Multi-spot synthesis device and laser shaping system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multi-light-spot synthesis device and a laser shaping system, the multi-light-spot synthesis device comprises a plurality of input optical fibers, an output head and a beam combining piece, and the output head is connected with one end of each of the input optical fibers; the beam combining piece is arranged on the peripheral sides of the ends of the input optical fibers in a sleeving mode, and the beam combining piece is connected with the output head. According to the multi-light-spot synthesis device, the structure is simple, the arrangement is compact, a plurality of light spots can be formed, and the use flexibility is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of laser shaping, in particular to a multi-spot synthesis device and a laser shaping system. Background Art

[0002] As the demand for laser processing technology gradually shifts from single application to diversified application, lasers with special energy distribution are gradually being discovered. Multi-spot laser shaping system welding can reduce the sensitivity to the gap between welded parts, improve surface forming, reduce defects such as spatter, shrinkage and undercut, and has a good application effect in high-precision welding of metal materials. Among them, there are many ways to implement the multi-spot laser shaping system.

[0003] In the related art, the conventional transmission device used for fiber lasers is mainly composed of a fiber power combiner and a laser output head. The fiber power combiner can synthesize the lasers from multiple input fibers into one fiber, and transmit the light beam into the output head to make the laser diffuse output. However, the above-mentioned fiber transmission system is difficult to achieve multi-spot output. In addition, the common multi-spot laser spatial optical path shaping system has a complex structure, high production cost, and large size, which is not conducive to the widespread application of multi-spot laser shaping systems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one purpose of the utility model is to provide a multi-spot synthesis device with a simple structure and compact arrangement, which can form multiple spots and improve the flexibility of use.

[0005] Another object of the utility model is to provide a laser shaping system using the multi-spot synthesis device.

[0006] According to the multi-spot synthesis device of the first aspect of the utility model, it includes: a plurality of input optical fibers; an output head, the output head is connected to one end of the plurality of input optical fibers; a combining piece, the combining piece is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the one end of the plurality of input optical fibers, and the combining piece is connected to the output head.

[0007] According to the multi-spot synthesis device of the utility model, the arrangement is more compact, which improves the convenience of using the multi-spot synthesis device. In addition, the output head 2 can output multiple beams of laser and adjust the number of output spots according to actual needs, thereby improving the flexibility of using the multi-spot synthesis device. In addition, when the output head is assembled with the laser welding head, the output head can be compatible with laser welding heads of various structures, thereby improving the versatility of using the multi-spot synthesis device.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the combining component includes: a first combining segment; a second combining segment, wherein the second combining segment is connected between the first combining segment and the output head, and the outer peripheral cross-sectional area of ​​the second combining segment is smaller than the outer peripheral cross-sectional area of ​​the first combining segment.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the combining component further includes: a third combining segment, which is connected between the second combining segment and the first combining segment, and extends obliquely from the first combining segment toward the second combining segment, with the outer peripheral surface of the third combining segment extending toward a direction close to the central axis of the combining component.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the axial length of the third combining section along the combining piece is L1, and the axial length of the second combining section along the combining piece is L2, wherein L1 and L2 respectively satisfy: 0≤L1≤20mm, 0≤L2≤20mm.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cross-sectional shapes of the first beam-combining section and the second beam-combining section are circular, the outer diameter of the first beam-combining section is D1, and the outer diameter of the second beam-combining section is D2, wherein D1 and D2 satisfy: D1>D2.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the second combining segment is circular, the outer diameter of the second combining segment is D2, the cross-sectional shape of one end of the output head adjacent to the combining piece is circular, the outer diameter of the one end of the output head is D3, wherein D2 and D3 satisfy: D3≥D2.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a shaping channel is formed on the bundle combining member, and one end of the plurality of input optical fibers passes through the shaping channel and is connected to the output head; the cross-sectional shape of the shaping channel is circular, the inner diameter of the shaping channel is d1, and at least a portion of the outer circumference of the plurality of input optical fibers together forms a circumscribed circle, and the diameter of the circumscribed circle is d eq , wherein d1, d eq Satisfies: d1≥d eq .

