An optical lens switching device

By designing a manually operated optical lens switching device, a turntable and positioning mechanism are used to achieve precise alignment and stable positioning of optical lenses, solving the problems of complex structure and susceptibility to interference in existing devices, and improving the accuracy and service life of the optical system.

CN224581745UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-31PEDESTAL OPTICAL TECH (FOSHAN) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
PEDESTAL OPTICAL TECH (FOSHAN) CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-07-29
Publication Date
2026-07-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing optical lens switching devices suffer from problems such as complex structure, high maintenance difficulty, and susceptibility to external interference leading to inaccurate positioning. In particular, electric switching devices are costly, and manual switching devices lack effective protection and positioning mechanisms.

Method used

An optical lens switching device comprising a housing, a turntable, and a positioning mechanism was designed. It is manually operated and achieves precise alignment and stable positioning of the optical lenses through the turntable and positioning mechanism. Combined with the protection of the enclosed structure, the operation process is simplified and the vibration resistance is enhanced.

Benefits of technology

It enables easy and stable switching of optical lenses, reduces operational difficulty and cost, ensures the accuracy and anti-interference capability of the optical system, is suitable for closed optical path scenarios, and extends the service life of the lenses.

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Abstract

This utility model discloses an optical lens switching device, including a housing, a turntable, and a positioning mechanism. The housing has an internal cavity, and a vertical light-transmitting channel that runs through and connects to the cavity. The top of the housing has a disassembly / removal operation window with a removable cover. The side of the housing has a side opening that connects to the cavity, and a removable side cover is provided on the side opening. The turntable is rotatably disposed within the cavity of the housing around a vertical axis. The turntable has multiple mounting holes for mounting optical lenses, which are spaced apart circumferentially. Each mounting hole has a fixing mechanism for fixing the optical lenses. The positioning mechanism is disposed between the housing and the turntable so that one of the mounting holes axially aligns with the light-transmitting channel.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical experimental system technology, and in particular to an optical lens switching device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of optics, the switching of optical lenses (such as light shields and filters) is a common and crucial requirement in many optical instruments, such as optical experimental systems and microscopes. Different optical lenses have unique optical properties, and by switching these lenses, parameters such as light intensity, wavelength, and polarization state can be flexibly adjusted to meet diverse experimental conditions, observation needs, or specific optical processing requirements.

[0003] To achieve the switching of optical lenses, various switching devices have been developed in the existing technology, which can be divided into two main types: electric switching and manual switching.

[0004] Regarding electrically operated switching devices, for example, the solution disclosed in prior art (CN218956913U) uses an electrically driven mechanism to switch optical lenses. This electrically operated switching method achieves a certain degree of automation, improves switching efficiency, and reduces manual intervention. However, its transmission structure is usually quite complex, involving the precise coordination of multiple mechanical components, such as motors, gear sets, and drive belts. This complex transmission structure not only increases the manufacturing cost of the device but also increases the difficulty of maintenance. If a component malfunctions, it may require repair by specialized technicians, and the repair cost is high. Furthermore, the complex transmission structure may also result in a larger device size, occupying more space and limiting its applicability.

[0005] Manual switching devices, due to their ease of operation, are used in situations where cost is sensitive or switching speed requirements are not high. For example, the solution disclosed in prior art with publication number CN217484571U allows users to switch optical lenses manually. However, existing manual switching devices have significant defects in the part that carries the optical lenses. These devices often lack effective protection and precise positioning mechanisms for the part that carries the optical lenses. During optical experiments or use, the device may be subject to external interference factors such as accidental collisions and vibrations. Due to the lack of protection and positioning, the part that carries the optical lenses is prone to displacement under these disturbances, causing the optical lenses to fail to accurately align with the optical path, thereby affecting the performance of the optical system and the accuracy of experimental results. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the present invention proposes an optical lens switching device, the purpose of which is to achieve simplicity and stability in optical lens switching and reduce structural complexity.

[0007] The solution provided by this utility model includes: An optical lens switching device, comprising: The box has an internal cavity, and a vertical light channel that runs through and connects to the cavity. The top of the box has an assembly / disassembly operation window with a removable cover. The side of the box has a side opening that connects to the cavity, and the side opening has a removable side cover. A turntable is rotatably disposed within the cavity of the housing around a vertical axis. The turntable has multiple mounting holes for mounting optical lenses, which are spaced apart circumferentially. Each mounting hole is provided with a fixing mechanism for fixing the optical lenses. A positioning mechanism is provided between the housing and the turntable so that one of the mounting holes axially aligns with the light transmission channel.

[0008] As a further optional solution, the mounting hole is a threaded hole; The fixing mechanism includes an annular protrusion protruding from the inner wall of the mounting hole and an annular fixing member threaded to the mounting hole, wherein the annular fixing member fixes the optical lens on the annular protrusion.

