Dual-optical-path optical filter switching device

Abstract

The invention discloses a dual-optical-path optical filter switching device which comprises a mechanism mounting base, an electromagnetic driving assembly, a switching assembly and a limiting and feedback assembly. The electromagnetic driving assembly, the switching assembly and the limiting and feedback assembly are fixedly mounted on the mechanism mounting base. The permanent magnet is matched with the electromagnetic coils on the two sides to generate driving torque to drive the shifting needle to drive the two lens bases to reversely and synchronously move along the crossed roller guide rail, and switching of the two optical path lenses is achieved. Mechanical hard limiting and electrical feedback of a gold-plated pin and a spring probe are adopted for double in-place confirmation, and power-off self-locking and vacuum compatibility are achieved; the device is compact in structure, low in power consumption, high in reliability and suitable for harsh space environments such as satellite-borne laser communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser communication technology, and in particular to a dual-optical-path filter switching device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of commercial aerospace and space information networks, inter-satellite and space-to-ground laser communication systems have placed unprecedentedly high demands on transmission rate, reliability, integration, and miniaturization. In the complex space optical signal receiving end, filters can extract weak laser communication signals from strong background noise, and waveplates can precisely control and modulate the polarization state of the beam, which is crucial for the accuracy and stability of quantum laser communication.

[0003] To meet the complex mission requirements of a communication system terminal under multiple bands and protocols, it is often necessary to simultaneously switch between the lens paths of both the filter and waveplate branches. Therefore, a stable, reliable lens switching mechanism that meets aerospace requirements has significant application value. Existing lens switching technologies are mostly derived from the general imaging field, primarily using electrostatic and mechanical actuation. Electrostatic actuation utilizes the potential difference between fixed and moving electrodes to generate electrostatic force, driving the lens to move. This mechanism is compact and has small driving components, but its driving force is low and it cannot withstand high-frequency environmental vibration tests or particle impacts in space. Mechanical actuation typically uses a motor combined with gears for linear drive. This solution has mature technology and reliable switching action, but the drive system is complex and has a high size and weight, making it unsuitable for the compact space of communication terminals. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an electromagnetically driven dual-lens switching device, solving the technical problems of existing lens switching mechanisms, such as large size and weight, insufficient driving force and reliability, lack of positioning feedback function, and difficulty in adapting to high-frequency vibration and vacuum environments in aerospace, caused by the use of electrostatic or complex mechanical drives. The device achieves a compact structure, reliable drive, power-off self-locking and positioning feedback capabilities, and meets the stringent requirements of inter-satellite / satellite-to-ground laser communication terminals for miniaturization, high reliability, and adaptability to the space environment.

[0005] This application provides a dual-path filter switching device, including a mechanism mounting base (01) and an electromagnetic drive assembly (10), a switching assembly (20) and a limiting and feedback assembly (30) fixedly mounted thereon. The electromagnetic drive assembly (10) includes a drive pin (11), a drive assembly mounting base (12), a permanent magnet (13), a drive shaft (14), a full ceramic bearing (15), a silicon steel sheet protection block (16), a coil (17), and a silicon steel sheet stack (18); the drive pin (11), the permanent magnet (13), and the drive shaft (14) are fixedly connected to form a rotatable drive unit; the drive unit is rotatably supported on the drive assembly mounting base (14) by two full ceramic bearings (15). 2) Inside, the drive component mounting base (12) is fixedly connected to the mechanism mounting base (01); the permanent magnet (13) is radially magnetized, and its magnetic pole connection line is consistent with the direction of the drive pin (11); two sets of silicon steel sheet stacks (18) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the permanent magnet (13), and each set of silicon steel sheet stacks (18) is surrounded by a coil (17), and the silicon steel sheet protective block (16) covers and is fixed to the outside of the two sets of silicon steel sheet stacks (18); The switching assembly (20) includes a cross roller guide (21), a lens mount (22), and a lens and fasteners (23); the base of the cross roller guide (21) is fixedly mounted on the mechanism mounting base (01), and its slider part is connected to the two lens mounts (22) respectively; the two lens mounts (22) are symmetrically arranged along the straight guiding direction of the cross roller guide (21); each lens mount (22) is provided with a central through hole for mounting optical elements, and the functional lens is pressed and fixed in the lens mount (22) by the lens and fasteners (23); each lens mount (22) is provided with a transmission structure on its side, which cooperates with the end of the drive pin (11) to convert the rotational motion of the drive pin (11) into the linear motion of the lens mount (22); The limiting and feedback component (30) includes a limiting block (31), a spring probe (32), an insulating sleeve (33), a gold-plated pin (34), and an insulating adapter (35); the two limiting blocks (31) are respectively fixedly installed on the mechanism mounting base (01) and located at both ends of the travel of the mirror base (22); the insulating adapter (35) is fixedly connected to the slider of the cross roller guide (21) and two gold-plated pins (34) are symmetrically arranged at both ends; the spring probe (32) is installed on the mechanism mounting base (01) through the insulating sleeve (33) and its elastic contact is directly opposite the movement trajectory of the gold-plated pin (34).

