Optical shutter for a cage optical system

Abstract

This invention discloses an optical shutter for a cage-type optical system, comprising a substrate, a light-shielding plate, an electric actuator, and an elastic drive assembly. The substrate has a cavity, and a transversely penetrating light-transmitting hole connecting to the cavity, as well as a transversely penetrating cage rod mounting hole for the cage rod to pass through. This allows the optical shutter to be adapted to the cage rod of the cage-type optical system and can be used for controlling the on / off state of the laser optical path in the cage-type optical system. Through the synergistic action of the electric actuator and the elastic drive assembly, the light-shielding plate can quickly switch between blocking and opening the light-transmitting hole under electrical signal triggering. Compared to the traditional manual turning method, the optical shutter of this invention eliminates the need for manual mechanical adjustment, significantly shortening the optical path switching time and meeting the real-time control requirements for laser optical path on / off in experiments. It can also be used with a dedicated actuator to precisely control the opening and closing time and frequency of the shutter, thereby enabling its application in converting continuous wave lasers into pulsed lasers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical experimental system technology, and in particular to an optical shutter for a cage optical system. Background Technology

[0002] Cage optical systems are a modular optical platform construction method widely used in optical experiments, optomechanical engineering, and precision instruments. Its core idea is to use a set (usually four) of precisely parallel metal cage rods as a framework to fix various optical components (lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, lasers, detectors, etc.) onto these rods via specially designed cage mounts (cage lens sleeves, cage adjustment frames, etc.), thereby enabling the rapid, stable, and precise construction and adjustment of complex optical paths.

[0003] In practical applications, it is often necessary to cut off the laser beam path at a specific location in a cage optical system. Currently, most of the beam path blocking in cage optical systems is achieved using adjustable apertures or light shields. Adjustable apertures use mechanical structures to shrink the aperture and block the beam, requiring repeated adjustments with a hex wrench. Light shields, on the other hand, need to be manually screwed onto the output end of the optical element. The adjustment efficiency of the above methods is relatively slow, which is not convenient for cutting off the laser beam path and quickly switching between paths in the system. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes an optical shutter for a cage optical system, the purpose of which is to realize the cutting off of the laser optical path and the rapid switching between the path in the cage optical system.

[0005] The solution provided by this utility model includes: An optical shutter for a cage-type optical system, comprising: The substrate has a cavity inside, and the substrate has a light-transmitting hole that extends laterally through and connects to the cavity, as well as a cage rod mounting hole that extends laterally through for the cage rod to pass through. A light-shielding plate is disposed within the cavity. A first end of the light-shielding plate is rotatably disposed within the cavity about a central axis parallel to the axis of the light-transmitting hole. The light-shielding plate rotates about the central axis so that a second end of the light-shielding plate is located in a first position or a second position within the cavity. In the first position, the light-shielding plate covers the light-transmitting hole. In the second position, the light-shielding plate is removed from the axial projection range of the light-transmitting hole. An electric actuator that drives the light-shielding plate to rotate about the central axis in a first rotational direction; An elastic drive assembly applies an elastic preload to the light-shielding plate, causing it to rotate about the central axis in a second rotational direction, the second rotational direction being opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0006] As a further alternative, the electric actuator is an electromagnetic actuator.

[0007] As a further optional solution, the elastic drive component is a tension spring, and the light-shielding plate is provided with a connection hole. One end of the tension spring is connected to the base, and the other end is connected to the connection hole of the light-shielding plate.

[0008] As a further optional solution, when the light-shielding plate rotates about the central axis in the first rotation direction, the second end of the light-shielding plate moves from the first position to the second position; When the light-shielding plate rotates about the central axis in the second rotation direction, the second end of the light-shielding plate moves from the second position to the first position.

[0009] As a further optional solution, when the light-shielding plate rotates about the central axis in the first rotation direction, the second end of the light-shielding plate moves from the second position to the first position; When the light-shielding plate rotates about the central axis in the second rotation direction, the second end of the light-shielding plate moves from the first position to the second position.

