Laser projection assembly, tool for projecting laser light onto workpiece, and laser projection tool
By using a single continuous window component in the laser projection tool, the need for large-angle projection in multiple directions was addressed, resulting in a more durable and efficient laser projection effect while reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
Conventional laser projection tools require multiple windows to accommodate large projection angles and side projections of the laser in multiple directions, resulting in complex structures and increased costs.
The use of a single, continuous, and adjacent window element, including curved and flat sections, covers multiple sides of the housing, allowing the laser to be projected in multiple directions at large fan-shaped angles, reducing the number of window elements and assembly complexity.
It achieves more durable and efficient laser projection, reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, and improves the ability of lasers to project in multiple directions.
Smart Images
Figure CN224097188U_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-reference to related applications
[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Application No. 63 / 556,687, filed February 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0003] This utility model generally relates to the field of tools. Specifically, it relates to laser projection tools for projecting laser light onto a workpiece, such as point laser tools, line laser tools, and planar laser tools. Background Technology
[0004] Conventional laser projection tools typically include windows that are flat (i.e., extending along a single plane), consist of only flat or curved sections, or consist of only a single curved section. These configurations often require multiple windows to accommodate large projection angles of the laser in multiple directions and / or projection of the laser beyond multiple sides of the laser housing. These issues need to be addressed. Utility Model Content
[0005] One embodiment of this utility model relates to a laser projection assembly, which includes a housing, a window, and a laser device. The housing includes a front portion, a top portion, a left portion, and a right portion. An opening is defined by the housing and extends at least along a first portion of the front portion, a second portion of the top portion, and a third portion of the left portion. The window is coupled to the housing and covers the opening. The window includes a first flat surface section, a first curved section, and a second curved section. The first flat surface section extends along the front portion. The first curved section bends about a first axis and extends between the front and top portions. The second curved section bends about a second axis and extends between the front and left portions. The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. The laser device is coupled to the housing and configured to emit a laser through the window.
[0006] Another embodiment of the present utility model relates to a tool for projecting laser light onto a workpiece. The tool includes a housing, a window piece, and a laser device. The housing includes a first side, a second side, and a third side. The second side is coupled to a first edge of the first side, and the first side is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the first side. The third side is coupled to a second edge of the first side, and the third side is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the first side. The window piece extends at least along a first portion of the first side, a second portion of the second side, and a third portion of the third side. The window piece includes a first curved section and a second curved section. The first curved section is curved about a first axis, and the first curved section extends between the first side and the second side. The second curved section is curved about a second axis, and the second curved section extends between the first side and the third side. The window piece is formed from a single continuous and contiguous piece of material. The laser device is coupled to the housing and is configured to emit laser light through the window piece.
[0007] Another embodiment of the present utility model relates to a laser projection tool including a housing defining an opening, a window piece coupled to the housing, and a line laser device. The window piece covers the opening and includes a first curved section, a second curved section, and a flat surface. The first curved section is curved about a first axis, and the first curved section extends between a first side of the housing and a second side of the housing. The second curved section is curved about a second axis, and the second curved section extends between the first side of the housing and a third side of the housing. The flat surface section extends between the first curved section and the second curved section. The window piece is formed from a single continuous and contiguous piece of material. The line laser device is coupled to the housing and is configured to emit a first laser light through the window piece. The first laser light is projected through the window piece in the form of a planar fan beam. The planar fan beam has a fan angle of 90 degrees to 270 degrees.
[0008] In one embodiment, the laser projection tool further includes a second laser device configured to emit a second laser light through the window piece.
[0009] In one embodiment, the second laser device is configured to emit the second laser light through the window piece in the form of a linear beam.
[0010] In one embodiment, the second laser device is configured to emit the second laser light through the window piece in the form of a planar fan beam, and wherein the first laser light and the second laser light are oriented perpendicular to each other.
[0011] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who practice the application, and which is further described in connection with what is described herein and / or claimed, the aims being to describe embodiments which are presently best mode contemplated. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only.
[0012] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more implementation(s) and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various implementations. Additionally, alternative example implementations relate to other features and combinations of features as can occur to one skilled in the art upon employing the inventive concepts described herein and that such BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The present application will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below, and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration and by which the principles of the application are not to be limited thereto. Like reference numerals refer to the same element throughout the drawings.