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the radius of the input optical fiber is r, and the center distance between two adjacent input optical fibers in the shaping channel is d2, wherein d2 and r satisfy: d2=2r.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the end faces of the one ends of the plurality of input optical fibers are flush with the end face of the combiner connected to the output head.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the number of the input optical fibers is the same as the number of light spots output by the output head.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the combining piece and the output head are fused into an integral piece.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bundle combining component is a glass component.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the input optical fiber includes an optical fiber core and an optical fiber cladding, the optical fiber cladding is coated on the outer circumference of the optical fiber core, the radius of the optical fiber core is r1, the refractive index of the optical fiber core is n1, the radius of the optical fiber cladding is r2, and the refractive index of the optical fiber cladding is n2, wherein r1, n1, r2 and n2 respectively satisfy: r2>r1, n1>n2.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of input optical fibers include at least one first optical fiber and at least one second optical fiber, and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are of different types.

[0021] The laser shaping system according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises the multi-spot synthesis device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the utility model, the laser shaping system further includes: a plurality of laser light sources, which are respectively connected to a plurality of input optical fibers of the multi-spot synthesis device; a collimating and focusing system, which is arranged on a side of the output head of the multi-spot synthesis device away from the laser light source, and the light beam output by the output head forms a plurality of light spots after passing through the collimating and focusing system.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wavelength band powers of the multiple laser light sources are the same; or, the wavelength band powers of at least two of the multiple laser light sources are different.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description, and in part will become apparent from the following description, or will be learned through the practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-spot synthesis device according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 2is a partial schematic diagram of a multi-spot synthesis device according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the second beam combining section of the multi-spot synthesis device according to an embodiment of the utility model, wherein the number of input optical fibers is three;

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second beam combining section of a multi-spot combining device according to another embodiment of the utility model, wherein the number of input optical fibers is four;

[0030] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second beam combining section of a multi-spot synthesis device according to another embodiment of the utility model, wherein the number of input optical fibers is seven;

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a laser shaping system according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a light spot formed by a laser shaping system according to an embodiment of the utility model, wherein the input optical fibers of the multi-spot synthesis device are of the same type and the obtained multi-spot patterns are the same;

[0033] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a light spot formed by a laser shaping system according to another embodiment of the utility model, wherein different types of input optical fibers of the multi-spot synthesis device result in different multi-spot patterns.

[0034] Reference numerals:

[0035] 100. Multi-spot synthesis device;

[0036] 1. Input optical fiber; 11. Optical fiber core; 12. Optical fiber cladding;

[0037] 13. First optical fiber; 14. Second optical fiber; 2. Output head;

[0038] 3. Bundling piece; 31. First bundling section; 32. Second bundling section;

[0039] 33. The third beam combining section; 34. Shaping channel;

[0040] 200. Laser shaping system;

[0041] 201. Laser light source; 202. Collimation and focusing system; 203. Focal plane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. Figure 1-Figure 5A multi-spot synthesis device 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present utility model is described.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multi-spot synthesis device 100 according to the first embodiment of the utility model comprises a plurality of input optical fibers 1, an output head 2 and a beam combiner 3. In the description of the utility model, "plurality" means two or more than two.

[0044] Specifically, the output head 2 is connected to one end of the plurality of input optical fibers 1, the bundle combining member 3 is sleeved on the outer circumference of one end of the plurality of input optical fibers 1, and the bundle combining member 3 is connected to the output head 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, there are three input optical fibers 1, the left end of the output head 2 is connected to the right ends of the three input optical fibers 1, the combiner 3 is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the right ends of the three input optical fibers 1, and the right end of the combiner 3 is also connected to the left end of the output head 2. After combining the multiple input optical fibers 1 together, the combiner 3 is directly connected to the output head 2 to output multiple light spots through the output head 2. In addition, the combiner 3 has a shaping effect, so that the multiple input optical fibers 1 are arranged in a specific arrangement and then connected to the output head 2 to output multiple light spots with the above specific arrangement.

[0045] With such an arrangement, compared with the conventional multi-spot laser spatial optical path shaping technology, the multi-spot synthesis device 100 in the present application has a small number of components, and multiple input optical fibers 1 are synthesized through the combiner 3 and directly output through the output head 2, thereby making the multi-spot synthesis device 100 more compact, reducing the space required for the conventional multi-spot laser spatial optical path shaping structure, and thus improving the ease of use of the multi-spot synthesis device 100.

