Spliced receiving lens structure with low blind area and sensor
By splicing the receiving lenses of different curvatures together, the balance problem of TOF sensors between close and long-distance detection is solved, and a low-blind-spot sensor design is realized, taking into account the detection needs of close and long-distance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422089333.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-08-28
AI Technical Summary
In the design, TOF sensors face the problem of balancing between blind spots and reception distances, and cannot take into account the detection needs of both close and long distances.
The receiving lens splicing structure with different curvatures corresponds to the optical paths of long distances and close distances respectively. Through the splicing of the first receiving lens and the second receiving lens, both the detection of the close distance and the long distance is achieved.
While reducing blind spots, the sensor reception distance is guaranteed and effective detection of long and near distances is achieved.
Smart Images
Figure CN223155255U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of sensors, in particular to a spliced receiving lens structure with a low blind area and a sensor. Background Art
[0002] TOF sensors (Time of Flight sensors) are widely used in many fields, including collaborative robots, mobile robots, automotive safety, consumer electronics, and industrial automation. These sensors determine the distance between the two by measuring the time it takes for light waves to travel from the transmitter to the target object and then reflect back to the receiver, thereby providing depth information and 3D imaging capabilities. For example, in cars, TOF sensors can be used for driver fatigue detection and gesture interaction, while in smartphones they can be used for facial recognition and augmented reality applications.
[0003] TOF sensors often face a typical trade-off in design: the balance between blind spots and receiving distance. Blind spots refer to areas where the sensor cannot accurately detect objects at close range. This is usually because the sensor's measurement accuracy drops significantly at close range, resulting in the inability to identify or measure very close objects. If the design overemphasizes reducing blind spots, the sensor's receiving distance, that is, the farthest distance at which the sensor can accurately measure an object, may be sacrificed. This is because in order to reduce the blind spot, the sensor needs to provide higher measurement accuracy and resolution at close range, which may limit its measurement capabilities at longer distances. For example, the sensor may use a smaller emission beam or a higher modulation frequency to improve the measurement accuracy at close range, but this will reduce the propagation distance and intensity of the beam, thereby reducing the reliability of long-distance measurements. However, in actual applications, both need to be taken into account in different scenarios. For example, in self-driving cars, it is necessary to be able to detect obstacles at close range to avoid collisions, and to be able to detect objects at long distances for path planning and obstacle avoidance. At present, it is usually necessary to find a suitable balance between the size of the blind spot and the receiving distance to try to meet the usage requirements of different application scenarios. In fact, neither of them can achieve the best effect. The present application achieves the purpose of taking into account both long-distance and short-distance detection by splicing receiving lenses of different curvatures together, corresponding to long-distance and short-distance receiving optical paths respectively, thereby minimizing blind spots while ensuring the receiving distance. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a spliced receiving lens structure with a low blind area and a sensor to solve the problems raised in the above background technology.
[0005] According to a first aspect of one or more embodiments of the present application, the utility model provides a spliced receiving lens structure with a low blind spot, comprising:
[0006] A receiving lens, the receiving lens is used to receive incoming light, the receiving lens includes a first receiving lens and a second receiving lens, the curvature of the first receiving lens is smaller than that of the second receiving lens, and the first receiving lens and the second receiving lens are spliced into one body.
[0007] Preferably, the first receiving lens is used to receive incoming light within a first vertical distance from the receiving lens.
[0008] Preferably, the second receiving lens is used to receive incoming light that is at least a second vertical distance away from the receiving lens.
[0009] Preferably, the second vertical distance is smaller than the first vertical distance.
[0010] Preferably, the radial length of the first receiving lens is greater than the radial length of the second receiving lens.
[0011] Preferably, the first receiving lens and the second receiving lens are injection molded.
[0012] Preferably, the first receiving lens and the second receiving lens are bonded and spliced into one body.
[0013] Preferably, the first receiving lens and the second receiving lens are connected in a fusion manner with a gradually changing curvature.
[0014] According to a second aspect of one or more embodiments of the present application, the utility model further provides a sensor, which includes an optional spliced receiving lens structure as described above.
[0015] Preferably, the sensor further includes a receiving hole, a transmitting lens, a transmitting hole, a target object, and a sensor housing.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the utility model are:
[0017] The utility model achieves the purpose of taking into account both long-distance and short-distance detection by splicing receiving lenses of different curvatures together to correspond to long-distance and short-distance receiving optical paths respectively, thereby minimizing blind spots and ensuring the receiving distance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the utility model, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.
