A heat dissipation structure for lidar

Abstract

This utility model provides a heat dissipation structure for a lidar system, relating to the field of lidar technology. The heat dissipation structure includes a bottom shell and an upper shell. The bottom shell houses a drive plate; the upper shell covers the bottom shell and houses a transmitter plate. A transmitter module and a receiver module are located on the side of the transmitter plate facing the top wall of the upper shell. A heat dissipation loop is formed within the bottom and upper shells, surrounding the drive plate and transmitter plate. A fan is installed within the heat dissipation loop, and the fan output air circulates within the loop. This lidar heat dissipation structure forms a heat dissipation loop within the top and bottom shells. The fan output air flows within the heat dissipation loop, surrounding the drive plate and transmitter plate. On one hand, the heat dissipation loop increases the contact area between the fan output air and the drive plate and transmitter plate; on the other hand, the fan-driven air circulation within the heat dissipation loop improves the efficiency of heat convection, thereby enhancing the cooling effect on the drive plate and transmitter plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lidar technology, and in particular to a lidar heat dissipation structure. Background Technology

[0002] As a high-precision sensing device, LiDAR plays a crucial role in many fields such as autonomous driving, intelligent transportation, surveying and mapping, and industrial inspection. However, LiDAR generates a significant amount of heat during operation, and its heat dissipation significantly restricts the device's performance and reliability.

[0003] LiDAR typically uses air cooling for heat dissipation. However, current air cooling devices either have a dispersed cooling area or only target areas with low heat generation, resulting in low heat dissipation efficiency for LiDAR.

[0004] In view of this, a new technical solution is needed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat dissipation structure for lidar with high heat dissipation efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical means:

[0007] This utility model provides a heat dissipation structure for lidar, including:

[0008] The bottom shell contains a drive board;

[0009] The upper shell is placed on the lower shell and is provided with a transmitter plate. The transmitter plate is provided with a transmitter module and a receiver module on the side facing the top wall of the upper shell.

[0010] A fan is mounted on the bottom casing;

[0011] The bottom shell and the upper shell form a heat dissipation loop, which surrounds the drive plate and the emitter plate, and the fan outputs air that circulates within the heat dissipation loop.

[0012] Optionally, the fan is located on the inner wall of the bottom housing and close to the drive plate.

[0013] Optionally, the transmitter plate and the upper shell are spaced apart from each other, the drive plate and the bottom shell are spaced apart from each other, and the drive plate and the transmitter plate are spaced apart from each other.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes a copper foil, the two ends of which are connected to the drive plate and the transmitter plate, respectively.

[0015] Optionally, it also includes a temperature sensor and a control module, wherein the control module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the control module, respectively.

[0016] Optionally, the temperature sensor is located on the drive board and is used to detect the real-time temperature of the drive board.

[0017] Optionally, it also includes a first phase change heat-conducting sheet, which is disposed between the drive plate and the fan.

[0018] Optionally, it also includes a loop heat pipe disposed within the bottom shell.

[0019] Optionally, it also includes a second phase change heat conduction sheet, which is disposed on the inner wall of the loop heat pipe and the bottom shell.

[0020] Optionally, the upper shell has a light-emitting hole and a light-inlet hole, and the light-emitting hole and the light-inlet hole are covered with lenses.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, this utility model brings the following technical effects:

[0022] This invention relates to a heat dissipation structure for a lidar system, forming a heat dissipation loop within the upper and lower shells. Fan-driven airflow flows through this loop, enveloping the drive board and transmitter board. This loop increases the contact area between the fan-driven airflow and the drive and transmitter boards, while the fan-driven airflow within the loop improves heat convection efficiency, thereby enhancing the cooling effect on the drive and transmitter boards. This targeted air cooling of the heat-generating drive and transmitter boards significantly improves the lidar's heat dissipation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation structure of a lidar according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the heat dissipation structure of a lidar according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0027] 10-Top shell; 11-Lens; 12-Light exit aperture; 13-Light inlet aperture;

[0028] 20 - Bottom shell; 21 - Heat dissipation loop; 22 - Heat dissipation fins;

[0029] 31-Driver board; 32-Transmitter board; 33-Transmitter module; 34-Receiver module;

[0030] 41-Fan; 42-Temperature sensor;

[0031] 50-Copper foil;

[0032] 61-First phase change heat conductor; 62-Second phase change heat conductor;

[0033] 70-loop heat pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0035] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model provides a heat dissipation structure for a lidar, including an upper shell 10 and a bottom shell 20, with the upper shell 10 covering the bottom shell 20.

[0037] A drive plate 31 is housed inside the bottom shell 20. A transmitter plate 32 is housed inside the upper shell 10. A transmitter module 33 and a receiver module 34 are located on the side of the transmitter plate 32 near the top wall of the upper shell 10. A lens 11 is located on the top wall of the upper shell 10, and it has a light-emitting hole 12 and a light-entry hole 13. The lens 11 covers the light-emitting hole 12 and the light-entry hole 13. The drive plate 31 is used to receive instructions from the upper controller, coordinate the working timing of the entire lidar, and calculate the time between the light signal emitted by the transmitter module 33 and the light signal acquired by the receiver module 34 to determine the direction and distance of obstacles.

