A CO2 laser emitting device

Abstract

The application discloses a CO2 laser emitting device, which comprises a laser for emitting CO2 laser, a light guide arm, an incident end of the light guide arm being connected with an output end of the laser, the light guide arm comprising a plurality of rotation joints connected in sequence for conducting CO2 laser beam along a predetermined light path, a clamping fixing mechanism arranged at a connection between the light guide arm and the laser for rigidly connecting the incident end of the light guide arm with the laser, a hoop locking mechanism arranged at a connection between two adjacent rotation joints for limiting relative rotation of the rotation joints in the emitting stage, and a supporting fixing mechanism arranged at an exit end of the light guide arm for connecting the end of the light guide arm to a mounting base. In the application, the flexible rotation requirement of the light guide arm in the working state can be considered, and the anti-overload rigid locking capacity in the emitting stage is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser technology and aerospace equipment, and further to a CO2 laser emitting device. Background Technology

[0002] CO2 lasers, as a typical high-power light source, have important applications in directional energy transmission and materials processing. Due to their wavelength limitations, CO2 lasers cannot be transmitted through conventional flexible optical fibers; instead, they are typically guided by a light guide arm composed of multiple rotating joints. This type of light guide arm has multi-degree-of-freedom motion capabilities, but its structure has a large aspect ratio and relatively weak stiffness at the joint connections.

[0003] However, during the launch phase of a spacecraft, the equipment must withstand severe random vibrations, quasi-static acceleration, and impact loads. The multi-jointed flexible structure of the optical guide arm is in serious conflict with the high fundamental frequency and high rigidity required by the space environment. Under extreme loads, the optical guide arm is highly susceptible to joint structural damage, fastener loosening, and optical axis misalignment, leading to severe deterioration of beam quality or even failure after orbit insertion.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a CO2 laser emitting device that can meet the requirements of flexible rotation of the light guide arm during operation, while also having the ability to rigidly lock against overload in the emitting section, in order to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a CO2 laser emitting device that can accommodate the flexible rotation requirements of the light guide arm during operation, while also possessing overload-resistant rigid locking capability in the emitting section.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a CO2 laser emitting device, comprising: Laser, used to emit CO2 laser light; A light guide arm, the incident end of which is connected to the output end of the laser, the light guide arm including a plurality of sequentially connected rotary joints, for guiding the CO2 laser beam along a predetermined optical path; A clamping and fixing mechanism is provided at the connection between the light guide arm and the laser, and is used to rigidly connect the incident end of the light guide arm to the laser. A clamping locking mechanism is provided at the connection between two adjacent rotary joints to restrict the relative rotation of the rotary joints during the launch phase; A support and fixing mechanism is provided at the exit end of the light guide arm to connect the end of the light guide arm to the mounting base.

[0007] In some embodiments, the light guide arm further includes a first right-angle arm tube, a red light indicator assembly, and a second right-angle arm tube; One end of the first right-angled tube is connected to the output end of the laser, and the other end of the first right-angled tube is connected to the red light indicator assembly; The rotating joint at the front is connected to the red light indicator assembly, and the rotating joint at the rear is connected to one end of the second right-angle arm tube, the other end of which is used to connect to the mounting base.

[0008] In some embodiments, the clamping and fixing mechanism includes a cover plate for replacing the original front cover plate of the laser, the cover plate having a thickness greater than the original front cover plate of the laser, and the axial depth of the threaded hole on the cover plate being greater than the axial depth of the threaded hole on the original front cover plate of the laser.

[0009] In some embodiments, the clamping and fixing mechanism further includes an adapter connected to the outside of the cover plate for connecting the incident end of the light guide arm and providing an installation reference.

[0010] In some embodiments, the clamping and fixing mechanism further includes a clamping bracket, which is clamped on the outside of the adapter. The clamping bracket is connected to the red light indicator assembly by bolts and provides rigid support to the first right-angle arm tube to limit the lateral swing of the first right-angle arm tube.

