A lens array unit auxiliary installation tool, a lens array unit, and a lens array

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of lens array unit auxiliary installation tool, lens array unit and lens array, the tool includes oppositely arranged first surface and second surface, first surface is directed to lens array unit;Multiple through holes are equipped between two surfaces, for optical fiber to extend to the inside of lens array unit into.The range of filling adhesive part is compressed to the smaller gap of lens array unit and lens array unit auxiliary installation tool, so that glue consumption is reduced by more than one order of magnitude compared with conventional process.Moreover, because the reduction of glue consumption, it can be ensured that curing stress cannot pull optical fiber, fundamentally prevent optical fiber deviation and optical path misalignment caused by the stress of glue curing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical devices, and in particular to an auxiliary installation tool for a lens array unit, a lens array unit, and a lens array. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of fiber optic sensing and optical communication, precise coupling between microlens arrays and fiber optic arrays is often required to achieve efficient optical signal collection or transmission. A typical structure uses a rectangular microlens array unit made of polymer material, with multiple microlenses arranged on the front and a mounting groove on the back for accommodating and positioning the fiber optic array.

[0003] The current mainstream coupling process involves injecting a sufficient amount of UV-curable adhesive into the mounting groove, then inserting the fiber optic end into the adhesive. A precision positioning device is used to align the end face of each fiber to the theoretical focal position of the corresponding microlens. Finally, UV light is used to cure the adhesive and fix the fiber. However, this process has a significant drawback: the UV-curable adhesive undergoes significant volume shrinkage during the curing process. Due to the large amount of adhesive filling the mounting groove, the accumulated shrinkage stress generated during curing pulls on the precisely positioned fiber, causing the fiber end face to deviate from the preset microlens focal position. This misalignment results in optical path inaccuracy, severely reducing the efficiency of optical signal collection and transmission. This problem has become a key bottleneck restricting the performance and production yield of such products.

[0004] Therefore, there is currently no good solution to this problem. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned technical defects, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an auxiliary installation tool for a lens array unit, a lens array unit, and a lens array.

[0006] The first aspect of this utility model discloses an auxiliary installation tool for a lens array unit, characterized in that the auxiliary installation tool for a lens array unit includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other in a first direction; the first surface is disposed toward the lens array unit.

[0007] Multiple through holes are provided between the first surface and the second surface to allow the optical fiber to extend into the lens array unit through the through holes.

[0008] Preferably, the projected area of ​​the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool in the first direction is less than or equal to the projected area of ​​the lens array unit's mounting slot in the first direction, so that the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool is fixedly installed in the mounting slot of the lens array unit.

[0009] Preferably, the diameter of the through hole of the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber, so that the position of the optical fiber in the through hole can be adjusted after the optical fiber is inserted into the through hole.

[0010] Preferably, multiple through holes of the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool are evenly arranged on the surface of the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool, and the projection position of the geometric focus of the lens array unit in the first direction is located in the through hole, so that the optical fiber passes through the through hole and extends to or near the geometric focus of the lens array unit.

[0011] The second aspect of this utility model discloses a lens array unit assembly, which includes a lens array unit and an optical fiber; the lens array unit includes a lens array unit auxiliary installation tool as described in any one of the preceding claims.

[0012] Preferably, the lens array unit includes an optical surface and a mounting surface disposed opposite each other in a first direction; the mounting surface is recessed towards the optical surface to form a mounting groove; the lens array unit also includes an adhesive part, the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool is disposed and fixed in the mounting groove, and together with the mounting groove forms a receiving space, the adhesive part is disposed in the receiving space;

[0013] The optical fiber passes through the through hole of the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool and is bonded and fixed by the adhesive part.

[0014] Preferably, the lens array unit and the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool are made of polyacrylate plastic.

[0015] Preferably, the lens array unit and the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool are integrally molded into a single structure.

[0016] Preferably, the adhesive portion is formed by curing UV adhesive.

