A filter switching device for optical equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of deep space exploration, and specifically to a filter switching device for optical equipment. The filter switching device includes a base, a filter group, a drive unit, and a transmission assembly. The central axis of the base coincides with the optical axis of the optical equipment. The filter group includes a filter base and a filter, and the filter base is rotatable relative to the base. The transmission assembly includes a cam. The drive unit is used to drive the cam to rotate, so that the protrusion is connected to the filter base, driving the filter base to rotate from the circumference of the base toward the center point of the base, so that the central axis of the filter coincides with the optical axis. By evenly distributing the filters along the circumference of the optical axis, the structure is compact, and the filters can be directly rotated out of the propagation path of the optical axis and stored in the space around the optical path, thereby reducing the occupied volume of the entire switching device. The cam transmission mechanism is used to realize the function of sequentially switching in and out of more than one filter by using a single drive motor, which is simple and convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of deep space exploration, and in particular to a filter switching device for optical equipment. Background Art

[0002] In the field of deep space exploration, photoelectric telescopes have always played a vital role due to their high sensitivity and long-range detection capabilities. Filters, a common optical component in photoelectric telescope systems, primarily filter out wavelengths outside the required background band to facilitate adaptation to different targets and backgrounds, particularly in photometric measurements corresponding to standard stellar wavelengths. Typically, to meet observational needs, a system incorporates multiple filters of different wavelengths. A switching mechanism inserts the required filter into the optical path, making the filter switching mechanism a common component in photoelectric telescope systems.

[0003] There are two main types of filter switching mechanisms currently in common use. One is a wheel-type mechanism, where the desired number of filters are mounted on the wheel. Driven by a motor, the wheel rotates around its central axis to switch between filters of different gears in the optical path. The other is a sliding mechanism, where the desired number of filters are mounted on a slider along a straight line. Driven by a motor, the slider repeatedly moves along the straight line to switch between filters of different gears in the optical path.

[0004] When a wheel-type filter switching mechanism is installed in a system, its rotation axis needs to be staggered a certain distance from the optical axis, that is, the contour center of the switching mechanism does not coincide with the optical axis. When the filter aperture is large, the edge of this mechanism often exceeds the required size limit. For a sliding switching mechanism, when the filter at the edge is cut into, the other end will be away from the light path. Generally, when the number of filters exceeds 2, the outer dimensions of this sliding switching mechanism will be larger than the outer dimensions of the wheel-type switching mechanism, and cannot meet the size limit requirements. Especially in a prime focus optical system, the filter switching mechanism is located between the primary mirror and the focal plane. The increase in the outer dimensions of the switching mechanism will cause additional obstruction to the primary mirror. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a filter switching device for optical equipment, which solves the problem that the existing filter switching method will cause the entire switching device to be too large and inconvenient to use when applied to large-aperture filters.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a filter switching device for an optical device, the optical device having an optical axis, the filter switching device comprising a base, at least one filter group, a drive unit, and a transmission assembly, wherein the central axis of the base coincides with the optical axis, and the central axis of the base is provided with a first light hole for passing a light beam; at least one filter group is arranged in a circumferential direction of the base, the filter group comprises a filter base and a filter, the filter base is rotatable relative to the base, and the filter is arranged on the filter base; the transmission assembly comprises a cam, the cam having a convex portion; the filter base is positionable in a standby position and a working position, when the filter base is in the standby position, the central axis of the filter does not coincide with the optical axis, when the filter base is in the working position, the drive unit is configured to drive the cam to rotate so that the convex portion connects with the filter base, thereby driving the filter base to rotate from the circumference of the base toward the central axis of the base so that the central axis of the filter coincides with the optical axis.

