A compact polarization filter switching device

Abstract

This application provides a compact polarization filter switching device, belonging to the field of optical and optomechanical technology. Specifically, it includes: a base; a switching frame rotatably mounted on the base, on which a polarizer and a filter are mounted. The axes of the polarizer, the filter, and the rotation axis of the switching frame are parallel and spaced apart, and the polarizer and filter are also spaced apart; a first driving mechanism mounted on the base, used to drive the switching frame to rotate relative to the base, so that the polarizer or filter is located in the optical path of the optical system; wherein, the polarizer is mounted on the switching frame via a rotating ring, and the rotating ring is rotatably mounted on the switching frame via a bearing; the switching frame is provided with a second driving mechanism for driving the rotating ring to rotate, used to adjust the angle of the polarizer. Through the processing scheme of this application, rapid switching of polarization filtering function is achieved, while simultaneously adjusting the angle of the polarizer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optics and optomechanics, and in particular to a compact polarization filter switching device. Background Technology

[0002] Infrared detection technology is widely used due to its advantages such as passive detection, day and night operation, and insensitivity to target color. However, in certain complex environments, such as fog or haze, the infrared radiation signal of the target will be severely interfered with, making effective detection impossible.

[0003] Compared to traditional infrared imaging, infrared polarization imaging can detect the polarization characteristics of a target in the infrared band, offering advantages such as strong penetration and anti-interference capabilities, leading to a growing demand for its applications. In infrared polarization imaging, polarizers with different polarization directions are often placed in the infrared optical path to acquire and process infrared detection information from different polarization directions. In addition to polarization imaging, filters of the corresponding wavelength are often placed in front of the imaging device to ensure image quality under varying ambient light conditions and wavelengths.

[0004] To detect different target objects and cope with varying operating environments, time-division multiplexing of polarizers and filters within the same optical system is an effective solution. Currently, infrared polarization filter switching mechanisms often employ two separate motion mechanisms to independently control the entry and exit of polarizers and filters, resulting in complex motion mechanisms and large structural dimensions. Furthermore, the use of multiple polarizers with different polarization directions for time-division multiplexing to acquire infrared detection information in different polarization directions leads to slow polarizer direction switching speeds and redundant optical components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, this application provides a compact polarization filter switching device that solves the problems in the prior art. It installs the polarizer rotation mechanism and the filter in the same switching frame to achieve rapid switching of polarization filtering function, while also adjusting the polarizer angle.

[0006] The compact polarization filter switching device provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A compact polarization filter switching device, comprising:

[0008] The base is used to mount the lens assembly of the optical system;

[0009] A switching frame is rotatably mounted on the base. A polarizer and a filter are mounted on the switching frame. The axes of the polarizer, the axis of the filter, and the rotation axis of the switching frame are parallel to each other and spaced apart. The polarizer and the filter are also spaced apart.

[0010] A first driving mechanism, mounted on the base, is used to drive the switching frame to rotate relative to the base so that the polarizer or filter is located in the optical path of the optical system;

[0011] The polarizer is mounted on the switching frame via a rotating ring, which is rotatably mounted on the switching frame via a bearing. The switching frame is provided with a second driving mechanism that drives the rotating ring to rotate, for adjusting the angle of the polarizer.

[0012] Optionally, the rotating ring is a gear ring, and the second driving mechanism includes a first motor, a first gear and a transition gear. The first motor is mounted on the switching frame, the first gear is mounted on the output shaft of the first motor, and the transition gear is rotatably mounted on the switching frame. The first gear and the transition gear mesh, and the transition gear meshes with the gear ring.

[0013] Optionally, the gear ring is rotatably connected to the switching frame via a bearing. The gear ring is fixed to the inner ring of the bearing via an inner pressure ring, and the outer ring of the bearing is fixed to the switching frame via an outer pressure ring. A first ring platform and a second ring platform are provided on the inner wall of the gear ring, and the first ring platform and the second ring platform are spaced apart. The polarizer is located between the first ring platform and the second ring platform. One side of the polarizer abuts against the end face of the first ring platform facing the second ring platform. A fixing pressure ring is provided on the side of the polarizer away from the first ring platform. One end of the fixing pressure ring abuts against the outer edge of the polarizer, and the other end of the fixing pressure ring abuts against the end face of the second ring platform facing the first ring platform.