[0010] As a further optional solution, a circuit board is provided inside the cavity, the circuit board is electrically connected to the electric driver, and the substrate is provided with wiring holes.

[0011] As a further optional solution, the circuit board is provided with a photoelectric sensor, and the outer side of the first end of the light-shielding plate is provided with a detection plate for the photoelectric sensor to detect, so as to identify whether the second end of the light-shielding plate is located in the first position or the second position.

[0012] As a further optional solution, the cavity is provided with a first inner sidewall and a second inner sidewall, which are located at the two ends of the second end moving direction of the light shield, respectively. The first inner sidewall is used to block the second end of the light-shielding plate so that the second end of the light-shielding plate is in the first position; The second inner sidewall is used to block the second end of the light-shielding plate so that the second end of the light-shielding plate is in a second position.

[0013] As a further optional solution, both the first inner sidewall and the second inner sidewall are provided with rubber pads for impact by the light-shielding plate.

[0014] As a further optional solution, the base has two cage rod mounting holes, and the line connecting the two cage rod mounting holes and the light-transmitting hole forms an isosceles right triangle.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the optical shutter for cage optical systems of this application has at least the following advantages: The substrate features a transversely penetrating light-transmitting aperture connecting to the cavity, as well as transversely penetrating cage rod mounting holes for the cage rod to pass through. This allows the optical shutter to be adapted to the cage rod of a cage-type optical system, enabling control of the laser path in the cage-type optical system. Through the coordinated action of the electric actuator and the elastic drive component, the light-shielding plate can quickly switch between blocking and opening the light-transmitting aperture under electrical signal triggering. Compared to traditional manual operation methods, this eliminates the need for manual mechanical adjustments, significantly shortening the optical path switching time and meeting the real-time control requirements for laser path on / off in experiments. Furthermore, it can be used with a dedicated driver to precisely control the opening and closing time and frequency of the shutter, thereby enabling its application in converting continuous-wave lasers into pulsed lasers. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical shutter for a cage-type optical system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an optical shutter for a cage-type optical system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical shutter and the cage rod in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention in which the elastic drive component is disposed in the cavity; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic drive component disposed in the cavity in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the substrate in an embodiment of this utility model; In the diagram: 100, cage pole; 1. Matrix; 11. Cavity; 11a. First inner sidewall; 11b. Second inner sidewall; 12. Light transmission hole; 13. Cage rod mounting hole; 131. Locking hole; 14. Wiring connection hole; 2. Light-shielding plate; 2a. First end; 2b. Second end; 21. Central shaft; 22. Connecting hole; 23. Detection plate; 24. Clearance groove; 3. Electric actuator; 4. Flexible drive components; 5. Circuit board; 51. Photoelectric sensor; 6. Rubber pad. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further 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 its scope.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] refer to Figures 1 to 6 An embodiment of the present invention illustrates an optical shutter for a cage optical system, comprising a substrate 1, a light shield 2, an electric actuator 3, and an elastic drive assembly 4. The substrate 1 has a cavity 11, and the substrate 1 has a light-transmitting hole 12 that extends laterally through and connects to the cavity 11, and a cage rod mounting hole 13 that extends laterally through for the cage rod to pass through. The light-shielding plate 2 is disposed in the cavity 11, and the first end 2a of the light-shielding plate 2 is rotatably disposed in the cavity 11 about a central axis 21, the central axis 21 being parallel to the axis of the light-transmitting hole 12. The light-shielding plate 2 rotates about the central axis 21 so that the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 is located in a first position or a second position in the cavity 11. In the first position, the light-shielding plate 2 covers the light-transmitting hole 12. In the second position, the light-shielding plate 2 is removed from the axial projection range of the light-transmitting hole 12. The electric actuator 3 drives the light-shielding plate 2 to rotate about the central axis 21 in a first rotation direction. The elastic drive assembly 4 applies an elastic preload to the light-shielding plate 2 to make it rotate about the central axis 21 in a second rotation direction, the second rotation direction being opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0022] The substrate 1 can be installed on a cage optical system, and the laser light path on the cage optical system passes through the light-transmitting hole 12 of the substrate 1. The first end 2a of the light-shielding plate 2 inside the substrate 1 can rotate, causing the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 to swing, thereby enabling the light-shielding plate 2 to block or expose the light-transmitting hole 12, thus realizing the on / off control of the laser light path.

