Clamping device and clamping method for oversized optical element

Abstract

The invention discloses a clamping device and a clamping method for an oversized optical element. The clamping device comprises a square frame, the multiple clamping assemblies are fixed to the top end and the two side ends of the square frame correspondingly; each clamping assembly comprises a fixing plate, an adjusting screw rod and a clamping plate; the fixed plate is fixed on a frame beam of the square frame and a threaded hole is formed in the middle of the plate surface; the adjusting screw penetrates through the threaded hole, and the first end of the adjusting screw extends into the square frame. One side plate surface of the clamping plate is rotationally connected with the first end of the adjusting screw rod, and the other side plate surface of the clamping plate can abut against the peripheral surface of the optical element; and the multiple limiting assemblies are detachably connected to the outer wall of the square frame so as to limit the optical element in the square frame. According to the invention, the frame type clamping device is adopted to realize the whole-process safe operation of processing, cleaning and detecting the optical element; safe framing of the optical element can be guaranteed through the detachable limiting assembly, and the framing element can lie flat, be placed vertically and be turned over in cooperation with a workshop crane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical component processing technology, and more specifically to a clamping device and clamping method for ultra-large optical components. Background Technology

[0002] Large-scale optical components are core functional parts of equipment such as high-power laser devices, high-energy laser systems, and astronomical telescopes. These components are high-value, with individual pieces costing hundreds of thousands or even millions of yuan. They are typically made of hard, brittle glass, and their dimensions usually exceed 1 meter, weighing hundreds of kilograms. The ultra-precision machining process for these optical components involves forming, grinding, initial polishing, fine finishing, and subsequent cleaning and inspection. Adjustments to their upright and flipping positions are required during each machining process and between processes; damage from impacts can render the entire component unusable, resulting in significant losses. Currently, flipping large-scale optical components requires manual operation by four or more people. During operation, two or more people work on each side, slowly raising one side of the component and then slowly lowering it from the other side to achieve the flipping operation.

[0003] The surface shape accuracy inspection of ultra-large optical components typically employs a horizontal laser plane interferometer, with the optical component placed vertically on the inspection frame during inspection. Previously, a two-pole type inspection frame was used, with a pair of poles and clamping blocks on each side to secure the ultra-large optical component. This type of frame posed a significant risk of tipping over, and because there was no protective plate on the component's surface, the frame and component were prone to impact damage when tipped over. Furthermore, the friction between the inspection frame's base plate and the interferometer's inspection platform was excessive under the influence of the ultra-large optical component, making it difficult to move and adjust the inspection optical path. Therefore, the operation of ultra-large optical components required a large number of operators, posing significant safety risks.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a safe flipping fixture for ultra-large optical components with high operational safety and reduced manpower input is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a clamping device and clamping method for ultra-large optical components. It adopts a frame structure, which can realize the flat, upright and flipping of ultra-large optical components. It is suitable for posture adjustment during the processing of ultra-large optical components and has high safety.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A clamping device for ultra-large optical components, comprising: A rectangular frame, the inner cavity of which is used to house optical components; The clamping assembly comprises multiple clamping assemblies, which are respectively fixed to the top and two sides of the frame. Each clamping assembly includes a fixing plate, an adjusting screw, and a clamping plate. The fixing plate is fixed to the frame beam of the frame and has a threaded hole in the middle of its plate surface. The adjusting screw passes through the threaded hole and its first end extends into the frame. One side of the clamping plate is rotatably connected to the first end of the adjusting screw, and the other side of the clamping plate can abut against the peripheral surface of the optical element. A limiting component, wherein there are multiple limiting components, and the multiple limiting components are detachably connected to the outer wall of the frame to confine the optical element within the frame.

[0008] The beneficial effects of the technical solution of the present invention are that the rotation of the adjusting screw can move linearly relative to the fixed plate, thereby driving the clamping plate to move linearly to adjust its position; after the optical element is placed in the frame, multiple clamping plates are adjusted to clamp the optical element, and at the same time, the limiting component is installed to support the optical element in the frame to prevent the optical element from shaking during the transfer and testing process. When flipping the optical element, the limiting component on one side can be removed and the clamping device can be laid flat.

[0009] Preferably, the clamping assembly further includes guide rods, and the fixing plate has multiple guide holes on both sides opposite to the threaded hole; there are multiple guide rods, one end of each guide rod is slidably connected in the guide hole, and the other end is fixed to the surface of the clamping plate. The guide rods can move linearly and synchronously with the clamping plate. By setting the guide rods, the synchronous rotation of the clamping plate during the rotation of the adjusting screw can be prevented, and the rotational motion of the adjusting screw is converted into the linear movement of the clamping plate, thereby realizing the clamping of the optical element.