[0014] Optionally, the line connecting the axis of the polarizer and the rotation axis of the switching frame is a first line, and the line connecting the axis of the filter and the rotation axis of the switching frame is a second line, wherein the angle between the first line and the second line is less than 120°.

[0015] Optionally, the base is provided with a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure, and the switching frame is provided with a third limiting structure and a fourth limiting structure. When the filter rotates from outside the optical path of the optical system to inside the optical path of the optical system, the first limiting structure and the third limiting structure abut against each other, restricting the switching frame from continuing to rotate.

[0016] When the polarizer rotates from outside the optical path of the optical system into the optical path of the optical system, the second limiting structure and the fourth limiting structure come into contact, restricting the switching frame from continuing to rotate.

[0017] Optionally, the base is provided with a first magnet near the first limiting structure and a second magnet near the second limiting structure. The first magnet is used to generate an adsorption force on the third limiting structure when the first limiting structure and the third limiting structure come into contact, and the second magnet is used to generate an adsorption force on the fourth limiting structure when the second limiting structure and the fourth limiting structure come into contact.

[0018] Optionally, the first drive mechanism includes a second motor and a sector gear, the sector gear and the switching frame are fixedly connected, the sector gear and the switching frame are coaxial, and a second gear is provided on the output shaft of the second motor, the second gear meshing with the sector gear.

[0019] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects:

[0020] This application integrates a polarizer rotation mechanism and a filter within the same switching frame, enabling rapid switching of polarization filtering functions. A second drive mechanism rotates the polarizer, allowing for stepless change and omnidirectional rotation of the polarization direction through a single polarizer. Mechanical limiting combined with magnetic locking ensures position retention and precise positioning. The polarizer rotation mechanism and polarization filter switching mechanism can operate simultaneously, shortening switching time. This mechanism features a compact structure, rapid switching, high positioning accuracy, and self-locking capabilities. Furthermore, based on the existing configuration, additional optical elements can be added for greater functional expansion. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the compact polarization filter switching device of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filter in the optical system of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gear ring and switching frame of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second drive mechanism in this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the polarizer and the toothed ring in this application;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the polarizer in the optical system of this application.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Base; 2. Switching frame; 3. Polarizer; 4. Filter; 5. First drive mechanism; 51. Second motor; 52. Sector gear; 53. Second gear; 6. Gear ring; 61. Bearing; 62. Inner pressure ring; 63. Outer pressure ring; 64. First ring platform; 65. Second ring platform; 66. Fixed pressure ring; 7. Second drive mechanism; 71. First motor; 72. First gear; 73. Transition gear; 8. First limiting structure; 81. Third limiting structure; 82. First magnet; 83. First lever; 84. First micro switch; 9. Second limiting structure; 91. Fourth limiting structure; 92. Second magnet; 93. Second lever; 94. Second micro switch. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] It should be noted that various aspects of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims are described below. It will be apparent that the aspects described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and any particular structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative. Based on this application, those skilled in the art will understand that one aspect described herein can be implemented independently of any other aspect, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein can be used to implement the device and / or practice the method. Additionally, this device and / or method can be implemented using structures and / or functionalities other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.

[0032] It should also be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. The illustrations only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the number, shape and size of the components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0033] Furthermore, specific details are provided in the following description to facilitate a thorough understanding of the examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the described aspects can be practiced without these specific details.

[0034] This application provides a compact polarization filter switching device.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a compact polarization filter switching device includes:

[0036] Base 1, used to mount the lens assembly of the optical system.

[0037] A switching frame 2 is rotatably mounted on the base 1. A polarizer 3 and a filter 4 are mounted on the switching frame 2. The axes of the polarizer 3, the axis of the filter 4, and the rotation axis of the switching frame 2 are parallel to each other and spaced apart. The polarizer 3 and the filter 4 are also spaced apart.

[0038] The first driving mechanism 5 is mounted on the base 1 and is used to drive the switching frame 2 to rotate relative to the base 1 so that the polarizer 3 or the filter 4 is located in the optical path of the optical system.