[0023] The force driving the first end 2a of the light-shielding plate 2 to rotate is provided by the electric actuator 3 and the elastic drive assembly 4, respectively. The electric actuator 3 and the elastic drive assembly 4 are used to cause the light-shielding plate 2 to rotate in two different directions (i.e., the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction).

[0024] Specifically, the electric actuator 3 provides electric driving force, while the elastic drive assembly 4 provides elastic preload. The elastic preload applied by the elastic drive assembly 4 to the light-shielding plate 2 is always present, while the electric driving force is only generated when the electric actuator 3 is energized. The electric driving force provided by the electric actuator 3 is greater than the elastic preload provided by the elastic drive assembly 4. When the electric actuator 3 is not energized, the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 is maintained in the first position or the second position by the elastic drive assembly 4. When the electric actuator 3 is energized, the light-shielding plate 2 overcomes the elastic preload provided by the elastic drive assembly 4, and its second end 2b moves from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the electric actuator 3 is an electromagnetic actuator, that is, it can generate electromagnetic force after being energized. The electromagnetic force causes the central shaft 21 to rotate circumferentially. The central shaft 21 is fixed relative to the light shield 2, and the central shaft 21 and the first end 2a of the light shield 2 rotate synchronously. The electromagnetic actuator is prior art, so its internal structure is not illustrated and its specific working principle is not described in detail.

[0026] In other embodiments, the electric actuator 3 may also be a motor, with the central shaft 21 being the output shaft of the motor, or the central shaft 21 being connected to the motor via a transmission (e.g., gear transmission); the motor drives the central shaft 21 to rotate a certain angle, thereby enabling the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 to swing a certain angle.

[0027] For ease of description, the state in which the light-blocking plate 2 covers the light-transmitting hole 12 is referred to as the "closed" state, and the state in which the light-transmitting hole 12 is open is referred to as the "open" state. In the above embodiment, the elastic drive component 4 can be used to maintain the second end 2b of the light-blocking plate 2 in the first position, that is, the optical shutter is "normally closed". When the electric driver 3 is energized, the optical shutter can be switched to "open". Conversely, the elastic drive component 4 can also be configured to maintain the second end 2b of the light-blocking plate 2 in the second position, that is, the optical shutter is "normally open". When the electric driver 3 is energized, the optical shutter can be switched to "closed".

[0028] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 or Figure 5 As shown, the elastic drive component 4 is a tension spring; to facilitate the connection between the tension spring and the light-shielding plate 2, the light-shielding plate 2 is provided with a connection hole 22. One end of the tension spring is connected to the base 1, and the other end is connected to the connection hole 22 of the light-shielding plate 2. The end of the tension spring is a hook portion, capable of hooking onto the connection hole 22 on the light-shielding plate 2. In this embodiment, the tension spring provides tension to the light-shielding plate 2; in other embodiments, the elastic drive component 4 can be an elastic element that provides thrust, such as a spring or a spring sheet.

[0029] In some embodiments, the tension spring can be arranged as follows: Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the tension spring is used to pull the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 towards the first position; in other words, in this embodiment, the second rotation direction is... Figure 4 The central axis 21 is rotated counterclockwise, and the first rotation direction is clockwise. In this embodiment, the optical shutter is "normally closed". When the light-shielding plate 2 rotates around the central axis 21 in the first rotation direction, the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 moves from the first position to the second position; when the light-shielding plate 2 rotates around the central axis 21 in the second rotation direction, the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 moves from the second position to the first position.

