens array 5 one by one, and the sizes should match each other, or have a multiple relationship.

[0072] Furthermore, the pattern partition boundaries on the condenser 3 and the reflector 4 should correspond one-to-one to the lens group boundaries on the microlens array 5 .

[0073] Furthermore, the concentrator 3 system has a larger widening and an insufficient maximum value, while the reflector 4 system has a larger maximum value and an insufficient widening, and they can be used in a matched combination to maximize the desired design function.

[0074] Furthermore, the number of light sources 1 is not limited to one function, and the number of light sources can be increased to achieve other functions.

[0075] Furthermore, the number of chips of the light source 1 is not limited to one chip, but may also be multiple chips.

[0076] Furthermore, the material of the concentrator 3 is polycarbonate (ie PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (ie PMMA) or glass.

[0077] More specifically, Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the traditional ball head lens design is relatively simple, with fewer adjustable parameters. The optical design mainly uses a continuous light-emitting surface to ensure uniform brightness, which is suitable for projection optical design, such as Figure 1Schematic diagram of medium light type A1 light type. After the light passes through the microlens array 5, light type A2 is formed. This light type does not match the requirements. More unit modules are needed to meet the requirements. The cost will increase exponentially, and there is no distinction between light and dark. The overall exponential brightening will also cause some unnecessary points to exceed the requirements, thereby increasing the design difficulty.

[0078] More specifically, the geometrical optical principle of the concentrator 3 and the reflector 4 makes them more suitable for optical functions, such as Figure 2 As shown, the condenser 3 forms a light pattern B1 with uniform brightness and darkness, and then the light passes through the microlens array 5 to form a light pattern B2. Figure 4 As shown, the light distribution is designed by the proportion of each light incident surface of the concentrator 3 and the pattern on the light emitting surface 303. The central bright spot A3 is mainly adjusted by the size of the first light incident surface 301, and the widened bright spot C3 is mainly adjusted by the size of the second light incident surface 302. The pattern on the light emitting surface 303 can correspond to the boundaries of each light incident surface one by one, and the diffusion design can be divided into different areas. When designing the optical function, the proportion of the first light incident surface 301 and the second light incident surface 302 is determined according to the functional requirements or the requirements of different functional areas. In view of the high requirements for central brightness but the requirements for widening, when designing the concentrator 3, the size of the first light incident surface 301 can be made larger and the second light incident surface 302 can be made smaller. At the same time, the diffusion of the pattern on the light emitting surface 303 corresponding to the area of ​​the first light incident surface 301 is made smaller, and the diffusion of the pattern on the light emitting surface 303 corresponding to the area of ​​the second light incident surface 302 is made larger. In this way, it can be ensured that the central brightness is strong and the widening range is large to meet the requirements. As shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, light type B1 is a partial light type diagram of the microlens array system of the condenser 3, and the maximum value is 15-20.2lx (LED input is a chip type).

[0079] More specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the reflector 4 forms a light pattern C1 with uniform brightness and darkness, and then the light passes through the microlens array 5 to form a light pattern C2. Figure 4 As shown, the light distribution is designed by the focal length of the reflector 4, the size of the reflective surface area corresponding to the LED brightness distribution and the pattern on the reflector 4. The central bright spot A4 is mainly adjusted by the focal length and the size of the reflective surface area corresponding to the brighter light intensity at the center of the LED, and the widened bright spot C4 is mainly adjusted by the size of the reflective surface area corresponding to the darker light intensity of the LED.

[0080] The pattern on the reflector 4 can be designed for diffusion in different areas. When designing the optical function, the focal length of the reflector 4 and the size of the reflective surface area corresponding to the LED brightness distribution are designed according to the functional requirements or the requirements of different functional areas. In view of the high requirements for the center brightness but the requirements for widening, when designing the reflector 4, the range of the LED divergence angle α can be set to 30 degrees, and the corresponding reflective surface is used as the center bright spot A4 design, and the area of ​​30 to 60 degrees of LED light is used as the widened bright spot C4 design. At the same time, the pattern diffusion in the area on the reflector 4 corresponding to the LED divergence angle within 30 degrees is made smaller, and the pattern diffusion corresponding to the area of ​​30 to 60 degrees is made larger. This can ensure that the center brightness is strong and the widening range is large to meet the needs. Figure 7 As shown, light type B2 is a partial light type diagram of the reflector 4 microlens array system, and the maximum value is 20-25.25lx (LED input is a chip type).