[0038] The transmitter board 32 receives the trigger signal from the driver board 31, instantly generating a large current pulse that is injected into the transmitter module 33, causing the transmitter module 33 to emit a high-brightness laser pulse. The receiver module 34 receives the laser pulse. The laser pulse exits the lidar through the light exit aperture 12, passes through the lens 11, is reflected after encountering an obstacle, and finally passes through the lens 11 and returns to the receiver module 34 through the light entrance aperture 13.

[0039] To reduce the temperature of the drive board 31 and the emitter board 32, a heat dissipation loop 21 is formed on the upper shell 10 and the bottom shell 20, surrounding the drive board 31 and the emitter board 32. The lidar heat dissipation structure also includes a fan 41. The air output by the fan 41 circulates within the heat dissipation loop 21. The airflow direction within the heat dissipation loop 21 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown by the arrow in the image.

[0040] The heat dissipation structure of this utility model for a lidar forms a heat dissipation loop 21 within the upper shell 10 and the bottom shell 20. Air output from the fan 41 flows through the heat dissipation loop 21, enveloping the drive plate 31 and the transmitter plate 32. On one hand, the heat dissipation loop 21 increases the contact area between the air output from the fan 41 and the drive plate 31 and the transmitter plate 32; on the other hand, the fan 41 drives the air to circulate within the heat dissipation loop 21, improving the efficiency of heat convection and thus enhancing the cooling effect on the drive plate 31 and the transmitter plate 32. In this way, targeted air cooling of the high-heat-generating drive plate 31 and transmitter plate 32 significantly improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the lidar.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, the emitting plate 32 and the upper shell 20 are spaced apart from each other, the driving plate 31 and the bottom shell 10 are spaced apart from each other, and the driving plate 31 and the emitting plate 32 are spaced apart from each other. The driving plate 31 and the emitting plate 32 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0042] A heat dissipation loop is formed between the drive plate 31 and the bottom shell 10, and a heat dissipation loop is formed between the emitter plate 32 and the upper shell 20. A heat dissipation loop 21 is also formed between the drive plate 31 and the emitter plate 32. In this way, both sides of the drive plate 31 and both sides of the emitter plate 32 come into contact with the air in the heat dissipation loop 21 to complete heat exchange, further improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the drive plate 31 and the emitter plate 32.

[0043] In one specific embodiment, the fan 41 is mounted on the bottom housing 20 and positioned close to the drive plate 31. This allows the fan 41 to provide more efficient cooling for the drive plate 31. The fan 41 is positioned directly below the drive plate 31 and spaced apart from it. Of course, the air outlet of the fan 41 can be directed towards the heat dissipation loop 21.

[0044] In other embodiments, the fan 41 is not limited to being located near the drive plate 31. The fan 41 can be located anywhere in the heat dissipation ring. For example, without interfering with the laser pulse emission of the transmitting module 33 and the laser pulse reception of the receiving module 34, the fan 41 can be located on the inner wall of the upper shell 10. Without interfering with the disassembly and assembly of the upper shell 10 and the bottom shell 20, the fan 41 can be located on the inner side wall of either the upper shell 10 or the bottom shell 20.

[0045] It should be reiterated that the fan 41 is a device capable of venting air and enabling the air to circulate unidirectionally within the heat dissipation loop. The drive plate 31 abuts against the opposite side walls of the bottom shell 10, and the emitter plate 32 abuts against the opposite side walls of the upper shell 20 to form the heat dissipation loop 21.

[0046] To further improve the heat dissipation effect of the lidar, the lidar heat dissipation structure also includes a temperature sensor 42 and a control module (not shown). The control module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 42 and the fan 41, respectively.

[0047] Temperature sensor 42 is mounted on drive board 31 to acquire the real-time temperature t0 within drive board 31. The control module controls fan 41 to perform corresponding operations when the real-time temperature t0 exceeds the preset temperature range until the temperature of heat dissipation loop 21 is brought back to the preset temperature range.

[0048] Specifically, the preset range is from a first temperature threshold t1 to a second temperature threshold t2, with the second temperature threshold t2 being higher than the first temperature threshold t1. When the real-time temperature t0 is less than the first temperature threshold t1, the control module controls the fan 41 to reduce its output power or even stop working. When the real-time temperature t0 is greater than the second temperature threshold t2, the control module controls the fan 41 to increase its output power to reduce the real-time temperature t0 within the heat dissipation loop 21. In this way, through the combination of the fan 41, the control module, and the temperature sensor 42, the temperature within the heat dissipation loop 21 is kept within the range of the first temperature threshold t1 to the second temperature threshold t2, further improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the driver board 31 and the transmitter board 32.

