A folded gas laser tube assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of gas laser, specifically relates to a kind of folding gas laser tube assembly, the utility model is added gas storage tank gas storage expansion outside folding laser tube, increase the total volume of laser tube gas, can extend the service life of laser tube assembly under the condition of extending discharge length;Meanwhile, by being closely connected with the adjacent two folding laser tubes and being placed in triangular layout of gas storage tank, using line contact mode is limited each other, so that compact, stable structure, can effectively improve the bending resistance and torsional resistance of single laser tube and gas storage tank and the overall rigidity of folding assembly, small, strong anti-vibration, product reliability is high, environmental adaptability is good, it is beneficial to reduce packaging, transportation and installation cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gas laser technology, and in particular to a folded gas laser tube assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of industrial lasers, especially for medium- and high-power gas lasers (such as CO2 lasers), increasing the discharge length of the laser gas is typically necessary to achieve higher output power. However, using a single long, straight laser tube would result in an excessively large device size, making it difficult to deploy in the limited space of an industrial environment. Therefore, the industry commonly employs a technique that involves multiple folds in the discharge tube to achieve a longer discharge distance within a limited space.

[0003] The mainstream approach in existing technologies involves arranging multiple short laser tubes side-by-side and connecting them in series via U-shaped bends to form a continuous gas discharge channel, as illustrated in existing patents with publication numbers CN120222119A and CN223079546U. In this structure, total internal reflection mirrors are installed at the two corners of the U-shaped bends to guide the laser beam from one laser tube to the next. The free ends of the first laser tube in the resonant cavity are fitted with total internal reflection mirrors, while the free ends of the last laser tube are fitted with output coupling mirrors, thus forming a complete optical resonant cavity. This folded design effectively increases the discharge length while significantly saving longitudinal space, making it widely used in medium- and high-power lasers.

[0004] Although the above folding scheme solves the problem of length space, it still has some inherent drawbacks: First, while using shorter, folded, series-connected laser tubes simplifies pipe connection and installation, it also results in a smaller gas volume inside the laser. At the same power output, this leads to faster gas consumption, requiring more frequent refilling or replacement, increasing maintenance costs and inconvenience. Furthermore, the smaller gas volume also means a limited total amount of working material, which may affect the laser's long-term operational stability and result in a relatively shorter effective lifespan.

[0005] Secondly, existing laser tubes are folded and arranged side-by-side in a planar structure. The connection nodes typically rely solely on U-shaped bends at the ends of the laser tubes and several isolated fixed points (such as brackets or clamps) on the tube body to maintain the mutual fixation between adjacent laser tubes. This results in poor torsional and bending resistance and insufficient connection rigidity. During transportation or when subjected to external vibrations, relative displacement or stress concentration can easily occur between the laser tubes. This instability can not only lead to collimation misalignment of optical lenses, affecting laser output power and beam quality, but in severe cases, stress concentration can also cause the glass tube to break. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a folded gas laser tube assembly. Through structural design, the overall rigidity and vibration resistance of the folded tube are improved, gas consumption is reduced, and service life is extended.

[0007] This utility model provides a foldable gas laser tube assembly, including at least two laser tubes arranged side by side, all of which are connected in series via U-shaped bends; it also includes a gas storage tank for storing gas, which is connected to the internal gas discharge channel of at least one of the laser tubes; the gas storage tank and the laser tubes are arranged side by side, and the gas storage tank and at least two of the laser tubes are in contact with each other, and the gas storage tank and the laser tubes in contact with each other are fixedly connected, and the two adjacent laser tubes connected to the gas storage tank are also in contact with each other and fixedly connected.

[0008] Preferably, a positioning rod is fixedly provided at the angle between two adjacent laser tubes and at the angle between the laser tube and the gas storage tank, and the positioning rod is arranged along the axial direction of the laser tube.

[0009] Preferably, the positioning bars are arranged at intervals along the axial direction. Alternatively, the positioning bars may be arranged continuously along the axial direction.

[0010] Preferably, adhesive is used to fill the space between two adjacent laser tubes and the positioning rod at the corresponding angle, and adhesive is used to fill the space between the gas tank, the laser tube and the positioning rod at the corresponding angle.

[0011] Preferably, the positioning rod is fixed to the laser tube / gas storage tank by sintering.

[0012] Preferably, the length of the gas storage tank is shorter than the length of the laser tube, and the gas storage tank is connected to at least one laser tube through the gas communication pipe, which extends from at least one end of the gas storage tank.

[0013] Setting the length of the gas storage tank shorter than the laser tube length facilitates the connection of a gas communication pipe from the end of the gas storage tank to the side wall of the laser tube, thus avoiding excessive space occupation by the gas storage tank. The gas storage tank and multiple laser tubes can be connected one-to-one via multiple gas communication pipes, or one-to-many via multi-purpose connectors, such as T-joints.

