Beam shaping optics

Abstract

A beam-shaping optical system (10) with at least one optical component (22, 22a, 22b), wherein the optical component (22, 22a, 22b) comprises an optical element (26) and a receptacle (24) for the optical element (26), and the receptacle (24) has at least a first coupling element (28, 30, 32) for coupling to a coupling element (56, 58) of a first tube (50) and at least a second coupling element (34, 36, 38) for coupling to a coupling element (62, 64, 66, 68) of a second tube (60), is characterized in that the first tube (50) and the second tube (60) are arranged concentrically and are rotatable relative to one another.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a beam-shaping optics with at least one optical component.

[0002] Beam-shaping optics require adjustment capabilities for one or more optical elements. Complex movements on the optical elements are usually implemented using individual axes for each optical element, so complex movements can only be achieved using motorized axes with electronically predefined travel paths or complex and time-consuming manual adjustment. This implementation requires a large installation space. Sealing to protect against contamination is very difficult to implement.

[0003] The beam-shaping optics known from WO 2020 / 016236 A1, for example, proposes arranging a first and third microlens array in a fixed position in a beam path and a second and fourth microlens array in the beam path on a movable carriage. It is further disclosed that a movement device can be provided for generating an adjustable lateral offset between at least one first microlens array and at least one second microlens array. The carriages and movement devices mentioned therein suffer from the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0004] By arranging multiple microlens arrays in a beam-shaping module, multiple spots can be generated. The number of spots depends on the relative position of the individual microlens arrays. In this beam-shaping optics application, rotation of the optical elements during adjustment of the microlens arrays relative to each other must be prevented.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a beam-shaping optics that enables simple, reliable and precise adjustment of an optical component.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a beam-shaping optics system with at least one optical component, wherein the optical component comprises an optical element and a receptacle for the optical element, wherein the receptacle has at least a first coupling element for coupling to a coupling element of a first tube and at least a second coupling element for coupling to a coupling element of a second tube, wherein the first tube and the second tube are arranged concentrically and are rotatable relative to one another. The beam-shaping optics system according to the invention enables simple mechanical adjustment of the optical component in a beam-shaping optics system, which allows variable beam-shaping functions or adjustment movements to be implemented.Because the optical component is coupled to both the first and second tubes via their coupling elements, and the two tubes are rotatable relative to each other, precise adjustment of the optical component parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam-shaping optics and / or rotation about the longitudinal axis can be achieved. The first and second tubes can be designed, for example, as hollow cylinders.

[0007] The first and second coupling elements can be arranged radially one behind the other. The coupling elements can extend through at least the inner tube, allowing coupling with the outer tube. The coupling elements can be designed as drivers, allowing the optical element to be carried along by a tube when it moves. Furthermore, the coupling elements can be designed as guide elements that are guided in a corresponding guide of a tube.

[0008] Three first and three second coupling elements can be provided on the mount. This allows for high stability and repeatability of the adjustment. The first coupling elements and the second coupling elements can be evenly distributed over the circumference of the mount for the optical elements.

[0009] The first and / or second coupling element can be designed as a guide element, in particular a guide roller. They can thus interact with a coupling element of the tubes, which can also be designed as a guide element, with particularly low friction.

[0010] The coupling element of the first tube and / or the coupling element of the second tube can be designed as a guide element, in particular as a guide groove or guide recess. Thus, if a coupling element of the optical component engages in such a guide element of a tube, the coupling element of the optical component is forced to move along the guide element of the tube upon rotation of the tube, thereby adjusting the optical component. Depending on the orientation of the guide element of the first and / or second tube, the optical component can be displaced parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam-shaping optics and / or caused to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the beam-shaping optics.

[0011] The first or second tube can be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner. If one of the tubes is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner, only the other tube needs to be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner to adjust the optical component. This results in a simplified mechanical design of the beam-shaping optics.

[0012] The coupling element of the rotationally fixed tube can be designed as a linear guide element aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the beam-shaping optics. This means that when the other tube rotates, the optical component can only be adjusted parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam-shaping optics, but rotation of the optical component is effectively prevented. This is particularly advantageous when the optical element is designed as a microlens array.

[0013] Particular advantages arise when an adjustment tube is provided that is rotationally coupled to the first or second tube. The adjustment tube can be manually operated, for example, to adjust the first or second tube. The adjustment tube can protect the beam-shaping optics from contamination.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if a locking device is provided to secure the adjustment tube. This allows a setting to be fixed once found.

[0015] A scale can be provided on the adjustment tube to simplify the adjustment of the beam shaping optics.