[0017] The third aspect of this utility model discloses a lens array, which includes a plurality of lens array unit components as described above, wherein the plurality of lens array unit components are fixedly connected in sequence so that the geometric focal points of the plurality of lens array unit components are on the same plane.

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

[0019] 1. The lens array unit auxiliary mounting tool provided in this application provides a directional insertion channel for optical fibers through a through-hole structure penetrating both surfaces. When the tool is placed on the lens array unit, the through-hole forms a physically isolated adhesive portion, compressing the adhesive portion filling area into a smaller gap between the lens array unit and the lens array unit auxiliary mounting tool. Compared with conventional open mounting slots, this structure reduces the amount of adhesive required for the adhesive portion by more than an order of magnitude. Furthermore, it fundamentally prevents significant shrinkage of the optical fiber due to the stress caused by adhesive curing, thereby preventing optical fiber misalignment and optical path inaccuracy.

[0020] 2. The matching design of the projected area of ​​the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool and the mounting slot allows for relatively simple installation of the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool into the mounting slot, achieving relative fixation between the two and providing a relatively stable standard platform for forming the adhesive bonding part. Subsequently, the matching of the through-hole size and the fiber size allows for initial fiber guidance while slightly restricting the fiber's degrees of freedom on a plane perpendicular to the first direction, leaving a certain gap for precise adjustment of the fiber's position. The axial alignment of the through-hole array and the lens focal point ensures that the fiber reaches the theoretical focal point upon insertion, forming a three-dimensional spatial mechanical positioning system. These three elements work together to replace manual intervention with physical constraints, further eliminating positioning errors in all dimensions while reducing adhesive use, ensuring the accuracy of the optical path.

[0021] 3. This application also provides a lens array unit assembly, which transforms the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool into a component of the lens array unit. This simplifies the assembly process by requiring only the insertion of the optical fiber into the through-hole and subsequent bonding with adhesive components. Furthermore, by designing the entire lens array unit as a polyacrylate material with a one-piece structure, mass production is facilitated, reducing costs. The UV adhesive curing process offers good bonding performance, is easy to use, and is cost-effective. Moreover, the lens array assembled from multiple lens array unit assemblies offers flexible installation and use, adaptable to various application scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary installation tool for the lens array unit provided in this application;

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

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lens array unit provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lens array unit provided in this application from another perspective;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lens array unit provided in this application from another perspective.

[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Lens array unit; 11. Lens; 12. Mounting slot;

[0028] 2. Lens array unit auxiliary mounting tool; 21. Through hole; 22. First surface; 23. Second surface;

[0029] 3. Adhesive parts;

[0030] 4. Optical fiber; 4a. Polished end face;

[0031] F. Geometric focus;

[0032] z, First direction. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The advantages of this utility model are further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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."

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Please see Figures 1-5 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary installation tool for the lens array unit provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the lens array unit provided in this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lens array unit provided in this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lens array unit provided in this application from another perspective; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lens array unit provided in this application from another perspective.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, and in combination Figures 2-5 It is understood that the first aspect of this utility model discloses a lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2, characterized in that the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2 includes a first surface 22 and a second surface 23 disposed opposite to each other in a first direction z; the first surface 22 is disposed toward the lens array unit 1;

[0042] A plurality of through holes 21 are provided between the first surface 22 and the second surface 23, so that the optical fiber 4 extends into the lens array unit 1 through the through holes 21.

[0043] The principle needs to be explained here: The current mainstream coupling process involves injecting a sufficient amount of UV-curable adhesive into the mounting groove 12 (the specific structure of the lens array unit 1 will be explained in detail later). Then, the end of the optical fiber 4 is inserted into the adhesive, and the polished end face 4a of each optical fiber 4 is adjusted to the theoretical focal position of the corresponding lens 11 using a precision positioning device. Finally, UV light is used to cure the adhesive and fix the optical fiber 4. However, this process has a significant drawback: the UV-curable adhesive undergoes significant volume shrinkage during the curing process. Due to the large amount of adhesive filling the mounting groove 12, the accumulated shrinkage stress generated during curing pulls the precisely positioned optical fiber 4, causing the polished end face 4a of the optical fiber 4 to deviate from the preset geometric focal point F position of the lens 11. This deviation causes optical path misalignment, severely reducing the efficiency of optical signal collection and transmission. This problem has become a key bottleneck restricting the performance and production yield of such products.