[0009] As a further optional solution, the diameter of the mounting hole is equal to or greater than the diameter of the light transmission channel; The diameter of the mounting hole is smaller than the width of the assembly / disassembly operation window.

[0010] As a further optional solution, the positioning mechanism includes multiple slots recessed on the end face of the turntable and ball screws disposed on the housing. Multiple slots are distributed at intervals along the circumference, and the number of slots corresponds to the number of mounting holes; The ball screw is located on the rotational movement path of the slot, and the ball screw engages with the slot; when the ball screw engages with the slot, one of the mounting holes corresponds axially with the light transmission channel.

[0011] As a further optional solution, both the mounting holes and the slots are provided in six positions, with the slots positioned on the turntable closer to the vertical axis of rotation relative to the mounting holes.

[0012] As a further optional solution, one end of the side cover is hinged to the box body, and the other end is provided with a first magnetic block; the box body is provided with a second magnetic block that magnetically engages with the first magnetic block.

[0013] As a further optional solution, the box body includes a base and a top cover; The top of the base is recessed, and the top cover is sealed over the recess to form the cavity; The base has a first through hole at its bottom and the top cover has a second through hole. The first through hole and the second through hole are axially aligned and form the light transmission channel. The side opening is provided on the base; The assembly / disassembly operation window is located on the top cover, and the cover plate is fixed to the top cover with screws.

[0014] As a further optional solution, both the first and second through holes are threaded holes.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the optical lens switching device of this application has at least the following advantages: 1. Simple structure and easy operation: This switching device is a manual switching structure. When it is necessary to adjust the turntable to switch optical lenses, the operator only needs to open the side cover and manually rotate the exposed turntable through the side opening. The operation process is simple and intuitive, without the need for complicated electric control or professional tools, which reduces the difficulty and cost of operation.

[0016] 2. Stable Positioning: After the turntable is adjusted to the correct position, the positioning mechanism provides a stable limit for the axial alignment of the mounting hole and the light transmission channel, ensuring that the switched optical lens can be accurately aligned with the light transmission channel, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of the optical system switching. The positioning mechanism not only achieves precise positioning but also has the ability to resist external vibrations. When the device is subjected to external vibrations, the positioning mechanism can maintain the stability of the mounting hole and the light transmission channel, preventing them from shifting.

[0017] 3. Collision Protection Function: The housing provides a sealed protective space for the turntable and optical lenses. When the side cover closes the side opening again, the turntable is effectively protected and will not rotate arbitrarily due to accidental collisions, thus avoiding incorrect optical lens switching caused by misoperation or external interference. Compared to open-type rotary filter holders, this invention is more suitable for applications requiring a sealed optical path, such as low-light imaging, fluorescence transmission, and beam quality detection, where ambient light can interfere with and obscure low-light and fluorescence. The threaded holes on both sides of this invention can be connected to a sealed optical sleeve, making it ideal for filter switching in sealed optical paths.

[0018] 4. Convenient maintenance, repair, and lens replacement: With the turntable enclosed and protected, the optical lenses can be maintained and replaced through the installation and removal operation window on the top of the box and the removable cover, without having to disassemble the entire turntable, making it convenient to use. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1This is one of the schematic diagrams of an optical lens switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of an optical lens switching device according to an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of an optical lens switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a top view of an optical lens switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross section of AA; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the turntable in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the turntable in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 8 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of BB; In the diagram: 1. Box body; 1a. Base; 1b. Top cover; 11. Cavity; 12. Light transmission channel; 121. First through hole; 122. Second through hole; 13. Assembly / disassembly operation window; 14. Cover plate; 15. Side opening; 16. Side cover; 161. First magnetic block; 17. Second magnetic block; 2. Turntable; 21. Mounting hole; 22. Fixing mechanism; 221. Annular protrusion; 222. Annular fastener; 3. Vertical pivot; 4. Positioning mechanism; 41. Ball screw; 42. Slot. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "vertical", "horizontal", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0022] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] refer to Figures 1 to 8 An embodiment of this utility model illustrates an optical lens switching device, including a housing 1, a turntable 2, and a positioning mechanism 4. The housing 1 has an internal cavity 11, and a vertical light-transmitting channel 12 that runs through and connects to the cavity 11. The top of the housing 1 has a disassembly / removal operation window 13, which is equipped with a removable cover plate 14. The side of the housing 1 has a side opening 15 that connects to the cavity 11, and the side opening 15 is equipped with a removable side cover 16. The turntable 2 is rotatably disposed within the cavity 11 of the housing 1 around a vertical axis 3. The turntable 2 has multiple mounting holes 21 for mounting optical lenses, which are spaced apart circumferentially. Each mounting hole 21 has a fixing mechanism 22 for fixing the optical lens. The positioning mechanism 4 is disposed between the housing 1 and the turntable 2 so that one of the mounting holes 21 axially aligns with the light-transmitting channel 12.