[0039] The polarizer 3 is mounted on the switching frame 2 via a rotating ring. The rotating ring is rotatably mounted on the switching frame 2 via a bearing 61. The switching frame 2 is provided with a second driving mechanism 7 that drives the rotating ring to rotate, for adjusting the angle of the polarizer 3.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first drive mechanism 5 includes a second motor 51 and a sector gear 52. The sector gear 52 is fixedly connected to the switching frame 2. The rotating shafts of the sector gear 52 and the switching frame 2 are coaxial. A second gear 53 is provided on the output shaft of the second motor 51. The second gear 53 meshes with the sector gear 52.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the rotating ring is a gear ring 6, and the second driving mechanism 7 includes a first motor 71, a first gear 72 and a transition gear 73. The first motor 71 is mounted on the switching frame 2, the first gear 72 is mounted on the output shaft of the first motor 71, and the transition gear 73 is rotatably mounted on the switching frame 2. The first gear 72 and the transition gear 73 mesh, and the transition gear 73 meshes with the gear ring 6.

[0042] like Figure 5As shown, the gear ring 6 is rotatably connected to the switching frame 2 via a bearing 61. The gear ring 6 is fixed to the inner ring of the bearing 61 via an inner pressure ring 62, and the outer ring of the bearing 61 is fixed to the switching frame 2 via an outer pressure ring 63. A first annular platform 64 and a second annular platform 65 are provided on the inner wall of the gear ring 6, spaced apart. The polarizer 3 is located between the first annular platform 64 and the second annular platform 65. One side of the polarizer 3 abuts against the end face of the first annular platform 64 facing the second annular platform 65. A fixing pressure ring 66 is provided on the side of the polarizer 3 away from the first annular platform 64. One end of the fixing pressure ring 66 abuts against the outer edge of the polarizer 3, and the other end of the fixing pressure ring 66 abuts against the end face of the second annular platform 65 facing the first annular platform 64. The bearing 61 is a rolling bearing 61.

[0043] The line connecting the axis of the polarizer 3 and the rotation axis of the switching frame 2 is the first line, and the line connecting the axis of the filter 4 and the rotation axis of the switching frame 2 is the second line. The angle between the first line and the second line is less than 120°; in this embodiment, the angle between the first line and the second line is 60°.

[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the base 1 is provided with a first limiting structure 8 and a second limiting structure 9, and the switching frame 2 is provided with a third limiting structure 81 and a fourth limiting structure 91.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the filter 4 rotates from outside the optical path of the optical system to inside the optical path of the optical system, the first limiting structure 8 and the third limiting structure 81 abut against each other, restricting the switching frame 2 from continuing to rotate; thus ensuring the positioning accuracy of the filter 4.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, when the polarizer 3 rotates from outside the optical path of the optical system to inside the optical path of the optical system, the second limiting structure 9 and the fourth limiting structure 91 abut against each other, restricting the switching frame 2 from continuing to rotate, thus ensuring the positioning accuracy of the polarizer 3.

[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the base 1 is provided with a first magnet 82 located near the first limiting structure 8 and a second magnet 92 located near the second limiting structure 9.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the first magnet 82 is used to generate an adsorption force on the third limiting structure 81 when the first limiting structure 8 and the third limiting structure 81 come into contact, and there is a gap between the first magnet 82 and the third limiting structure 81.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the second magnet 92 is used to generate an attractive force on the fourth limiting structure 91 when the second limiting structure 9 and the fourth limiting structure 91 come into contact, and there is a gap between the second magnet 92 and the fourth limiting structure 91; wherein the third limiting structure 81 and the fourth limiting structure 91 are made of steel. The attractive force of the magnet on the upper limiting structure of the switching frame 2 stabilizes the position of the switching frame 2 after it stops, while the gap between the magnet and the limiting structure prevents the limiting structure on the switching frame 2 from colliding with the magnet and causing damage to the magnet.

[0050] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the switching frame 2 is provided with a first lever 83 and a second lever 93, and the base 1 is provided with a first micro switch 84 and a second micro switch 94.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the filter 4 is located in the optical path of the optical system. When the first limiting structure 8 and the third limiting structure 81 abut, the first lever 83 presses the first micro switch 84 to realize the electrical signal feedback after it is in position, and the first driving mechanism 5 stops driving the switching frame 2 to rotate.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, when the polarizer 3 is located in the optical path of the optical system, the second limiting structure 9 and the fourth limiting structure 91 abut against each other, the second lever 93 presses the second micro switch 94 to realize the electrical signal feedback after it is in position, and the first driving mechanism 5 stops driving the switching frame 2 to rotate.