[0016] At least one adjustment device for adjusting the optical element arranged on the mount can be provided on the mount. The adjustment device can, for example, be designed to adjust the optical element in an X and a Y direction, i.e., in two directions that run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam-shaping optics. Furthermore, it can be provided that a rotational adjustment of the optical element, i.e., rotation of the optical element, can be performed via the adjustment device.

[0017] At least two optical components can be provided. The at least two optical components can be designed analogously. Thus, the two optical components can be easily adjusted relative to each other without having to rely on constant pitches, for example, thread pitches. The at least two optical components can, in particular, be designed identically.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one further optical component is provided, which is arranged in an axially fixed and / or rotationally fixed manner. By adjusting the first and second tubes relative to each other, for example, a first and second optical component can be adjusted relative to each other and relative to the further, in particular third, optical component. The fixed arrangement of the further optical component can be realized, for example, by coupling it to one of the tubes via corresponding coupling elements in such a way that no adjustment relative to this tube is possible.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures of the drawing, which show details essential to the invention, as well as from the claims. The features shown therein are not necessarily to scale and are presented in such a way that the special features of the invention can be clearly seen. The various features can be implemented individually or in any combination in variants of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the schematic drawing and explained in more detail in the following description.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 a beam shaping optics; Fig. 2 an optical component; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a first tube; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a second tube; Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view of the beam shaping optics.

[0021] The Fig. 1 shows a beam-forming optics 10 which has connection points 12, 14 for connecting further beam-forming modules.

[0022] The connection points 12, 14 can be considered an interface or interface through which the beam-shaping optics 10 can be fixed in position. The beam-shaping optics 10 has an adjustment tube 16 that can be rotated relative to the connection points 12, 14. The adjustment tube 16 has a scale 18 that can indicate the position of the adjustment tube 16. Alternatively or additionally, it can indicate, for example, the number of spots achieved with the selected setting.

[0023] A locking device 20 is provided to lock the adjustment tube 16 once a desired setting has been achieved. The adjustment tube 16 also represents a type of housing for the beam-shaping optics 10. In particular, the adjustment tube 16 ensures that the interior of the beam-shaping optics 10 is sealed against dust. The adjustment tube 16 can be adjusted manually, for example.

[0024] The Fig. 2 shows an example of an optical component 22 that can be arranged in the beam-shaping optics 10. The optical component 22 has a receptacle 24, which can also be considered a holder, and an optical element 26. The optical element 26 can be designed, for example, as a microlens array. The receptacle 24 for the optical element 26 has a total of three first coupling elements 28, 30, 32 and three second coupling elements 34, 36, 38. The first coupling elements 28, 30, 32 and the second coupling elements 34, 36, 38 are evenly distributed over the circumference of the receptacle 24. The second coupling elements 34, 36, 38 are located radially behind the first coupling elements 28, 30, 32. The coupling elements 28 to 38 can have ball-bearing rollers so that no abrasion and thus no dirt is generated during operation.The first coupling elements 28, 30, 32 are provided for coupling to a first tube, and the second coupling elements 34, 36, 38 are provided for coupling to a second tube arranged concentrically to the first tube.

[0025] The optical element 26 is held by springs 40, 42. The optical component 22 further comprises an adjustment device 43, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed by an adjusting screw 44 and a spring element 45 as a counterbearing. By means of the adjustment device 43, the optical element 26 with its mount 46 can be aligned with respect to the receptacle 24. In particular, the optical element 26 can be adjusted vertically. Adjustment devices are conceivable (not shown here) with which a horizontal adjustment and / or a rotation of the optical element 26 relative to the receptacle 24 is additionally or alternatively possible.

[0026] The Fig. 3 shows a first tube 50, at which the connection point 14 is arranged. The first tube 50 is essentially hollow-cylindrical. It has coupling elements 52, 54 designed as through-holes, via which optical components can be coupled to the first tube 50. The corresponding coupling elements of the optical components are adapted to the coupling elements 52, 54 so that the optical components can neither rotate nor move axially with respect to the first tube 50. Furthermore, coupling elements 56, 58 can be seen, which are designed as rectilinear through-holes and are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first tube 50 or the beam-shaping optics 10. The coupling elements 56, 58 are thus designed as guide elements. They are intended in particular to guide first coupling elements 28, 30, 32 of optical components 22.For this purpose, first coupling elements 28, 30, 32 are arranged in the coupling elements 56, 58 and second coupling elements 34, 36, 38 protrude radially beyond the first tube 50.

