Beam control device, variable beam characteristic device, and fiber laser

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of light spot energy distribution control, and discloses a light beam control device, variable light beam characteristic equipment and an optical fiber laser. The light beam control device comprises a supporting piece and an adjusting piece. Wherein the at least two supporting pieces are arranged at intervals in a sliding manner and are used for supporting a transmission optical fiber; the adjusting piece comprises a forming surface which is used for pushing at least part of the transmission optical fiber to be attached to the forming surface; the distance between the two supporting pieces can change in response to the process that the transmission optical fiber is attached to the forming surface. According to the invention, the energy distribution control of the output light spot of the transmission optical fiber can be conveniently realized according to the change of the processing condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of spot energy distribution control, and particularly to a beam control device, a variable beam characteristic device, and a fiber laser. Background Art

[0002] An ultra-high power fiber laser is a fiber laser with an output power of several kilowatts (kW) or even hundreds of kilowatts (kW) or more. Such lasers have a wide range of applications in the field of material processing due to their high power, high beam quality, high efficiency, and high reliability.

[0003] The output spot of existing ultra-high power fiber lasers is usually a Gaussian distribution spot or a spot with a similar flat-top distribution formed by uniform energy control. Such spots can meet the basic requirements of normal material processing. However, in the heavy industry field, such as in the application scenarios of cutting and welding thick plate materials, the lasers outputting the above spots are prone to problems such as uneven end faces, slag hanging at the bottom, and excessive cross-section taper in the application of thick plate cutting due to overly concentrated energy distribution and short Rayleigh length; in the application of thick plate welding, there are also problems such as slag spatter, poor weld appearance, and insufficient penetration depth. Based on the above problems, a multi-clad transmission fiber can be used to achieve various spot output forms to adapt to the above application scenarios of thick plate cutting and thick plate welding in the heavy industry field. However, in actual applications, according to various usage scenarios of the laser, it is still necessary to further control and adjust the energy distribution of the output spot of the multi-clad transmission fiber.

[0004] Currently, there is an urgent need for a beam control device to conveniently control the energy distribution of the output spot of the transmission fiber. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a beam control device, a variable beam characteristic device, and a fiber laser, which can conveniently control the energy distribution of the output spot of the transmission fiber.

[0006] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] The beam control device includes:

[0008] A support member, at least two of the support members are slidably arranged at intervals and are used to support the transmission fiber;

[0009] An adjusting member, including a forming surface, the forming surface is used to push at least part of the transmission fiber to fit the forming surface; the distance between the two support members can change in response to the process of the transmission fiber fitting the forming surface.

[0010] As an alternative to the beam control device, the adjusting member includes a plurality of forming surfaces with different degrees of curvature.

[0011] As an alternative to the beam control device, the beam control device includes a transmission shaft connected to the adjusting member. The plurality of forming surfaces are sequentially distributed along the circumferential direction of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft is used to drive the adjusting member to rotate so as to switch the corresponding forming surface to push the transmission optical fiber.

[0012] As an alternative to the beam control device, the beam control device further includes a support arm. One end of the support arm is connected to the support member, and the other end is slidably disposed on the outer circumference of the adjusting member. The adjusting member is used to squeeze the support arm to adjust the distance between the two support members.

[0013] As an alternative to the beam control device, a limiting chute is provided at the circumferential edge of the adjusting member, and one end of the support arm is slidably disposed in the limiting chute.

[0014] As an alternative to the beam control device, the beam control device further includes a guiding member, and the support member is slidably connected to the guiding member.

[0015] As an alternative to the beam control device, a limiting groove is provided on the support member. The support member has a wheel-shaped structure, and the limiting groove is provided along the circumferential edge of the support member.

[0016] As an alternative to the beam control device, the beam control device further includes a synchronization mechanism. The two synchronization mechanisms are spaced apart. At least a part of the transmission optical fiber is disposed on the two synchronization mechanisms. When the adjusting member switches the forming surface, the two synchronization mechanisms can selectively convey a part of the transmission optical fiber between the two support members or recover a part of the transmission optical fiber.