[0007] In some embodiments, a reset component is further included. The reset component is disposed on the base and is also connected to the filter group. The reset component is used to drive the filter base to rotate in the circumferential direction of the base when the protrusion is separated from the filter base, so that the filter base returns to the standby position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the filter base has a first connecting shaft, and the base has a bracket extending from the edge of the base to the central axis of the base. The first connecting shaft passes through and protrudes out of the bracket, and the first connecting shaft can move relative to the bracket; the reset component includes a torsion spring and a lever, the torsion spring is sleeved on one end of the first connecting shaft protruding from the bracket, and one end of the torsion spring is fixed to the bracket; the lever is set at the end of the first connecting shaft protruding from the bracket, and the other end of the torsion spring is embedded in the lever, the lever is fixed relative to the first connecting shaft, and the filter base can drive the lever to rotate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cam is disposed at the central axis of the base, and a second light-through hole for the light beam to pass through is provided at the central axis of the cam.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cam has a rotating portion, and the transmission assembly further includes a first transmission member connected to the output end of the driving unit, and the first transmission member is further connected to the rotating portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the rotating portion engages with the first transmission member for transmission; and / or the convex portion engages with the filter base for transmission.

[0012] In some embodiments, the transmission assembly also includes a second transmission member and a potentiometer, the second transmission member is connected to the cam and / or the first transmission member; the potentiometer has a potentiometer shaft, the potentiometer shaft is connected to the second transmission member, and the potentiometer shaft can rotate under the drive of the second transmission member, and the potentiometer is used to obtain the rotation angle of the protrusion according to the rotation angle of the potential shaft.

[0013] In some embodiments, the filter group further includes a counterweight block, which is disposed on the filter base, and the mass of the counterweight block corresponds to the mass of the filter.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0015] The optical filter switching device includes a base, a filter group, a drive unit, and a transmission assembly. The central axis of the base coincides with the optical axis of the optical device. The filter group is arranged circumferentially on the base. The filter group includes a filter base and a filter. The filter base is rotatable relative to the base, and the filter is arranged on the filter base. The transmission assembly includes a cam having a convex portion. The drive unit is used to drive the cam to rotate so that the convex portion connects with the filter base, driving the filter base to rotate from the circumference of the base toward the central axis of the base, so that the central axis of the filter coincides with the optical axis. The filters shown in this technical solution are evenly distributed along the circumference of the optical axis, with a compact structure. When not in use, the filters can be directly rotated out of the propagation path of the optical axis and stored in the space around the optical path, reducing the occupied volume of the entire switching device. In addition, this technical solution uses a cam transmission mechanism to achieve the function of sequentially switching in and out of more than one filter by using a single drive unit, which is simple and convenient. The filters are arranged on the filter base, which facilitates maintenance of individual filters. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a top view of a filter switching device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a base and a filter assembly provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 is a first cross-sectional view of a filter switching device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 is a top view of a base and a transmission assembly provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 2 is a second cross-sectional view of the optical filter switching device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] The accompanying drawings include: 1. filter group; 2. base; 3. second transmission member; 4. potentiometer shaft; 5. potentiometer; 6. bearing seat; 7. large bearing; 8. drive unit; 9. first transmission member; 10. cam; 11. photoelectric switch; 12. rotating part; 13. bracket; 14. torsion spring fixing block; 15. torsion spring; 16. lever; 17. elastic pressure piece; 18. filter base; 19. roller; 20. counterweight; 21. small bearing; 22. shaft end nut; 23. first connecting shaft; 24. filter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, identical modules are denoted by identical reference numerals. In the case of identical reference numerals, their names and functions are also identical. Therefore, their detailed description will not be repeated.

