A unitized lens array device

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of unitized lens array equipment, including multiple lens array units and at least one first fixing part.Lens array unit includes optical surface and bottom surface oppositely arranged in first direction, and side surface is annularly arranged between optical surface and bottom surface;First fixing part extends along second direction, and multiple fixed positions are arranged on the oppositely arranged two side walls along second direction;The side surface of lens array unit is fixed in fixed position, to realize the relative position of each unit fixed, second direction is perpendicular to first direction.The scheme accurately restricts lens unit in horizontal direction by first fixing part, ensures position stability;At the same time, lens bottom surface and reference platform are attached to limit vertical degree of freedom, so that all optical surfaces are coplanar, avoid flatness deviation in traditional assembly, lay foundation for high-precision optical application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical equipment, and in particular to a unitized lens array device. Background Technology

[0002] Lens array devices achieve beam focusing through multiple regularly arranged optical units. The core of this system involves the high-precision integration of hundreds of independent lens array units onto a single optical surface. When the beam penetrates this surface, each unit works collaboratively to couple the beam into the optical fiber located at the focal point of each lens unit. This process requires the coplanarity error of the optical surfaces of all units to be less than 0.2°; otherwise, the beam will be misaligned and unable to be fully coupled into the fiber, resulting in a decrease in fiber coupling efficiency.

[0003] Current technologies primarily use side-clamping mechanical structures or back-adhesive bonding to fix lens array units. These solutions have several drawbacks: firstly, they lack a global reference platform, making it difficult to guarantee coplanar accuracy between units; secondly, mechanical extrusion introduces assembly stress, directly causing deformation of the lens's optical surface. Furthermore, the mechanical components used for side extrusion are generally made of metal, which has a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the lens material. Temperature changes can generate internal stress between the lenses, leading to lens warping and compromising overall flatness.

[0004] In summary, existing fixing methods cannot meet the requirements of lens array equipment and flatness, and there is an urgent need for a lens array equipment that can solve these problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned technical defects, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a unitized lens array device.

[0006] This utility model discloses a modular lens array device, which includes multiple lens array units and at least one first fixing member;

[0007] The lens array unit includes an optical surface and a bottom surface disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, and a side surface arranged in a ring between the optical surface and the bottom surface;

[0008] At least one first fixing member extends along a second direction, and multiple fixing positions are provided along the second direction on two oppositely arranged sidewalls of the first fixing member; the sides of multiple lens array units are fixed relative to the sidewalls of the first fixing member, thereby being installed in the fixing positions and fixing the relative positions between each lens array unit; the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0009] Preferably, the sidewall of the first fixing member is bonded and fixed to the side of the lens array unit by an adhesive material.

[0010] Preferably, multiple lens array units are spaced apart along the second direction, and the gap between any two adjacent lens array units is 1mm to 3.5mm.

[0011] Preferably, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the adhesive material is ≤50 ppm / ℃.

[0012] Preferably, when at least one first fastener is a plurality of first fasteners:

[0013] The lens array device also includes a second fixing member; the second fixing member extends along a third direction and is fixedly connected to a plurality of first fixing members; the distance between the opposing sidewalls of any two first fixing members along the third direction is set as follows: when both sidewalls are bonded with lens array units, the gap between the lens array units in the third direction is 1mm to 3.5mm; the third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

[0014] The second fastener is made of aluminum alloy.

[0015] Preferably, one end of the first fastener extends along the first direction to form a main body, and the other end extends along the direction of the third direction and forms two first protrusions.

[0016] Correspondingly, the side of the lens array unit facing the first fixing member, near the optical surface, extends along a third direction and forms two second protrusions; the second protrusions and the first protrusions are stacked and fixedly arranged relative to each other in the first direction.

[0017] Preferably, the end of the lens array unit furthest from the optical surface is recessed inward to form a receiving groove;

[0018] The lens array device further includes at least one pressure plate; the pressure plate includes a head extending in a third direction, and two clamping portions fixedly connected to the head on both sides in the third direction and extending in a first direction; the clamping portions are disposed in a receiving groove to provide a positive pressure extending in the first direction for the lens array unit.

[0019] Preferably, the lens array device further includes at least one fastener; both the head and the first fastener are provided with mounting holes extending along a first direction; the fastener passes through the mounting holes of the head and the first fastener in sequence to fix the pressure plate and the first fastener in a fixed connection.

[0020] Preferably, at least one of the pressing sheets is made of plexiglass.

[0021] Preferably, the lens array unit is made of polymethyl methacrylate, and the first fixing member is made of aluminum alloy.