[0019] Figure 1Structural diagram of the splicing receiving lens with a low blind area according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 Optical path scenario diagram when the vertical distance between the target object and the receiving lens in an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model exceeds the second vertical distance;
[0021] Figure 3 Optical path scenario diagram when the vertical distance between the target object and the receiving lens in an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model is within the first vertical distance;
[0022] Figure 4 Optical path scenario diagram when the vertical distance between the target object and the receiving lens in an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model is within the range of the first vertical distance and the second vertical distance.
[0023] In the figure: 1 - receiving lens, 11 - first receiving lens, 12 - second receiving lens, 2 - receiving hole, 3 - emitting lens, 4 - emitting hole, 5 - target object, 61 - first optical path, 62 - second optical path, 7 - sensor housing. Specific implementation manners
[0024] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and in no way limits the present utility model and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0025] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific implementation manners and are not intended to limit the exemplary implementation manners according to the present application. As used herein, unless otherwise clearly specified in the context, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0026] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements, numerical expressions, and numerical values of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present utility model. At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn in actual proportional relationships. Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the said technologies, methods, and devices should be regarded as part of the authorization specification. In all the examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings, and thus, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.
[0027] In the description of the present utility model, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationships indicated by orientation words such as "front, rear, upper, lower, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal", and "top, bottom", etc. are generally based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description. Without contrary statements, these orientation words do not indicate and imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of the present utility model; the orientation words "inside, outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contour of each component itself.
[0028] For the convenience of description, spatial relative terms such as "above...", "over...", "on the upper surface of...", "above" can be used here to describe the spatial positional relationships of a device or feature shown in the drawings with other devices or features. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the drawings for the device. For example, if the device in the drawing is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "over other devices or structures" will then be positioned "below other devices or structures" or "under other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both the orientations of "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and corresponding interpretations should be made for the spatial relative descriptions used here.
[0029] In addition, it should be noted that the use of words such as "first", "second", etc. to limit components is only for the convenience of differentiating the corresponding components. Without additional statements, the above words have no special meanings, and thus should not be construed as limiting the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0030] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the present utility model provides a splicing receiving lens structure with a low blind area, comprising:
[0031] A receiving lens 1, which is used to receive incident light. The receiving lens 1 includes a first receiving lens 11 and a second receiving lens 12. The curvature of the first receiving lens 11 is less than that of the second receiving lens 12, and the first receiving lens 11 and the second receiving lens 12 are spliced together as a whole.
[0032] The receiving lens 1 in the present utility model can be applied in a TOF sensor or an optical sensor. For the convenience of understanding, the present utility model provides a sensor applying the splicing receiving lens structure with a low blind area, as Figures 2 to 4 shown. Its structure includes a receiving hole 2, a transmitting lens 3, and a transmitting hole 4. The sensor emits light through the transmitting hole 4. A first optical path 61 passes through the transmitting lens 3 and is emitted outward to a target object 5. After reflection, a second optical path 62 passes through the receiving lens 1 and is received by the receiving hole 2. The transmitting hole 4 and the receiving hole 2 are internally provided with chips for easy control, and the sensor housing 7 is made of a transparent material. The present application does not limit the specific structure of the sensor, and other sensors that can apply the splicing receiving lens structure provided by the present application also fall within the scope protected by the present application. The present application does not describe other components of the sensor in detail, and reference can be made to the prior art for implementation.
[0033] In one embodiment, the first receiving lens 11 is used to receive incident light within a first vertical distance from the receiving lens 1. As Figure 2 , Figure 4 shown, the first vertical distance is the vertical distance from the target object 5 to the receiving lens 1, that is, the sum of the vertical distance from the target object 5 to the sensor housing 7 and the vertical distance from the sensor housing 7 to the receiving lens 1. The distance between the sensor housing 7 and the receiving lens 1 is fixed and can be set to (a) mm, and the vertical distance between the sensor housing 7 and the target object 5 is easier to calculate and judge. In a specific embodiment, the longest vertical distance between the sensor housing 7 and the target object 5 is 1000 mm, and the first vertical distance is (1000 + a) mm. When the vertical distance from the target object 5 to the receiving lens 1 is within (1000 + a) mm, the second optical path 62 is reflected from the target object 5, passes through the first receiving lens 11, and reaches the receiving hole 2.