[0023] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0024] See also Figures 1 to 4 In a first aspect, the present embodiment provides a filter switching device for an optical device, wherein the optical device has an optical axis, the filter switching device comprises a base 2, at least one filter group 1, a drive unit 8, and a transmission assembly, wherein the central axis of the base 2 coincides with the optical axis, and a first light hole for a light beam to pass through is provided at the central axis of the base 2; at least one filter group 1 is arranged in a circumferential direction of the base 2, the filter group 1 comprises a filter base 18 and a filter 24, the filter base 18 is rotatable relative to the base 2, and the filter 24 is provided. 24 is arranged on the filter base 18; the transmission assembly includes a cam 10, and the cam 10 has a convex portion; the filter base 18 can be placed in a standby position and a working position. When the filter base 18 is placed in the standby position, the central axis of the filter 24 does not coincide with the optical axis. When the filter base 18 is placed in the working position, the driving unit 8 is used to drive the cam 10 to rotate so that the convex portion is connected to the filter base 18, driving the filter base 18 to rotate from the circumference of the base 2 toward the central axis of the base 2, so that the central axis of the filter 24 coincides with the optical axis.

[0025] In this embodiment, the base 2 preferably has a cylindrical structure with a cavity in the middle. Specifically, a first light passage hole for light transmission is provided at the central axis of the base 2. The central axis of the base 2 coincides with the optical axis, meaning that the optical axis of the optical device can pass through the central axis of the base 2. The number of filter groups 1 can be one or more. It should be noted that when there are multiple filter groups 1, the filter groups 1 are arranged circumferentially around the base 2. Each filter group 1 includes a filter base 18 and a filter 24. The filter base 18 can rotate relative to the base 2 to drive the filter 24 into or out of the first light passage hole. In this embodiment, the transmittance of the filters 24 in different filter groups 1 can vary. By switching between filters 24 with different transmittances, filtering effects can be achieved for light beams of different wavelengths on the same optical axis.

[0026] In this embodiment, the working position is the state where the filter 24 is placed in the first light hole and filters different light beams on the same optical axis, and the standby position is the state where the filter 24 is moved out of the first light hole and does not filter the light beams.

[0027] Specifically, the filter base 18 switches between the standby position and the working position via the drive unit 8 and the transmission assembly: a cam 10 is provided with a convex portion, which is in transmission connection with the output end of the drive unit 8. The drive unit 8 can drive the cam 10 to rotate, thereby connecting the convex portion with the filter base 18, thereby driving the filter base 18 to rotate, and driving the filter base 18 to rotate from the circumference of the base 2 toward the central axis of the base 2, so that the central axis of the filter 24 coincides with the optical axis, that is, the filter 24 is moved into the first light passage.

[0028] In this embodiment, the protrusion and the filter base 18 can be connected in various ways. Specifically, the protrusion can utilize surface friction to contact and connect with the outer surface of the filter base 18, thereby driving the filter base 18 to rotate. Preferably, the filter base 18 is provided with a roller 19 in the rotation path of the protrusion. The roller 19 is fixed relative to the filter base 18. When the protrusion and the roller 19 are in contact and connected, the protrusion and the roller 19 form a cam 10, thereby driving the roller 19 and the filter base 18 to rotate. In other optional embodiments, the outer surface of the protrusion can be provided with meshing gear teeth, and the filter base 18 can be provided with a gear corresponding to the meshing gear teeth. When the protrusion and the gear engage, the protrusion and the filter base 18 are connected in a transmission manner.

[0029] In some preferred embodiments, the filter base 18 is provided with a mounting hole, and the filter 24 is embedded in the mounting hole. In order to improve the connection stability of the filter 24 on the filter base 18, the filter 24 can be connected to the filter base 18. Figure 3 The structure shown is as follows: a stepped structure is provided at one edge of the mounting hole to realize one-way limiting of the filter 24 on the filter base 18, and a plurality of elastic pressing pieces 17 are provided at the other edge of the mounting hole away from the stepped structure. The elastic pressing pieces 17 can be screwed into the mounting hole and abut against the other side of the filter 24 to realize limiting of the filter 24; further, a plurality of radially extending fastening screws can be provided on the inner side wall of the mounting hole, and the ends of the fastening screws abut against the filter 24, thereby preventing the filter 24 from deflecting in the mounting hole and improving the connection stability of the filter 24 on the filter base 18.