[0053] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A compact polarization filter switching device, characterized in that, include: Base (1), used to mount the lens assembly of the optical system; A switching frame (2) is rotatably mounted on the base (1). A polarizer (3) and a filter (4) are mounted on the switching frame (2). The axis of the polarizer (3), the axis of the filter (4) and the axis of rotation of the switching frame (2) are parallel to each other and spaced apart. The polarizer (3) and the filter (4) are spaced apart. The first driving mechanism (5) is mounted on the base (1) and is used to drive the switching frame (2) to rotate relative to the base (1) so that the polarizer (3) or filter (4) is located in the optical path of the optical system. The polarizer (3) is mounted on the switching frame (2) via a rotating ring. The rotating ring is mounted on the switching frame (2) via a bearing (61). The switching frame (2) is provided with a second driving mechanism (7) for driving the rotating ring to rotate, which is used to adjust the angle of the polarizer (3). The rotating ring is a gear ring (6), and the second driving mechanism (7) includes a first motor (71), a first gear (72) and a transition gear (73). The first motor (71) is mounted on the switching frame (2), the first gear (72) is mounted on the output shaft of the first motor (71), and the transition gear (73) is rotatably mounted on the switching frame (2). The first gear (72) and the transition gear (73) mesh, and the transition gear (73) meshes with the gear ring (6). The gear ring (6) is rotatably connected to the switching frame (2) via the bearing (61). The gear ring (6) is fixed on the inner ring of the bearing (61) via the inner pressure ring (62). The outer ring of the bearing (61) is fixed on the switching frame (2) via the outer pressure ring (63). The inner wall of the gear ring (6) is provided with a first ring platform (64) and a second ring platform (65). The first ring platform (64) and the second ring platform (65) are spaced apart. The polarizer (3) is located between the first ring platform (64) and the second ring platform (65). One side of the polarizer (3) abuts against the end face of the first ring platform (64) facing the second ring platform (65). A fixing pressure ring (66) is provided on the side of the polarizer (3) away from the first ring platform (64). One end of the fixing pressure ring (66) abuts against the outer edge of the polarizer (3). One end of the fixing pressure ring (66) abuts against the end face of the second ring platform (65) facing the first ring platform (64). The base (1) is provided with a first limiting structure (8) and a second limiting structure (9), and the switching frame (2) is provided with a third limiting structure (81) and a fourth limiting structure (91). When the filter (4) rotates from outside the optical path of the optical system to inside the optical path of the optical system, the first limiting structure (8) and the third limiting structure (81) abut against each other, restricting the switching frame (2) from continuing to rotate. When the polarizer (3) rotates from outside the optical path of the optical system to inside the optical path of the optical system, the second limiting structure (9) and the fourth limiting structure (91) come into contact, restricting the switching frame (2) from continuing to rotate.

2. The compact polarization filter switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The line connecting the axis of the polarizer (3) and the rotation axis of the switching frame (2) is the first line, and the line connecting the axis of the filter (4) and the rotation axis of the switching frame (2) is the second line. The angle between the first line and the second line is less than 120°.

3. The compact polarization filter switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (1) is provided with a first magnet (82) near the first limiting structure (8) and a second magnet (92) near the second limiting structure (9). The first magnet (82) is used to generate an adsorption force on the third limiting structure (81) when the first limiting structure (8) and the third limiting structure (81) come into contact. The second magnet (92) is used to generate an adsorption force on the fourth limiting structure (91) when the second limiting structure (9) and the fourth limiting structure (91) come into contact.

4. The compact polarization filter switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive mechanism (5) includes a second motor (51) and a sector gear (52). The sector gear (52) and the switching frame (2) are fixedly connected. The rotating shafts of the sector gear (52) and the switching frame (2) are coaxial. A second gear (53) is provided on the output shaft of the second motor (51). The second gear (53) meshes with the sector gear (52).

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