[0046] In addition, the multi-spot synthesis device 100 is different from the structure in which the fiber power combiner is separated from the output head in the traditional fiber laser transmission optical path (for example, in the traditional structure, the fiber power combiner combines the laser beams in multiple input optical fibers into a single optical fiber, and finally outputs the laser to form a single light spot through the output head). The side of the combiner 3 connected to the output head 2 directly connects the shaped input optical fiber 1 to the output head 2, thereby avoiding multiple light beams from entering the same transmission channel, so that the multi-spot synthesis device 100 can directly output multiple light beams. That is, when the multi-spot synthesis device 100 is used in the laser shaping system 200, multiple light spots can be output, for example, double light spots, three light spots, four light spots and other multi-spot laser beams can be output, but not limited to this, so that the number of output light beams and the number of light spots can be flexibly adjusted according to actual practical conditions, thereby improving the flexibility of the use of the multi-spot synthesis device 100, improving the performance of the multi-spot synthesis device 100, and also improving the flexibility of the use of the laser shaping system 200. In addition, the spatial optical path structure of the multi-spot synthesis device 100 is simple and has strong applicability. Therefore, when the output head 2 is assembled with the laser welding head (not shown in the figure), the output head 2 can be compatible with various structures of laser welding heads that have been industrialized in the market, thereby improving the versatility of the multi-spot synthesis device 100. For example, the output head 2 can be a quartz piece. It should be noted that the number of input optical fibers 1 can be specifically set according to actual use to better meet actual applications. For example, the number of input optical fibers 1 can be three (such as Figure 3 As shown), four (as Figure 4 as shown) or seven (as Figure 5 shown).

[0047] According to the multi-spot synthesis device 100 of the utility model, the arrangement is more compact, which improves the convenience of using the multi-spot synthesis device 100. In addition, the output head 2 can output multiple beams of laser light, and adjust the number of output spots according to actual needs, thereby improving the flexibility of using the multi-spot synthesis device 100. In addition, when the output head 2 is assembled with the laser welding head, the output head 2 can be compatible with laser welding heads of various structures, thereby improving the versatility of using the multi-spot synthesis device 100.

[0048] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the beam combiner 3 includes a first beam combiner section 31 and a second beam combiner section 32, the second beam combiner section 32 is connected between the first beam combiner section 31 and the output head 2, and the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the second beam combiner section 32 is smaller than the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the first beam combiner section 31. For example, the right end of the second beam combiner section 32 is connected to the left end of the output head 2, and the left end of the second beam combiner section 32 is connected to the right end of the first beam combiner section 31. Multiple input optical fibers 1 pass through the first beam combiner section 31 and the second beam combiner section 32 in sequence from the left end of the first beam combiner section 31 and are connected to the output head 2. In this way, it is easy for multiple input optical fibers 1 to pass through the left end of the first beam combiner section 31 into the beam combiner 3, thereby reducing the difficulty of assembling the multiple input optical fibers 1 with the beam combiner 3, improving the assembly efficiency of the multiple input optical fibers 1 and the beam combiner 3, and further improving the assembly efficiency of the multi-spot synthesis device 100. In addition, the second combining section 32 can further combine and tighten the ends of the multiple input optical fibers 1 close to the output head 2, so that the multiple input optical fibers 1 are tightly connected to the second combining section 32, so that the second combining component 3 has a greater cutting strength, that is, the cutting flatness of the combining component 3 and the multiple input optical fibers 1 on the side close to the output head 2 after assembly is improved, thereby improving the yield of the connection with the output head 2, and further improving the use stability of the multi-spot synthesis device 100, and improving the use reliability of the multi-spot synthesis device 100.