[0025] When applying, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in the optical system, the light path passes through the light transmission channel 12. The optical lens in the mounting hole 21 corresponding to the axis of the light transmission channel 12 processes the light accordingly (such as blocking or filtering). When it is necessary to switch between different optical lenses, first open the side cover 16, and part of the turntable 2 is exposed from the side opening 15. The exposed part of the turntable 2 can be held and rotated to make the other mounting hole 21 align with the axis of the light transmission channel 12, thereby completing the switching of the optical lens. After the optical lens is switched, the side cover 16 can be used to close the side opening 15 again, so that the housing 1 provides a sealed protection for the turntable 2, preventing the turntable 2 from being hit by external objects, and thus preventing the turntable 2 from rotating accidentally.

[0026] It should be noted that when the switching device is in use, the two ends of the light transmission channel 12 can be connected to the components (such as optical sleeves) in the optical system to achieve full-enclosed protection of the turntable 2. This not only prevents collisions with external objects, but also effectively prevents external dust, impurities, etc. from entering the box 1, avoiding contamination or damage to the optical lenses, extending the service life of the optical lenses, and ensuring the stable performance of the optical system.

[0027] Based on the above-mentioned fully enclosed protection of turntable 2, the box body 1 is provided with a disassembly and assembly operation window 13 and a detachable cover plate 14 on the disassembly and assembly operation window 13. The cover plate 14 can be opened to maintain and replace the optical lenses on turntable 2 without disassembling the entire turntable 2, which is convenient to use.

[0028] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the positioning mechanism 4 includes multiple slots 42 recessed on the end face of the turntable 2 and ball screws 41 disposed on the housing 1; the multiple slots 42 are distributed circumferentially at intervals, and the number of slots 42 corresponds to the mounting holes 21; the ball screws 41 are located on the rotational movement path of the slots 42, and the ball screws 41 are engaged with the slots 42; when the ball screws 41 are engaged with the slots 42, one of the mounting holes 21 and the light transmission channel 12 are axially aligned.

[0029] Specifically, the ball screw 41 is existing technology, so its specific structure is not shown. The ball screw 41 includes a ball and a spring that pushes the ball. Under the push of the spring, the ball can be inserted into the slot 42, thereby achieving relative fixation between the turntable 2 and the housing 1. Even if there is some vibration caused by the outside, it is not easy for the position of the turntable 2 to shift. It is necessary to open the side cover 16 and apply a certain rotational force to the turntable 2. The slot 42 will squeeze the ball, causing the spring to retract, so that the turntable 2 can rotate.

[0030] When the ball is aligned with the slot 42, the spring pushes the ball into the slot 42, and the ball will hit the inner wall of the slot 42, producing a collision sound. Even if the turntable 2 is in a fully enclosed state, the operator can easily identify whether the mounting hole 21 and the light channel 12 are axially aligned.

[0031] In this embodiment, there are six mounting holes 21 and six slots 42. The slots 42 are positioned on the turntable 2 closer to the vertical rotating shaft 3 than the mounting holes 21. In fact, there is no limit to the number of mounting holes 21 and slots 42; they only need to correspond in number.

[0032] In some embodiments, to facilitate the mounting of optical lenses on the turntable 2, such as Figure 6 As shown, the mounting hole 21 is a threaded hole; the fixing mechanism 22 includes an annular protrusion 221 protruding from the inner wall of the mounting hole 21 and an annular fixing member 222 threadedly connected to the mounting hole 21, the annular fixing member 222 fixing the optical lens on the annular protrusion 221.

[0033] In this embodiment, the diameter of the mounting hole 21 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the light transmission channel 12; the diameter of the mounting hole 21 is less than the width of the assembly / disassembly operation window 13. Thus, the annular fastener 222 cannot detach from the light transmission channel 12, but can only detach from the assembly / disassembly operation window 13, ensuring that the turntable 2 and the optical lens cannot detach from the housing 1 when the cover plate 14 is not opened, thus ensuring structural stability.

[0034] In some embodiments, due to the high frequency of switching optical lenses, the side cover 16 needs to be opened and closed frequently. To improve operational convenience, such as... Figure 2 As shown, one end of the side cover 16 is hinged to the box body 1, and the other end is provided with a first magnetic block 161; the box body 1 is provided with a second magnetic block 17 that magnetically engages with the first magnetic block 161.

[0035] In this way, the first magnetic block 161 on the side cover 16 can magnetically engage with the second magnetic block 17 on the box body 1. When the side cover 16 seals the side opening 15, external vibrations will not cause the side cover 16 to open accidentally, ensuring the stable sealing of the side opening 15 by the side cover 16. At the same time, the fixing structure between the side cover 16 and the box body 1 does not require screwing or other operations, and the side cover 16 can be opened directly, making the operation quick and easy.