[0017] A variable beam characteristic device, including the beam control device according to any one of the above solutions; and,

[0018] A transmission optical fiber for receiving an input beam.

[0019] An optical fiber laser, including the variable beam characteristic device according to the above solution.

[0020] Beneficial effects:

[0021] In the first aspect of the present invention, after the transmission optical fiber is extruded through the forming surface, the transmission optical fiber bends at a specific position, and the bending radius adapts to the radius size of the forming surface. The support members on both sides of the bent portion of the transmission optical fiber can ensure that the bent portion of the transmission optical fiber can fit the forming surface, and at the same time, it can also prevent the transmission optical fiber from being bent at a large angle near the conveying position, resulting in the fracture of the transmission optical fiber. This beam control device realizes the change of the bending state of the transmission optical fiber at a preset position, and further changes the curvature of the transmission optical fiber at the core, so that the laser transmitted in the core can refract to other outer claddings at the bent portion, thereby changing the intensity distribution of the transmission light spot, and further realizing the control of the energy distribution of the light spot. At the same time, the transmission optical fiber bends at a preset position, and at different bending radii, there is a specific curvature corresponding at the core. Adaptively, when the laser transmitted in the core is at different bending radii, the refraction to other outer layers is naturally different. Therefore, when the transmission optical fiber is in a specific bending state, there will be a corresponding definite annular light spot intensity distribution. Through this beam control device, the rapid adjustment of the light spot energy distribution state can be realized, and a stable annular light spot required for material processing can be obtained, ensuring the concentration of the light spot energy, so that this beam control device can adapt to various usage scenarios of thick plate cutting and welding processing in the heavy industry field. In addition, through this beam control device, the rapid and convenient switching of different light spot energy distribution states can be further realized, including the switching between the straight transmission state and the bent transmission state of the transmission optical fiber, as well as various switching forms such as the switching between different bent transmission states.

[0022] In the second aspect of the present invention, the variable beam characteristic device based on this beam control device can flexibly adjust the energy distribution state of the light spot of the transmission optical fiber to meet the requirements of different application scenarios.

[0023] In the third aspect of the present invention, the fiber laser based on this beam control device can not only adapt to thick plate cutting and welding processing in the heavy industry field, but also further control and adjust the output light spot energy distribution of the transmission optical fiber according to various usage scenarios during actual operation, improving the adaptability of the entire fiber laser. Description of the Drawings

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the beam control device when the transmission optical fiber is in a straight transmission state provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the beam control device when the transmission optical fiber is in a bent transmission state provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] In the figure:

[0027] 100. Transmission optical fiber;

[0028] 1. Support member; 11. Limit groove; 2. Adjusting member; 21. Forming surface; 22. Limit sliding groove; 3. Transmission shaft; 4. Support arm; 5. Guide member; 6. Synchronization mechanism. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It can be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention, rather than limiting the present invention. In addition, it should be noted that for the sake of description, only parts related to the present invention are shown in the drawings, rather than all structures.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connected", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral body; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations.

[0031] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through other features between them. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above", and "on" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below", and "under" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the orientation or positional relationships such as "above", "below", "right", etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of description and simplifying the operation, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be understood as a limitation to the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and do not have special meanings.

[0033] Please refer to the attached Figure 1 and the attached Figure 2, the first aspect of this embodiment relates to a beam control device, which is used to control the spot energy distribution of the transmission fiber 100, especially for the multi-clad transmission fiber 100. The multi-clad transmission fiber 100 has a core located at the central position and a plurality of annular transmission claddings that are sequentially arranged around the core and can transmit laser. In some laser usage scenarios, when further control of the energy distribution of the output spot is required, part of the laser can be transferred from the inside to the outside in the core and multiple transmission claddings, and this beam control device is implemented based on the above control principle.

