Light guide assembly

Abstract

A light guide assembly comprises an outer sheath assembly extending front and back, a single optical fiber installed in the outer sheath assembly, a light inlet end assembly and a light outlet end assembly, the light inlet end assembly and the light outlet end assembly are fixedly installed at the front end and the rear end of the outer sheath assembly respectively, and the light inlet end assembly comprises a light inlet sleeve and a lens fixedly assembled in the light inlet sleeve. The lens is coupled with a front-end light spot of the single optical fiber, the light-emitting end assembly comprises a light-emitting sleeve and a light guide device fixedly arranged in the light-emitting sleeve, and the light guide device is coupled with a rear-end light spot of the single optical fiber. Light guiding is achieved through the single optical fiber, the lens and the light guiding device, the price of the light guiding assembly is reduced, the weight is light, and the service life is long when the light guiding assembly is applied to the high-temperature environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of optics, in particular to a light guide component. Background Art

[0002] Light guides are widely used in medical lighting and industrial lighting. Their main function is to transmit visible light from the light source to the endoscope or lighting end. Figure 1 , including the light input end, light output end, outer sheath and bundled optical fiber, etc. Bundled optical fiber generally uses optical fiber with a single-filament diameter of 30um / 50um / 70um for bundled use, which contains tens of thousands of strands. When in use, the light input end receives the light from the light source and directly enters the optical fiber, which is transmitted to the light output end through the optical fiber. In order to ensure the light guiding quality of the light beam, glass optical fiber bundling is usually used, and a large number of optical fibers (bundled optical fibers) are required to achieve the light guiding effect. Such optical fibers are expensive, heavy, and their service life is reduced in high temperature environments. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a light guide component, which uses a single optical fiber, a lens and a light guide device to achieve light guidance, thereby reducing the price of the light guide component, being light in weight, and having a long service life in high temperature environments.

[0004] In order to achieve the above technical purpose, the technical solution adopted is: a light guide component, including an outer sheath component extending forward and backward, a single optical fiber installed in the outer sheath component, and a light input end component and a light output end component respectively fixedly installed at the front and rear ends of the outer sheath component, the light input end component includes a light input sleeve and a lens fixedly assembled in the light input sleeve, the lens is coupled with the front end light spot of the single optical fiber, the light output end component includes a light output sleeve and a light guide device fixed in the light output sleeve, the light guide device is coupled with the rear end light spot of the single optical fiber.

[0005] The light-inlet sleeve of the present invention comprises a sleeve connected to an outer sheath assembly and a light-inlet head movably mounted at the front end of the sleeve along the front-rear direction, a lens is fixedly mounted inside the light-inlet head, and the light-inlet head moves back and forth to adjust the distance between the lens and a single optical fiber.

[0006] The front end of the sleeve described in the present invention is a detachable connecting sleeve, in which a lens is installed, or the front end of the connecting sleeve is connected to a light inlet head movable in the front-back direction.

[0007] A first plug pin is fixedly provided in the light input end assembly of the present invention, and a front end of a single optical fiber is installed in the first plug pin.

[0008] The light inlet assembly of the present invention is provided with a first flange matched with the inner cavity structure of the light inlet assembly, a first pin is fixed to the front end of the first flange, and a single optical fiber connected to the first pin is inserted into the rear end of the first flange.

[0009] A second plug pin is fixedly provided in the light output end assembly of the present invention, and the rear end of a single optical fiber is installed in the second plug pin.

[0010] The light output end assembly described in the present invention is provided with a second flange matched with the inner cavity structure of the light output end assembly, a second pin is fixed to the rear end of the second flange, and a single optical fiber connected to the second pin is inserted into the front end of the second flange.

[0011] A light homogenizer is installed on the front side of the light guide device of the present invention.

[0012] A first stop structure for preventing backward movement is provided between the first flange and the light-inlet end assembly of the present invention, and a second stop structure for preventing forward movement is provided between the second flange and the light-outlet end assembly.

[0013] The outer side of the single optical fiber described in the present invention is coated with a tensile element, and two ends of the tensile element are respectively fixedly mounted on the first flange and the second flange.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. The present invention utilizes a single optical fiber in combination with a lens and a light-guiding device to achieve light transmission, and keeps the optical fiber away from heat sources, thereby increasing the service life of the light-guiding component and being able to be used in high-temperature environments. By changing the bundled optical fiber into a single optical fiber, the weight can be reduced, the price can be lowered, and the optical fiber is not easily damaged when bent.