[0006] Preferably, the permanent magnet (13) is a radially magnetized permanent magnet, and two sets of silicon steel sheet stacks (18) are symmetrically arranged in the magnetic field action area on both sides of it; in the power-off state, the permanent magnet (13) and the silicon steel sheet stacks (18) attract each other and generate a holding torque; in the energized state of the coil (17), the magnetic field generated by the silicon steel sheet stacks (18) interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (13) to generate an electromagnetic torque that drives the drive unit to rotate.

[0007] Preferably, the mirror mount (22) achieves linear motion guidance through the cross roller guide (21) and ensures motion rigidity.

[0008] Preferably, the transmission structure provided on the side of the mirror base (22) is a linear slide, and the end of the drive pin (11) extends into the linear slide to form a sliding fit.

[0009] Preferably, when the mirror mount (22) moves to the end of its stroke, one side of it contacts the corresponding limiting block (31) to achieve mechanical hard limiting. At the same time, a gold-plated pin (34) fixed on the insulating adapter (35) contacts the elastic contact of the corresponding spring probe (32) and causes it to retract. The two are electrically connected to generate a positioning feedback signal.

[0010] Preferably, the all-ceramic bearing (15) is used to support the rotation of the drive shaft (14) in a vacuum environment.

[0011] Preferably, the silicon steel sheet protective block (16) is used to fix and protect the silicon steel sheet stack (18).

[0012] One or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages: 1. This application integrates a permanent magnet (13) and a double-sided electromagnetic coil (17) into the same drive shaft system, and utilizes the combined torque of magnetic pole repulsion and attraction to achieve low power consumption and high response drive control; 2. This application uses the cooperation of the cross roller guide (21) with the slide and the needle shifting mechanism to accurately convert the rotational motion into the synchronous linear displacement of the double mirror base (22); 3. This application combines a limit block (31) with a gold-plated pin (34) and a spring probe (32) to simultaneously ensure mechanical positioning accuracy and provide electrical status feedback. 4. This application meets the requirements of long life and high reliability in space environment through all-ceramic bearings (15), gold-plated contact pairs and lubrication-free design. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the dual-path filter switching device of this application; Figure 2 This is a side view of the dual-path filter switching device of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electromagnetic drive assembly structure of the dual-path filter switching device of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the switching component structure of the dual-optical-path filter switching device of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting and feedback components of the dual-optical-path filter switching device of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the power-on / off switching of the dual-path filter switching device of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the operating conditions switching of the dual-path filter switching device of this application.

[0014] In the diagram: 01, Mechanism mounting base; 10, Electromagnetic drive assembly; 11, Drive pin; 12, Drive assembly mounting base; 13, Permanent magnet; 14, Drive shaft; 15, All-ceramic bearing; 16, Silicon steel sheet protection block; 17, Coil; 18, Silicon steel sheet stack; 20, Switching assembly; 21, Cross roller guide; 22, Lens mount; 23, Lens and fasteners; 30, Limit and feedback assembly; 31, Limit block; 32, Spring probe; 33, Insulating sleeve; 34, Gold-plated pin; 35, Insulating adapter. Detailed Implementation

[0015] This embodiment proposes a dual-optical-path filter switching device, solving the problems of low driving force, complex system, large size and weight, and difficulty in adapting to high-frequency vibration and space environment in existing lens switching mechanisms. It achieves miniaturized, highly reliable, and position-feedback-enabled dual-optical-path synchronous lens switching in laser communication terminals. The technical solution in this embodiment addresses the aforementioned crosstalk problem, and the overall approach is as follows: This system utilizes electromagnetic drive instead of traditional electrostatic or complex mechanical drive. An electromagnet, composed of symmetrically arranged coils and stacked silicon steel sheets, interacts with a radially magnetized permanent magnet to generate driving torque. The rotational motion is converted into linear displacement of the lens through the cooperation of a drive pin and a lens mount slide, achieving synchronous switching between two optical paths. Crossed roller guides ensure motion rigidity and accuracy, while limit blocks provide hard positioning. A spring probe contacts a gold-plated pin to conduct the switch-in signal, avoiding vacuum cold welding. The entire device is compact and the drive is simplified, significantly reducing system size and weight while ensuring reliability, meeting the stringent requirements of aerospace applications for miniaturization and environmental adaptability.