[0010] Preferably, the clamping plate has a groove on the side facing the optical element for engaging the optical element. This groove helps prevent the optical element from tipping over.

[0011] Preferably, a base plate is fixed to the bottom end face of the frame, and multiple ball bearings are rotatably connected to the bottom surface of the base plate. The ball bearings facilitate the movement of the clamping device.

[0012] Preferably, the inner bottom wall of the frame is fixed with multiple support plates to support the bottom surface of the optical element. The optical element is supported by the support plates.

[0013] Preferably, the limiting assembly includes a crossbeam, columns, railings, and pads; there are two crossbeams arranged parallel to each other vertically; there are two columns, each with its ends fixed to the ends of the two crossbeams to form a frame beam, which is bolted to the frame beam of the square frame; the railings are arranged parallel to the columns and their ends are fixed to the opposite side walls of the two crossbeams; multiple pads are fixed to the side surface of the railing facing the inner cavity of the square frame and can abut against the outer surface of the optical element. The limiting assembly, by setting the railings and pads, contacts the surface of the optical element, supporting the optical element within the square frame and ensuring the stability of the optical element clamping.

[0014] Preferably, both the pad and the support plate are made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is highly flexible, which can prevent deformation and damage to the optical components.

[0015] Preferably, a disk is fixed to the second end of the adjusting screw to drive the rotation of the adjusting screw.

[0016] Preferably, the top surface of the frame is fixed with multiple hooks.

[0017] The present invention also provides a clamping method for ultra-large optical components, employing a clamping device for ultra-large optical components as described above, comprising the following steps: S1. Lay the frame flat and install the limiting components on the back of the frame; the overhead crane hook in the workshop uses the optical suction cup to hold the optical element and place it into the frame; S2. Clamp the optical element using the clamping assembly; rotate the adjusting screw to adjust the position of the clamping plate so that the grooves on the clamping plate are engaged with both sides of the optical element; S3. Install the limiting components on the front of the frame; S4. Transfer, inspect, or flip the optical components; slowly lift and move the optical components using the hook at the top of the frame, changing the clamping device from a flat position to a vertical position, thereby achieving the transfer and inspection of the optical components; when it is necessary to flip the optical components, place the vertical clamping device on the ground using a gantry crane, and then slowly raise the gantry crane until the frame is at a slight angle in the vertical direction. Then, manually push the frame gently to change the frame from a back-facing position to a front-facing position until the front of the frame is in contact with the bottom surface. After that, remove the limiting components on the back, and use the optical suction cup to pick up and remove the optical components from the frame, thereby completing the flipping operation of the optical components.

[0018] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the present invention discloses a clamping device and clamping method for ultra-large optical components. The frame-type clamping device realizes safe operation of the entire process of optical component processing, cleaning and testing. The detachable limiting component can ensure the safe entry of optical components into the frame. With the help of the workshop gantry crane, the framed components can be laid flat, placed vertically and flipped. Only 1 to 2 people are needed to operate it. It is highly safe and greatly reduces the need for operators and safety risks. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the clamping device provided by the present invention after clamping optical elements; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of part A in the diagram; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping device structure provided by the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting component structure provided by the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the optical element being placed in the frame according to the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the optical element hoisting provided by the present invention.