[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a laser projection tool according to an example implementation;
[0015] Figure 2 is a detailed view of a laser projection tool according to an example implementation; Figure 1
[0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a laser projection tool according to an example implementation; Figure 1
[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a laser projection tool according to an example implementation in an activated state; Figure 1
[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a laser projection tool according to an example implementation; and
[0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a laser projection tool according to an example implementation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Referring generally to the drawings, various implementations of laser projection tools, such as laser levels having curved window members, are shown. Generally, the laser projection tools discussed herein include a housing having openings extending along multiple sides of the housing and window members covering the openings, which allow a laser device to project laser beams in multiple directions and at wide fan angles. In the specific implementations discussed herein, the housing includes a single continuous window member over the openings, which has curved corner portions to accommodate the geometry of the housing as the openings extend from one side of the housing to another. The window members of the laser projection tools are configured to extend in a vertical direction to multiple sides of the housing (e.g., from a front side to a top side and from the front side to a left side and / or a right side).
[0021] The curved window piece of the laser projection tool discussed herein provides a design that addresses the problems involved in the background of the present invention, while also providing a more durable window piece and allowing for a wider laser fan angle than traditional flat window pieces.
[0022] Referring to Figure 1 A laser projection assembly or laser projection device 10 according to an example embodiment is shown. The laser projection device 10 includes a laser device housing 12 and a frame 14. The laser device housing 12 is mounted on the frame 14. The frame 14 is configured to allow for adjustment of the laser projection device 10 relative to a workpiece and / or to allow for mounting of the laser projection device 10 to an accessory or work surface. The laser device housing 12 includes various electronic components, a laser light source, and optics associated with the laser projection tool, and includes one or more laser projection openings, shown as a laser opening 16 defined by the housing 12, through which the internal laser light source projects a laser line, laser dot, etc. onto a workpiece or work surface. The laser device housing 12 includes a window piece 18 that covers the laser opening 16. The window piece 18 is coupled to and positioned within the housing 12. The window piece 18 is formed from a single continuous and contiguous piece of material. The window piece 18 is formed from a transparent material, such as a glass material or a plastic material (e.g., polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic), to allow laser light rays to be transmitted through the window piece 18 out of the laser device housing 12.
[0023] Referring to Figure 2 The laser device housing 12 can house any of a variety of laser devices configured to emit laser light (e.g., line laser, dot laser, plane laser, etc.). In various embodiments, at least one laser device is coupled to and positioned within the housing 12 such that the laser device is encircled by the housing 12. In a particular embodiment, the laser device housing 12 supports a dot laser device 20 that projects one or more laser light dot onto a work surface or workpiece. The dot laser device 20 emits laser light in the form of a linear beam through the window piece 18, and the linear beam appears as a dot on the work surface or workpiece. In a particular embodiment, the dot laser device 20 can be a 5-dot laser system that projects three dots on a horizontal plane— each dot at 90° from an adjacent dot on the horizontal plane, and one dot directly above and one directly below the device. In other embodiments, the dot laser device can project fewer dots in any combination of the 5-dot laser system.
[0024] In some embodiments, the laser device housing 12 supports a first line laser device 22 that projects a horizontal line onto a working surface. The line laser device 22 is configured to emit laser light in the form of a planar beam, which appears as a line on the workpiece or working surface. Specifically, the first line laser device 22 projects a horizontal line. The laser device housing 12 supports a second line laser device 24 that projects a vertical line onto a working surface. The line laser device 24 is configured to emit laser light in the form of a planar beam, which appears as a line on the workpiece or working surface. Specifically, the second line laser device 24 projects a vertical line that intersects the horizontal line projected by the first line laser device 22. In a specific embodiment, the laser device supported within the laser device housing 12 includes a self-leveling mechanism that levels the laser output even if the housing of the laser system is not horizontal.
[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the laser device housing 12 includes a first side or front side 26, a second side or top side 28, and a third side or left side 30. In some embodiments, the laser device housing 12 includes a fifth side or angled front side 31 located between the front side 26 and the top side 28. (See also...) Figure 3 The laser device housing also includes a fourth side or right side 32 opposite to the left side 30 and a sixth side or downward-facing side 34 opposite to the top side 28. The top side 28, left side 30, right side 32, angled front side 31 and downward-facing side 34 are each oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the front side 26.