[0049] Further, refer to Figure 2 The bundle 3 further includes a third bundle segment 33, which is connected between the second bundle segment 32 and the first bundle segment 31, and extends obliquely from the first bundle segment 31 toward the second bundle segment 32, and the outer peripheral surface of the third bundle segment 33 extends toward the direction close to the central axis of the bundle 3. Figure 2 In the example, from left to right, the outer peripheral surface of the third beam combining section 33 extends obliquely toward the direction close to the central axis of the combining component 3. Thus, the combining component 3 is a transition from the first beam combining section 31 to the second beam combining section 32 along the third beam combining section 33. The third beam combining section 31 and the second beam combining section 32 gradually tighten the multiple input optical fibers 1, which can reduce the extrusion deformation of the input optical fibers 1, and is conducive to shaping and arranging the multiple input optical fibers 1, and also makes the multiple input optical fibers 1 arranged compactly, which is conducive to the laser output of the output head 2, and also makes the connection between the combining component 3 and the multiple input optical fibers 1 more secure. In addition, the multi-spot synthesis device 100 has the advantages of simple and compact structure, high reliability, flexible application, low cost, good stability, etc. It should be noted that the combining component 3 is formed into the first beam combining section 31, the second beam combining section 32 and the third beam combining section 33 by melting and taper.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 2, the length of the third combining segment 33 along the axial direction of the combining member 3 is L1, and the length of the second combining segment 32 along the axial direction of the combining member 3 is L2, wherein L1 and L2 respectively satisfy: 0≤L1≤20mm, 0≤L2≤20mm. The above-mentioned setting of the third combining segment 33 and the second combining segment 32 includes the following situations: First, when the lengths of the third combining segment 33 and the second combining segment 32 are both equal to 0mm, the combining member 3 only includes the first combining segment 31, and the outer peripheral cross-sectional area of ​​the first combining segment 31 remains unchanged along the left-right direction, and the structure of the combining member 3 is simple. Second, when only the length of the third combining segment 33 is equal to 0mm, that is, the combining member 3 includes the first combining segment 31 and the second combining segment 32, and the connection between the second combining segment 32 and the first combining segment 31 is stepped, and the outer peripheral cross-sectional area of ​​the second combining segment 32 is smaller than the outer peripheral cross-sectional area of ​​the first combining segment 31. Third, when only the length of the second bundling section 32 is equal to 0 mm, the bundling member 3 includes the first bundling section 31 and the third bundling section 33, the outer peripheral cross-sectional area of ​​the first bundling section 31 can remain unchanged along the left-right direction, the outer peripheral surface of the third bundling section 33 extends obliquely from left to right toward the direction close to the central axis of the bundling member 3, and the right end of the third bundling section 33 is directly connected to the output head 2. In this way, the bundling member 3 has various structural forms, which can meet the use requirements of the bundling member 3 and enrich the types of the bundling member 3. Specifically, it can be set according to actual use to better meet the actual application.

[0051] For example, when the length L1 of the third beam combining section 33 along the axial direction of the combining element 3 is greater than 20 mm, the length of the third beam combining section 33 along the left-right direction is longer, and after the multi-spot combining device 100 is packaged with a housing (not shown in the figure), the stability of the package is reduced. In addition, the length of the combining element 3 is increased, and the distance of the laser in the input optical fiber 1 transmitted in the combining element 3 is longer, thereby weakening the transmission stability of the laser in the input optical fiber 1. When the length L2 of the second beam combining section 32 along the axial direction of the combining element 3 is greater than 20 mm, the length of the second beam combining section 32 along the left-right direction is longer, and after the multi-spot combining device 100 is packaged with a housing (not shown in the figure), the stability of the package is reduced. In addition, the length of the combining element 3 is increased, and the distance of the laser in the input optical fiber 1 transmitted in the combining element 3 is longer, thereby weakening the transmission stability of the laser in the input optical fiber 1.

[0052] Therefore, by setting the length L1 of the third beam combining section 33 along the axial direction of the beam combining part 3 and the length L2 of the second beam combining section 32 along the axial direction of the beam combining part 3 to respectively satisfy: 0≤L1≤20mm, 0≤L2≤20mm, the lengths of the third beam combining section 33 and the second beam combining section 32 are reasonably set, and after the multi-spot synthesis device 100 is packaged with a shell, the stability of the package is improved. In addition, the length of the beam combining part 3 is shortened, and the transmission distance of the laser in the input optical fiber 1 in the beam combining part 3 is shorter, thereby enhancing the transmission stability of the laser in the input optical fiber 1.

[0053] According to some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 2 The cross-sectional shape of the first beam combining section 31 and the second beam combining section 32 is circular, the outer diameter of the first beam combining section 31 is D1, and the outer diameter of the second beam combining section 32 is D2, wherein D1 and D2 satisfy: D1>D2. Thus, after the multiple input optical fibers 1 are inserted into the beam combining component 3, the multiple input optical fibers 1 are arranged along the circumference of the beam combining component 3, so that the multiple input optical fibers 1 are arranged compactly along the circumference of the second beam combining component 3, so that the multiple beam lasers output by the multi-spot synthesis device 100 are also closely arranged together, which is beneficial to the later use of the multi-spot synthesis device 100. In addition, it is effectively ensured that the cross-sectional area of ​​the first beam-combining section 31 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second beam-combining section 32, thereby further facilitating the insertion of multiple input optical fibers 1 from the left end of the first beam-combining section 31 into the beam-combining member 3, improving the assembly efficiency of the beam-combining member 3 and the multiple input optical fibers 1, and further improving the tightening effect of the second beam-combining section 32 on the multiple input optical fibers 1, so that the beam-combining member 3 and the multiple input optical fibers 1 are closely arranged together, thereby further improving the cutting flatness of the second beam-combining section 32 and the multiple input optical fibers 1 after assembly, and further improving the connection effect of the beam-combining member 3 and the output head 2. For example, the taper ratio of the beam-combining member 3 is TR, TR = D2 / D1, wherein TR satisfies: TR≤1, and an appropriate TR can ensure that the multiple input optical fibers 1 in the second beam-combining section 32 of the beam-combining member 3 are tightly connected to the side wall of the second beam-combining section 32, so that the second beam-combining section 32 has sufficient cutting strength.