[0030] The optical filters 24 of this embodiment are evenly distributed along the circumference of the optical axis and have a compact structure. When not in use, the optical filters 24 can be directly rotated out of the propagation path of the optical axis and stored in the space around the optical path, thereby reducing the occupied volume of the entire switching device. In addition, this technical solution adopts a cam 10 transmission mechanism to realize the function of sequentially switching in and out of more than one optical filter 24 by using one drive unit 8, which is simple and convenient. The optical filters 24 are arranged on the filter base 18, which facilitates the maintenance of a single filter 24.

[0031] In some embodiments, a reset component is further included. The reset component is disposed on the base 2 and is also connected to the filter group 1. The reset component is used to drive the filter base 18 to rotate in the circumferential direction of the base 2 when the protrusion is separated from the filter base 18, so as to restore the filter base 18 to the standby position.

[0032] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the filter base 18 has a first connecting shaft 23, and the base 2 has a bracket 13 extending from the edge of the base 2 to the central axis of the base 2. The first connecting shaft 23 passes through and protrudes from the bracket 13, and the first connecting shaft 23 can move relative to the bracket 13; the reset component includes a torsion spring 15 and a lever 16, the torsion spring 15 is sleeved on one end of the first connecting shaft 23 protruding from the bracket 13, and one end of the torsion spring 15 is fixed to the bracket 13; the lever 16 is provided at the end of the first connecting shaft 23 protruding from the bracket 13, and the other end of the torsion spring 15 is embedded in the lever 16, the lever 16 and the first connecting shaft 23 are relatively fixed, and the filter base 18 can drive the lever 16 to rotate.

[0033] In this embodiment, the filter base 18 is movably connected to the bracket 13 via a first connecting shaft 23. Specifically, the first connecting shaft 23 can be movably connected to the bracket 13 via a small bearing 21. A shaft end nut 22 can be sleeved on the first connecting shaft 23 at its connection with the bracket 13, and a torsion spring 15 can be sleeved on the outer surface of the shaft end nut 22. The bracket 13 can also be provided with a torsion spring 15 fixing block 14. One end of the torsion spring 15 is fixedly connected to the bracket 13 via the torsion spring 15 fixing block 14. The lever 16 can be threadedly connected to the first connecting shaft 23, and the other end of the torsion spring 15 is embedded in the lever 16. By adjusting the angular relationship between the lever 16 and the first connecting shaft 23, the tilt angle of the two ends of the torsion spring 15 can be adjusted to ensure that the torsion spring 15 forms an initial preload.

[0034] When the filter base 18 rotates driven by the cam 10, the lever 16 rotates along with the filter base 18, and the other end of the torsion spring 15 in the lever 16 rotates synchronously, storing elastic potential energy in the torsion spring 15. When the cam 10 is no longer in transmission connection with the filter base 18, the elastic potential energy of the torsion spring 15 is released, thereby driving the lever 16 and the filter base 18 to return to the standby position.

[0035] It should be noted that the relationship between the torsion spring 15, filter base 18, cam 10, and roller 19 is as follows: the force of the torsion spring 15 causes the filter base 18 to rotate counterclockwise about its axis, thereby keeping the roller 19 in contact with the cam 10. Consequently, the cam 10 limits the counterclockwise rotation range of the filter base 18. At this point, when the cam 10 rotates, the filter base 18 does not rotate because the portion in contact with the roller 19 is a circle coaxial with the cam 10's rotation center. Only when the cam 10's protruding portion contacts the roller 19 does the filter base 18 begin to rotate clockwise about its axis, inserting the filter 24 into the optical path.

[0036] See also Figure 4 In some embodiments, the cam 10 is disposed on the central axis of the base 2, and a second light-transmitting hole is provided at the central axis of the cam 10 for the light beam to pass through. In this embodiment, the cam 10 being disposed on the central axis of the base 2 can be understood as follows: the central axis of the cam 10 coincides with the central axis of the base 2, and the second light-transmitting hole is provided at the central axis of the cam 10. The light beam can pass through the first light-transmitting hole and the second light-transmitting hole, thereby maintaining the observation function of the optical device.

