Lens array unit and light collecting plate

Abstract

The utility model provides a lens array unit and a light collecting plate, and solves the problems that in the prior art, when lens array units are assembled into a light collecting plate, the planeness of the vertex of a lens is poor, and the light collecting efficiency is low. The lens array unit comprises a top surface, a bottom surface and four side surfaces, wherein the top surface and the bottom surface are oppositely arranged, and the bottom surface is provided with a lens array. At least one side face is provided with an inwards-sunken containing space to form a bonding part, the lens array unit is connected with the side face or the bonding part of the adjacent unit through a bonding material contained in the bonding part, and the vertexes of the lenses of all the splicing units can be accurately adjusted to be aligned to the same plane when the bonding material is cured. In addition, high-precision lens array unit splicing can be achieved without fixing parts, so that the surface area of the light collecting plate for light collection is increased, and the light collecting efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of solar energy, and in particular to a lens array unit and a light-collecting plate. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, driven by the demand for clean energy, more and more people are utilizing solar energy. The solar collectors commonly used to gather sunlight typically consist of a lens array composed of many lenses and optical fibers connected to each lens. The lens array is generally injection molded from materials such as acrylic (PMMA), COC, or COP.

[0003] However, due to limitations in the injection molding process, the injection material inevitably shrinks and deforms during injection molding, affecting the precision of the finished product. For lens arrays used in optics for focusing light, the requirements for injection molding precision are even higher. Therefore, to ensure optical precision, the size of lens arrays produced by injection molding cannot be very large. If a larger lens array plate is needed, it can only be achieved through splicing. Spliced ​​lens arrays need to meet two requirements: first, all spliced ​​lens vertices must be on the same plane, otherwise the collection efficiency will be affected; second, the splicing seams should be as small as possible to reduce the proportion of non-collecting area and improve area utilization. Based on these two requirements, snap-fit ​​structures produced by injection molding or machining not only have difficulty guaranteeing the flatness of the spliced ​​surface, but also have a limited range of flatness adjustment, making it difficult to meet the requirements. In addition, snap-fit ​​structures occupy a lot of space, resulting in a larger area of ​​non-collecting light. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned technical defects, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a lens array unit and a light collecting plate.

[0005] This utility model discloses a lens array unit, which includes a top surface and a bottom surface arranged opposite to each other along a first direction. The bottom surface is provided with a plurality of lens arrays, and the lens arrays include a plurality of lenses.

[0006] The lens array unit also includes a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface, and a fourth side surface arranged in a ring between the top and bottom surfaces. The first and second side surfaces are positioned opposite each other in a second direction, while the third and fourth side surfaces are positioned opposite each other in a third direction. The first, second, and third directions are all perpendicular to each other.

[0007] At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth sides is recessed inward to form a receiving space for receiving adhesive material, thereby forming an adhesive portion. The adhesive portion of the lens array unit is bonded to the adhesive portion of an adjacent lens array unit, the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side, such that the lens vertex of the lens array of the lens array unit is on the same plane as the lens vertex of the lens array of any adjacent lens array unit.

[0008] Preferably, one end of the accommodating space in the first direction is located at the edge where the side surface and the top surface meet, and extends along the first direction.

[0009] The receiving space, together with the receiving space of the adjacent lens array unit, the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side, forms a guide groove extending in a first direction and opening toward the top surface.

[0010] Preferably, the receiving space extends to the point where its projection on the side is a rectangle; the width of the rectangle is less than the width of the side, and the length of the rectangle is less than the length of the side; the lens array units located on both sides of the receiving space and the portion away from the opening constitute the sidewalls of the adhesive guide groove.

[0011] Preferably, a receiving space is provided on one side of the lens array unit.

[0012] Preferably, the first, second, third, or fourth side of the lens array unit is provided with a receiving space.

[0013] Preferably, the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are all provided with receiving spaces.

[0014] Preferably, the length of the lens array unit in both the second and third directions is less than or equal to 6 cm.