[0034] By changing the bending state of the transmission fiber 100 at a certain preset position, applying a certain bending stress to the transmission fiber 100, and then changing the curvature of the transmission fiber 100 at the core, the laser transmitted in the core can be refracted to other outer claddings at the bent part, thereby changing the intensity distribution of the transmission spot and realizing the control of the spot energy distribution.

[0035] Furthermore, when the transmission fiber 100 is bent at a certain preset position, and at different bending radii, there is a specific curvature corresponding to the core. Adaptively, the situation of the laser transmitted in the core refracting to the outside at different bending radii is naturally different. Therefore, when the transmission fiber 100 is in a specific bending state, there will be a corresponding definite annular spot intensity distribution. So, through the preliminary experimental design, it is convenient to control and switch different bending radii to obtain a stable annular spot required for material processing, and then make this beam control device adaptable to various usage scenarios such as thick plate cutting and welding in the heavy industry field.

[0036] Specifically, the beam control device includes a support member 1 and an adjusting member 2. Among them, at least two support members 1 are slidably arranged at intervals for supporting the transmission fiber 100; the adjusting member 2 includes a forming surface 21, and the forming surface 21 is used to push at least part of the transmission fiber 100 to fit the forming surface 21; the distance between the two support members 1 can change in response to the process of the transmission fiber 100 fitting the forming surface 21.

[0037] In this embodiment, the transmission fiber 100 can be arranged along the horizontal direction, and the two support members 1 are respectively arranged opposite to and at intervals along the horizontal direction. The support member 1 is provided with a limiting groove 11, and the limiting groove 11 is a U-shaped groove. The limiting groove 11 can conveniently place and limit the transmission fiber 100. The transmission fiber 100 is placed in the two limiting grooves 11 along the horizontal direction, and the two support members 1 form two stable fulcrums for the transmission fiber 100.

[0038] The adjusting member 2 can be a plate-shaped member or a block-shaped member. One or at least two forming surfaces 21 are formed on the adjusting member 2. In the case of multiple forming surfaces 21 and the forming surfaces 21 being arc surfaces, the arc radii of different forming surfaces 21 are different. Among them, the multiple forming surfaces 21 can have various arrangement manners on the adjusting member 2, including but not limited to circumferential arrangement or linear arrangement. For the specific arrangement manner, it can be comprehensively set according to the specific forming difficulty of the adjusting member 2, the convenience of switching the forming surface 21 of the adjusting member 2, and the space occupied by the adjusting member 2, etc.

[0039] In this embodiment, the adjusting member 2 is mainly taken as an example of a plate-shaped member and the forming surface 21 is distributed circumferentially for detailed description.

[0040] Exemplarily, an arc surface is provided on the forming surface 21, and the bending radius value of the arc surface can be comprehensively set according to the corresponding relationship between the processing working conditions and the intensity distribution of the annular light spot. In this embodiment, the radius range of the forming surface 21 is 5 - 12 cm. The adjusting member 2 is provided with four forming surfaces 21 with different radius values along the circumferential direction, and the specific radius values can be respectively selected as R 1 = 5 cm, R 2 = 7 cm, R 3 = 10 cm and R 4 = 12 cm. Through the forming surface 21, the bending of a certain specific position of the transmission optical fiber 100 can be realized, and the bending radius adapts to the radius size of the forming surface 21. The two support members 1 can ensure that after the forming surface 21 presses the transmission optical fiber 100, both sides of the bent part of the transmission optical fiber 100 have stable support points. At the same time, the two support members 1 can adjust the relative distance to adapt to the bent part of the transmission optical fiber 100 to accurately fit the arc surface of the forming surface 21, further avoiding large-angle bending and breakage of the transmission optical fiber 100 near the conveying position.

