Multi-beam refractometer and light transmission structure thereof

Abstract

The light transmission structure comprises a light transmission piece and a plurality of light source sets, the wavelengths of light emitted by the light source sets are different, the light transmission piece is provided with a plurality of independent light inlet channels, each light inlet channel is provided with a light inlet and a light outlet, the light inlets correspond to the light source sets in a one-to-one mode, and the light source sets are arranged on the light inlet channels in a one-to-one mode. The light outlets correspond to the light inlet side of a prism of the refractometer, and the light inlet channels are arranged at intervals and are crossed with one another, so that divergence angles of light beams emitted by the light outlets are adjusted, the light beams are ensured not to be overlapped after being imaged, namely a bright-dark interface is relatively clear during imaging, the measurement accuracy of the refractive index of liquid is ensured, and the measurement accuracy of the refractive index of the liquid is improved. And the calculation deviation of the liquid concentration is ensured to be within a reasonable range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid concentration analyzer technology, and in particular to a multi-beam refractometer and its light transmission structure. Background Technology

[0002] A refractometer is an important instrument used to measure the refractive index of liquids. It can also be used to calculate the concentration of a liquid by measuring its refractive index. It is widely used in various industries such as food and beverage, fragrance and flavor, textile printing, and chemicals.

[0003] Currently, most refractometers use only one wavelength of detection light for testing, thus only forming a bright line or boundary line on their imaging system. However, calculating the refractive index of a liquid based solely on the position of a single bright line or boundary line results in a large deviation from the single measurement, and these measurements cannot be corroborated, leading to a greater deviation in the calculation of liquid concentration. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a multi-beam refractometer and its light-transmitting structure, which can prevent the beams emitted by each light source group from overlapping after imaging.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] This invention provides a light transmission structure for a multi-beam refractometer, including a light transmission element and multiple light source groups, each of which emits light with different wavelengths. The light transmission element has multiple independent light entrance channels, each with an entrance port and an exit port. The multiple entrance ports correspond one-to-one with the multiple light source groups, and the exit ports correspond to the light entrance side of the prism of the refractometer. The multiple entrance channels are spaced apart from each other and intersected to adjust the divergence angle of the light beams emitted from each exit port, thereby ensuring that they do not overlap after imaging.

[0007] Furthermore, the light source group includes LED lights, and multiple light source groups are electrically connected to form an LED assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the light-transmitting component has multiple light-transmitting slots extending through its opposite ends, with the multiple light-transmitting slots spaced apart from each other and intersecting each other; the light-transmitting slots are the light-inlet channels.

[0009] Furthermore, the light-transmitting groove is a straight groove.

[0010] Furthermore, a light source mounting plate is provided on the side of the light-transmitting element away from its light outlet, and the light source assembly is mounted on the side of the light-transmitting element facing the light-transmitting element.

[0011] Furthermore, the light inlet of the light-transmitting groove is provided with a receiving groove, and a light-diffusing plate is provided in the receiving groove; when the light source mounting plate is assembled on the light-transmitting component, the light source group is inserted into the corresponding receiving groove, and the light-diffusing plate is used to convert the light source group into a surface light source.

[0012] Furthermore, the circumferential wall of the light-incident channel is a light-shielding wall.

[0013] This utility model also provides a multi-beam refractometer, including a prism, a focusing lens, an imaging unit, a central processing unit, and the aforementioned light-transmitting structure; the light-transmitting structure and the focusing lens are respectively disposed on the light-incident side and the light-exit side of the prism, and the imaging unit is disposed on the side of the focusing lens away from the prism; a thermometer for detecting its temperature is disposed on the prism; the output end of the imaging unit is connected to the input end of the central processing unit, and the output end of the central processing unit is connected to the input end of the light source group of the light-transmitting structure.

[0014] Furthermore, the prism is a triangular prism or a trapezoidal prism; the temperature measuring instrument is a thermocouple.

[0015] Furthermore, the imaging unit is a color CMOS sensor, a monochrome CMOS sensor, or a CCD sensor.

[0016] The technical solution provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] By using multiple independent light-incident channels of the light-transmitting element, and by arranging these channels at intervals and intersecting each other, the divergence angle of the light beams emitted from each light-out port of the light-transmitting element can be effectively adjusted. This ensures that the beams do not overlap after imaging, resulting in a clearer bright-dark interface during imaging. Consequently, this ensures the accuracy of liquid refractive index measurement and keeps the calculation deviation of liquid concentration within a reasonable range. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the light transmission structure of the multibeam refractometer in Example 1.

[0019] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a connection diagram of the multibeam refractometer in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To further illustrate the various embodiments, the present invention provides accompanying drawings. These drawings are part of the disclosure of the present invention and are mainly used to illustrate the embodiments, and can be used in conjunction with the relevant descriptions in the specification to explain the operating principles of the embodiments. With reference to these drawings, those skilled in the art should be able to understand other possible implementations and the advantages of the present invention. Components in the drawings are not drawn to scale, and similar component symbols are generally used to represent similar components.