[0015] Preferably, the shapes of each accommodating space in the lens array unit are all the same.

[0016] Preferably, the lens array unit is injection molded from acrylic, cyclic olefin copolymer or cyclic olefin polymer.

[0017] This application also provides a light-collecting plate, including a lens array unit as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, the above technical solution has the following advantages:

[0019] 1. This application improves the optical precision and consistency of the spliced ​​lens array, ensuring that all lens vertices are precisely located on the same plane. Existing splicing methods (such as snap-fit ​​structures) are prone to flatness deviations due to process errors, thereby reducing light collection efficiency. This solution, however, forms an adhesive portion by creating an inwardly recessed receiving space on the side of the lens array unit. During bonding, it aligns and combines with adjacent units, allowing the adhesive material to fill and cure evenly. During curing, the relative angles between each lens array unit can be manually adjusted to achieve lens vertices alignment. This design eliminates splicing gaps and misalignment risks, ensures the stability of light path focusing, avoids low collection efficiency caused by uneven flatness, and thus improves overall sunlight collection efficiency.

[0020] 2. This application significantly reduces the non-functional area of ​​the splicing region, optimizing the area utilization of the light-collecting plate. This solution embeds the adhesive portion into the side recess of the lens array unit, forming a compact adhesive channel structure. The adhesive material only fills the accommodating space, occupying a small volume. Thus, after splicing multiple lens array units, the seam area is significantly reduced, and the proportion of non-collecting area is significantly decreased, thereby increasing the effective working area ratio of the entire light-collecting plate and further improving collection efficiency.

[0021] 3. This application simplifies the splicing process and enhances design flexibility to adapt to diverse manufacturing needs. By using UV-curable or thermosetting adhesives at the bonding points, rapid bonding can be achieved without additional auxiliary structures, simplifying the assembly process. Simultaneously, the splicing angle and position are easily adjustable, overcoming the effects of injection molding deformation and ensuring reliable and repeatable precision control in mass production, ultimately reducing manufacturing costs and maintenance complexity. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the lens array unit provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of multiple lens array units provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another implementation of the lens array unit provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a combined structure for another implementation of the multiple lens array units provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 5 A three-dimensional and planar structural schematic diagram of another implementation of the lens array unit provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of a combined structure for another implementation of the multiple lens array units provided in this application.

[0028] Reference numerals: 100, lens array unit;

[0029] 1. Top surface;

[0030] 2. Bottom surface; 21. Lens; 22. Reference surface

[0031] 3. First side view; 4. Second side view; 5. Third side view; 6. Fourth side view;

[0032] 7. Receiving space; 71. Adhesive guide channel;

[0033] x, second direction; y, third direction; z, first direction. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The advantages of this utility model are further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0036] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if," as used herein, can be interpreted as "when," "in response to determination," or "when," or "in the event of a determination."

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] In the following description, the use of suffixes such as "module," "part," or "unit" to denote elements is solely for the purpose of illustrating this invention and has no specific meaning in itself. Therefore, "module" and "part" can be used interchangeably.

[0041] Please see Figures 1-2 , Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the lens array unit provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of multiple lens array units provided in this application.

[0042] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this utility model discloses a lens array unit 100, which includes a top surface 1 and a bottom surface 2 arranged opposite to each other along a first direction z. The bottom surface 2 is provided with a plurality of lens arrays, and the lens arrays include a plurality of lenses 21.

[0043] The lens array unit 100 further includes a first side surface 3, a second side surface 4 (not shown in the figure), a third side surface 5, and a fourth side surface 6 (not shown in the figure) arranged in a ring between the top surface 1 and the bottom surface 2. The first side surface 3 and the second side surface 4 are arranged opposite each other in the second direction x, and the third side surface 5 and the fourth side surface 6 are arranged opposite each other in the third direction y. The first direction z, the second direction x, and the third direction y are all perpendicular to each other.