[0041] Through this beam control device, the rapid adjustment of the light spot energy distribution state can be realized, a stable annular light spot required for material processing can be obtained, and the concentration of the light spot energy can be ensured, so that this beam control device can adapt to various usage scenarios of thick plate cutting and welding processing in the heavy industry field. In addition, through this beam control device, the rapid and convenient switching of different light spot energy distribution states can be further realized, including various switching forms such as the switching between the linear transmission state and the bent transmission state of the transmission optical fiber 100 and the switching between different bent transmission states.

[0042] Optionally, the adjusting member 2 includes multiple forming surfaces 21, and the bending degrees of the multiple forming surfaces 21 are different.

[0043] In this embodiment, the number of the molding surfaces 21 on the adjustment member 2 can be selected and adjusted according to the need for light spot energy adjustment, and this embodiment does not specifically limit it. In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that the technical effect of light spot energy adjustment can be achieved by only making the curvature of the multiple molding surfaces 21 different. Therefore, the shape of the molding surface 21 may not be limited to the arc shape in the above example, for example, it may also be an elliptical arc surface or an irregular arc surface, etc.

[0044] Optionally, the light beam control device further includes a driving component, which is connected to the adjusting member 2 , and the driving component drives the adjusting member 2 to move so as to switch the molding surface 21 for abutting the transmission optical fiber 100 .

[0045] Specifically, the driving component can be selected from electric driving sources and hydraulic driving sources according to the use requirements. It is even possible to add multiple types of transmission mechanisms based on the electric driving source and the hydraulic driving source to ensure that the electric driving source and the hydraulic driving source can achieve automatic driving while further ensuring driving stability and motion accuracy.

[0046] Furthermore, the driving assembly includes a transmission shaft 3, which is connected to the adjusting member 2, and a plurality of molding surfaces 21 are sequentially distributed along the circumference of the transmission shaft 3. The transmission shaft 3 is used to drive the adjusting member 2 to rotate so as to switch the corresponding molding surface 21 to push the transmission optical fiber 100.

[0047] In this embodiment, the driving assembly adopts an electric driving source, and the output end of the electric driving source is used to drive the transmission shaft 3 to rotate, thereby driving the adjusting member 2. The transmission connection method of the entire mechanism is simple, and the transmission accuracy and stability are higher. The transmission shaft 3 can be connected to the adjusting member 2 by a detachable connection method such as screw connection or clamping, and can also be fixedly connected to the adjusting member 2 by welding or other methods, and the transmission shaft 3 and the adjusting member 2 can even be directly integrally formed, thereby reducing assembly links and reducing assembly costs.

[0048] Optionally, the support member 1 is a wheel-shaped structure, and the limiting groove 11 is arranged along the circumferential edge of the support member 1 .

[0049] In this embodiment, the support member 1 can be a pulley, and a U-shaped limiting groove 11 is set on the outer peripheral edge of the pulley. The pulley can not only provide support and limiting for the transmission optical fiber 100, but also because the limiting groove 11 is set along the circumferential ring of the pulley, even if the pulley rotates, the transmission optical fiber 100 will not be separated from the limiting groove 11 of the pulley, ensuring the reliability of support and limiting. Since the support member 1 needs to adjust its position in the horizontal direction, the transmission optical fiber 100 will slide relative to the wall of the limiting groove 11. In order to ensure the optical performance of the transmission optical fiber 100, the wall of the limiting groove 11 should maintain a relatively good roughness.

[0050] Optionally, the beam control device further includes a support arm 4. One end of the support arm 4 is connected to the support member 1, and the other end is slidably disposed on the outer periphery of the adjusting member 2. The adjusting member 2 is used to squeeze the support arm 4 to adjust the distance between the two support members 1.