[0016] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0017] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the dual-optical-path filter switching device provided by this invention is based on a mechanism mounting base 01 as a fundamental support platform, on which are integrated three major functional modules: an electromagnetic drive component 10, a switching component 20, and a limit and feedback component 30. This device achieves synchronous switching of functional lenses in two optical channels through the coordinated action of electromagnetic torque drive, precision guided motion, hard limit positioning, and electrical status feedback. It also features power-off self-locking, vacuum compatibility, and high reliability, making it suitable for space applications such as laser communication terminals.

[0018] like Figure 3 As shown, the electromagnetic drive assembly 10 includes a drive pin 11, a drive assembly mounting base 12, a permanent magnet 13, a drive shaft 14, a full ceramic bearing 15, a silicon steel sheet protection block 16, a coil 17, and a silicon steel sheet stack 18.

[0019] The drive pin 11, permanent magnet 13, and drive shaft 14 are fixed together by interference fit or adhesive bonding to form a rotatable drive unit. This drive unit is rotatably supported in the inner hole of the drive assembly mounting base 12 by two all-ceramic bearings 15. The drive assembly mounting base 12 is fixedly connected to the mechanism mounting base 01 by screws. The permanent magnet 13 is radially magnetized, with its N and S poles distributed along the diameter direction, and the line connecting the magnetic poles is aligned with the axial direction of the drive pin 11. Two sets of silicon steel sheet stacks 18 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the permanent magnet 13; a coil 17 surrounds the outside of the two sets of silicon steel sheet stacks 18. Silicon steel sheet protective blocks 16 cover and fix the outside of the two sets of silicon steel sheet stacks 18 to prevent displacement or loosening during mechanical impact or thermal cycling. In the unpowered state, the permanent magnet 13 magnetizes the silicon steel sheet stacks 18 on both sides, forming a symmetrical magnetic attraction force, which makes the drive pin 11 stably stop at the left or right extreme position and achieve mechanical self-locking of the current position. When the control system applies a unidirectional pulse current to the left or right coil 17, the silicon steel sheet stack 18 on that side is magnetized to the same magnetic pole as the permanent magnet 13 on the same side, generating a repulsive force. The silicon steel sheet stack 18 on the opposite side, because it is not powered, still maintains the opposite pole state after being magnetized by the permanent magnet, generating an attractive force. The resulting torque drives the drive pin 11 to rotate around the drive shaft 14.

[0020] like Figure 4As shown, the switching assembly 20 includes a cross roller guide 21, a lens mount 22, and lenses and fasteners 23. The base of the cross roller guide 21 is fixedly mounted on the mechanism mounting base 01 with screws, and its slider part is connected to the two lens mounts 22 respectively. The two lens mounts 22 are symmetrically arranged along the straight direction of the cross roller guide 21, corresponding to the functional requirements of the first optical path and the second optical path respectively. Each lens mount 22 is provided with a central through hole for mounting optical elements. The functional lenses are pressed and fixed in the lens mount 22 by fasteners 23 such as lens spacers and lens retainers, ensuring that the optical elements do not loosen or shift under vibration, impact and thermal cycling conditions. Each lens mount 22 has a linear slide rail on its side, which slides into contact with the end of the drive pin 11. When the drive pin 11 rotates, its end pushes the lens mount 22 along the cross roller guide 21 in a linear motion. The two lens mounts 22 move in opposite directions, thus achieving synchronous switching of the functional lenses in the two optical signal channels. That is, while one lens enters the optical path, the other lens exits the optical path. The cross roller guide 21 adopts a pre-tightened structure design to eliminate internal gaps and ensure the smooth movement and repeatability of the lens mount 22 during the switching process. The mating surfaces between the drive pin 11 and the slide rail of the lens mount 22 are precision ground to ensure smooth sliding and no crawling.