[0044] Therefore, the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2 provided in this application provides a directional insertion channel for the optical fiber 4 through the through-hole 21 structure penetrating both surfaces. When the tool is placed inside the lens array unit 1 (e.g., inside the mounting groove 12), a small adhesive space can be formed to create a physically isolated adhesive portion 3. The adhesive portion 3 is compressed to the area between the bottom of the mounting groove 12 and the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2, so that the amount of adhesive required is reduced by more than an order of magnitude compared to a conventional open mounting groove 12. Furthermore, because of the reduction in adhesive usage, it can be ensured that the curing stress cannot pull the optical fiber 4, fundamentally preventing the optical fiber 4 from shrinking significantly due to the stress of adhesive curing, thereby causing the optical fiber 4 to shift and the optical path to become misaligned.

[0045] The above is an explanation of the basic concept of this application. The following will describe the possible specific implementation methods of this application.

[0046] like Figures 1-5 As shown, in one possible implementation, the projected area of ​​the lens array unit auxiliary mounting tool 2 in the first direction z is less than or equal to the projected area of ​​the mounting groove 12 of the lens array unit 1 in the first direction z, so that the lens array unit auxiliary mounting tool 2 is fixedly installed in the mounting groove 12 of the lens array unit 1.

[0047] The projected area of ​​the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2 is matched with the design of the mounting slot 12, which allows the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2 to be installed into the mounting slot 12 relatively easily, and the two to be relatively fixed, and provides a relatively stable standard platform for the glue to form the adhesive part 3.

[0048] Furthermore, the diameter of the through hole 21 of the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2 is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber 4, so that the position of the optical fiber 4 within the through hole 21 is adjustable after it is inserted into the through hole 21.

[0049] This can be understood as follows: the matching of the size of the through hole 21 and the size of the optical fiber 4 can, while initially guiding the optical fiber 4, slightly restrict the degree of freedom of the optical fiber 4 on the plane perpendicular to the first direction z, and leave a certain gap for the later precise adjustment of the position of the optical fiber 4, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty and improving the assembly progress.

[0050] Furthermore, multiple through holes 21 of the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2 are uniformly arranged on the surface of the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2, and the projection position of the geometric focus F of the lens array unit 1 in the first direction z is located in the through hole 21, so that the optical fiber 4 passes through the through hole 21 and extends to or near the geometric focus F of the lens array unit 1.

[0051] By linking the position of the through-hole 21 with the geometric focus F of the lens array unit 1, initial guidance of the fiber 4 after it passes through the through-hole 21 can be achieved: after the fiber 4 passes through the through-hole 21, its polished end point 4a will be directly located at or near the geometric focus F. In the subsequent curing and fixing process, only fine-tuning of the fiber 4 is needed to achieve the overlap between the polished end point 4a and the geometric focus F, thereby further simplifying the installation process of the lens array unit assembly and improving the optical accuracy of the lens array.

[0052] The above describes the possible implementation methods of the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2 provided in this application.

[0053] The second aspect of this application also provides a lens array unit assembly, such as... Figures 1-5 As shown, the lens array unit assembly includes a lens array unit 1 and an optical fiber 4; the lens array unit 1 includes a lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2 as described above.

[0054] Specifically, the lens array unit 1 includes an optical surface and a mounting surface disposed opposite to each other in the first direction z; the optical surface is used to mount the lens 11; the mounting surface is recessed in the direction of the optical surface to form a mounting groove 12; the lens array unit 1 also includes an adhesive part 3, the lens array unit auxiliary mounting tool 2 is disposed and fixed in the mounting groove 12, and together with the mounting groove 12 forms a receiving space, and the adhesive part 3 is disposed in the receiving space;

[0055] The optical fiber 4 passes through the through hole 21 of the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2 and is bonded and fixed by the adhesive part 3.