[0027] If the coupling elements 56, 58 are not aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the beam-shaping optics 10, the optical components 22 guided therein can not only be adjusted axially relative to the first tube 50, but can also be rotated with respect to the first tube 50.

[0028] The Fig. 4 shows a second tube 60 which is hollow-cylindrical in shape and is arranged concentrically to the first tube 50 in the beam-shaping optics 10.

[0029] The second tube 60 surrounds the first tube 50. The second tube 60 is coupled to the adjustment tube 16 in a rotationally fixed manner, so that the second tube 60 can be rotated relative to the first tube 50 via the adjustment tube 16. The second tube 60 has coupling elements 62, 64, which are assigned to the second coupling elements 34, 36, 38 of a first optical component 22, and coupling elements 66, 68, which are assigned to a second optical component 22. The coupling elements 62, 64, 66, 68 are designed as guide elements. They run along the circumference of the second tube 60. It can be seen that the coupling elements 62, 64 and the coupling elements 66, 68, which are assigned to different optical components, have different courses. In particular, they do not run parallel.This makes it possible to adjust the coupled optical components relative to one another and relative to a third and / or fourth optical component that may be provided. In particular, the adjustment is not linked to the constant pitch of a thread. Accordingly, when the second tube 60 is rotated, optical components guided by the coupling elements 56, 58 are adjusted in the axial direction, but they are not rotated. If the coupling elements 56, 58 were not aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis, a rotational adjustment would also occur in addition to an axial adjustment.

[0030] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view through the beam shaping optics 10. In particular, the concentric arrangement of the three tubes 50, 60, 16 can be seen. First and second optical components 22a, 22b, which correspond to the optical component 22 of the Fig.2, are guided on the one hand by first coupling elements 28 on the first tube 50 and on the other hand by second coupling elements 34 on the second tube 60. Third and fourth optical components 70, 72 are arranged in a stationary manner on the first tube 50 via fitting screws 74, 76. This means that they can neither rotate nor be axially adjusted relative to the first tube 50. The first and second optical components 22a, 22b can, however, be axially adjusted relative to the third and fourth optical components 70, 72 and relative to one another. Rotation is not possible in the illustrated embodiment, however, since the coupling elements 56, 58 are aligned and designed in a straight line.

[0031] All four optical components 22a, 22b, 70, 72 furthermore each have an adjustment device 43, 80, 84 in order to be able to adjust the optical elements of the optical components 22a, 22b, 70, 72 once to adjust the optical axis. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2020 / 016 236 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Beam-shaping optics (10) with at least one optical component (22, 22a, 22b), wherein the optical component (22, 22a, 22b) comprises an optical element (26) and a receptacle (24) for the optical element (26), wherein the receptacle (24) has at least a first coupling element (28, 30, 32) for coupling to a coupling element (56, 58) of a first tube (50) and at least one second coupling element (34, 36, 38) for coupling to a coupling element (62, 64, 66, 68) of a second tube (60), wherein the first tube (50) and the second tube (60) are arranged concentrically and are rotatable relative to one another. [2] Beam shaping optics according to claim 1, characterized by that the first and second coupling elements (28, 30, 32; 34, 36, 38) are arranged radially one behind the other. [3] Beam shaping optics according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat three first and three second coupling elements (28, 30, 32; 34, 36, 38) are provided on the receptacle (24). [4] Beam shaping optics according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first and / or the second coupling element (28, 30, 32; 34, 36, 38) are designed as a guide element, in particular a guide roller. [5] Beam shaping optics according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coupling element (56, 58) of the first tube (50) and / or the coupling element (62, 64, 66, 68) of the second tube (60) are designed as a guide element, in particular as a guide groove or guide recess. [6] Beam shaping optics according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first or the second tube (50, 60) is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner. [7] Beam shaping optics according to claim 6, characterized bythat the coupling element (56, 58) of the rotationally fixed tube (50) is designed as a rectilinear guide element aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the beam-forming optics (10). [8] Beam shaping optics according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an adjustment tube (16) is provided which is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the first or second tube (50, 60). [9] Beam shaping optics according to claim 8, characterized by that a fixing device (20) is provided for fixing the adjustment tube (16). [10] Beam shaping optics according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one adjustment device (43, 80, 84) for adjusting the optical element (26) arranged on the holder (24) is provided on the holder (24). [11] Beam shaping optics according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least two optical components (22, 22a, 22b) are provided. [12] Beam shaping optics according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one further optical component (70, 72) is provided which is arranged axially fixed and / or rotationally fixed.

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