[0026] Laser opening 16 extends along housing 12. As shown, laser opening 16 extends horizontally through the front portion 26 of laser device housing 12. Laser opening 16 also extends to a portion of left side portion 30 and along a portion of left side portion 30, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the laser opening 16 extends towards a portion of the right side portion 32 and along that portion, as... Figure 3 As shown. The laser opening 16 also extends vertically through the front side 26 of the laser device housing 12. (As...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the laser opening 16 also extends toward and through the angled front side 31, and extends toward and along a portion of the top side 28. In some embodiments, the laser opening 16 also extends toward and along a portion of the downward-facing side 34, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3In other embodiments, the laser device housing 12 includes a separate laser opening in the downward facing side 34 that is discontinuous relative to the laser opening 16 for the downcast laser projection of the spot laser device 20.
[0027] In a particular implementation, the window piece 18 includes a plurality of flat surface segments and a plurality of curved segments. The window piece 18 includes a first flat surface segment or front flat surface segment 36, a second flat surface segment or top flat surface segment 38, a third flat surface segment or left flat surface segment 40, a fifth flat surface segment or angled front flat surface segment 41, a fourth flat surface segment or right flat surface segment 42, and a sixth flat surface segment or downward facing flat surface segment 44. The front flat surface segment 36 extends across the laser opening 16 between portions of the front side 26.
[0028] As shown, the flat surface segments 36, 38, 40, 41, 42, and 44 each extend along a single plane such that the flat surface segments do not include any bends or curves. In some embodiments, the front flat surface segment 36 is generally parallel to the front side 26. The top flat surface segment 38 extends across the laser opening 16 between portions of the top side 28. The left flat surface segment 40 extends across the laser opening 16 between portions of the left side 30. The angled front flat surface segment 41 extends across the laser opening 16 between portions of the angled front side 31. In some embodiments, the angled front flat surface segment 41 is generally parallel to the angled front side 31. The right flat surface segment 42 extends across the laser opening 16 between portions of the right side 32. The downward facing flat surface segment 44 extends across the laser opening 16 between portions of the downward facing side 34.
[0029] The window piece 18 includes one of a plurality of curved segments 46 between each adjacent flat surface segment, the curved segments 46 having an arcuate shape. As shown, a first curved segment 46 extends between the front side 26 and the angled top side 31, a second curved segment 46 extends between the angled top side 31 and the top side 28, a third curved segment 46 extends between the front side 26 and the left side 30, and a fourth curved segment 46 extends between the front side 26 and the right side 32. As shown, the front flat segment 36 extends between the third curved segment and the fourth curved segment 46. The front flat segment 36 also extends between the downward flat segment 44 and the first curved segment 46. The angled front flat segment 41 extends between the first curved segment 46 and the second curved segment 46.
[0030] The curved sections 46 each curve about an axis 47. The curved sections 46 between the front planar surface section 36 and the left planar surface section 40 and between the front planar surface section 36 and the right planar surface section 42 each curve about a vertical axis 47A (i.e., an axis that extends through and / or is generally perpendicular to the top side 28 and the downward-facing side 34). The vertical axes 47A are generally parallel to each other. The curved sections 46 between the front planar surface section 36 and the angled front planar surface section 41 and between the angled front planar surface section 41 and the top planar surface section 38 each curve about a horizontal axis 47B (i.e., an axis that extends through and / or is generally perpendicular to the left side 30 and the right side 32). The horizontal axes 47B are generally parallel to each other. In particular embodiments, the vertical axes 47A and the horizontal axes 47B are perpendicular to each other. In some embodiments, the window piece 18 includes an acute angle between the front planar surface section 36 and the downward-facing planar surface section 44. The curved sections 46 each have an outer surface area that is less than the outer surface area of the adjacent planar surface sections of the window piece 18. The curved geometry of the window piece 18 provides a structure that is considered more durable than conventional laser projection tools that include a single planar window piece and / or separate abutting window pieces.
[0031] The window piece 18 is configured to extend through the laser opening 16 such that the window piece 18 and the laser device housing 12 cooperate to enclose the laser projection device in the laser device housing 12. In particular embodiments, the window piece 18 is formed as a single continuous and abutting unitary component that includes the curved sections and planar surface sections disclosed herein. By enclosing the laser projection device with a single window piece that extends along multiple sides of the laser device housing 12, the embodiments discussed herein are considered to more effectively reduce or prevent the ingress of dirt or debris as compared to conventional laser projection devices that include multiple abutting planar window pieces. Further, by molding the window piece 18 as a single component, the embodiments discussed herein are considered to reduce manufacturing and assembly costs relative to some conventional laser projection devices that require multiple window pieces to be molded and assembled.