[0081] More specifically, the shielding screen in the microlens array 5 in the system needs to be designed accordingly according to different functions, such as Figure 6 As shown in the AA section, the shielding screen corresponding to each single lens is designed to be a preset shape, such as Figure 6 As shown in the first shielding edge 5021 and the second shielding edge 5022, the shielding screen corresponds to the preset light shape one by one, so that the final light output light shape is the preset light shape.

[0082] In other embodiments, the light source of the condenser 3 and the reflector 4 may not be one, and an additional functional light source 101 may be added to realize light patterns with other optical functions, such as Figure 5 As shown, multiple light sources with different optical functions can be simultaneously arranged in the same microlens array optical system to achieve multiple different optical functions.

[0083] Based on a light source with multiple optical functions, the microlens array optical system can be configured to produce multiple light distributions, and the types of the multiple light distributions are different. The type of each light distribution is any one of the following: low beam lighting, high beam lighting, adaptive low beam lighting, ADB high beam lighting, corner fog lamp lighting, urban road mode lighting, country road mode lighting, highway mode lighting, bend mode lighting, rain and fog mode lighting, position signal lights, turn signal lights, daytime running lights, welcome lights, and ambient lights.

[0084] The utility model provides a method for solving the problem of applying an MLA system to optical functions. The utility model uses the geometric optical principles of a condenser and a reflector to design a uniform bright and dark light type suitable for the optical function, and can realize the light type of the optical function with different design requirements by flexibly adjusting the proportion of each light incident surface of the condenser and the pattern on the light emitting surface and the focal length and pattern of the reflector.

[0085] The utility model is based on the microlens array optical system and utilizes the geometric optical structure principle of the condenser or reflector to design a uniform bright and dark light type suitable for the optical function. By adopting these two optical systems, the proportion of each light incident surface of the condenser or the focal length of the reflector can be adjusted, and the diffusion angle of the light emitting surface of the condenser and the surface pattern of the reflector can be adjusted to realize the optical function.

[0086] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0087] The above describes the specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which does not affect the essence of the present invention. In the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other at will.

Claims

1. A microlens array optical system, characterized in that: include: A light source (1), an optical element and a microlens array (5); The light source (1) is arranged at the light incident end of the optical element, and the optical element is provided with an optical pattern; After the light emitted by the light source (1) reaches the optical element, it is adjusted by the optical element and the optical pattern, enters the microlens array (5), and is emitted from the microlens array (5); A single pattern of the optical pattern is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with a single lens of the microlens array (5), and the size of the single pattern and the single lens is consistent or in an integral multiple relationship; The partition boundaries of the optical pattern correspond one-to-one to the lens group boundaries of the microlens array (5); The microlens array (5) comprises a light incident lens surface (501), a shielding screen (502) and a light exit lens surface (503); Light from the light source (1) is converged to the shielding screen (502) through the light incident lens surface (501), is emitted through the shape of the shielding screen (502), and then reaches the light exiting lens surface (503) to be refracted, thereby forming a preset light pattern in a preset area.

2. The microlens array optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical element is a concentrator (3); The concentrator (3) comprises a first light incident surface (301), a second light incident surface (302) and a light exit surface (303); the second light incident surface (302) is arranged on the peripheral side of the first light incident surface (301), the first light incident surface (301) is used to realize a central bright spot light type, and the second light incident surface (302) is used to realize a widened bright spot light type; the optical pattern is arranged on the light exit surface (303); The light emitted by the light source (1) has a portion of the light entering the condenser (3) through the first light incident surface (301), and another portion of the light entering the condenser (3) after being refracted by the second light incident surface (302); the light entering the condenser (3) is emitted from the light exit surface (303), and then enters the microlens array (5); A light pattern with uniform brightness and darkness is achieved by adjusting the size ratio of the first light incident surface (301) and the second light incident surface (302).

3. The microlens array optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical element is a reflector (4); the optical pattern is arranged on a reflective surface of the reflector (4); The light emitted by the light source (1) is reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector (4) and then enters the microlens array (5); A light pattern with uniform brightness and darkness is achieved by adjusting the focal length of the reflector (4) and the area size of the reflector (4) corresponding to the brightness distribution of the light source (1).

4. The microlens array optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the optical element and the microlens array (5) is less than or equal to 20 mm.

5. The microlens array optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical pattern is partially provided with leather grain or painted black.

6. The microlens array optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source (1) comprises a light source (1) with one or more optical functions, and the light source (1) has one or more control chips.

7. The microlens array optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical element comprises a condenser (3) and a reflector (4), and both the condenser (3) and the reflector (4) are provided with optical patterns.

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