[0011] In some embodiments, the adapter is a cylindrical structure, and the clamping bracket includes an arc-shaped bottom rod and a first side rod and a second side rod respectively connected to both sides of the arc-shaped bottom rod. The arc-shaped bottom rod is attached to the outer wall of the adapter, and the first side rod and the second side rod are respectively fixedly connected to the base of the red light indicator assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the clamping and fixing mechanism further includes a fastening structure, which includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate that are vertically connected. The first connecting plate is fixed to the light-emitting end plane of the red light indicator assembly, and the second connecting plate is provided with a clamping groove, which is clamped and fixed to the main arm tube of the light guide arm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the clamp locking mechanism includes a first clamp locking ring and a second clamp locking ring arranged at a preset angle. The first clamp locking ring covers the outer peripheral side of one of the rotating joints, and the second clamp locking ring covers the outer peripheral side of another adjacent rotating joint.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first clamp locking ring includes a first clamp base, a first clamp top cover, and a first fastening screw. The first clamp base and the first clamp top cover are arranged to form an annular structure. The first fastening screw connects the first clamp base and the first clamp top cover. When the first fastening screw is tightened, the first clamp locking ring contracts radially to lock one of the rotary joints. The second clamp locking ring includes a second clamp base, a second clamp top cover, and a second fastening screw. The second clamp base is fixedly connected to the first clamp base. The second clamp base and the second clamp top cover form an annular structure. The second fastening screw connects the second clamp base and the second clamp top cover. When the second fastening screw is tightened, the second clamp locking ring contracts radially to lock the other rotating joint.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support and fixing mechanism includes a mounting flange and at least one support arm. The mounting flange is used to fix to the mounting base by bolts. The support arm is fixedly connected to the mounting flange. A support slot is provided at one end of the support arm away from the mounting flange. The support slot is adapted to the end of the light guide arm to form rigid support for the emitting end of the light guide arm.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the CO2 laser emitting device provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects: In this invention, a clamping and fixing mechanism located at the incident end of the light guide arm, a clamping and locking mechanism located at the joints of each rotating joint, and a supporting and fixing mechanism located at the exit end of the light guide arm form multi-point rigid constraints on the light guide arm. This ensures that the random vibrations, quasi-static accelerations, and impact loads experienced by the light guide arm during the launch phase of the spacecraft can be effectively transmitted to the mounting base plate, preventing beam quality deterioration caused by relative joint rotation, loose fasteners, or optical axis misalignment. Simultaneously, the aforementioned fixing mechanisms lock the light guide arm into a rigid whole during the launch phase, improving the structural fundamental frequency and overload resistance of the light guide arm. After orbit insertion, the fixing mechanisms are released, and the light guide arm returns to a multi-degree-of-freedom flexible rotation state, thus balancing the load resistance requirements of the spacecraft launch phase and the optical path adjustment requirements after orbit insertion. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The optional embodiments of the present invention will be described below in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, to further illustrate the above-mentioned characteristics, technical features, advantages, and implementation methods of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optional embodiment of the CO2 laser emitting device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the laser and light guide arm in an optional embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping and fixing mechanism of an optional embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clamp locking mechanism in an optional embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support and fixing mechanism of an optional embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of icon numbers: Laser 1, light guide arm 2, rotating joint 21, first right-angle arm tube 22, red light indicator assembly 23, base 231, second right-angle arm tube 24, clamping and fixing mechanism 3, cover plate 31, threaded hole 311, adapter 32, clamping bracket 33, arc-shaped base rod 331, first side rod 332, second side rod 333, fastening structure 34, first connecting plate 341, second connecting plate 342, clamping groove 3421, clamping and locking mechanism 4, first clamping and locking ring 41, first clamping and locking base 411, first clamping and locking cover 412, first fastening screw 413, second clamping and locking ring 42, second clamping and locking base 421, second clamping and locking cover 422, second fastening screw 423, support and fixing mechanism 5, mounting flange 51, support arm 522, support slot 521. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the specific implementation methods of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0021] To keep the drawings concise, each figure only schematically shows the parts relevant to the invention, and these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, to facilitate understanding, in some figures, only one of components with the same structure or function is schematically depicted, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one."