[0021] like Figure 5 As shown, the limiting and feedback assembly 30 includes limiting blocks 31, spring probes 32, insulating sleeves 33, gold-plated pins 34, and insulating adapters 35. Two limiting blocks 31 are respectively fixedly mounted on the mechanism mounting base 01 with screws, located at both ends of the travel of the mirror base 22. Their inner surfaces contact the outer surfaces of the mirror base 22 when the mirror base reaches the target position, forming a rigid mechanical hard limit, restricting the overtravel of the mirror base 22 and improving repeatability. The insulating adapter 35 is fixedly connected to the slider of the cross roller guide 21 of the switching assembly 20 with screws, and two gold-plated pins 34 are symmetrically arranged at its two ends. The spring probes 32 are mounted on the mechanism mounting base 01 through the insulating sleeves 33, with their elastic contacts aligned with the movement trajectory of the gold-plated pins 34. When the mirror mount 22 moves to the target position, the gold-plated pin 34 on the corresponding side presses into the elastic contact of the spring probe 32, so that the conductive spring inside the probe contacts the pin and conducts electricity, outputting a high / low level signal as electrical feedback for the mirror to be in place; the gold layer on the surface of the gold-plated pin 34 meets the requirements for cold welding in aerospace-grade vacuum environment, and avoids atomic diffusion adhesion caused by high vacuum on the metal contact surface during long-term on-orbit operation, ensuring the long-term reliability of the electrical contacts.

[0022] like Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, after the device completes the switching action, the mirror mount 22 has moved to the target working position, and its outer surface is in close contact with the limiting block 31, forming a hard limit. At the same time, the insulating adapter 35, which moves synchronously with the mirror mount 22, drives the corresponding gold-plated pin 34 to press into the spring probe 32, triggering the output of the positioning electrical signal. At this time, the control system can monitor this signal in real time to confirm the switching status and avoid communication link interruption due to drive failure or position drift.

[0023] The working process of this invention specifically includes the following steps: Step S1: The device is in the initial state, the coil 17 has no current input, the permanent magnet 13 magnetizes the silicon steel sheets stacked on both sides 18 to form a symmetrical magnetic attraction force, driving the dial 11 to stop stably at the first limit position or the second limit position, and the corresponding mirror base 22 is in working condition 1 or working condition 2. Step S2: According to the task instruction, the control system applies a unidirectional pulse current to the coil 17 corresponding to the target switching direction. The silicon steel sheet stack 18 on this side is magnetized to the same magnetic pole as the permanent magnet 13 on the same side, generating a repulsive force. The silicon steel sheet stack 18 on the opposite side, since it is not energized, still maintains the opposite pole state after being magnetized by the permanent magnet, generating an attractive force. The combined force forms the driving torque. Step S3: Drive the dial pin 11 to rotate around the drive shaft 14 under the action of the drive torque, and its end slides along the slide of the mirror base 22, pushing the two mirror bases 22 to move in opposite linear directions along the cross roller guide 21 to complete the optical path switching. Step S4: After the mirror base 22 moves to the target position, its outer side contacts the inner side of the corresponding side limiting block 31 to form a mechanical hard limit; at the same time, the insulating adapter 35, which moves synchronously with the mirror base 22, drives the corresponding side gold-plated pin 34 to press into the elastic contact of the spring probe 32, so that the internal circuit of the probe is connected and the position signal is output. Step S5: After the switching action is completed, the control system cuts off the current of coil 17, the permanent magnet 13 restores the symmetrical magnetization of the silicon steel sheet stack 18 on both sides, re-establishes the magnetic attraction balance, drives the dial pin 11 to maintain the current position, and realizes power-off self-locking. Step S6: When a reverse switching is required, the control system applies a unidirectional pulse current to the coil 17 on the other side and repeats steps S2 to S5 to complete the reverse switching operation.

[0024] In summary, this invention integrates the permanent magnet 13 and the dual-sided electromagnetic coils 17 into the same drive shaft system, utilizing the combined torque of magnetic pole repulsion and attraction to achieve low-power, high-response drive control. Through the cooperation of the crossed roller guide 21 with the slide rail and the pin-shifting mechanism, rotational motion is precisely converted into synchronous linear displacement of the dual mirror mounts 22. The combination of the limiting block 31 with the gold-plated pin 34 and the spring probe 32 simultaneously ensures mechanical positioning accuracy and electrical status feedback. The all-ceramic bearing 15, gold-plated contact pairs, and lubrication-free design meet the requirements of long lifespan and high reliability in space environments. The synergistic effect of these technical features enables this device to achieve a compact structure, low power consumption, and strong anti-interference capability while ensuring switching accuracy and reliability. It is suitable for applications such as spaceborne laser communication terminals, space quantum key distribution systems, and other applications with stringent environmental adaptability requirements for optical switching mechanisms.