[0044] At least one of the first side surface 3, the second side surface 4, the third side surface 5, and the fourth side surface 6 is recessed inward to form a receiving space 7 for receiving adhesive material, thereby forming an adhesive portion. The adhesive portion of the lens array unit 100 is bonded to the adhesive portion of an adjacent lens array unit 100, the first side surface 3, the second side surface 4, the third side surface 5, and the fourth side surface 6, such that the vertex of the lens 21 of the lens array of the lens array unit 100 is on the same plane as the vertex of the lens 21 of the lens array of any adjacent lens array unit 100.

[0045] Here, the principle needs to be described first. In the production of the lens array unit 100, due to limitations in the injection molding process, the injection material inevitably shrinks and deforms during injection molding, thus affecting the precision of the finished product. For lens arrays used for focusing light in optics, the requirements for injection molding precision are even higher. Therefore, to ensure optical precision, the size of the lens array produced by injection molding cannot be very large. If a larger lens array plate is needed, it can only be completed by splicing. The spliced ​​lens array needs to meet two requirements: first, all the vertices of the spliced ​​lenses 21 must be on the same plane, otherwise the collection efficiency will be affected; second, the splicing seam should be as small as possible to reduce the proportion of non-collecting area and improve area utilization. Based on these two requirements, the snap-fit ​​structure produced by injection molding or machining not only makes it difficult to guarantee the flatness after splicing, but also has a limited range of flatness adjustment, making it difficult to meet the requirements. In addition, the snap-fit ​​structure occupies a lot of space, resulting in a larger area of ​​non-collecting light.

[0046] Therefore, this application transforms the traditional method of fixing with fasteners (such as clips or bolts and nuts) into fixing with adhesive materials to form an adhesive portion. This improves the optical accuracy and consistency of the spliced ​​lens array, ensuring that all lens 21 vertices are precisely located on the same plane. Existing splicing methods are prone to flatness deviations due to process errors, thus reducing light collection efficiency. This solution, however, forms an adhesive portion by providing an inwardly recessed receiving space 7 on the side of the lens array unit 100. During bonding, it aligns and combines with adjacent units, allowing the adhesive material to fill and cure evenly. During the curing process, the relative angles between each lens array unit 100 can be manually adjusted to achieve alignment of the lens 21 vertices. This design eliminates splicing gaps and misalignment risks, ensures the stability of the light path focusing, avoids low collection efficiency caused by uneven flatness, and thus improves the overall sunlight collection efficiency.

[0047] On the other hand, compared to fixing with fasteners, this application embeds the adhesive portion into the side recess of the lens array unit 100, forming a compact adhesive guide groove 71 structure. The adhesive material only fills the receiving space 7, occupying a smaller volume. In this way, after multiple lens array units 100 are spliced ​​together, the seam area is greatly reduced, and the proportion of non-collecting area is significantly reduced, thereby increasing the effective working area ratio of the entire light collecting plate and further improving the collection efficiency.

[0048] The above is an explanation of the basic concept of this application. The following will describe the various possible specific implementations of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0049] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, firstly, the specific number of at least one side provided with the accommodating space 7 is not limited.

[0050] like Figures 1-2 As shown, in one possible implementation, the lens array unit has a receiving space on only one side, and it is not limited to which side.

[0051] Please see Figures 3-6 , Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another implementation of the lens array unit provided in this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a combined structure for another implementation of the multiple lens array units provided in this application; Figure 5 A three-dimensional and planar structural schematic diagram of another implementation of the lens array unit provided in this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a combined structure for another implementation of the multiple lens array units provided in this application.

[0052] like Figures 3-6 As shown, in another possible implementation, the lens array unit 100 has receiving spaces 7 on two sides. Those skilled in the art will understand that it is not limited to which two sides have the receiving spaces 7. In one possible implementation, as... Figures 3-4 As shown, receiving spaces 7 can be provided for the first side 3, the second side 4, or the third side 5 and the fourth side 6 of the lens array unit 100. This provides more combination options and better fixing effect.