[0030] In other embodiments, the tension spring can be arranged as follows: Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the tension spring is used to pull the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 to the second position; in other words, in this embodiment, the second rotation direction is... Figure 5The central axis 21 rotates clockwise, and the first rotation direction is counterclockwise. In this embodiment, the optical shutter is "normally open". When the light-shielding plate 2 rotates around the central axis 21 in the first rotation direction, the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 moves from the second position to the first position; when the light-shielding plate 2 rotates around the central axis 21 in the second rotation direction, the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 moves from the first position to the second position.

[0031] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, a circuit board 5 is provided inside the cavity 11, and the circuit board 5 is electrically connected to the electric driver 3. A wiring hole 14 is provided on the base 1. Thus, wiring is convenient through the wiring hole 14; preferably, a plug-in port can be provided on the wiring hole 14 to realize quick plug-in connection of the line.

[0032] In the above scheme, such as Figure 4 or Figure 5 The circuit board 5 is equipped with a photoelectric sensor 51, and the outer side of the first end 2a of the light-shielding plate 2 is provided with a detection plate 23 for detection by the photoelectric sensor 51 to identify whether the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 is in a first position or a second position. In this embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 51 can detect the detection plate 23, thereby identifying whether the light-transmitting hole 12 is closed or open, which makes it convenient for users to quickly determine the on / off state of the laser light path at that position, without requiring users to observe the light-transmitting hole 12 with the naked eye. In some optical systems with compact structures, the light-transmitting hole 12 may be blocked by other components, making it difficult to observe; it also avoids directly observing the laser with the naked eye, preventing accidental laser damage to the human eye.

[0033] In some embodiments, to enable the second end 2b of the light-shielding plate 2 to move within a certain stroke, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cavity 11 is provided with a first inner sidewall 11a and a second inner sidewall 11b, which are located at opposite ends of the movement direction of the second end 2b of the light shield 2. The first inner sidewall 11a is used to block the second end 2b of the light shield 2 so that the second end 2b of the light shield 2 is located in a first position. The second inner sidewall 11b is used to block the second end 2b of the light shield 2 so that the second end 2b of the light shield 2 is located in a second position.

[0034] Thus, when the tension spring provides tension, the first inner wall 11a / second inner wall 11b can prevent the second end 2b of the light shield 2 from rotating uncontrollably, so that the second end 2b of the light shield 2 can stop after rotating a certain angle.

[0035] The above-mentioned scheme is preferably, as follows: Figure 4 or Figure 5As shown, both the first inner sidewall 11a and the second inner sidewall 11b are provided with rubber pads 6 for impact by the light-shielding plate 2. In this way, the light-shielding plate 2 can be prevented from directly impacting the first inner sidewall 11a or the second inner sidewall 11b. On the one hand, this protects the light-shielding plate 2 and prevents damage to its structure; on the other hand, it can prevent abnormal noises when the light-shielding plate 2 directly collides with the first inner sidewall 11a / second inner sidewall 11b.

[0036] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the base 1 has two cage rod 100 mounting holes, and the line connecting the two cage rod mounting holes 13 and the light-transmitting hole 12 forms an isosceles right triangle.

[0037] The cage optical system typically has four cage rods 100. In this embodiment, the optical shutter only needs to cooperate with two of the cage rods 100. When the optical shutter is installed on the cage optical system, the light-transmitting hole 12 is located at the center position between the four cage rods 100.

[0038] Among them, such as Figure 6 As shown, there are also locking holes 131 on the base 1. The locking holes 131 correspond one-to-one with the cage rod mounting holes 13. The locking holes 131 are connected to the cage rod mounting holes 13. The locking holes 131 are threaded holes and a set screw (not shown) is connected to the internal thread of the locking holes 131. The cage rod 100 is pressed by the end of the set screw, thereby realizing the relative fixation of the base 1 and the cage rod 100.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the electric actuator 3 is located outside the four cage rods 100, and the light shield is inserted between two cage rods 100. To improve the structural compactness, the side of the light shield 2 is provided with a clearance groove 24, which allows the cage rods 100 to be inserted. In this embodiment, the light shield 2 can swing between two cage rods even when it has a relatively wide width. The wider width of the light shield 2 means that it can block a larger diameter light-transmitting hole 12.