[0025] The embodiments described herein are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape, and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art, once they understand the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the present invention. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, the present invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A dual-optical-path filter switching device, characterized in that, It includes a mechanism mounting base (01) and an electromagnetic drive assembly (10), a switching assembly (20) and a limit and feedback assembly (30) fixedly mounted thereon. The electromagnetic drive assembly (10) includes a drive pin (11), a drive assembly mounting base (12), a permanent magnet (13), a drive shaft (14), a full ceramic bearing (15), a silicon steel sheet protection block (16), a coil (17), and a silicon steel sheet stack (18); the drive pin (11), the permanent magnet (13), and the drive shaft (14) are fixedly connected to form a rotatable drive unit; the drive unit is rotatably supported on the drive assembly mounting base (14) by two full ceramic bearings (15). 2) Inside, the drive component mounting base (12) is fixedly connected to the mechanism mounting base (01); the permanent magnet (13) is radially magnetized, and its magnetic pole connection line is consistent with the direction of the drive pin (11); two sets of silicon steel sheet stacks (18) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the permanent magnet (13), and each set of silicon steel sheet stacks (18) is surrounded by a coil (17), and the silicon steel sheet protective block (16) covers and is fixed to the outside of the two sets of silicon steel sheet stacks (18); The switching assembly (20) includes a cross roller guide (21), a lens mount (22), and a lens and fasteners (23); the base of the cross roller guide (21) is fixedly mounted on the mechanism mounting base (01), and its slider part is connected to the two lens mounts (22) respectively; the two lens mounts (22) are symmetrically arranged along the straight guiding direction of the cross roller guide (21); each lens mount (22) is provided with a central through hole for mounting optical elements, and the functional lens is pressed and fixed in the lens mount (22) by the lens and fasteners (23); each lens mount (22) is provided with a transmission structure on its side, which cooperates with the end of the drive pin (11) to convert the rotational motion of the drive pin (11) into the linear motion of the lens mount (22); The limiting and feedback component (30) includes a limiting block (31), a spring probe (32), an insulating sleeve (33), a gold-plated pin (34), and an insulating adapter (35); the two limiting blocks (31) are respectively fixedly installed on the mechanism mounting base (01) and located at both ends of the travel of the mirror base (22); the insulating adapter (35) is fixedly connected to the slider of the cross roller guide (21) and two gold-plated pins (34) are symmetrically arranged at both ends; the spring probe (32) is installed on the mechanism mounting base (01) through the insulating sleeve (33) and its elastic contact is directly opposite the movement trajectory of the gold-plated pin (34).

2. The dual-optical-path filter switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The permanent magnet (13) is a radially magnetized permanent magnet, and two sets of silicon steel sheet stacks (18) are symmetrically arranged in the magnetic field action area on both sides of it; in the power-off state, the permanent magnet (13) and the silicon steel sheet stacks (18) attract each other and generate a holding torque; in the energized state of the coil (17), the magnetic field generated by the silicon steel sheet stacks (18) interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (13) to generate an electromagnetic torque that drives the drive unit to rotate.

3. The dual-optical-path filter switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mirror mount (22) achieves linear motion guidance through the cross roller guide (21) and ensures motion rigidity.

4. The dual-optical-path filter switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission structure provided on the side of the mirror base (22) is a linear slide, and the end of the drive pin (11) extends into the linear slide to form a sliding fit.

5. The dual-optical-path filter switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the mirror mount (22) moves to the end of its stroke, one side of it contacts the corresponding limiting block (31) to achieve mechanical hard limiting. At the same time, a gold-plated pin (34) fixed on the insulating adapter (35) contacts the elastic contact of the corresponding spring probe (32) and causes it to retract. The two are electrically connected to generate a positioning feedback signal.

6. The dual-optical-path filter switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The all-ceramic bearing (15) is used to support the rotation of the drive shaft (14) in a vacuum environment.

7. The dual-optical-path filter switching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The silicon steel sheet protective block (16) is used to fix and protect the silicon steel sheet stack (18).

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