[0053] It should be noted that the accommodating space 7 can also be set on any two adjacent sides of the lens array unit 100, such as on the first side 3 and the third side 5, the first side 3 and the fourth side 6, the second side 4 and the third side 5, etc. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0054] Furthermore, such as Figures 5-6As shown, in another possible implementation, the lens array unit 100 may also have receiving spaces 7 on the first side 3, the second side 4, the third side 5, and the fourth side 6. In this way, the lens array unit 100 does not need to be distinguished when it is assembled, and all sides can be used to combine with other lens array units 100, further improving ease of use.

[0055] The above describes the possible arrangements of the centralized accommodation space 7 in this application. It is understood that different arrangements of the accommodation space 7 will also bring about structural differences.

[0056] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the accommodating space 7 is located at one end of the side surface that contacts the top surface 1 in the first direction z, and extends along the first direction z.

[0057] The receiving space 7, together with the receiving space 7 of the adjacent lens array unit 100, the first side 3, the second side 4, the third side 5 and the fourth side 6, forms a guide groove 71 that extends in the first direction z and opens toward the top surface 1.

[0058] Therefore, it can be understood that: between two adjacent lens array units 100, as long as one lens array unit 100 has a side with a receiving space 7, and it is aligned and attached to any side of the other lens array unit 100, a guide groove 71 can be formed. After the adhesive material is cured, the two adjacent lens array units 100 can be fixed to each other.

[0059] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, when a lens array unit 100 is provided with a side of the receiving space 7, and is aligned with and fits against the side of another lens array unit 100 that does not have a receiving space 7, the receiving groove is composed of the receiving space 7 and the side of the other lens array unit 100.

[0060] When one lens array unit 100 has a side with a receiving space 7, and it is aligned with and fits against the side of another lens array unit 100 that has a receiving space 7, the two receiving spaces 7 together form a symmetrical "U"-shaped guide groove 71 with its opening facing the top surface 1.

[0061] Furthermore, when a lens array unit 100 is provided with multiple receiving spaces 7, the shapes of each receiving space 7 are all consistent, thereby enabling standardized processing, reducing costs, and standardizing the lens array unit 100. Of course, in another possible implementation, the shapes of each receiving space 7 can also be inconsistent, thereby enhancing the bonding effect in certain specific directions to match different scenario requirements. Those skilled in the art can design according to their needs, and this application makes no restrictions here.

[0062] It should be noted that the specific shape of the receiving space 7 is not limited. In one possible implementation, the receiving space extends to the point that its projection on the side is a rectangle; the width of the rectangle is less than the width of the side, and the length of the rectangle is less than the length of the side; the lens array units located on both sides of the receiving space and the portion away from the opening constitute the sidewalls of the adhesive guide groove.

[0063] For example, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, the accommodating space 7 is a cuboid-shaped space extending in the first direction z and the third direction y. In the width direction (third direction y), the width of the accommodating space 7 is less than the width of the first side surface 3, thus leaving two protruding columnar solid structures on both sides, which become the left and right sidewalls of the adhesive guiding groove 71. In the length direction (first direction z), the length of the accommodating space 7 is less than the length of the first side surface 3, thus leaving a solid structure at the lower end of the first side surface 3, which becomes the lower sidewall of the adhesive guiding groove 71.

[0064] The adhesive material within the adhesive guide groove 71 is also not limited. For example, the adhesive material can be at least one of UV-curable adhesive, thermosetting adhesive, and AB adhesive. This results in good bonding performance while also being low-cost and easy to process.

[0065] The above is a detailed design of the relevant structure for bonding provided in this application.

[0066] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific material of the lens array unit 100 is also not limited.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the lens array unit 100 is injection molded from acrylic, a cyclic olefin copolymer, or a cyclic olefin polymer. Furthermore, based on flatness requirements and to ensure optical accuracy, the length of the lens array unit 100 in both the second x-direction and the third y-direction is less than or equal to 6 cm. This ensures that the lens array unit 100 is easy to process and suitable for mass production while maintaining higher optical accuracy.