[0021] Among them, 1-square frame; 2-limiting component; 21-crossbeam; 22-railing; 23-post; 24-pad; 3-clamping component; 31-fixing plate; 32-clamping plate; 33-adjusting screw; 34-guide rod; 35-groove; 36-disc; 4-base plate; 5-ball bearing; 6-optical element; 7-support plate; 8-hook. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] like Figure 1As shown in Figure 6, a clamping device for ultra-large optical components according to an embodiment of the present invention, in conjunction with a workshop overhead crane, can realize the horizontal, vertical placement, and flipping of optical components after they are placed in the frame. It includes a frame 1, a clamping assembly 3, and a limiting assembly 2; the inner cavity of the frame 1 is used to place the optical component 6; as shown in Figure 6... Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the frame 1 is welded together from multiple horizontal and vertical square tubes. The square tubes serve as the skeleton of the frame 1, and the resulting cavity can accommodate the optical element 6. Multiple clamping assemblies 3 are used, each fixed to the top and side ends of the frame 1. Each clamping assembly 3 includes a fixing plate 31, an adjusting screw 33, and a clamping plate 32. The fixing plate 31 is fixed to the frame beam of the frame 1, and a threaded hole is provided in the center of its surface. Specifically, the fixing plate 31 is fixed to the opposite side walls of two adjacent square tubes in the frame 1. At least two fixing plates 31 are provided in the top horizontal square tube and the side vertical square tubes. The adjusting screw 33 passes through the threaded hole and... Its first end extends into the frame 1; the adjusting screw 33 can rotate along the threaded hole, one side of the clamping plate 32 is rotatably connected to the first end of the adjusting screw 33, and the other side of the clamping plate can abut against the circumferential surface of the optical element 6; the rotation of the adjusting screw 33 relative to the fixed plate can be converted into linear movement, thereby adjusting the relative position between multiple clamping plates 32. By adjusting the position of the clamping plates 32, it can adapt to the clamping operation of optical elements of different sizes; there are multiple limiting components 2, and multiple limiting components 2 can be detachably connected to the outer wall of the frame 1 to restrict the optical element 6 within the frame 1. As shown in the figure, there are two limiting components 2, which are located on the front and rear walls of the frame 1 respectively.

[0024] In this embodiment, in order to prevent the clamping plate 32 and the adjusting screw 33 from rotating synchronously, the clamping assembly 3 also includes guide rods 34. The fixing plate 31 has multiple guide holes on both sides opposite to the threaded hole. There are multiple guide rods 34, one end of each guide rod 34 is slidably connected in the guide hole, and the other end is fixed to the plate surface of the clamping plate 32.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the connection between the adjusting screw and the clamping plate is similar to a ball screw structure. The plate surface of the clamping plate is rotatably connected to one end of the adjusting screw. The adjusting screw can rotate along the fixed plate. During the rotation, the adjusting screw can move linearly relative to the fixed plate, thereby driving the clamping plate to move synchronously linearly. By setting a guide rod, the guide rod is fixed to the clamping plate. The clamping plate can drive the guide rod to slide along the fixed plate. The guide rod can limit the rotation of the clamping plate, so that when the adjusting screw rotates, the clamping plate can only move linearly with the adjusting screw.

[0026] To further optimize the above technical solution and prevent the optical element 6 from tipping over within the frame 1, the clamping plate 32 has a groove 35 on the side facing the optical element 6 for securing the optical element 6. The groove 35 can be secured to both sides of the optical element 6, thus preventing the risk of the optical element 6 tipping over within the frame 1.

[0027] To further optimize the above technical solution, a base plate 4 is fixed to the bottom surface of the frame 1, and multiple ball bearings 5 ​​are rotatably connected to the bottom surface of the base plate 4. For the transfer and inspection of the optical element 6, when the optical element 6 is in a vertical position, the multiple ball bearings 5 ​​can push the clamping device, or easily push it on the interferometer inspection platform to adjust the detection optical path.

[0028] To further optimize the above technical solution, multiple support plates 7 are fixed to the inner bottom wall of the frame 1 to support the bottom surface of the optical element 6. The upper surface of the support plate 7 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material and has good flatness, with a flatness of about 0.02 mm, to uniformly support the optical element 6 and reduce the deformation of the optical element 6.

[0029] In this embodiment, the limiting component 2 includes a crossbeam 21, a column 23, a railing 22, and pads 24; there are two crossbeams 21 arranged parallel to each other vertically; there are two columns 23, and their two ends are respectively fixed to the ends of the two crossbeams 21 to form a frame beam, which is bolted to the frame beam of the square frame 1; the railing 22 is arranged parallel to the column 23 and its two ends are fixed to the two side walls opposite to the two crossbeams 21; multiple pads 24 are fixed on the side surface of the railing 22 facing the inner cavity of the square frame 1 and can abut against the outer surface of the optical element 6.

[0030] like Figure 1 and 4 As shown, the pad 24 is a clean, soft polytetrafluoroethylene block. The beams, posts, and railings are located on the front and rear surfaces of the frame. By bolting the beams and posts to the frame beams, the structural strength and rigidity of the frame are improved, ensuring its load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, the pads on the railings contact the optical elements, supporting them within the frame. When the optical elements need to be flipped, the corresponding beams and posts can be easily removed.

[0031] In some other embodiments, a disk 36 is fixed to the second end of the adjusting screw 33 to drive the rotation of the adjusting screw 33.