[0022] It should also be further understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0023] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In one embodiment, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figures 1 to 5 The present invention provides a CO2 laser emitting device, comprising: a laser 1, a light guide arm 2, a clamping and fixing mechanism 3, a clamping and locking mechanism 4, and a supporting and fixing mechanism 5; the laser 1 is used to emit CO2 laser light, the incident end of the light guide arm 2 is connected to the output end of the laser 1, the light guide arm 2 includes a plurality of sequentially connected rotating joints 21 for guiding the CO2 laser beam along a predetermined optical path; the clamping and fixing mechanism 3 is disposed at the connection between the light guide arm 2 and the laser 1 for rigidly connecting the incident end of the light guide arm 2 to the laser 1; the clamping and locking mechanism 4 is disposed at the connection between two adjacent rotating joints 21 for restricting the relative rotation of the rotating joints 21 during the emission phase; the supporting and fixing mechanism 5 is disposed at the emission end of the light guide arm 2 for connecting the end of the light guide arm 2 to the mounting base.

[0026] In this embodiment, the clamping and fixing mechanism 3 located at the incident end of the light guide arm 2, the clamping and locking mechanism 4 located at the connection of each rotating joint 21, and the supporting and fixing mechanism 5 located at the exit end of the light guide arm 2 form multi-point rigid constraints on the light guide arm 2. This allows the random vibration, quasi-static acceleration, and impact loads experienced by the light guide arm 2 during the launch phase of the spacecraft to be effectively transmitted to the mounting base plate, avoiding beam quality deterioration caused by relative joint rotation, loose fasteners, or optical axis misalignment. At the same time, the above-mentioned fixing mechanisms lock the light guide arm 2 into a rigid whole during the launch phase, improving the structural fundamental frequency and overload resistance of the light guide arm 2. After entering orbit, the fixing mechanisms are unlocked, and the light guide arm 2 returns to a multi-degree-of-freedom flexible rotation state, thus taking into account both the load resistance requirements of the spacecraft launch phase and the optical path adjustment requirements after entering orbit.

[0027] In one embodiment, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 1 , Figure 2The light guide arm 2 also includes a first right-angled arm tube 22, a red light indicator assembly 23, and a second right-angled arm tube 24; one end of the first right-angled arm tube 22 is connected to the output end of the laser 1, and the other end of the first right-angled arm tube 22 is connected to the red light indicator assembly 23; the rotating joint 21 located at the front end is connected to the red light indicator assembly 23, and the rotating joint 21 located at the rear end is connected to one end of the second right-angled arm tube 24, and the other end of the second right-angled arm tube 24 is used to connect to the mounting base.

[0028] Reference manual attached Figure 3 The clamping and fixing mechanism 3 includes a cover plate 31, which replaces the original front cover plate of the laser 1. The thickness of the cover plate 31 is greater than that of the original front cover plate of the laser 1, and the axial depth of the threaded hole on the cover plate 31 is greater than that of the threaded hole on the original front cover plate of the laser 1. By replacing the original front cover plate of the laser with a cover plate 31 that is thicker and has a deeper axial depth of threaded hole, the threaded connection depth and fastening contact area between the cover plate 31 and the housing of the laser 1 are increased, thereby improving the pull-out resistance and vibration loosening resistance of the connection, and enhancing the connection rigidity and reliability between the incident end of the light guide arm 2 and the laser 1.

[0029] The clamping and fixing mechanism 3 also includes an adapter 32 and a clamping bracket 33. The adapter 32 is connected to the outside of the cover plate 31, and the other end of the adapter 32 is fixedly connected to the first right-angle arm tube 22. The adapter 32 can be configured as a cylindrical structure, with a flange at the bottom, and is fixedly connected to the cover plate 31 by bolts. The clamping bracket 33 is clamped to the outside of the adapter 32, and is connected to the red light indicator assembly 23 by bolts, forming a rigid support for the first right-angle arm tube 22 to limit the lateral swing of the first right-angle arm tube 22. The clamping bracket 33 includes an arc-shaped bottom rod 331 and a first side rod 332 and a second side rod 333 respectively connected to both sides of the arc-shaped bottom rod 331. The arc-shaped bottom rod 331 is attached to the outer wall of the adapter 32 and is fixedly connected to the adapter 32 by bolts. The first side rod 332 and the second side rod 333 are fixedly connected to the base 231 of the red light indicator assembly 23, thereby forming a rigid connection to the first right-angled arm tube 22 and thus limiting the lateral swing of the first right-angled arm tube 22.