[0022] Compared with existing technologies, the above technical solution has the following advantages:

[0023] 1. This scheme precisely constrains multiple lens array units in the horizontal direction through a first fixing component, ensuring the stability of the relative positions of each unit. Simultaneously, the bottom surface of the lens can be aligned with a reference platform, restricting vertical freedom and ensuring all optical surfaces are coplanar. This dual-constraint mechanism structurally avoids flatness deviations caused by unit displacement in traditional assembly, laying the foundation for high-precision optical applications by addressing flatness deviations caused by high precision requirements.

[0024] 2. The sidewall adhesive bonding method confines the fixing interface to the side of the lens unit, avoiding the thermal stress caused by bottom surface bonding. It also provides a reasonable gap to buffer the thermal expansion of the lens unit, preventing extrusion deformation. The low thermal expansion coefficient adhesive material further reduces the thermal stress of the adhesive layer itself. Combined with the multi-directional coordinated design of the second fixing component, this ensures the long-term stability of the array under varying temperature environments and maintains consistent optical performance.

[0025] 3. The protruding layered structure and the clamping design form a purely mechanical fixing system, completely avoiding the contamination, aging, and thermal stress problems associated with adhesive processes. The vertical positive pressure applied by the clamping sheet is used only for positioning and does not introduce lateral stress, ensuring no distortion of the optical surface. The fastener connection enables modular reversible assembly, facilitating maintenance and replacement, while the elasticity and thermal stability of the acrylic clamping sheet further optimize clamping reliability.

[0026] 4. The matching design of the thermal expansion coefficients of the aluminum alloy fasteners and the polymethyl methacrylate lens significantly reduces the thermal stress at the interface of dissimilar materials, resulting in highly coordinated thermal deformation behavior of the system. This combination ensures structural rigidity while improving the optical stability of the equipment under varying temperature environments, thus enhancing overall reliability at the material level. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a lens array unit for one implementation of the lens array device provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of one implementation of the lens array device provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another implementation of the lens array device provided in this application;

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a lens array unit for another implementation of the lens array device provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the lens array unit, the first fixing member, and the pressure plate for another implementation of the lens array device provided in this application.

[0032] Reference numerals: 1, first fixing member; 101, bottom surface; 102, first protrusion;

[0033] 2. Lens array unit; 21. Optical surface; 22. Second protrusion; 23. Receiving groove;

[0034] 3. Adhesive materials;

[0035] 4. Second fastener;

[0036] 5. Baseline platform;

[0037] 7. Side view;

[0038] 8. Gap;

[0039] 11. Tableting;

[0040] 111. Head;

[0041] 112. Mounting holes;

[0042] 113. Clamping part;

[0043] z, first direction; x, second direction; y, third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The advantages of this utility model are further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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."

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Please see Figures 1-5 Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a lens array unit for one implementation of the lens array device provided in this application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of one implementation of the lens array device provided in this application; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another implementation of the lens array device provided in this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a lens array unit for another implementation of the lens array device provided in this application; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the lens array unit, the first fixing member, and the pressure plate for another implementation of the lens array device provided in this application.

[0052] like Figures 1-5As shown, this utility model discloses a modular lens array device, which includes multiple lens array units 2 and at least one first fixing member 1;

[0053] The lens array unit 2 includes an optical surface 21 and a bottom surface disposed opposite to each other in the first direction z, and a side surface 7 arranged in a ring between the optical surface 21 and the bottom surface;

[0054] At least one first fixing member 1 extends along the second direction x, and multiple fixing positions are provided on the two oppositely arranged side walls of the first fixing member 1 along the second direction x; the side surfaces 7 of the multiple lens array units 2 are fixed relative to the side walls of the first fixing member 1, thereby being installed in the fixing positions and fixing the relative positions between each lens array unit 2; the second direction x is perpendicular to the first direction z.

[0055] This design precisely constrains multiple lens array units 2 in the horizontal direction using a first fixing component 1, ensuring the stability of the relative positions of each unit. Simultaneously, the bottom surface of the lens can be aligned with the reference platform 5, restricting vertical freedom and ensuring that all optical surfaces 21 are coplanar. This dual-constraint mechanism structurally avoids flatness deviations caused by unit displacement in traditional assembly, laying the foundation for high-precision optical applications by addressing flatness deviations caused by high precision requirements.

[0056] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the reference platform 5 described in this application is not limited. In one possible implementation, it can be a finely machined marble plane that ensures a high degree of surface levelness, thereby ensuring that the reference platform 5 itself has high precision.

[0057] The above is an explanation of the basic concept of this application. The following will describe in detail the possible specific implementations of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] First, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, in one possible implementation, the sidewall of the first fastener 1 is bonded to the sidewall 7 of the lens array unit 2 by an adhesive material 3 (e.g., glue).