[0032] Referring to Figure 4 The laser projection device 10 is shown in an activated state. The dot laser device 20 emits a downward dot laser 50 through the downward-facing planar surface section 44 and an upward dot laser 52 through the top planar surface section 38. The lasers 50 and 52 are linear beams that are projected as dots (or circular dots) on a work surface or workpiece. The dot laser device 20 emits the lasers 50 and 52 in a vertical direction through the window piece 18.
[0033] The first line laser device 22 projects laser light 54 in the form of a fan or partial planar beam. In particular, the laser light 54 is a horizontal line laser that is emitted through the window piece 18 in the form of a planar fan beam and projected as a line on the work surface or workpiece. The second line laser device 24 projects laser light 56 in the form of a fan or partial planar beam. In particular, the laser light 56 is a vertical line laser that is emitted through the window piece 18 in the form of a planar fan beam and projected as a line on the work surface or workpiece. The laser light 54 and the laser light 56 intersect each other. In particular embodiments, the laser light 54 and the laser light 56 are perpendicular to each other.
[0034] The curved geometry of the window piece 18 allows the laser projection device 10 to emit vertical point lasers, horizontal line lasers, and vertical line lasers through the window piece 18 without requiring multiple window pieces, separate window pieces, or multiple separate laser openings. Furthermore, by extending to and along multiple sides of the laser device housing 12, the window piece 18 allows the laser projection device 10 to enclose the laser projection device and project horizontal line lasers and vertical line lasers through a greater fan angle than a similarly sized laser projection device having a flat window piece that extends along only one side of the housing. In some embodiments, the horizontal line lasers and / or vertical line lasers, such as the laser light 54 and 56, are emitted in the form of a planar fan beam having a fan angle of 90 degrees to 270 degrees. In particular embodiments, the laser light is projected through the window piece 18 with a fan angle of between 90 degrees and 270 degrees, and more particularly between 130 degrees and 220 degrees. In particular embodiments, the fan angle is about 150 degrees.
[0035] Referring to Figure 5 A laser projection device 110 according to an example embodiment is shown. The laser projection device 110 is generally the same as the laser projection device 10, except for the differences discussed herein. The laser projection device 110 includes a laser device housing 112 and a window piece 118. The window piece 118 includes a plurality of flat surface segments 136 that extend between portions of the sides of the laser device housing 112. The window piece 118 includes corner portions 146 located between the flat surface segments 136. In some embodiments, the corner portions 146 are angles formed at the areas of contact between adjacent adjoining flat surface segments 136, such that the direction in which the window piece 118 extends changes abruptly at the corner portions 146.
[0036] Referring to Figure 6FIG. 21 shows a laser projection device 210 according to an example embodiment. Laser projection device 210 is generally the same as laser projection devices 10 and 110, except for the differences discussed herein. Laser projection device 210 includes a laser device housing 212 and a window piece 218. In particular embodiments, window piece 218 includes a plurality of flat surface segments 236 extending between portions of a side of laser device housing 212. Window piece 218 includes curved segments 246 located between adjacent flat surface segments 236. Curved segments 246 are curved about an axis 247. An outer surface area of each curved segment 246 is greater than an outer surface area of at least one of the adjacent flat surface segments 236. Window piece 218 extends generally along a front side of laser device housing 212 below a horizontal segment of window piece 218 that extends along and between portions of a left side, front side, and right side of laser device housing 212. In other embodiments, window piece 218 of laser projection device 210 does not include any flat surface segments, such that the entire outer surface of window piece 218 is curved.
[0037] It is to be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments and that the application is not limited to the details of description or the details of the figures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0038] Other modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Therefore, this description should not be construed as limiting. The constructions and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced without materially affecting the material attributes of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0039] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no method claimed herein is intended to be interpreted as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Hence, to the extent any method claim recites more steps than are required to complete the claimed method, no additional claim is intended to be inferred, to the extent any method claim recites steps in a particular order, no additional claim is intended to be inferred unless explicitly stated as such. Also, as used in this description, the article "a" is intended to include one or more pieces or elements of the component or element.
[0040] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining can be stationary or moveable in nature. Such joining can be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with the two members or with the two members and any additional member(s) being attached to one another. Such joining can be permanent in nature or alternatively can be removable or releasable in nature. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" means that two members are coupled in such a way that the members move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by forces.