[0030] The clamping and fixing mechanism 3 also includes a fastening structure 34, which comprises a first connecting plate 341 and a second connecting plate 342 connected vertically. The first connecting plate 341 is fixed to the light-emitting end plane of the red light indicator assembly 23, and the second connecting plate 342 is provided with a clamping groove 3421, which clamps and fixes the main arm tube of the light guide arm 2. The clamping groove 3421 is provided with an openable and closable cover to release the clamping and fixing of the light guide arm 2. By setting multiple fixing mechanisms, the front end of the light guide arm 2 is rigidly fixed at multiple points, thereby improving the overall anti-emission load capability of the light guide arm 2.

[0031] In one embodiment, refer to the appendix to the specification. Figure 4 The clamp locking mechanism 4 includes a first clamp locking ring 41 and a second clamp locking ring 42 set at a preset angle. The first clamp locking ring 41 covers the outer periphery of one rotating joint 21, and the second clamp locking ring 42 covers the outer periphery of another adjacent rotating joint 21. This keeps the adjacent joints relatively fixed during the launch phase, effectively preventing relative rotation of the rotating joints 21 under vibration and impact loads. Multiple clamp locking mechanisms 4 can be provided, and their specific number can be set according to the number of rotating joints 21.

[0032] The first clamp locking ring 41 includes a first clamp base 411, a first clamp top cover 412, and a first fastening screw 413. The first clamp base 411 and the first clamp top cover 412 form an annular structure. The first fastening screw 413 is detachably connected to the first clamp base 411 and the first clamp top cover 412. When the first fastening screw 413 is tightened, the first clamp locking ring 41 contracts radially to lock a rotating joint 21. The second clamp locking ring 42 includes a second clamp base 421, a second clamp top cover 422, and a second fastening screw 423. The second clamp base 421 is fixedly connected to the first clamp base 411. The second clamp base 421 and the second clamp top cover 422 form an annular structure. The second fastening screw 423 connects the second clamp base 421 and the second clamp top cover 422. When the second fastening screw 423 is tightened, the second clamp locking ring 42 contracts radially to lock another rotating joint 21. The clamping mechanism 4 can prevent the rotating joint 21 from rotating under vibration load, thereby avoiding optical path deviation and improving the overall structural rigidity of the light guide arm; and the detachable design of the top cover can release the clamping and fixing of the rotating joint 21.

[0033] Reference manual attached Figure 5The support and fixing mechanism 5 includes a mounting flange 51 and at least one support arm 52. The mounting flange 51 is used to fix the device to the mounting base by bolts. The mounting base can be a spacecraft, a containerless space device, etc. For example, a CO2 laser emitting device is installed in the containerless material experiment cabinet of the Chinese space station. The CO2 laser emitted by the laser is conducted through the light guide arm and used to heat the containerless sample suspended in the cabinet. The support and fixing mechanism is fixed to the cabinet mounting base of the containerless material experiment cabinet by the mounting flange. The support arm 52 is fixedly connected to the mounting flange 51. The end of the support arm 52 away from the mounting flange 51 is provided with a support slot 521. The support slot 521 is adapted to the end of the light guide arm 2 to form a rigid support for the emission end of the light guide arm 2. The emission end of the light guide arm 2 can be a rotating joint 21. There are two support arms 52, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the rotating joint 21; of course, the support arm 52 can also be connected to the second right-angle arm tube 24. The support slot 521 is provided with an openable cover to release the clamping and fixing of the light guide arm 2 at the emission end.

[0034] In this embodiment, the support fixing mechanism 5 is fixed to the mounting base by the mounting flange 51, and is adapted to the end of the light guide arm 2 by the support slot 521 provided at one end of the support arm 522, forming a rigid support for the emission end of the light guide arm 2. This effectively reduces the cantilever length of the end of the light guide arm 2 and reduces the stress at the threaded connection at the end. At the same time, the adapted connection between the support slot 521 and the end of the light guide arm 2 can form a radial constraint on the end, limiting its swing and displacement in a vibration environment, improving the support stiffness and vibration resistance of the end of the light guide arm 2, and making the load transfer path of the light guide arm 2 in the emission section more complete and reliable.