[0056] This can be understood as follows: The lens array unit assembly here transforms the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool 2 into a component of the lens array unit 1, so that during assembly, only the optical fiber 4 needs to be inserted into the through hole 21 and fixed by the adhesive part 3, which further simplifies the assembly process.

[0057] Furthermore, the lens array unit 1 and the lens array unit auxiliary mounting tool 2 are made of polyacrylate plastic. Polyacrylate plastic has excellent optical transmittance and mechanical strength, avoiding the scattering of light signals by impurity particles. Its low coefficient of thermal expansion can suppress deformation caused by changes in ambient temperature, maintaining the fitting accuracy between the through hole 21 and the optical fiber 4. The material is inexpensive and easy to precision inject mold, meeting the needs of mass production.

[0058] Furthermore, the lens array unit 1 and the lens array unit auxiliary mounting tool 2 are integrally molded into a single structure. This facilitates mass production and reduces costs.

[0059] It should be noted that the aforementioned description mentions that the adhesive part 3 is formed by UV adhesive curing. This is because the UV adhesive curing process has a good bonding effect, is easy to use and has a low cost. This does not represent a limitation on the specific formation method of the adhesive part 3, and this application does not impose any restrictions here.

[0060] A third aspect of this application also provides a lens array, which includes a plurality of lens array unit components according to any one of the foregoing, wherein the plurality of lens array unit components are fixedly connected in sequence such that the geometric focal points F of the plurality of lens array unit components are in the same plane.

[0061] The lens array, which is assembled from multiple lens array unit components, is flexible in installation and use and can be adapted to various application scenarios of different sizes.

[0062] 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 auxiliary installation tool, characterized in that, The lens array unit auxiliary installation tool includes a first surface and a second surface that are disposed opposite to each other in a first direction; the first surface is disposed toward the lens array unit. A plurality of through holes are provided between the first surface and the second surface; This allows the optical fiber to extend through the through-hole into the interior of the lens array unit.

2. The lens array unit auxiliary installation tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The projected area of ​​the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool in the first direction is less than or equal to the projected area of ​​the lens array unit's mounting slot in the first direction, so that the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool is fixedly installed in the mounting slot of the lens array unit.

3. The lens array unit auxiliary installation tool as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The diameter of the through hole in the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber, so that the position of the optical fiber within the through hole is adjustable after the optical fiber is inserted into the through hole.

4. The lens array unit auxiliary installation tool as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The lens array unit auxiliary installation tool has multiple through holes evenly arranged on its surface, and the projection position of the geometric focus of the lens array unit in the first direction is located in the through holes, so that the optical fiber passes through the through holes and extends to or near the geometric focus of the lens array unit.

5. A lens array unit assembly, characterized in that, The lens array unit assembly includes a lens array unit and an optical fiber; the lens array unit includes a lens array unit auxiliary installation tool as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. The lens array unit assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The lens array unit includes an optical surface and a mounting surface disposed opposite each other in a first direction; the mounting surface is recessed toward the optical surface to form a mounting groove; the lens array unit also includes an adhesive part, the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool is disposed and fixed in the mounting groove, and together with the mounting groove forms a receiving space, the adhesive part is disposed in the receiving space; The optical fiber passes through the through hole of the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool and is bonded and fixed by the adhesive part.

7. The lens array unit assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The lens array unit and the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool are made of polyacrylate plastic.

8. The lens array unit assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The lens array unit and the lens array unit auxiliary installation tool are integrally molded into a single structure.

9. The lens array unit assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The adhesive portion is formed by curing UV adhesive.

10. A lens array, characterized in that, The lens array includes a plurality of lens array unit components as described in any one of claims 5-9, the plurality of lens array unit components being fixedly connected in sequence such that the geometric focal points of the plurality of lens array unit components are in the same plane.

Images