[0036] In some embodiments, to facilitate the formation of the cavity 11 and the assembly of the turntable 2 and the box 1, such as Figure 3As shown, the box body 1 includes a base 1a and a top cover 1b; the top of the base 1a is recessed, and the top cover 1b covers the recess, thereby forming the cavity 11; the top cover 1b and the base 1a are connected by screws; the bottom of the base 1a is provided with a first through hole 121, and the top cover 1b is provided with a second through hole 122, the first through hole 121 and the second through hole 122 are axially corresponding and form the light transmission channel 12; the side opening 15 is provided on the base 1a; the assembly and disassembly operation window 13 is provided on the top cover 1b, and the cover plate 14 is fixed on the top cover 1b by screws.

[0037] In the above scheme, both the first through hole 121 and the second through hole 122 are threaded holes. Thus, the first through hole 121 and the second through hole 122 can be directly threaded to other parts in the optical system (such as optical sleeves).

[0038] In summary, this application provides an optical lens switching device with a manual switching structure. When it is necessary to adjust the turntable 2 to switch optical lenses, the operator only needs to open the side cover 16 and manually rotate the exposed turntable 2 through the side opening 15. The operation process is simple and intuitive, without the need for complex electric control or professional tools, thus reducing the difficulty and cost of operation.

[0039] After the turntable 2 is adjusted into position, the positioning mechanism 4 provides a stable limit for the axial alignment of the mounting hole 21 and the light transmission channel 12, ensuring that the switched optical lens can be accurately aligned with the light transmission channel 12, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of the optical system switching. The positioning mechanism 4 not only achieves precise positioning but also has the ability to resist external vibrations. When the device is subjected to external vibrations, the positioning mechanism 4 can maintain the stability of the positions of the mounting hole 21 and the light transmission channel 12, preventing them from shifting.

[0040] The housing 1 provides a closed protective space for the turntable 2 and the optical lens. When the side cover 16 closes the side opening 15 again, the turntable 2 is effectively protected and will not rotate randomly due to accidental collision, thereby avoiding the occurrence of incorrect optical lens switching due to misoperation or external interference.

[0041] With the turntable 2 enclosed and protected, the optical lenses can be maintained and replaced through the installation and removal operation window 13 and the removable cover plate 14 set on the top of the box body 1, without having to disassemble the entire turntable 2, making it convenient to use.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An optical lens switching device, characterized in that, include: The box has an internal cavity, and a vertical light channel that runs through and connects to the cavity. The top of the box has an assembly / disassembly operation window with a removable cover. The side of the box has a side opening that connects to the cavity, and the side opening has a removable side cover. A turntable is rotatably disposed within the cavity of the housing around a vertical axis. The turntable has multiple mounting holes for mounting optical lenses, which are spaced apart circumferentially. Each mounting hole is provided with a fixing mechanism for fixing the optical lenses. A positioning mechanism is provided between the housing and the turntable so that one of the mounting holes axially aligns with the light transmission channel.

2. The optical lens switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting hole is a threaded hole; The fixing mechanism includes an annular protrusion protruding from the inner wall of the mounting hole and an annular fixing member threaded to the mounting hole, wherein the annular fixing member fixes the optical lens on the annular protrusion.

3. The optical lens switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The diameter of the mounting hole is equal to or greater than the diameter of the light transmission channel; The diameter of the mounting hole is smaller than the width of the assembly / disassembly operation window.

4. The optical lens switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning mechanism includes multiple slots recessed on the end face of the turntable and ball screws disposed on the housing. Multiple slots are distributed at intervals along the circumference, and the number of slots corresponds to the number of mounting holes; The ball screw is located on the rotational movement path of the slot, and the ball screw engages with the slot; when the ball screw engages with the slot, one of the mounting holes corresponds axially with the light transmission channel.

5. The optical lens switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that: There are six mounting holes and six slots. The slots are positioned on the turntable closer to the vertical axis than the mounting holes.

6. The optical lens switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the side cover is hinged to the box body, and the other end is provided with a first magnetic block; the box body is provided with a second magnetic block that magnetically engages with the first magnetic block.

7. The optical lens switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The box body includes a base and a top cover; The top of the base is recessed, and the top cover is sealed over the recess to form the cavity; The base has a first through hole at its bottom and the top cover has a second through hole. The first through hole and the second through hole are axially aligned and form the light transmission channel. The side opening is provided on the base; The assembly / disassembly operation window is located on the top cover, and the cover plate is fixed to the top cover with screws.

8. The optical lens switching device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Both the first and second through holes are threaded holes.