[0059] This can be understood as follows: In one possible implementation, the first fixing member 1 and the lens array unit 2 are specifically bonded and fixed by adhesive material 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that the lens array unit 2 may also undergo thermal deformation due to changes in ambient temperature. The sidewall adhesive bonding method confines the fixing interface to the side 7 of the lens unit, releasing the degree of freedom for thermal deformation in other directions. Compared to the bottom surface bonding scheme, this design avoids the influence of lateral stress on the lens optical surface 21 due to differences in the thermal expansion coefficients of the materials, maintaining the stability of the optical surface morphology.

[0060] Furthermore, multiple lens array units 2 are arranged at intervals along the second direction x, and the gap 8 between any two adjacent lens array units 2 is 1mm to 3.5mm. Specifically, it can be 1mm, 2mm, 3mm and 3.5mm. Those skilled in the art can design it as needed, as long as the reserved gap can ensure that adjacent lens units will not be squeezed against each other due to thermal expansion. This application does not impose any restrictions here.

[0061] By pre-setting a reasonable gap 8 between the lens array units 2, a deformation buffer is provided for the horizontal thermal expansion of each unit. This design effectively prevents the cumulative stress caused by the mutual compression of adjacent units when the temperature changes, and avoids the risk of overall array distortion or local cracking due to limited expansion. Furthermore, by reasonably setting the value of the gap 8, the low space utilization caused by an excessively large gap 8 can also be avoided.

[0062] It should be noted that the specific type of adhesive material 3 is not limited.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the adhesive material 3 is ≤50 ppm / ℃. For example, a high-performance epoxy adhesive. Using an adhesive material 3 with a low coefficient of thermal expansion significantly reduces the deformation of the adhesive layer itself during temperature fluctuations. This measure suppresses the additional stress exerted on the lens unit by the shrinkage / expansion of the adhesive, ensuring the long-term reliability of the adhesive structure under thermal cycling conditions.

[0064] The above describes a scenario with only one first fixing member 1. As the number of lens array units 2 increases, the number of first fixing members 1 will also increase. It is understandable that the fixing method between the first fixing members 1 is also not limited.

[0065] like Figures 1-2 As shown, in one possible implementation, when at least one first fastener 1 is a plurality of first fasteners 1:

[0066] The lens array device also includes a second fixing member 4; the second fixing member 4 extends along a third direction y and is fixedly connected to a plurality of first fixing members 1; the distance between the opposite sidewalls of any two first fixing members 1 along the third direction y is set as follows: when both sidewalls are bonded with lens array units 2, the gap 8 of the lens array units 2 in the third direction y is 1mm~3.5mm (as above, specifically it can be 1mm, 2mm, 3mm and 3.5mm, the reason for which will not be repeated here); the third direction y is perpendicular to both the first direction z and the second direction x.

[0067] The second fixing element 4 establishes a systematic expansion compensation mechanism in three-dimensional space by coordinating the spacing of multiple first fixing elements 1. This structure ensures that the thermal expansion of the array in the third direction y is also controlled, realizing the coordinated management of multi-directional thermal deformation and maintaining the consistency of the optical performance of the entire array.

[0068] The above is a complete description of one specific implementation method provided in this application.

[0069] like Figures 3-5 As shown, this application also provides another possible implementation. One end of the first fastener 1 extends along the first direction z to form a main body, and the other end (i.e., the end near the bottom surface 101) extends along the third direction y to form two first protrusions 102;

[0070] Correspondingly, the side 7 of the lens array unit 2 facing the first fixing member 1, near the optical surface 21, extends along the third direction y and forms two second protrusions 22; the second protrusions 22 and the first protrusions 102 are stacked and fixedly arranged relative to each other in the first direction z.

[0071] This can be understood as follows: the former method mainly uses adhesive to fix the first fixing component 1 and the lens array unit 2. In this method, however, the fixing is mainly achieved through a corresponding mechanical structure.

[0072] The stacked structure of the protrusions achieves purely mechanical positioning, completely avoiding the pollution, aging, and thermal stress problems caused by adhesive bonding. The interlocking design of the protrusions provides vertical constraint while allowing the lens unit to expand freely in the horizontal plane, eliminating the interference of thermal deformation on the optical surface 21 at its source.

[0073] Furthermore, the end of the lens array unit 2 that is away from the optical surface 21 is recessed inward to form a receiving groove 23;

[0074] The lens array device also includes at least one pressure plate 11; the pressure plate 11 includes a head 111 extending in a third direction y, and two clamping portions 113 fixedly connected to the head 111 on both sides in the third direction y and extending in a first direction z; the clamping portions 113 are disposed in the receiving groove 23 to provide a positive pressure extending in the first direction z for the lens array unit 2.