[0015] 2. To ensure better light guiding efficiency, the front end of the light inlet sleeve is designed to have a structure in which the lens can move back and forth, and the distance between the lens and a single optical fiber is adjusted to ensure better light guiding efficiency.

[0016] 3. Through the detachable connecting sleeve, the front end with the lens can be replaced as a whole, which is convenient for installation and replacement, and different lenses can be replaced according to the required light guiding efficiency. There is no need to replace the lens, which prevents lens damage caused by lens replacement.

[0017] 4. The two ends of a single optical fiber are fixed by the first pin and / or the second pin, so as to facilitate the installation of the optical fiber.

[0018] 5. By adding a flange to the end of the first pin and / or the second pin for inserting the optical fiber, the flange can be used to support the pin and the optical fiber to ensure transmission accuracy, and the flange can be used to fix the optical fiber again to prevent the optical fiber from being separated from the pin due to force.

[0019] 6. There are various types of light guide devices, which can be replaced according to the use environment and the required light guide efficiency.

[0020] 7. When the light guide component is applied to the lighting field, a light homogenizer is added between the light-emitting optical fiber and the light guide device to make the energy-concentrated light evenly distributed and improve the visual field.

[0021] 8. By adding a stopper structure, the flange can be prevented from moving when the optical fiber is pulled back under force, thus playing a limiting role.

[0022] 9. The optical fiber is protected by the tensile element, which plays a protective role when the optical fiber is bent or stretched under stress. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the prior art; Figure 2 This is the appearance structure diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 3 Front end cross-sectional view of Figure 6 for Figure 3 A rear end cross-sectional view of Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the connection between the pin and the flange of the present invention; Figure 8 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the light intake sleeve of the present invention; Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of a first connection between the light guide device of the present invention and a single optical fiber; Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a second connection between the light guide device of the present invention and a single optical fiber; Fig.12 A third connection diagram of the light guide device of the present invention and a single optical fiber; Reference numerals: 1. Optical input end components; 101, light intake sleeve, 102, lens; 101-1, sleeve, 101-2, optical head inlet, 101-3, first pin, 101-4, first flange; 101-11, connecting sleeve; 2. Outer sheath assembly; 201, a first stop structure, 202, a second stop structure; 3. Single optical fiber; 4. Light output end components; 401, light emitting sleeve, 402, light guide device, 403, light homogenizing sheet; 5. Tensile element, 6. Bundled optical fiber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0025] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only used to illustrate the basic concept of the present invention in a schematic manner. Therefore, the drawings only show components related to the present invention rather than being drawn according to the number, shape and size of components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the type, quantity and proportion of each component may be changed arbitrarily, and the component layout may also be more complicated.

[0026] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in the drawings in this specification are only used to match the contents disclosed in the specification so as to facilitate understanding and reading by persons familiar with the technology. They are not used to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented, and therefore have no substantive technical significance. Any structural modification, change in proportion or adjustment of size shall still fall within the scope of the technical contents disclosed in the present invention without affecting the effects and purposes that can be achieved by the present invention.

[0027] The directions or positional relationships indicated by the words "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "middle", "longitudinal", "lateral", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", "radial", "circumferential" and the like in this specification are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish similar objects, and cannot be understood as a specific order or sequence, and it should be understood that such usage can be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, a conflicting connection, or an integral connection. A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application according to specific circumstances.

[0029] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0030] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, a light guide assembly includes an outer sheath assembly 2 extending forward and backward, a single optical fiber 3 fixedly installed in the outer sheath assembly 2, and an input light end assembly 1 and an output light end assembly 4 fixedly installed at the front and rear ends of the outer sheath assembly 2, respectively. After the single optical fiber 3 is fixed, the positions of the two ends no longer change, and it can be fixed in the outer sheath assembly 2 by a mechanical structure. The outer sheath assembly is basically the same as the outer sheath structure conventionally used for protecting the optical fiber 3. The difference is that the optical fiber 3 is shortened, and the receiving and emitting light are no longer realized by the optical fiber 3. The light receiving and emitting light are realized by the input light end assembly 1 and the output light end assembly 4 at the two ends, respectively. This structure can keep the optical fiber away from heat sources and can be used in high temperature environments without affecting the service life. Compared with the bundled optical fiber, the single optical fiber 3 is small in size, light in weight, and low in price. When used with the same curvature, the single optical fiber 3 is more easily deformed and not easily damaged. The core diameter of a single optical fiber 3 can be selected according to needs. For example, to ensure better light guiding efficiency, it is best to use an optical fiber with a core diameter ≥ 50um. The types can be quartz optical fiber, polymer optical fiber, glass optical fiber, etc. The best quartz optical fiber can withstand higher energy than other types of optical fibers, and is used in conjunction with a lens for better results.