[0054] According to some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 2, the cross-sectional shape of the second beam combining section 32 is circular, the outer diameter of the second beam combining section 32 is D2, the cross-sectional shape of one end of the output head 2 adjacent to the beam combining member 3 is circular, and the outer diameter of one end of the output head 2 is D3, wherein D2 and D3 satisfy: D3 ≥ D2. In this configuration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second beam combining member 3 is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the left end of the output head 2, so that during the assembly of the beam combining member 3 and the output head 2, the right end face of the second beam combining section 32 and the left end face of the output head 2 can overlap, thereby effectively ensuring that the beam lasers of the multiple input optical fibers 1 in the beam combining member 3 can all enter the output head 2 and be output from the end face of the output head 2, effectively ensuring the integrity of the light spot formation, thereby improving the output effect of the multi-spot synthesis device 100 and improving the performance of the multi-spot synthesis device 100.

[0055] According to some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 A shaping channel 34 is formed on the bundle combining member 3, and one end of the plurality of input optical fibers 1 passes through the shaping channel 34 and is connected to the output head 2. The cross-sectional shape of the shaping channel 34 can be set to be circular, and the inner diameter of the shaping channel 34 is d1. At least a part of the outer circumference of the plurality of input optical fibers 1 together forms a circumscribed circle, and the diameter of the circumscribed circle is d eq , where d1, d eq Satisfies: d1≥d eq .

[0056] For example, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example, the shaping channel 34 penetrates the combiner 3 in the left-right direction, and the right ends of the multiple input optical fibers 1 pass through the shaping channel 34 and are connected to the left end of the output head 2. The circumferential shape of the multiple input optical fibers 1 arranged along the combiner 3 is a circle, wherein the inner diameter of the shaping channel 34 is the inner diameter of the combiner 3 when it is not stretched. Such a configuration effectively ensures that the multiple input optical fibers 1 can pass through the shaping channel 34 and be smoothly assembled with the combiner 3, thereby ensuring that the input optical fibers 1 and the combiner 3 can be quickly assembled, and the assembly efficiency of the multi-spot synthesis device 100 is also improved. In addition, the input optical fibers 1 can smoothly penetrate the capillary combiner 3 and maintain a stable arrangement, which also improves the stability of the arrangement of the multiple input optical fibers 1. For example, when there are three input optical fibers 1 and the radii are r, d eq =(2 / √3+1)2r.

[0057] According to some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 3, the radius of the input optical fiber 1 is r, and the center distance between two adjacent input optical fibers 1 in the shaping channel 34 is d2, wherein d2 and r satisfy: d2=2r. Such a configuration, on the one hand, ensures that multiple input optical fibers 1 are closely arranged together, thereby improving the synthesis degree of multiple input optical fibers 1 and improving the imaging effect of the light spot. On the other hand, it avoids the mutual squeezing of two adjacent input optical fibers 1, thereby avoiding affecting the normal use of two adjacent input optical fibers 1. In addition, the center distance between two adjacent input optical fibers 1 also affects the distance between each light spot, so that the distance between each light spot can be adjusted by adjusting the radius of the input optical fiber 1, thereby improving the flexibility of adjusting the light spot spacing, and thus improving the use flexibility of the multi-spot synthesis device 100.

[0058] According to some embodiments of the utility model, the end faces of one end of the multiple input optical fibers 1 are flush with the end face of the combiner 3 connected to the output head 2. As a result, the fit between the right end faces of the multiple input optical fibers 1 and the right end faces of the combiner 3 and the left end face of the output head 2 is increased, avoiding gaps between them, thereby improving the connection quality of the multiple input optical fibers 1 and the combiner 3, and facilitating the long-term normal use of the multi-spot synthesizer. Moreover, it is also beneficial for the light generated by the multiple input optical fibers 1 to be smoothly transmitted to the output head 2, thereby improving the effect of the multi-spot synthesizer in forming light spots.