[0037] Preferably, a large bearing 7 can be added between the cam 10 and the base 2, and a bearing seat 6 is provided at the first light hole of the base 2. The large bearing 7 is sleeved on the outside of the bearing seat 6, and the cam 10 is sleeved on the outside of the large bearing 7, thereby realizing the rotation of the cam 10 relative to the base 2.

[0038] See also Figure 4 In some embodiments, the cam 10 has a rotating portion 12 , and the transmission assembly further includes a first transmission member 9 , which is connected to the output end of the driving unit 8 and is further connected to the rotating portion 12 .

[0039] In this embodiment, the rotating portion 12 and the convex portion of the cam 10 can be a whole or can be composed of multiple parts. Alternatively, taking the rotating portion 12 as a gear as an example, the gear and the convex portion can be two independent parts connected to form a whole by fasteners such as screws; the gear and the convex portion can also be integrally formed. Regardless of the method, there is an axial height difference between the convex portion and the gear, specifically as follows Figure 4 As shown, the convex portion does not affect the transmission connection between the first transmission member 9 and the rotating portion 12 , and the rotating portion 12 does not affect the connection between the convex portion and the filter base 18 .

[0040] In some optional embodiments, the drive unit 8 is a motor, the output end of the drive unit 8 is the output shaft of the motor, the first transmission member 9 is sleeved on the outside of the output shaft of the motor, the first transmission member 9 can be a gear, and the first transmission member 9 is connected to the rotating part 12 in transmission.

[0041] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the rotating portion 12 is engaged with the first transmission member 9 for transmission; and / or the protruding portion is engaged with the filter base 18 for transmission.

[0042] See also Figure 5 In some embodiments, the transmission assembly further includes a second transmission member 3 and a potentiometer 5, the second transmission member 3 is connected to the cam 10 and / or the first transmission member 9; the potentiometer 5 has a potentiometer shaft 4, the potentiometer shaft 4 is connected to the second transmission member 3, and the potentiometer shaft 4 can rotate under the drive of the second transmission member 3, and the potentiometer 5 is used to obtain the rotation angle of the protrusion according to the rotation angle of the potential shaft 4.

[0043] In this embodiment, the structure of the second transmission member 3 can be the same as that of the first transmission member 9. For example, both the second transmission member 3 and the first transmission member 9 can be gears. It should be noted that the second transmission member 3 can be in transmission connection with the cam 10 to obtain the rotation angle of the cam 10. The second transmission member 3 can also be in transmission connection with the first transmission member 9 to calculate the rotation angle of the cam 10 by converting the rotation amount of the first transmission member 9. Specifically, the potentiometer 5 shown in this embodiment can be a commercially available potentiometer 5.

[0044] In this embodiment, the arrangement positions of the potentiometer 5, the driving unit 8 and the base 2 can be as follows: Figure 5 As shown, this method can fully utilize the axial space of the base 2 and will not block the rotation path of the filter 24, making the structure of the entire filter switching device more compact.

[0045] See also Figure 4 In some embodiments, a photoelectric switch 11 is installed at the rotation limit position of the cam 10. The photoelectric switch 11 is used to limit the rotation range of the cam 10. Specifically, when the photoelectric switch 11 detects the cam 10, it indicates that the cam 10 has rotated to the limit position and the drive unit 8 needs to stop driving the cam 10 to continue rotating in the current rotation direction.