[0031] like Figure 5 As shown, the light-inlet end assembly 1 includes a light-inlet sleeve 101 and a lens 102 fixedly assembled in the light-inlet sleeve 101. The light-inlet sleeve 101 and the outer sheath assembly 2 are integrally or separately arranged. The lens 102 is coupled with the light spot at the front end of the single optical fiber 3. Light spot coupling means that the light spot is reduced and focused on the end face of the optical fiber. Structurally, there is a focusing space between the front end of the single optical fiber 3 and the lens 102. The light spot is converged by the lens 102, and the light spot becomes smaller, which can be coupled with a thinner optical fiber, reducing weight and saving costs. The lens can be a single lens or a cemented lens. Figure 6 As shown, the light output end assembly 4 includes a light output sleeve 401 and a light guide device 402 fixed in the light output sleeve 401. The light guide device 402 can be fixed by adhesive or mechanical structure. The light guide device 402 is coupled with the rear end light spot of the single optical fiber 3. The incoming light is first focused onto the optical fiber by the lens 102, and the optical fiber transmits the light to the light guide device 402, and the light is output by the light guide device 402.

[0032] Furthermore, the light inlet sleeve 101 includes a sleeve 101-1 connected to the outer sleeve assembly 2 and a light inlet head 101-2 movably installed at the front end of the sleeve 101-1 along the front-to-back direction. The movable installation structure adopted by the light inlet head 101-2 and the sleeve 101-1 can adopt a threaded structure or a pull-out structure. The pull-out structure can be fixed by glue after being moved into place. A lens 102 is fixedly installed in the light inlet head 101-2. The lens 102 can be fixed by glue or a mechanical structure. The light inlet head 101-2 moves back and forth to adjust the distance between the lens 102 and the single optical fiber 3. The moving process is to adjust the gap between the lens 102 and the single optical fiber 3, better adjust the suitable position of the light spot coupling, adjust the error generated by the lens 102 during the installation process, and ensure the coupling accuracy.

[0033] Further, if Fig. 9 As shown, the front end of the sleeve 101-1 is a detachable connecting sleeve 101-11, and a lens 102 is installed in the connecting sleeve 1011-11, or the front end of the connecting sleeve 101-11 is connected to a light inlet head 101-2 that is movable along the front-to-back direction. There are two situations for using the connecting sleeve 1011-11. The first is that the lens 102 has been fixedly installed in the connecting sleeve 1011-11. When the lens needs to be replaced or repaired, the connecting sleeve 101-11 in which the distance from the lens 102 to the optical fiber 102 is fixed is replaced. The second is that the light inlet head 101-2 is integrated at the front end of the connecting sleeve 101-11. After installing or replacing the connecting sleeve 101-11, the distance from the lens 102 to the optical fiber 102 is fine-tuned by adjusting the light inlet head 101-2. The use of the connecting sleeve 101-11 is convenient for maintenance and replacement. Different lenses can be selected according to different environments to change the light guiding efficiency.

[0034] Further, if Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, a first pin 101-3 is fixedly provided in the light input end assembly 1, and the front end of a single optical fiber 3 is installed in the first pin 101-3. The first pin 101-3 plays a role in fixing the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is bonded to the pin, which facilitates the installation and assembly of the optical fiber.

[0035] Further, if Figure 5 As shown, the light inlet end assembly 1 is provided with a first flange 101-4 which cooperates with the inner cavity structure of the light inlet end assembly 1. The first flange 101-4 cooperates with the inner cavity to play a supporting role. A first pin 101-3 is fixed to the front end of the first flange 101-4. A single optical fiber 3 connected to the first pin 101-3 is inserted into the rear end of the first flange 101-4. The optical fiber is further restricted by the first flange 101-4 to prevent the optical fiber from detaching from the first pin 101-3.

[0036] Further, if Figure 6As shown, a second pin 401 - 1 is fixedly provided in the optical output end assembly 4 , and a rear end of a single optical fiber 3 is installed in the second pin 401 - 1 . The second pin 401 - 1 has the same function as the first pin 101 - 3 .

[0037] Further, if Figure 6 As shown, the light output end assembly 4 is provided with a second flange 401-2 which matches the inner cavity structure of the light output end assembly 4, a second pin 401-1 is fixed to the rear end of the second flange 401-2, a single optical fiber 3 connected to the second pin 401-1 is inserted into the front end of the second flange 401-2, and the second flange 401-2 has the same function as the first flange 101-4.