[0034] In one embodiment, the second receiving lens 12 is used to receive incident light at least at a second vertical distance from the receiving lens 1. As Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the second vertical distance is the vertical distance from the target object 5 to the receiving lens 1, that is, the sum of the vertical distance between the target object 5 and the sensor housing 7 and the vertical distance between the sensor housing 7 and the receiving lens 1. The distance between the sensor housing 7 and the receiving lens 1 is fixed, and the impact of the specific numerical difference on the realization of the sensor function can be ignored. For the convenience of understanding, it can be set to (a) mm in the following discussion. In a specific embodiment, the shortest vertical distance between the sensor housing 7 and the target object 5 is 2 mm, that is, when the vertical distance from the receiving lens 1 exceeds (2 + a) mm, the second vertical distance is (2 + a) mm, and the second optical path 62 is reflected from the target object 5, passes through the second receiving lens 12 and reaches the receiving hole 2.
[0035] In one embodiment, the first receiving lens 11 and the second receiving lens 12 are used to receive incident light within the range of the second vertical distance to the first vertical distance from the receiving lens 1. The second vertical distance is less than the first vertical distance, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the distance between the sensor housing 7 and the receiving lens 1 is fixedly set to (a) mm. The shortest vertical distance between the sensor housing 7 and the target object 5 is 2 mm, and the longest vertical distance is 1000 mm. That is, when the vertical distance from the receiving lens 1 is within the range of (2 + a) mm to (1000 + a) mm, the second optical path 62 is reflected from the target object 5, and the first receiving lens 11 and the second receiving lens 12 can receive incident light simultaneously and be received by the receiving hole 2.
[0036] In one embodiment, the radial length of the first receiving lens 11 is greater than the radial length of the second receiving lens 12. The second receiving lens 12 is mainly used to reduce the blind area. The distance between the target object 5 and the sensor housing 7 is mostly outside the blind area. Therefore, the required radial length of the second receiving lens 12 is less than that of the first receiving lens 11.
[0037] In one embodiment, the first receiving lens 11 and the second receiving lens 12 are injection molded. Injection molding is a manufacturing process in which materials are injected into a mold and then the mold is heated until the plastic solidifies to form the finished product. The mold is precisely made and can directly present the shape and size required for the final product.
[0038] In one embodiment, the first receiving lens 11 and the second receiving lens 12 are bonded and spliced together. The first receiving lens 11 and the second receiving lens 12 can be injection molded separately and then bonded together with glue after molding, which can effectively reduce the technical difficulty and process condition requirements and meet the actual needs.
[0039] In one embodiment, the first receiving lens 11 and the second receiving lens 12 are connected by a gradually changing curvature fusion. The first receiving lens 11 and the second receiving lens 12 can also be made of a plastic part designed to be integrally formed with a gradually changing curvature, so that the joint between the first receiving lens 11 and the second receiving lens 12 is a smooth connection, optimizing the smoothness of the change of the received signal with the distance between the target object 5 and the sensor housing 7 and improving the overall aesthetic appearance.
[0040] For the present utility model, the parts not described are prior arts.
[0041] The above are only the preferred specific embodiments of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present utility model, according to the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, makes equivalent substitutions or changes, and all should be covered within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A splicing receiving lens structure with a low blind area, characterized in that, Comprising: A receiving lens (1) for receiving incident light. The receiving lens (1) includes a first receiving lens (11) and a second receiving lens (12). The curvature of the first receiving lens (11) is less than that of the second receiving lens (12), and the first receiving lens (11) and the second receiving lens (12) are spliced together as a whole.
2. The spliced receiving lens structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first receiving lens (11) is used to receive incident light within a first vertical distance from the receiving lens (1).
3. The spliced receiving lens structure according to claim 2, wherein, The second receiving lens (12) is used to receive incident light at least at a second vertical distance from the receiving lens (1).
4. The spliced receiving lens structure according to claim 3, wherein The second vertical distance is less than the first vertical distance.
5. The spliced receiving lens structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radial length of the first receiving lens (11) is greater than the radial length of the second receiving lens (12).
6. The spliced receiving lens structure according to claim 1, wherein The first receiving lens (11) and the second receiving lens (12) are injection molded.
7. The spliced receiving lens structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first receiving lens (11) and the second receiving lens (12) are adhesively spliced together as a whole.
8. The spliced receiving lens structure according to claim 6, wherein, The first receiving lens (11) and the second receiving lens (12) are connected by a gradually changing curvature fusion connection.
9. A sensor, characterized in that, The sensor includes the spliced receiving lens structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. A sensor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sensor further includes a receiving hole (2), a transmitting lens (3), a transmitting hole (4), a target object (5), and a sensor housing (7).