[0014] As another possible implementation, the gas storage tank and the laser tube in contact can be connected through several holes on the side wall.

[0015] Preferably, the volume of the gas storage tank is greater than or equal to the internal channel volume of a single laser tube.

[0016] Preferably, both the gas storage tank and the gas connecting pipeline are made of glass, which facilitates sintering and fixing. Glass is corrosion-resistant and has good airtightness, which helps ensure the long-term reliability of the gas storage tank and its compatibility with laser gases.

[0017] As another possible implementation, the gas storage tank and the gas connecting pipeline may also be made of metal or ceramic materials.

[0018] Preferably, the gas connection pipeline is equipped with a valve for controlling the gas flow or regulating the flow rate, which facilitates maintenance and gas flow regulation.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The folded gas laser tube assembly provided by this utility model increases the total gas volume of the laser tube by adding a gas storage tank to the outside of the folded laser tube, which can extend the service life of the laser tube assembly while extending the discharge length. At the same time, by tightly connecting the gas storage tank and two adjacent folded laser tubes in a triangular layout and using line contact to limit each other, the structure is compact and stable, which can effectively improve the bending and torsional resistance of a single laser tube and a gas storage tank, as well as the overall rigidity of the folded assembly. It has a small space occupation, strong vibration resistance, high product reliability, good environmental adaptability, and helps to reduce packaging, transportation and installation costs. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a folded gas laser tube assembly in one embodiment; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A in the image; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A structural diagram from a rear viewpoint; Figure 4 for Figure 3 The left view; Figure 5 for Figure 3 The right view; Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional arrangement of another type of folded gas laser tube assembly; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional arrangement of another type of folded gas laser tube assembly.

[0021] Markings in the diagram: 1-Laser tube; 2-Gas storage tank; 3-U-shaped elbow; 4-Positioning rod; 5-Gas connecting pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments; all technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the description of specific embodiments of this utility model is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product / equipment / device is typically placed during use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the utility model solution or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution, and do not indicate or imply that a specific device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0024] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," and "parallel" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, or parallel, but rather that it can be slightly tilted or have a deviation. For example, "horizontal" merely means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when set in a "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," or "parallel" direction, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.

[0025] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in terminology is merely for distinguishing descriptions of identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of a particular component.

[0026] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "several", "multiple", and "several" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine, and can even exceed nine.

[0027] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "equipped with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.

[0028] Example like Figures 1-7 As shown, a foldable gas laser tube assembly includes at least two laser tubes 1 arranged side by side, all of which are connected in series via U-shaped bends 3. It also includes a gas storage tank 2 for storing gas, which is connected to the internal gas discharge channel of at least one laser tube 1. The gas storage tank 2 and the laser tubes 1 are arranged side by side, i.e., their cross-sectional directions are consistent. The gas storage tank 2 and at least two laser tubes 1 are in contact with each other, and the contacting gas storage tank 2 and laser tubes 1 are fixedly connected. Adjacent laser tubes 1 connected to the gas storage tank 2 are also in contact with each other and fixedly connected.

[0029] By using a gas storage tank 2 to store gas and connecting the gas storage tank 2 to the gas discharge channel inside at least one laser tube 1, the laser gas stored in the gas storage tank 2 can flow into the gas discharge channel inside the connected laser tube 1 and reach any connected laser tube 1 through the U-shaped bend 3, increasing the total gas volume of the laser tube 1 and helping to extend the service life of the laser tube assembly. By arranging the gas storage tank 2 and the laser tube 1 side by side, the gas storage tank 2 is directly in contact with at least two laser tubes 1, and the contacting gas storage tank 2 and laser tube 1 are fixedly connected. The two adjacent laser tubes 1 connected to the gas storage tank 2 are also in contact with each other and fixedly connected. The gas storage tank 2 and the two adjacent laser tubes 1 connected to it are arranged in a triangular (or triangular) layout in cross-section and fixedly placed. The contacting gas storage tank 2 and laser tube 1, and the two adjacent laser tubes 1 can be in contact and mutually limited along the axial direction through the side wall line. Thus, by utilizing the natural stability of the triangle, the bending and torsional resistance of a single laser tube 1 and the gas storage tank 2, as well as the overall rigidity of the folding assembly, are improved.

[0030] Compared to the method of arranging multiple laser tubes 1 side by side at intervals and fixing them at fixed points by adhesive or connecting rods between adjacent laser tubes 1, this solution tightly connects the gas storage tank 2 and the laser tubes 1, and tightly connects the laser tubes 1 with each other. The connection is fixed by using line contact limiting, resulting in less concentrated stress at the connection nodes, higher reliability, and greater structural rigidity.