[0068] This application also provides a light-collecting plate, including the lens array unit 100 as provided in any of the foregoing embodiments. This results in a light-collecting plate that is low in cost, simple to assemble, and has high optical precision, with a relatively high area used for light collection, thereby improving the light-collecting efficiency of the light-collecting plate.

[0069] To better illustrate this application, a specific process for splicing two lens array units 100 is also provided herein: During splicing, a reference surface 22 with satisfactory flatness is selected, such as a marble platform or glass. Figure 2As shown, two lens array units 100 are placed face down on a reference surface 22, and pressure is applied to tightly adhere the side of one lens array unit 100 containing its receiving space 7 to the side of the other lens array unit 100, thus forming an adhesive guide groove 71 for injecting adhesive material. Pressure is applied to prevent leakage of the adhesive material. Adhesive material is then filled into the adhesive guide groove 71, pressure is maintained, and the adhesive material is allowed to cure. During the curing process, the lens array units 100 are kept in close contact with the reference surface 22 to ensure the flatness between the lens array units 100.

[0070] It should be noted that the embodiments of this utility model have better implementability and are not intended to limit this utility model in any way. Any person skilled in the art may use the above-disclosed technical content to change or modify it into equivalent effective embodiments. However, any modifications or equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this utility model without departing from the content of the technical solution of this utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this utility model.

Claims

1. A lens array unit characterized by comprising: The lens array unit comprises a top surface and a bottom surface oppositely arranged along a first direction, and the bottom surface is provided with a plurality of lens arrays comprising a plurality of lenses; The lens array unit further comprises a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface and a fourth side surface annularly arranged between the top surface and the bottom surface; the first side surface and the second side surface are oppositely arranged along a second direction, and the third side surface and the fourth side surface are oppositely arranged along a third direction; the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other; At least one of the first side surface, the second side surface, the third side surface and the fourth side surface is inwardly recessed and forms an accommodating space for accommodating adhesive material, thereby forming an adhesive part; the adhesive part of the lens array unit is bonded with the adhesive part of an adjacent lens array unit and one of the first side surface, the second side surface, the third side surface and the fourth side surface, so that the lens vertexes of the lens array of the lens array unit and the lens vertexes of the lens array of any adjacent lens array unit are on the same plane.

2. The lens array unit according to claim 1, wherein The accommodating space is arranged at an edge of the side surface in contact with the top surface at one end of the first direction and extends along the first direction; The accommodating space and the accommodating space of an adjacent lens array unit, and one of the first side surface, the second side surface, the third side surface and the fourth side surface together form a glue guide groove extending in the first direction and having an opening facing the top surface.

3. The lens array unit of claim 2, wherein, The accommodating space extends to: the projection of the side surface on which the accommodating space is located is a rectangle; the width of the rectangle is less than the width of the side surface, and the length of the rectangle is less than the length of the side surface; the lens array unit is located on both sides of the accommodating space and the part away from the opening constitutes the side wall of the glue guide groove.

4. The lens array unit of claim 2, wherein, One side surface of the lens array unit is provided with the accommodating space.

5. The lens array unit of claim 2, wherein, The first side surface, the second side surface, the third side surface or the fourth side surface of the lens array unit is provided with the accommodating space.

6. The lens array unit of claim 2, wherein, The first side surface, the second side surface, the third side surface and the fourth side surface are all provided with the accommodating space.

7. The lens array unit of claim 1, wherein, The length of the lens array unit in the second direction and the third direction is less than or equal to 6 cm.

8. The lens array unit according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein The shapes of the accommodating spaces of the lens array unit are consistent.

9. The lens array unit of claim 1, wherein, The lens array unit is injection molded from acrylic, cyclic olefin copolymer or cyclic olefin polymer.

10. A light collecting panel characterized by The light collecting plate comprises the lens array unit according to any one of claims 1-9.

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