[0035] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0036] It should be noted that the above embodiments can be freely combined as needed. The above are merely optional embodiments of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A CO2 laser emitting device, characterized in that, include: Laser, used to emit CO2 laser light; A light guide arm, the incident end of which is connected to the output end of the laser, the light guide arm including a plurality of sequentially connected rotary joints, for guiding the CO2 laser beam along a predetermined optical path; A clamping and fixing mechanism is provided at the connection between the light guide arm and the laser, and is used to rigidly connect the incident end of the light guide arm to the laser. A clamping locking mechanism is provided at the connection between two adjacent rotary joints to restrict the relative rotation of the rotary joints during the launch phase; A support and fixing mechanism is provided at the exit end of the light guide arm to connect the end of the light guide arm to the mounting base.

2. The CO2 laser emitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light guide arm also includes a first right-angled arm tube, a red light indicator assembly, and a second right-angled arm tube; One end of the first right-angled tube is connected to the output end of the laser, and the other end of the first right-angled tube is connected to the red light indicator assembly; The rotating joint at the front is connected to the red light indicator assembly, and the rotating joint at the rear is connected to one end of the second right-angle arm tube, the other end of which is used to connect to the mounting base.

3. The CO2 laser emitting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping and fixing mechanism includes a cover plate, which is used to replace the original front cover plate of the laser. The thickness of the cover plate is greater than the thickness of the original front cover plate of the laser, and the axial depth of the threaded hole on the cover plate is greater than the axial depth of the threaded hole on the original front cover plate of the laser.

4. The CO2 laser emitting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clamping and fixing mechanism also includes an adapter, which is connected to the outside of the cover plate and is used to connect the incident end of the light guide arm and provide an installation reference.

5. The CO2 laser emitting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The clamping and fixing mechanism further includes a clamping bracket, which is clamped on the outside of the adapter. The clamping bracket is connected to the red light indicator assembly by bolts and provides rigid support for the first right-angle arm tube to limit the lateral swing of the first right-angle arm tube.

6. The CO2 laser emitting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adapter is a cylindrical structure. The clamping bracket includes an arc-shaped bottom rod and a first side rod and a second side rod respectively connected to both sides of the arc-shaped bottom rod. The arc-shaped bottom rod is attached to the outer wall of the adapter. The first side rod and the second side rod are respectively fixedly connected to the base of the red light indicator assembly.

7. The CO2 laser emitting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamping and fixing mechanism further includes a fastening structure, which includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate that are vertically connected. The first connecting plate is fixed to the light-emitting end plane of the red light indicator assembly, and the second connecting plate is provided with a clamping groove, which is clamped and fixed to the main arm tube of the light guide arm.

8. The CO2 laser emitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp locking mechanism includes a first clamp locking ring and a second clamp locking ring arranged at a preset angle. The first clamp locking ring covers the outer periphery of one of the rotating joints, and the second clamp locking ring covers the outer periphery of another adjacent rotating joint.

9. The CO2 laser emitting device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first clamp locking ring includes a first clamp base, a first clamp top cover and a first fastening screw. The first clamp base and the first clamp top cover are arranged to form an annular structure. The first fastening screw connects the first clamp base and the first clamp top cover. When the first fastening screw is tightened, the first clamp locking ring contracts radially to lock the rotary joint. The second clamp locking ring includes a second clamp base, a second clamp top cover, and a second fastening screw. The second clamp base is fixedly connected to the first clamp base. The second clamp base and the second clamp top cover form an annular structure. The second fastening screw connects the second clamp base and the second clamp top cover. When the second fastening screw is tightened, the second clamp locking ring contracts radially to lock the other rotating joint.

10. The CO2 laser emitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support and fixing mechanism includes a mounting flange and at least one support arm. The mounting flange is used to fix to the mounting base by bolts. The support arm is fixedly connected to the mounting flange. A support slot is provided at the end of the support arm away from the mounting flange. The support slot is adapted to the end of the light guide arm to form a rigid support for the emission end of the light guide arm.

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