[0038] Furthermore, the light guide device 402 includes but is not limited to a lens and a light guide column, which can be selected according to the light guide power requirement. Fig.11 As shown, the light guide device 402 used is a light guide column, such as Fig.12 As shown, the light guiding device 402 used is a lens.

[0039] Further, if Fig.10 As shown, a light homogenizer 403 is installed between the light guide device 402 and the single optical fiber 3. When the light guide component is used for lighting, the light homogenizer 403 can be added at the light output end to homogenize the light, so that the energy-concentrated light distribution becomes uniform and the light uniformity and field of view are good.

[0040] Further, if Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a first stop structure 201 for preventing backward movement is provided between the first flange 101-4 and the light input end assembly 1, and a second stop structure 202 for preventing forward movement is provided between the second flange 401-2 and the light output end assembly 4. The stop structure can play a limiting role when the optical fiber is connected to the flange, that is, prevent the optical fiber from detaching or the pin from retracting.

[0041] Further, if Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, on the basis of adding a stop structure, the outer side of a single optical fiber 3 is coated with a tensile element 5, and the two ends of the tensile element 5 are respectively fixedly mounted on the first flange 101-4 and the second flange 401-2. The flanges at both ends bear the tensile force, which will not affect the internal optical fiber. When bending, it plays a tensile protection role. The tensile element 5 is a sheath structure with elasticity and deformation.

[0042] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit or restrict the present invention. For researchers or technicians in this field, the present invention may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection declared by the present invention.

Claims

1. A light guide assembly, characterized in that: The invention comprises an outer sheath component (2) extending forward and backward, a single optical fiber (3) installed in the outer sheath component (2), and a light input end component (1) and a light output end component (4) respectively fixedly installed at the front and rear ends of the outer sheath component (2), wherein the light input end component (1) comprises a light input sleeve (101) and a lens (102) fixedly mounted in the light input sleeve (101), the lens (102) being coupled with a front end light spot of the single optical fiber (3), and the light output end component (4) comprising a light output sleeve (401) and a light guide device (402) fixedly mounted in the light output sleeve (401), the light guide device (402) being coupled with a rear end light spot of the single optical fiber (3).

2. A light guide assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The light-inlet sleeve (101) comprises a sleeve (101-1) connected to an outer sheath assembly (2) and a light-inlet head (101-2) movably mounted at the front end of the sleeve (101-1) in a front-to-rear direction, a lens (102) being fixedly mounted in the light-inlet head (101-2), and the light-inlet head (101-2) can be moved back and forth to adjust the distance between the lens (102) and a single optical fiber (3).

3. A light guide assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The front end of the sleeve (101-1) is a detachable connecting sleeve (101-11), and a lens (102) is installed in the connecting sleeve (101-11), or the front end of the connecting sleeve (101-11) is connected to a light inlet head (101-2) movable in the front-back direction.

4. A light guide assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A first plug pin (101-3) is fixedly disposed in the light input end assembly (1), and a front end of a single optical fiber (3) is installed in the first plug pin (101-3).

5. A light guide assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The light inlet end assembly (1) is provided with a first flange (101-4) matched with the inner cavity structure of the light inlet end assembly (1), a first plug pin (101-3) is fixed to the front end of the first flange (101-4), and a single optical fiber (3) connected to the first plug pin (101-3) is inserted into the rear end of the first flange (101-4).

6. A light guide assembly as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: A second plug pin (401-1) is fixedly provided in the light output end assembly (4), and a rear end of a single optical fiber (3) is installed in the second plug pin (401-1).

7. A light guide assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The light output end assembly (4) is provided with a second flange (401-2) matched with the inner cavity structure of the light output end assembly (4), a second plug pin (401-1) is fixed to the rear end of the second flange (401-2), and a single optical fiber (3) connected to the second plug pin (401-1) is inserted into the front end of the second flange (401-2).

8. A light guide assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A light homogenizer (403) is installed between the light-guiding device (402) and the single optical fiber (3).

9. A light guide assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: A first stop structure (201) for preventing backward movement is provided between the first flange (101-4) and the light input end assembly (1), and a second stop structure (202) for preventing forward movement is provided between the second flange (401-2) and the light output end assembly (4).

10. A light guide assembly as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The outer side of the single optical fiber (3) is coated with a tensile element (5), and two ends of the tensile element (5) are respectively fixedly mounted on the first flange (101-4) and the second flange (401-2).

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