[0059] According to some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 4 , the number of input optical fibers 1 is the same as the number of light spots output by the output head 2. For example, two input optical fibers 1 can output double light spots, three input optical fibers 1 can output triple light spots, and four input optical fibers 1 can output four light spots, but it is not limited thereto. With such a configuration, it is convenient to select the number of input optical fibers 1 to be used according to the required number of light spots, so that the number of light spots to be formed can be adjusted, thereby improving the flexibility of the light spots output by the multi-spot synthesis device 100, and thus improving the user experience. Moreover, the arrangement shape of the output of multiple light spots, as well as the shape of the light spots themselves, can be set in correspondence with the arrangement shape of the multiple input optical fibers 1.

[0060] According to some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 1 , the beam combiner 3 and the output head 2 are fused (melt welded) into an integral part. Thus, the integrated structure of the beam combiner 3 and the output head 2 is realized, breaking the traditional structure of the optical fiber power combiner and the quartz column output head being separated. In addition, the overall connection stability of the beam combiner 3 and the output head 2 is enhanced, thereby improving the structural strength of the multi-spot synthesis device 100, and effectively ensuring that the laser beams of the multiple input optical fibers 1 in the beam combiner 3 can be output along the output head 2 to form multiple light spots, thereby improving the performance of the multi-spot synthesis device 100.

[0061] Optionally, the bundle combining member 3 is a glass member. The glass member can be melted and stretched at a high temperature, so that the bundle combining member 3 can be easily formed, thereby improving the production efficiency of the bundle combining member 3. In addition, the glass member is low in cost and easy to obtain, thereby reducing the production cost of the bundle combining member 3. For example, the glass member can be a glass capillary member.

[0062] According to some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 3 The input optical fiber 1 includes an optical fiber core 11 and an optical fiber cladding 12. The optical fiber cladding 12 is coated on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber core 11. The radius of the optical fiber core 11 is r1, and the refractive index of the optical fiber core 11 is n1. The radius of the optical fiber cladding 12 is r2, and the refractive index of the optical fiber cladding 12 is n2. Among them, r1, n1, r2 and n2 respectively satisfy: r2>r1, n1>n2. The size of r1 affects the size of each light spot in the final light beam, and the size of r2 affects the position distance of each light spot. Therefore, the radius of the optical fiber cladding 12 is larger, thereby improving the wear resistance of the optical fiber cladding 12, and also improving the protective effect of the optical fiber cladding 12 on the optical fiber core 11, avoiding damage to the optical fiber core 11, and thus extending the service life of the optical fiber core. In addition, the refractive index of the optical fiber core 11 is greater than the refractive index of the optical fiber cladding 12 , so that the laser is injected into the optical fiber core 11 at a certain angle, and full emission occurs between the optical fiber core 11 and the optical fiber cladding 12 , causing the laser to propagate in the optical fiber core 11 .

[0063] According to some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 2 , the multiple input optical fibers 1 include at least one first optical fiber 13 and at least one second optical fiber 14, and the first optical fiber 13 and the second optical fiber 14 are of different types. For example, the radius of the optical fiber core 11 of the first optical fiber 13 and the second optical fiber 14, the refractive index of the optical fiber core 11, the radius of the optical fiber cladding 12 or the refractive index of the optical fiber cladding 12 can be different, respectively, and the mode numbers of the formed first optical fiber 13 and the second optical fiber 14 are also different. For example, the first optical fiber 13 is a single-mode optical fiber, and the second optical fiber 14 is a multi-mode optical fiber. Or, the first optical fiber 13 is a multi-mode optical fiber, and the second optical fiber 14 is a multi-mode optical fiber. But it is not limited to this.