[0021] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] Example 1

[0023] Reference Figure 1 As shown, Embodiment 1 provides a light transmission structure (hereinafter referred to as light transmission structure 100) for a multi-beam refractometer, which is used to provide suitable detection light for the multi-beam refractometer.

[0024] The light transmission structure 100 of this embodiment includes a light transmission element 2 and three light source groups 1. The light wavelengths emitted by the three light source groups 1 are different from each other. Specifically, each light source group 1 includes four LEDs. The three light source groups 1 are electrically connected to form an LED assembly, and the LED assembly is mounted on the right side of the light source mounting plate 11.

[0025] The light-transmitting element 2 has three independent light-incident channels 21. Each light-incident channel 21 has a light-in port 211 and a light-out port 212. The three light-in ports 211 correspond one-to-one with the three light source groups 1, and the three light-out ports 212 correspond to the light-incident side of the prism of the refractometer. Of course, the number of light-incident channels 21 depends on the number of light source groups 1, and they are in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0026] The three light-incident channels 21 are spaced apart from each other and intersected to adjust the divergence angle of the light beams emitted from each light-out port 212, thereby ensuring that they do not overlap after imaging.

[0027] In this embodiment, the light-transmitting component 2 has three light-transmitting slots that pass through its opposite ends. The light-transmitting slots are straight slots. The three light-transmitting slots are spaced apart from each other and intersecting each other. The circumferential wall of the light-entry channel 21 is a light-shielding wall. At this time, the light-transmitting slot is the light-entry channel 21.

[0028] In a specific implementation, the LED component emits three different light beams with wavelength ranges of 440–470 nm, 515–540 nm, and 610–650 nm, respectively, and each wavelength corresponds to four LEDs. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of LEDs for each wavelength can also be one, two, three, or more than five.

[0029] The light entrance channel 21 has a long and narrow rectangular cross-section. The three different light entrance channels 21 are set at an angle to each other, and the light beam in each light entrance channel 21 cannot enter the other light entrance channels 21 due to the light blocking. Therefore, the light beam in each light entrance channel 21 can be isolated from each other, that is, to avoid mutual interference.

[0030] When the three wavelengths of light beams pass through their respective independent light-incident channels 21, the divergence angle of the light beams emitted from the light-out exit ports 212 of each light-incident channel 21 also changes accordingly. This allows for the individual adjustment of the divergence angle of the light beams emitted from each light-out exit port 212, or for the individual limitation of the divergence angle of the light beams emitted from each light-out exit port 212, thereby ensuring that the light beams of different wavelengths do not overlap after imaging.

[0031] In addition, the inner length, inner width and inner height of each light-incident channel 21 and the included angle between adjacent light-incident channels 21 can be obtained through optical simulation. Therefore, it can be ensured that the design requirements are met and that the incident light only illuminates the upper surface of the prism without any extra stray light. The image or pattern formed on the imaging unit afterward does not overlap with each other and covers the photosensitive surface of the imaging unit.

[0032] By using multiple independent light-incident channels 21 of the light-transmitting element 2, and by arranging the multiple light-incident channels 21 at intervals and intersecting each other, the divergence angle of the light beams emitted from each light-out port 212 of the light-transmitting element 2 can be effectively adjusted. This ensures that the beams do not overlap after imaging, that is, the bright-dark interface is clearer during imaging, thereby ensuring the accuracy of liquid refractive index measurement and ensuring that the calculation deviation of liquid concentration is within a reasonable range.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, each light inlet 211 is provided with a receiving groove 222, and each receiving groove 222 is provided with a light-diffusing plate 24 for converting the light source group 1 into a surface light source.

[0034] In this specific embodiment, the light-transmitting component 2 includes a main body 22 and a cover plate 23 that fit together. The upper side of the main body 22 is provided with three linear grooves 221 extending in the left and right directions. The left side wall of the main body 22 is provided with three receiving grooves 222 that are connected to the corresponding linear grooves 221. The right ends of the three linear grooves 221 extend through to the right side wall of the main body 22.

[0035] Three light source groups 1 are mounted on the right side of the light transmission element 2 on the light source mounting plate 11, and are electrically connected to form the LED assembly.

[0036] When the light source mounting plate 11 is assembled onto the light transmission component 2, the three light source groups 1 are inserted into their corresponding receiving slots 222. The light-diffusing plates 24 are respectively positioned at the left opening of the corresponding linear slots 221. At this time, the left opening of the linear slot 221 is the light inlet 211, and the right opening of the linear slot 221 is the light outlet 212. The light-diffusing plates 24 are located between the light source group 1 and the left opening of the linear slot 221. Alternatively, the light source mounting plate 11 can also be a circuit board for the LED assembly.

[0037] When the cover plate 23 is placed on the upper side of the main body 22, the cover plate 23 completely closes the openings of the receiving groove 222 and the linear groove 221 facing upwards, so as to form three independent light-entry channels 21 with only left and right openings.