[0031] In this embodiment, the laser tube 1 is a carbon dioxide laser tube. Each folded laser tube 1 includes a discharge tube, a cooling tube, and a gas storage tube, which are sequentially nested from the inside out. One end of the discharge tube has a positive electrode and the other end has a negative electrode for connecting the driving current. At least two return gas tubes are wound around the discharge tube, with one end connected to the discharge tube and the other end connected to the gas storage tube for balancing the gas composition. The gas storage tube has an outlet and an inlet for connecting pipelines to achieve vacuuming and gas filling. When two adjacent laser tubes 1 are connected by a U-shaped bend 3, total internal reflection mirrors are obliquely installed at the bends on both sides of the U-shaped bend 3. The return gas tubes in adjacent laser tubes 1 are arranged end-to-end, that is, the return gas tube in one gas storage tube is located near the positive electrode, and the return gas tube in the other gas storage tube is located near the negative electrode. With this structural design, a pressure difference exists at the connection point with the U-shaped bend 3. Connecting via the U-shaped bend 3 allows for gas flow between the two laser tubes 1, further increasing the gas return flow rate. One laser tube 1 has an output lens at its end furthest from the U-shaped bend 3, while the other laser tube 1 has a reflecting lens at its end furthest from the U-shaped bend 3. The gas storage tube is filled with carbon dioxide gas. A discharge process excites carbon dioxide gas molecules, causing them to transition from a low-energy state to a high-energy state. Electrons are accelerated and collide with carbon dioxide molecules, causing them to excite and release photons. These photons are repeatedly reflected within the resonant cavity, stimulating more carbon dioxide molecules to release photons of the same wavelength, forming a laser beam. The laser resonant optical path is folded through the reflecting lens at one end and two total internal reflection concentric mirrors at the U-shaped bend 3 in the optical path. After amplification and enhancement by the resonant cavity, the laser beam is output through the output lens. The internal structure and working principle of the folded laser tube 1 are existing technologies and will not be elaborated further here. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the gas storage tank 2 is connected to the laser tube 1 for gas supply, that is, the gas storage tank 2 is connected to the gas storage pipe.

[0032] It should be noted that not all CO2 lasers have a gas storage tube; in early or low-power sealed-type CO2 lasers, it is usually just a simple straight tube or a folded tube. A gas storage tube structure is only introduced in sealed-type lasers requiring high stability, long lifespan, and medium to high power. In the absence of a gas storage tube, the internal gas discharge channel of laser tube 1 mainly refers to the discharge tube.

[0033] This embodiment preferably uses a two-folded tube as an example, such as Figures 1-5As shown, there are two laser tubes 1, arranged side by side and connected at one end by a U-shaped bend 3. The sidewalls of the two laser tubes 1 are in contact with each other and fixedly connected. Above the two laser tubes 1, there is a straight gas storage tank 2, the length of which is aligned with the length of the gas storage tank 2. The cross-sectional shape of the gas storage tank 2 is the same as that of the laser tube 1, both being circular. The gas storage tank 2 is connected to the internal gas discharge channel of at least one laser tube 1. The sidewalls of the gas storage tank 2 and the two laser tubes 1 are in contact with each other and fixedly connected, arranged in a triangular shape. The structure is simple and widely used. As other possible implementations, depending on actual needs, the number of laser tubes 1 can also be three, four, etc., and the number of gas storage tanks 2 can also be two, three, etc., as shown. Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown.

[0034] In an optional embodiment, positioning rods 4 are provided at the angles between two adjacent laser tubes 1 and between the laser tube 1 and the gas storage tank 2. The positioning rods 4 are long rods with a circular cross-section. The positioning rods 4 are arranged along the axial direction of the laser tubes 1. Two adjacent laser tubes 1 are fixedly connected to the positioning rods 4 at the corresponding angles, and the laser tubes 1 and the gas storage tank 2 are also fixedly connected to the positioning rods 4 at the corresponding angles. That is, the positioning rods 4, together with the two connected laser tubes 1, or with the connected laser tubes 1 and the gas storage tank 2, respectively form a rigid triangular structural unit, which can further enhance the bending and torsional load resistance of a single laser tube 1 and the gas storage tank 2, as well as the overall rigidity of the folding assembly. The cross-sectional dimensions of the positioning rods 4 are much smaller than those of the laser tubes 1 and the gas storage tank 2. The positioning rods 4 can serve as structural connectors, distributing the forces between the three tubes in the small triangle. The connection of the positioning rods 4 can further enhance the vibration and impact resistance of the overall structure, making the folding assembly more stable under mechanical movement or external forces.