[0064] With such an arrangement, different combinations of light spots can be formed, which is convenient for setting according to actual needs, thereby improving the performance of the multi-spot synthesizer and the flexibility of using the multi-spot. In addition, the type of the input optical fiber 1 of the multi-spot synthesizer 100 is flexible and variable, and can be compatible with a variety of laser light sources 201 on the market. In addition, the output light spot of the multi-spot synthesizer 100 is flexibly adjustable, and the spacing, energy distribution and beam quality of each light spot are flexibly adjustable. For example, when the number of input optical fibers 1 is three, it can be two first optical fibers 13 and one second optical fiber 14. When the number of input optical fibers 1 is four, it can be two first optical fibers 13 and two second optical fibers 14. When the number of input optical fibers 1 is seven, it can be six first optical fibers 13 and one second optical fiber 14. But it is not limited to this. It should be noted that the type of the multiple input optical fibers 1 is the same, and the following can be formed. Figure 7 The same mode of multiple light spots shown in FIG. 1 can be formed by different types of multiple input optical fibers 1. Figure 8 Multiple light spots of different modes are shown.

[0065] Optionally, a plurality of input optical fibers 1 are wrapped with an optical fiber armor cable to protect the input optical fibers 1 , thereby extending the service life of the optical fibers.

[0066] The preparation process of the multi-spot synthesis device 100 is roughly as follows:

[0067] First, the coatings on the outer periphery of the multiple input optical fibers 1 are stripped. Then, the stripped input optical fibers 1 are immersed in hydrofluoric acid for etching until the surface of the input optical fibers 1 is smooth and the specified diameter is reached. Next, the multiple input optical fibers 1 are closely arranged and inserted into the combiner 3 with matching inner and outer diameters. Subsequently, the central area of ​​the combiner 3 is heated and tapered, and then cut flat at a suitable position of the combiner 3 (i.e., the center of the combiner 3). Finally, the cut end face is fused with the corresponding end face of the output head 2 to complete the preparation of the multi-spot synthesis device 100.

[0068] According to the laser shaping system 200 of the second embodiment of the utility model, Figure 6 , including a multi-spot synthesis device 100 according to the first aspect of the embodiment of the utility model.

[0069] According to the laser shaping system 200 of the utility model, by adopting the above-mentioned multi-spot synthesis device 100, the multi-spot synthesis device 100 integrating the beam combiner 3 and the output head 2, the laser shaping system 200 can form different numbers of spots according to actual use, thereby improving the flexibility of the use of the laser shaping system 200. In addition, the laser shaping system 200 has a simple structure and low cost.

[0070] Further, refer to Figure 6The laser shaping system 200 further includes a plurality of laser light sources 201 and a collimating and focusing system 202. The plurality of laser light sources 201 are respectively connected to a plurality of input optical fibers 1 of the multi-spot synthesis device 100. The collimating and focusing system 202 is arranged on a side of the output head 2 of the multi-spot synthesis device 100 away from the laser light source 201. The light beam output by the output head 2 forms a plurality of light spots after passing through the collimating and focusing system 202.

[0071] For example, in Figure 6 In the example, three laser light sources 201 are provided, and three input optical fibers 1 are provided. The laser light sources 201 and the input optical fibers 1 correspond to each other and are connected. The laser beam emitted by the laser light source 201 is transmitted along the input optical fiber 1 to the output head 2, and the diffused laser beam output by the output head 2 is formed into a plurality of light spots through the collimation and focusing system 202. With such a configuration, the structure of the laser shaping system is simple, and shaping can be achieved, thereby reducing the production cost and improving the reliability of use. For example, the laser shaping output can be formed into a round flat top, circular ring or rectangular light spot, and the light spot is formed on the focal plane 203.

[0072] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wavelength band powers of the multiple laser light sources 201 are the same. Thus, multiple identical light spots (such as Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the energy distribution is consistent, and the quality of the light beam is improved. For example, the multiple light spots can all be Gaussian distribution spots or flat-top distribution spots, three Gaussian distribution spots, or four flat-top distribution spots. But it is not limited to this.

[0073] According to other embodiments of the present invention, at least two of the multiple laser light sources 201 have different wavelength band powers. For example, the multiple laser light sources 201 are configured as follows: first, at least two of the multiple laser light sources 201 have the same wavelength band but different powers (e.g. Figure 6 Second, at least two of the multiple laser light sources 201 have different wavelengths and the same power. Third, at least two of the multiple laser light sources 201 have different wavelengths and powers. Laser light sources 201 with different wavelengths and powers can form different light spots (such as Figure 8 As shown). Thus, a more diverse processing light source is provided, and different arrangements and combinations of the two light spots can be formed, thereby increasing the richness of the light spot types, improving the flexibility of the use of the laser shaping system 200, and facilitating the flexible adjustment of energy distribution. For example, when there are three laser light sources 201, two Gaussian distribution spots and one flat-top distribution spot can be formed, or one Gaussian distribution spot and two flat-top distribution spots can be formed.