[0075] This can be understood as follows: the clamping plate 11 forms a "U" shape, applying precise vertical positive pressure to the lens unit through the receiving groove 23, with its mechanical path strictly perpendicular to the optical plane. This design provides only the clamping force needed to overcome gravity, completely avoiding the transmission of lateral shear force or bending moment to the optical surface 21, ensuring that the deformation of the lens surface approaches zero. Furthermore, the clamping plate 11 can act as a bridge connecting multiple first fixing members 1, fixing the entire lens array device as a whole.

[0076] It is understandable that the method of fixing the tablet 11 and the first fixing member 1 is also not limited.

[0077] Exemplarily, the lens array device further includes at least one fastener; both the head 111 and the first fixing member 1 are provided with mounting holes 112 extending along a first direction z; the fastener passes sequentially through the mounting holes 112 of the head 111 and the first fixing member 1 to securely connect the pressure plate 11 and the first fixing member 1. In one possible implementation, the fastener may be a screw.

[0078] The modular design of the fastener connections enables reversible assembly. During maintenance, individual pressure plates 11 can be disassembled and damaged lens units can be replaced without damaging the overall structure, significantly reducing maintenance costs and improving equipment repairability.

[0079] The above is a complete description of another specific embodiment provided in this application.

[0080] It is understandable that the specific materials of the components in both of the above implementation methods are not limited.

[0081] In one possible implementation, at least one pressure plate 11 and lens array unit 2 are both made of polymethyl methacrylate (also known as acrylic), which can effectively reduce the production cost of pressure plate 11 and lens array unit 2. The first fixing member 1 can be made of aluminum alloy. When the lens array device includes a second fixing member 4, the second fixing member 4 is also made of aluminum alloy.

[0082] The matching design of the thermal expansion coefficients of the aluminum alloy fasteners and the polymethyl methacrylate lens array unit 2 significantly reduces the thermal stress at the interface of heterogeneous materials, resulting in highly coordinated thermal deformation behavior of the system. This combination ensures structural rigidity while improving the optical stability of the equipment under varying temperature environments, thus enhancing overall reliability at the material level.

[0083] 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 unitized lens array device, characterized by, The lens array device includes multiple lens array units and at least one first fixing component; The lens array unit includes an optical surface and a bottom surface disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, and a side surface arranged in a ring between the optical surface and the bottom surface; The at least one first fixing member extends along a second direction, and multiple fixing positions are provided along the second direction on two oppositely arranged sidewalls of the first fixing member; the sidewalls of the multiple lens array units are fixed relative to the sidewalls of the first fixing member, thereby being installed in the fixing positions and fixing the relative positions between each lens array unit; the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The lens array device of claim 1, wherein, The sidewall of the first fastener is bonded and fixed to the side of the lens array unit by adhesive material.

3. The lens array device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of lens array units are spaced apart along the second direction, and the gap between any two adjacent lens array units is 1mm to 3.5mm.

4. The lens array device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The coefficient of thermal expansion of the adhesive material is ≤50ppm / ℃.

5. The lens array device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the at least one first fastener is a plurality of first fasteners: The lens array device further includes a second fixing member; the second fixing member extends along a third direction and is fixedly connected to a plurality of first fixing members; the distance between the opposing sidewalls of any two first fixing members along the third direction is set such that when both sidewalls are bonded with the lens array unit, the gap between the lens array units in the third direction is 1mm to 3.5mm; the third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction; The second fastener is made of aluminum alloy.

6. The lens array device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the first fastener extends along the first direction to form a main body, and the other end extends along the direction of the third direction and forms two first protrusions. Correspondingly, the side of the lens array unit facing the first fixing member, near the optical surface, extends along the third direction and forms two second protrusions; the second protrusions and the first protrusions are stacked and fixedly disposed relative to each other in the first direction.

7. The lens array device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The end of the lens array unit that is away from the optical surface is recessed inward to form a receiving groove; The lens array device further includes at least one pressure plate; the pressure plate includes a head extending along the third direction, and two clamping portions fixedly connected to the head on both sides of the third direction and extending along the first direction; the clamping portions are disposed in the receiving groove to provide a positive pressure extending along the first direction for the lens array unit.

8. The lens array device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The lens array device further includes at least one fastener; both the head and the first fastener are provided with mounting holes extending along the first direction; the fastener passes through the mounting holes of the head and the first fastener in sequence to fix the pressure plate and the first fastener in a fixed connection.

9. The lens array device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The material of at least one tablet is polymethyl methacrylate.

10. The lens array device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The lens array unit is made of polymethyl methacrylate, and the first fixing member is made of aluminum alloy.

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