[0046] See also Figure 3 In some embodiments, the filter assembly 1 further includes a counterweight 20 disposed on the filter base 18. The mass of the counterweight 20 corresponds to the mass of the filter 24. Specifically, the counterweight 20 is disposed on the side of the filter base 18 away from the filter 24, so that the center of gravity of the filter base 18 is always located at the movable connection between the filter base 18 and the base 2 during rotation, thereby ensuring that the filtering surface of the filter 24 remains perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0047] In the above technical solution, the filter switching device includes a base 2, a filter group 1, a drive unit 8, and a transmission assembly. The central axis of the base 2 coincides with the optical axis of the optical device. The filter group 1 is arranged in the circumferential direction of the base 2. The filter group 1 includes a filter base 18 and a filter 24. The filter base 18 is rotatable relative to the base 2, and the filter 24 is arranged on the filter base 18. The transmission assembly includes a cam 10, which has a convex portion. The drive unit 8 is used to drive the cam 10 to rotate so that the convex portion connects with the filter base 18, driving the filter base 18 to rotate from the circumference of the base 2 toward the central axis of the base 2, so that the central axis of the filter 24 coincides with the optical axis. The optical filters 24 shown in this technical solution are evenly distributed along the circumference of the optical axis and have a compact structure. When not in use, the optical filters 24 can be directly rotated out of the propagation path of the optical axis and stored in the space around the optical path, thereby reducing the occupied volume of the entire switching device. In addition, this technical solution adopts a cam 10 transmission mechanism to realize the function of sequentially switching in and out of more than one optical filter 24 by using one drive unit 8, which is simple and convenient. The optical filters 24 are arranged on the filter base 18, which facilitates the maintenance of a single filter 24.

[0048] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] The above specific embodiments of the present invention do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A filter switching device for optical equipment, characterized in that: The optical device has an optical axis, and the filter switching device includes: A base, wherein the central axis of the base coincides with the optical axis, and a first light hole for the light beam to pass through is provided at the central axis of the base; At least one filter group is arranged on the circumference of the base, the filter group includes a filter base and a filter, the filter base is rotatable relative to the base, and the filter is arranged on the filter base; Drive unit; A transmission assembly includes a cam having a convex portion; The filter base can be placed in a standby position and a working position. When the filter base is placed in the standby position, the central axis of the filter does not coincide with the optical axis. When the filter base is placed in the working position, the driving unit is used to drive the cam to rotate so that the protrusion is connected to the filter base, driving the filter base to rotate from the circumference of the base toward the central axis of the base, so that the central axis of the filter coincides with the optical axis. The filter switching device further includes: a reset assembly, disposed on the base and further connected to the filter assembly, for driving the filter base to rotate in the circumferential direction of the base when the protrusion is separated from the filter base, so as to restore the filter base to the standby position; The filter base has a first connecting shaft, the base has a bracket extending from the edge of the base to the central axis of the base, the first connecting shaft passes through and protrudes from the bracket, and the first connecting shaft is movable relative to the bracket; the reset component includes: a torsion spring, sleeved on one end of the first connecting axle protruding from the bracket, one end of the torsion spring being fixedly mounted on the bracket; a lever, disposed at the end of the first connecting shaft protruding from the bracket, the other end of the torsion spring being embedded in the lever, the lever being fixed relative to the first connecting shaft, and the filter base being capable of driving the lever to rotate; The cam is arranged at the central axis of the base, and a second light hole for the light beam to pass through is provided at the central axis of the cam; The cam has a rotating portion, and the transmission assembly further includes: A first transmission member is connected to the output end of the driving unit and is also connected to the rotating part.

2. The filter switching device for optical equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating part is meshed with the first transmission member for transmission; And / or, the protrusion is engaged with the filter base for transmission.

3. The filter switching device for optical equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission assembly further comprises: a second transmission member connected to the cam and / or the first transmission member; The potentiometer has a potential shaft connected to the second transmission member. The potential shaft can rotate under the drive of the second transmission member. The potentiometer is used to obtain the rotation angle of the protrusion according to the rotation angle of the potential shaft.

4. The filter switching device for optical equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter group further includes: A counterweight block is arranged on the filter base, and the mass of the counterweight block corresponds to the mass of the filter.

Images