[0035] Preferably, the positioning rods 4 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction, which can be used to balance the center of gravity and save material costs. As another possible implementation, the positioning rods 4 can also be arranged continuously along the axial direction.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, each positioning rod 4 contacts the sidewall of the laser tube 1 and the gas storage tank 2 at the corresponding position and is fixed by sintering; alternatively, each positioning rod 4 can contact the sidewall of the laser tube 1 and the gas storage tank 2 at the corresponding position and then be fixed to each other by adhesive. The positioning rod 4 makes line contact with the sidewall of the laser tube 1 and the gas storage tank 2, while the laser tube 1, the gas storage tank 2, and the positioning rod 4 are respectively connected to the adhesive through surface contact, resulting in high connection reliability and better stability.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, the positioning rod 4 is fixed to the laser tube 1 / gas storage tank 2 by sintering. The structure is more stable and reliable.

[0038] In optional embodiments, two adjacent laser tubes 1 and the laser tube 1 and the gas storage tank 2 can also be directly fixed by sintering, and are not limited to the above-mentioned fixing methods.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, the length of the gas storage tank 2 is shorter than the length of the laser tube 1. The gas storage tank 2 is connected to at least one laser tube 1 via a gas connecting pipe 5. The gas connecting pipe 5 extends from at least one end of the gas storage tank 2 and connects to the side wall of the laser tube 1, thus avoiding excessive space occupation by the gas storage tank 2. Preferably, two gas connecting pipes 5 extend from both ends of the gas storage tank 2, and the two gas connecting pipes 5 at each end are respectively connected to the side walls of the two adjacent laser tubes 1 they are in contact with, thereby accelerating gas supply.

[0040] In an optional embodiment, the volume of the gas storage tank 2 is greater than or equal to the internal channel volume of a single laser tube 1.

[0041] In optional embodiments, both the gas storage tank 2 and the gas connecting pipeline 5 are made of glass, which is corrosion-resistant and has good airtightness, thus ensuring the long-term reliability of the gas storage tank 2 and its compatibility with laser gas; other materials such as metal or ceramic can also be used. Preferably, the same material as the laser tube 1 is used, which facilitates solidification through sintering.

[0042] In an optional embodiment, the gas connection pipeline 5 is equipped with a valve (not shown in the figure) for controlling the gas flow or regulating the flow rate, which facilitates maintenance and gas flow rate regulation.

[0043] The above-mentioned folded gas laser tube assembly not only achieves a doubling of discharge length to meet the needs of high-power applications, but also possesses the characteristics of compact structure, high rigidity, good stability and excellent vibration resistance. It occupies little space, which helps to improve product reliability and environmental adaptability, and reduces packaging, transportation and installation costs.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A folded gas laser tube assembly, comprising at least two laser tubes (1) arranged side by side, all said laser tubes (1) being connected in series via U-shaped bends (3), characterized in that, It also includes a gas storage tank (2) for storing gas, the gas storage tank (2) being connected to the internal gas discharge channel of at least one of the laser tubes (1); the gas storage tank (2) and the laser tubes (1) are arranged side by side, the gas storage tank (2) and at least two of the laser tubes (1) are in contact with each other, and the gas storage tank (2) and the laser tubes (1) in contact with each other are fixedly connected, and the two adjacent laser tubes (1) connected to the gas storage tank (2) are also in contact with each other and fixedly connected.

2. The folded gas laser tube assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser tube (1) includes a discharge tube, a cooling tube and a gas storage tube, which are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The gas storage tube is connected to the gas storage tank (2).

3. A folded gas laser tube assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Positioning rods (4) are fixedly provided at the angle between two adjacent laser tubes (1) and between the laser tube (1) and the gas storage tank (2), and the positioning rods (4) are arranged along the axial direction of the laser tube (1).

4. A folded gas laser tube assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning rods (4) are arranged at intervals or continuously along the axial direction.

5. A folded gas laser tube assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, Adhesive is filled between two adjacent laser tubes (1) and the positioning rod (4) at the corresponding angle. Adhesive is filled between the gas tank (2), the laser tube (1) and the positioning rod (4) at the corresponding angle.

6. A folded gas laser tube assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The positioning rod (4) is fixed to the laser tube (1) / gas storage tank (2) by sintering.

7. A folded gas laser tube assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the gas storage tank (2) is shorter than the length of the laser tube (1). The gas storage tank (2) is connected to at least one laser tube (1) through a gas connecting pipe (5). The gas connecting pipe (5) is led out from at least one end of the gas storage tank (2).

8. A folded gas laser tube assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The volume of the gas storage tank (2) is greater than or equal to the internal channel volume of a single laser tube (1).

9. A folded gas laser tube assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, Both the gas storage tank (2) and the gas connecting pipeline (5) are made of glass.

10. A folded gas laser tube assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The gas connection pipeline (5) is equipped with a valve for controlling the gas flow or regulating the flow rate.

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