[0032] To further optimize the above technical solution, multiple hooks 8 are fixed on the top surface of the frame 1. Lifting holes for installing the hooks 8 are provided at both ends of the panel of the base plate 4.

[0033] When using the clamping device of this embodiment to clamp optical components, the following steps are included: S1, such as Figure 5 As shown, the frame 1 is laid flat, and the limiting component 2 on the back of the frame 1 is installed at the same time; the overhead crane hook in the workshop uses an optical suction cup to hold the optical element 6 and put it into the frame 1. S2. Clamp the optical element 6 using the clamping assembly 3; rotate the adjusting screw 33 to adjust the position of the clamping plate 32 so that the groove 35 on the clamping plate 32 is engaged on both sides of the optical element 6. S3. Install the limiting component 2 on the front of the frame; S4. Transfer, inspect, or flip the optical element 6. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the optical element 6 is slowly lifted and moved by the hook 8 at the top of the frame 1, changing the clamping device from a flat state to a vertical state, thereby realizing the transfer and inspection of the optical element 6. When it is necessary to flip the optical element 6, the vertical clamping device is placed on the ground by the overhead crane, and then the overhead crane is slowly raised until the frame 1 is at a slight angle in the vertical direction. Then, the frame 1 is gently pushed by hand to change the back-facing position of the frame 1 to the front-facing position until the front of the frame 1 is in contact with the bottom surface. After that, the limiting component 2 on the back is removed, and the optical element 6 is picked up and removed from the frame 1 again by the optical suction cup, thereby completing the flipping operation of the optical element 6.

[0034] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since it corresponds to the method disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to in the method section.

[0035] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A clamping device for ultra-large optical components, characterized in that, include: A box (1), the inner cavity of which is used to place an optical element (6); The clamping assembly (3) is a plurality of such assemblies, which are respectively fixed to the top and both sides of the frame (1); each of the clamping assemblies (3) includes a fixing plate (31), an adjusting screw (33) and a clamping plate (32); the fixing plate (31) is fixed to the frame beam of the frame (1) and has a threaded hole in the middle of its plate surface; the adjusting screw (33) passes through the threaded hole and its first end extends into the frame (1); one side of the clamping plate (32) is rotatably connected to the first end of the adjusting screw (33), and the other side of the clamping plate can abut against the circumferential surface of the optical element (6); The limiting components (2) are multiple, and the multiple limiting components (2) are detachably connected to the outer wall of the frame (1) to limit the optical element (6) within the frame (1).

2. The clamping device for ultra-large optical components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping assembly (3) also includes guide rods (34). The fixing plate (31) has multiple guide holes on both sides of the threaded hole. There are multiple guide rods (34). One end of each guide rod (34) is slidably connected in the guide hole, and the other end is fixed to the surface of the clamping plate (32).

3. A clamping device for ultra-large optical components according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping plate (32) has a groove (35) on the side facing the optical element (6) for engaging the optical element (6).

4. A clamping device for ultra-large optical components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end face of the frame (1) is fixed with a base plate (4), and the bottom surface of the base plate (4) is rotatably connected with multiple balls (5).

5. A clamping device for ultra-large optical components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner bottom wall of the frame (1) is fixed with multiple support plates (7) to support the bottom surface of the optical element (6).

6. A clamping device for ultra-large optical components according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting component (2) includes a crossbeam (21), a column (23), a railing (22), and pads (24); there are two crossbeams (21) arranged in parallel; there are two columns (23), and their ends are fixed to the ends of the two crossbeams (21) to form a frame beam, which is bolted to the frame beam of the square frame (1); the railing (22) is arranged parallel to the column (23) and its ends are fixed to the two side walls opposite to the two crossbeams (21); a plurality of pads (24) are fixed to the side surface of the railing (22) facing the inner cavity of the square frame (1) and can abut against the outer surface of the optical element (6).

7. A clamping device for ultra-large optical components according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the pad (24) and the support plate (7) are made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

8. A clamping device for ultra-large optical components according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the adjusting screw (33) is fixed with a disc (36) to drive the rotation of the adjusting screw (33).

9. A clamping device for ultra-large optical components according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple hooks (8) are fixed on the top surface of the frame (1).

10. A clamping method for ultra-large optical components, characterized in that, A clamping device for ultra-large optical components according to any one of claims 1 to 9 includes the following steps: S1. Place the optical element (6) into the box (1); S2. The optical element (6) is clamped by the clamping assembly (3); S3. Install limit components (2); S4. Transfer, inspect or flip the optical element (6).

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