[0040] In summary, this application provides an optical shutter for a cage-type optical system. The base 1 of the optical shutter has a transversely penetrating light-transmitting hole 12 that connects to a cavity 11, and a transversely penetrating cage rod mounting hole 13 for the cage rod to pass through. This allows the optical shutter to be adapted to the cage rod of the cage-type optical system and can be used for controlling the on / off state of the laser optical path in the cage-type optical system. Through the coordinated action of the electric actuator 3 and the elastic drive component 4, the light-shielding plate 2 can quickly switch between blocking and opening the light-transmitting hole 12 under electrical signal triggering. Compared to the traditional adjustable aperture requiring repeated adjustment with a hex wrench and the light-shielding cover requiring manual screwing, this eliminates the need for manual mechanical adjustment, significantly shortening the optical path switching time and meeting the real-time control requirements for laser optical path on / off in experiments. Furthermore, it can be used with a dedicated actuator to precisely control the opening and closing time and frequency of the shutter, thereby enabling its application in converting continuous wave lasers into pulsed lasers.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 shutter for a cage optical system, characterized by, include: The substrate has a cavity inside, and the substrate has a light-transmitting hole that extends laterally through and connects to the cavity, as well as a cage rod mounting hole that extends laterally through for the cage rod to pass through. A light-shielding plate is disposed within the cavity. A first end of the light-shielding plate rotates within the cavity about a central axis parallel to the axis of the light-transmitting hole. The light-shielding plate rotates about the central axis so that a second end of the light-shielding plate is positioned in a first position or a second position within the cavity. In the first position, the light-shielding plate covers the light-transmitting hole. In the second position, the light-shielding plate is outside the axial projection range of the light-transmitting hole. An electric actuator that drives the light-shielding plate to rotate about the central axis in a first rotational direction; An elastic drive assembly applies an elastic preload to the light-shielding plate, causing it to rotate about the central axis in a second rotational direction, the second rotational direction being opposite to the first rotational direction.

2. The optical shutter for a cage-type optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric actuator is an electromagnetic actuator.

3. The optical shutter for a cage-type optical system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The elastic drive component is a tension spring, and the light-shielding plate is provided with a connection hole. One end of the tension spring is connected to the base, and the other end is connected to the connection hole of the light-shielding plate.

4. The optical shutter for a cage-type optical system according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the light-shielding plate rotates about the central axis in the first rotation direction, the second end of the light-shielding plate moves from the first position to the second position; When the light-shielding plate rotates about the central axis in the second rotation direction, the second end of the light-shielding plate moves from the second position to the first position.

5. The optical shutter for a cage-type optical system according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the light-shielding plate rotates about the central axis in the first rotation direction, the second end of the light-shielding plate moves from the second position to the first position; When the light-shielding plate rotates about the central axis in the second rotation direction, the second end of the light-shielding plate moves from the first position to the second position.

6. The optical shutter for a cage-type optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A circuit board is provided inside the cavity, and the circuit board is electrically connected to the electric driver. The substrate is provided with wiring holes.

7. The optical shutter for a cage-type optical system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The circuit board is equipped with a photoelectric sensor, and the outer side of the first end of the light-shielding plate is provided with a detection plate for the photoelectric sensor to detect, so as to identify whether the second end of the light-shielding plate is located in the first position or the second position.

8. The optical shutter for a cage-type optical system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cavity is provided with a first inner sidewall and a second inner sidewall, which are located at opposite ends of the second end of the light-shielding plate in the direction of movement. The first inner sidewall is used to block the second end of the light-shielding plate so that the second end of the light-shielding plate is in the first position; The second inner sidewall is used to block the second end of the light-shielding plate so that the second end of the light-shielding plate is in a second position.

9. The optical shutter for a cage-type optical system according to claim 8, characterized in that: Both the first inner wall and the second inner wall are provided with rubber pads for impact by the light-shielding plate.

10. The optical shutter for a cage-type optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base has two cage rod mounting holes, and the line connecting the two cage rod mounting holes and the light-transmitting hole forms an isosceles right triangle.

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