[0051] Specifically, the support arm 4 is a rod-shaped member. One end of the support arm 4 is connected to the support member 1. When the transmission shaft 3 drives the adjusting member 2 to rotate from a forming surface 21 with a small bending radius (such as R 1 = 5 cm) to a forming surface with a large bending radius (such as R 2 = 7 cm), the adjusting member 2 will squeeze one end of the support arm 4 during this process. The support arm 4 further squeezes the support member 1 to move the two support members 1 respectively and adjust them to a preset relative distance. Adaptively, the other end of the support arm 4 further slides on the outer periphery of the adjusting member 2 to a new position.

[0052] In this embodiment, by setting the support arm 4, when realizing the single driving of the adjusting member 2, the linkage of the two support members 1 can also be realized, further improving the linkage ability and automation degree of the entire beam control device.

[0053] It should be noted that the structure of the support arm 4 includes but is not limited to straight rod members, bent rod members or even combined rod members; of course, in other embodiments, when the strength conditions and space conditions permit, the support arm 4 can also be a plate-shaped member or a block-shaped member.

[0054] In this embodiment, the forming surfaces 21 on the adjusting member 2 are arranged in sequence along the circumferential direction. The arc surfaces on each forming surface 21 have specific bending degrees. By making the adjacent forming surfaces 21 transition and connect through the arc surfaces, a complete continuous annular arc surface can be formed on the outer periphery of the adjusting member 2. Therefore, during the process of switching the forming surface 21, one end of the support arm 4 can freely slide on the entire adjusting member 2, thus ensuring the continuity and smoothness of the sliding.

[0055] Optionally, a limiting sliding groove 22 is provided at the circumferential edge of the adjusting member 2, and one end of the support arm 4 is slidably disposed in the limiting sliding groove 22. In this embodiment, the limiting sliding groove 22 is also a U-shaped structural groove, and the limiting sliding groove 22 can perform sliding limit on one end of the support arm 4 to ensure that the support arm 4 can slide along the limiting sliding groove 22.

[0056] Optionally, the beam control device further includes a guiding member 5, and the support member 1 is slidably connected to the guiding member 5.

[0057] Specifically, the guiding member 5 can be a slide rail, and a sliding structure that slidably cooperates with the slide rail is provided on the supporting member 1. The sliding structure can be a slider provided on the supporting member 1, and a sliding groove that cooperates with the slide rail is provided on the slider, so that the supporting member 1 slides on the guiding member 5. Of course, a strip-shaped groove can also be directly formed on the guiding member 5, and the slider of the sliding structure directly slides inside the strip-shaped groove.

[0058] In this embodiment, the guiding member 5 can not only provide a guiding function for the sliding of the supporting member 1, but also further realize the bearing function for the supporting member 1 to ensure stable support for the supporting member 1 and the transmission optical fiber 100 on the supporting member 1.

[0059] Optionally, the beam control device further includes a synchronization mechanism 6. The two synchronization mechanisms 6 are arranged at intervals, and the transmission optical fiber 100 is at least partially arranged on the two synchronization mechanisms 6. When the adjusting member 2 switches the forming surface 21, the two synchronization mechanisms 6 can selectively convey a part of the transmission optical fiber 100 between the two supporting members 1 or recover a part of the transmission optical fiber 100.

[0060] In this embodiment, the synchronization mechanism 6 can adopt a conventional wire feeder. The synchronization mechanism 6 can cooperate with the movement of the adjusting member 2 at a set working speed. When the adjusting member 2 is switching the forming surface 21, the synchronization mechanism 6 synchronously conveys the transmission optical fiber 100 between the two supporting members 1 or recovers the transmission optical fiber 100 between the two supporting members 1. Exemplarily, when the adjusting member 2 rotates circumferentially and switches from the forming surface 21 with a radius value of R 1 = 5 cm to the forming surface 21 with a radius value of R 2 = 7 cm, the synchronization mechanism 6 synchronously conveys the transmission optical fiber 100 between the two supporting members 1; when the adjusting member 2 rotates circumferentially in the reverse direction and switches from the forming surface 21 with a radius value of R 2 = 7 cm to the forming surface 21 with a radius value of R 1 = 5 cm, the synchronization mechanism 6 synchronously recovers the transmission optical fiber 100 between the two supporting members 1. Since the wire feeder is an existing structure, those skilled in the art can select the product specifications of the wire feeder according to needs, and the structure and working principle of the wire feeder will not be further described in this embodiment.