[0049] The driver board 31 and the transmitter board 32 are the components that generate the most heat during long-term operation of the laser cooling radar. Compared with the transmitter board 32, the fan is placed closer to the driver board 31, so the heat on the driver board 31 is more effectively controlled.

[0050] In one specific embodiment, the heat dissipation structure of the lidar also includes a copper foil 50, one end of which is connected to the drive board 31 and the other end is connected to the transmitter board 32.

[0051] The copper foil 50 has good thermal conductivity. According to the principle of heat conduction, the heat will be transferred from the emitter plate 32 (where the heat is higher) to the drive plate 31 (where the heat is lower) through the copper foil 50, thereby cooling the emitter plate 32.

[0052] In one specific embodiment, the lidar heat dissipation structure further includes a loop heat pipe 70, which is disposed within the bottom shell 20. The loop heat pipe 70 is a highly efficient, passive heat transfer device. It utilizes the evaporation and condensation cycle of the working fluid, as well as capillary force to drive the flow of the working fluid, to achieve long-distance, efficient heat transfer and temperature control, thereby recovering the heat generated by the drive plate 31.

[0053] Specifically, the loop heat pipe 70 consists of an evaporator, a condenser, a liquid receiver, and vapor and liquid lines. Its working principle is as follows: a heat load is applied to the evaporator, causing the working fluid to evaporate on the outer surface of the evaporator capillary wick. The generated vapor flows out from the vapor channel into the vapor line, then enters the condenser, condenses into liquid, and is subcooled. The returned liquid flows through the liquid line into the liquid main channel to replenish the evaporator capillary wick. This cycle continues, and the circulation of the working fluid is driven by the capillary pressure generated by the evaporator capillary wick, requiring no external power.

[0054] In one specific embodiment, the lidar heat dissipation structure further includes a first phase change heat-conducting plate 61 and a second phase change heat-conducting plate 62, with the first phase change heat-conducting plate 61 disposed between the drive plate 31 and the fan. The first phase change heat-conducting plate 61 cools the drive plate 31 and the fan by changing its working medium.

[0055] The second phase change heat transfer plate 62 is disposed between the loop heat pipe 70 and the bottom shell 20. The second phase change heat transfer plate 62 cools the loop heat pipe 70 through the heat change of its own working fluid. Compared with traditional thermal grease, the first phase change heat transfer plate 61 and the second phase change heat transfer plate 62 only need to be adhered to the working surface, without considering the dosage. Furthermore, when the performance of the first phase change heat transfer plate 61 and the second phase change heat transfer plate 62 deteriorates significantly after long-term use, they can be removed from the working surface and replaced with new phase change heat transfer plates.

[0056] Of course, the heat dissipation structure of the lidar can also be configured with only the first phase change heat-conducting plate 61 or only the second heat-conducting plate.

[0057] In one specific embodiment, the bottom of the base shell 20 is also provided with a plurality of heat dissipation fins 22 arranged with each other. The plurality of heat dissipation fins 22 can increase the contact area between the lidar and the outside world, so as to improve the heat dissipation effect of the lidar.

[0058] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom still fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A laser radar heat dissipation structure, characterized by, include: The bottom shell contains a drive board; The upper shell is placed on the lower shell and is provided with a transmitter plate. The transmitter plate is provided with a transmitter module and a receiver module on the side facing the top wall of the upper shell. The bottom shell and the upper shell form a heat dissipation loop, which surrounds the drive plate and the launch plate. A fan is installed in the heat dissipation loop, and the fan outputs air that circulates within the heat dissipation loop.

2. The lidar heat dissipation structure of claim 1, wherein, The fan is located on the inner wall of the bottom shell and is positioned close to the drive plate.

3. The lidar heat dissipation structure of claim 1, wherein, The emitting plate and the upper shell are spaced apart from each other, the driving plate and the bottom shell are spaced apart from each other, and the driving plate and the emitting plate are spaced apart from each other.

4. The lidar heat dissipation structure of claim 1, wherein, It also includes copper foil, the two ends of which are connected to the drive plate and the transmitter plate, respectively.

5. The heat dissipation structure for lidar according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor and a control module, the control module being electrically connected to both the temperature sensor and the control module.

6. The lidar heat dissipation structure of claim 5, wherein, The temperature sensor is located on the drive board and is used to detect the real-time temperature of the drive board.

7. The lidar heat dissipation structure of claim 4, wherein, It also includes a first phase change heat-conducting sheet, which is disposed between the drive plate and the fan.

8. The lidar heat dissipation structure of claim 2, wherein, It also includes a loop heat pipe, which is disposed inside the bottom shell.

9. The lidar heat dissipation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a second phase change heat-conducting plate, which is disposed on the inner wall of the loop heat pipe and the bottom shell.

10. The lidar heat dissipation structure of claim 7, wherein, The upper shell has a light-emitting hole and a light-inlet hole, and the light-emitting hole and the light-inlet hole are covered with lenses.

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