[0041] While the present application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the present application are directed to any combination of any of the features described herein, whether or not such combination is presently claimed, and any such combination of features can be claimed in the present application or in a future application. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the above-discussed example embodiments can be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other above-discussed embodiments.
[0042] In various example embodiments, relative dimensions including angles, lengths and radii as illustrated in the drawings are drawn to scale. Actual measurements of the drawings will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of various example embodiments. Various example embodiments extend to various ranges of absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions around which the various example embodiments can be scaled. Various example embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the drawings. Furthermore, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in the description can be determined by using the scale of the dimensions measured in the drawings in combination with explicit dimensions stated in the description.
Claims
1. A laser projection assembly, characterized in that, include: Housing, the housing comprising: Front side; Top side; Left side; The right side portion is opposite to the left side portion; and An opening defined by the housing, the opening extending at least along a first portion of the front side, a second portion of the top side, and a third portion of the left side; a window member coupled to the housing and covering the opening, the window member comprising: A first flat surface segment extends along the front side portion; A first curved section, the first curved section bending about a first axis, the first curved section extending between the front side portion and the top side portion; and A second curved section, the second curved section bending around a second axis, the second curved section extending between the front portion and the left portion, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis; and A laser device, which is coupled to the housing and configured to emit a laser through the window.
2. The laser projection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The window element is formed from a single, continuous, adjacent material element.
3. The laser projection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening extends along the fourth portion of the right side portion, and the window element further includes a third curved section that bends around a third axis, the third curved section extending between the front side portion and the right side portion.
4. The laser projection assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third axis is parallel to the second axis.
5. The laser projection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The window element further includes a second flat surface section, wherein the second flat surface section extends along the top side of the housing.
6. The laser projection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a frame, wherein the housing is mounted on the frame.
7. The laser projection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser device is configured to emit laser light in the form of a linear beam through the window.
8. The laser projection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser device is configured to emit laser light in the form of a planar fan-shaped beam with a fan-shaped angle of 90 to 270 degrees.
9. A tool for projecting a laser onto a workpiece, characterized in that, The tools include: Housing, the housing comprising: First side section; A second side portion, the second side portion being connected to a first edge of the first side portion, wherein the second side portion is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the first side portion; A third side portion, the third side portion being connected to the second edge of the first side portion, wherein the third side portion is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the first side portion; A window element, extending at least along a first portion of the first side, a second portion of the second side, and a third portion of the third side, the window element comprising: A first curved section, the first curved section bending about a first axis, the first curved section extending between a first side and a second side; and The second curved section bends around the second axis and extends between the first side and the third side; The window element is formed from a single, continuous, and adjacent material element; and A laser device, which is coupled to the housing and configured to emit a laser through the window.
10. The tool according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.
11. The tool according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second axis is parallel to the first axis.
12. The tool according to claim 9, characterized in that, The window element also includes a flat surface section extending along the first side between the first curved section and the second curved section.
13. The tool according to claim 9, characterized in that, The window element is made of glass.
14. The tool according to claim 9, characterized in that, The window element is made of plastic material.
15. A laser projection tool, characterized in that, include: A housing that defines an opening; A window element, connected to the housing and covering the opening, the window element comprising: A first curved section, the first curved section bending about a first axis, the first curved section extending between a first side portion of the housing and a second side portion of the housing; and The second curved section bends about a second axis and extends between the first side and the third side of the housing; A flat surface section extending between the first curved section and the second curved section; The window element is formed from a single continuous and adjacent material element; and a line laser device is coupled to the housing and configured to emit a first laser through the window element, wherein the first laser is projected through the window element in the form of a planar fan-shaped beam, wherein the planar fan-shaped beam has a fan angle of 90 degrees to 270 degrees.
16. The laser projection tool according to claim 15, characterized in that, The angle of the sector is between 130 degrees and 220 degrees.
17. The laser projection tool according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first axis is perpendicular to the second axis.
18. The laser projection tool according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes a second laser device configured to emit a second laser through the window.
19. The laser projection tool according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second laser device is configured to emit a second laser beam in the form of a linear beam through the window.
20. The laser projection tool according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second laser device is configured to emit a second laser in the form of a planar fan-shaped beam through the window, wherein the first laser and the second laser are oriented perpendicularly to each other.