[0061] The second aspect of this embodiment relates to a variable beam characteristic device, which includes a transmission optical fiber 100 and the above beam control device. The variable beam characteristic device based on this beam control device can flexibly adjust the energy distribution state of the light spot of the transmission optical fiber 100 to meet the requirements of different application scenarios.

[0062] The third aspect of this embodiment also relates to a fiber laser, which includes the above variable beam characteristic device.

[0063] In this embodiment, the fiber laser based on this beam control device can not only adapt to the thick plate cutting and welding processes in the heavy industry field, but also further control and adjust the output spot energy distribution of the transmission fiber 100 according to various usage scenarios during actual operations, thereby enhancing the adaptability of the entire fiber laser.

[0064] This fiber laser can achieve an output of an ultra-high power triple-ring spot with a center spot of 30 kW level and a total power of 80 kW or even 160 kW level through the transmission fiber 100, and can achieve fine control of the output spot under ultra-high power, improving the processing effect in specific application scenarios.

[0065] Obviously, the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly explaining the present invention, rather than limiting the implementation manners of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various obvious changes, re-adjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all implementation manners here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light beam control device, characterized in that: include: A support member (1), at least two of the support members (1) being slidably arranged at intervals and used to support a transmission optical fiber (100); The adjusting member (2) comprises a molding surface (21), wherein the molding surface (21) is used to push at least a portion of the transmission optical fiber (100) to fit the molding surface (21); and the distance between the two supporting members (1) can change in response to the process of the transmission optical fiber (100) fitting the molding surface (21).

2. The light beam control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjusting member (2) comprises a plurality of molding surfaces (21), and the bending degrees of the plurality of molding surfaces (21) are different.

3. The light beam control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light beam control device comprises a transmission shaft (3), the transmission shaft (3) being connected to the adjusting member (2), a plurality of the molding surfaces (21) being sequentially distributed along the circumference of the transmission shaft (3), and the transmission shaft (3) being used to drive the adjusting member (2) to rotate so as to switch the corresponding molding surface (21) to push the transmission optical fiber (100).

4. The light beam control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light beam control device further comprises a support arm (4), one end of the support arm (4) being connected to the support member (1), and the other end being slidably arranged on the circumferential outer edge of the adjustment member (2), and the adjustment member (2) being used for squeezing the support arm (4) to adjust the distance between the two support members (1).

5. The light beam control device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A limiting sliding groove (22) is provided on the circumferential edge of the adjusting member (2), and one end of the supporting arm (4) is slidably arranged in the limiting sliding groove (22).

6. The light beam control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The light beam control device further comprises a guide member (5), and the support member (1) is slidably connected to the guide member (5).

7. The light beam control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The support member (1) is provided with a limiting groove (11); the support member (1) is in a wheel-shaped structure; and the limiting groove (11) is arranged along the circumferential edge of the support member (1).

8. The light beam control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The light beam control device further comprises a synchronization mechanism (6), wherein two synchronization mechanisms (6) are arranged at intervals, and the transmission optical fiber (100) is at least partially arranged on the two synchronization mechanisms (6). When the adjustment member (2) switches the molding surface (21), the two synchronization mechanisms (6) can selectively transport part of the transmission optical fiber (100) to between the two support members (1) or recover part of the transmission optical fiber (100).

9. A device for variable beam characteristics, characterized in that: A light beam control device comprising any one of claims 1 to 8; and A transmission optical fiber (100) is used to receive an input light beam.

10. A fiber laser, characterized in that Includes the variable beam characteristic device as described in claim 9.

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