[0038] Of course, the main body 22, cover plate 23 and light source mounting plate 11 are all made of opaque light-shielding material.

[0039] Furthermore, the light-transmitting component 2 can also be formed into multiple light-entry channels 21 and receiving grooves 222 through an integrated injection molding process.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, Embodiment 2 provides a multibeam refractometer, including a prism 3, a focusing lens 4, an imaging unit 5, a central processing unit 6, and the light-transmitting structure 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0042] Prism 3 is a trapezoidal prism, and in addition to its light-incident side and light-outcrystal side, the other two sides of prism 3 are respectively equipped with thermometers for detecting its temperature. The temperature of prism 3 is the temperature of the liquid to be measured.

[0043] The light-transmitting structure 100 and the focusing lens 4 are respectively disposed on the light-incident side and the light-exit side of the prism 3 in the left and right directions, and the imaging unit 5 is disposed on the right side of the focusing lens 4 away from the prism 3.

[0044] The output of the imaging unit 5 is connected to the input of the central processing unit 6, and the output of the central processing unit 6 is connected to the input of the LED component of the light transmission structure 100.

[0045] In this embodiment, the specific temperature measuring instrument is a thermocouple, and the specific imaging unit 5 is a color CMOS sensor, a monochrome CMOS sensor, or a CCD sensor.

[0046] When detecting liquid concentration, the liquid to be tested is first dropped onto the upper surface of prism 3, forming a contact interface between the liquid and prism 3. Then, under the control of the central processing unit 6, the LED component is made to light up. Afterwards, each beam of light from the light transmission structure 100 enters from the incident side surface of prism 3, is reflected by the contact interface, and then exits from the light-emitting side surface of prism 3. After passing through the focusing lens 4, it illuminates the imaging unit 5. The imaging unit 5 uses infinity imaging and transmits the imaging data signal and the measured temperature signal collected by the thermocouple to the central processing unit 6 respectively. Then, the central processing unit 6 analyzes the positions of multiple bright lines (i.e., bright-dark interfaces or boundaries) in the image to calculate the refractive index of the liquid to be tested. Based on the mathematical relationship between the refractive index and the temperature of the liquid to be tested, the concentration of the liquid to be tested is then calculated.

[0047] Of course, in other embodiments, prism 3 can also be a triangular prism.

[0048] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims, and all such changes shall be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light passing structure of a multi-beam refractometer, comprising a light passing member and a plurality of light source groups, characterized in that: The light sources of the multiple light source groups are of different wavelengths; The light passing member has multiple independent light inlet channels, each of which has a light inlet and a light outlet, and the multiple light inlets correspond to the multiple light source groups one by one, and the light outlet corresponds to the light inlet side of the prism of the light folding instrument; The multiple light inlet channels are spaced apart and cross each other to adjust the divergence angle of the light beams emitted by the multiple light outlets, thereby ensuring that the images are not overlapped.

2. The light passing structure of a multi-beam refractometer according to claim 1, wherein: The light source group includes LED lamps, and the multiple light source groups are electrically connected to form an LED assembly.

3. The light passing structure of a multi-beam refractometer according to claim 2, wherein: The light passing member is provided with multiple light passing grooves penetrating through the opposite ends thereof, and the multiple light passing grooves are spaced apart and cross each other; the light passing grooves are the light inlet channels.

4. The light passing structure of a multi-beam refractometer according to claim 3, wherein: The light passing grooves are straight grooves.

5. The light passing structure of a multi-beam refractometer according to claim 3, wherein: The light passing member is provided with a light source mounting plate on the side away from the light outlet, and the light source mounting plate is provided with the light source group on the side facing the light passing member.

6. The light passing structure of a multi-beam refractometer according to claim 5, wherein: The light inlet of the light passing groove is provided with a containing groove, and the containing groove is provided with a light uniformizing sheet; when the light source mounting plate is assembled to the light passing member, the light source group is inserted into the corresponding containing groove, and the light uniformizing sheet is used to convert the light source group into a surface light source.

7. The light transmitting structure of a multi-beam refractometer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The circumferential wall of the light inlet channel is a light shielding wall.

8. A multi-beam refractometer characterized by: The light passing structure, the focusing lens, the imaging unit, the central processing unit and the light passing structure of any one of claims 1-7 are included; the light passing structure and the focusing lens are arranged on the light inlet side and the light outlet side of the prism respectively, and the imaging unit is arranged on the side of the focusing lens away from the prism; the prism is provided with a temperature detector for detecting the temperature thereof; the output end of the imaging unit is connected to the input end of the central processing unit, and the output end of the central processing unit is connected to the input end of the light source group of the light passing structure.

9. The multi-beam refractometer of claim 8, wherein: The prism is a triangular prism or a trapezoidal prism; the temperature detector is a thermocouple.

10. The multi-beam refractometer of claim 8, wherein: The imaging unit is a color COMS sensor, a black and white COMS sensor or a CCD sensor.

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