[0074] The process of forming a light spot in the laser shaping system 200 is roughly as follows: the number and type of laser light sources 201 in the laser shaping system 200 match the required light spot. The multi-spot synthesis device 100 arranges and combines the light sources of multiple laser light sources 201 and outputs them through the output head 2. The collimation and focusing system 202 collimates and focuses the laser beam output from the output head 2 to form the required multiple light spots on the focal plane 203. Among them, the laser light source 201 and the multi-spot synthesis device 100 are connected through the input optical fiber 1, and the laser light source 201 is connected to the optical fiber joint of the input optical fiber 1. The laser beam completes laser shaping in the multi-spot synthesis device 100 to form multiple light spots.

[0075] Other structures and operations of the laser shaping system 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0076] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "length", "width", "thickness", "left", "right", "vertical", "inside", "outside", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0077] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the utility model. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0078] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-spot synthesis device, characterized in that: include: Multiple input optical fibers; An output head connected to one end of the plurality of input optical fibers; A combining piece is sleeved on the outer circumference of one end of the plurality of input optical fibers, and the combining piece is connected to the output head.

2. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bundle-closing member comprises: The first beam combining section; The second beam-combining section is connected between the first beam-combining section and the output head, and the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the second beam-combining section is smaller than the outer cross-sectional area of ​​the first beam-combining section.

3. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bundle further comprises: The third bundling section is connected between the second bundling section and the first bundling section, and extends obliquely from the first bundling section toward the second bundling section, with the outer peripheral surface of the third bundling section extending toward the central axis of the bundling component.

4. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The length of the third combining section along the axial direction of the combining component is L1, and the length of the second combining section along the axial direction of the combining component is L2, wherein L1 and L2 respectively satisfy: 0≤L1≤20mm, 0≤L2≤20mm.

5. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shapes of the first beam-combining section and the second beam-combining section are circular, the outer diameter of the first beam-combining section is D1, and the outer diameter of the second beam-combining section is D2, wherein D1 and D2 satisfy: D1>D2.

6. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the second combining section is circular, and the outer diameter of the second combining section is D2. The cross-sectional shape of one end of the output head adjacent to the combining piece is circular, and the outer diameter of the one end of the output head is D3, wherein D2 and D3 satisfy: D3≥D2.

7. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A shaping channel is formed on the bundle combining component, and one end of the plurality of input optical fibers passes through the shaping channel and is connected to the output head; The cross-sectional shape of the shaping channel is circular, the inner diameter of the shaping channel is d1, at least a portion of the outer circumference of the plurality of input optical fibers together forms a circumscribed circle, the diameter of the circumscribed circle is d eq , wherein d1, d eq Satisfies: d1≥d eq .

8. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The radius of the input optical fiber is r, and the center distance between two adjacent input optical fibers in the shaping channel is d2, wherein d2 and r satisfy: d2=2r.

9. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end faces of the one ends of the plurality of input optical fibers are flush with the end face of the combiner connected to the output head.

10. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the input optical fibers is the same as the number of light spots output by the output head.

11. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bundle combining piece and the output head are fused into an integral piece.

12. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bundling component is a glass component.

13. The multi-spot synthesis device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input optical fiber includes an optical fiber core and an optical fiber cladding, wherein the optical fiber cladding is coated on the outer circumference of the optical fiber core, the radius of the optical fiber core is r1, the refractive index of the optical fiber core is n1, the radius of the optical fiber cladding is r2, and the refractive index of the optical fiber cladding is n2, wherein r1, n1, r2 and n2 respectively satisfy: r2>r1, n1>n2.

14. The multi-spot synthesis device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The plurality of input optical fibers include at least one first optical fiber and at least one second optical fiber, and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are of different types.

15. A laser shaping system, characterized in that: It comprises the multi-spot synthesis device according to any one of claims 1-14.

16. The laser shaping system according to claim 15, characterized in that: Further including: A plurality of laser light sources, wherein the plurality of laser light sources are respectively connected to a plurality of input optical fibers of the multi-spot synthesis device; A collimating and focusing system is arranged on a side of the output head of the multi-spot synthesis device away from the laser light source, and the light beam output by the output head forms a plurality of light spots after passing through the collimating and focusing system.

17. The laser shaping system according to claim 16, characterized in that: The wavelength band powers of the multiple laser light sources are the same; or At least two of the plurality of laser light sources have different wavelength powers.

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