Opto-mechanical unit for laser distance measurement

Abstract

Laser distance measuring device (100) with an optical housing (120) with a transmitting optic (140) for emitting at least one laser beam (108, 216) and with a receiving optic (160) for receiving at least one reflected laser beam (109, 218), wherein the optical housing (120) at least partially accommodates the transmitting optic (140) and / or the receiving optic (160), characterized in that an optomechanical component (202) in which at least one collimation lens (204) is integrated is accommodated in an optical carrier (200).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a laser distance measuring device with an optical housing comprising a transmitting optic for emitting at least one laser beam and a receiving optic for receiving at least one reflected laser beam, wherein the optical housing at least partially accommodates the transmitting optic and / or the receiving optic. State of the art

[0002] EP 2 073 047 A1 relates to a device for adjusting and fixing optical components in more than two axes, in particular a device for adjusting collimating lenses for semiconductor lasers. It is proposed that, to avoid large adhesive gaps and the distortion associated with these gaps during the curing of the adhesive material in multi-axis adjustment, a multi-part support structure be used, wherein each individual part of the support structure can be positioned in one to three axes in space. The problem of collimating a laser diode is discussed. As an application example, its use in laser rangefinders is mentioned, enabling very precise adjustment even under the conditions of large-scale industrial production.

[0003] EP 2 607 924 A1 describes an adjustment method and a design concept for an optoelectronic rangefinder. This device comprises an assembly with a radiation source for emitting optical radiation, a detector for receiving optical radiation, and a printed circuit board, all rigidly arranged relative to each other. It also includes an optical carrier with transmitting optics, such as a collimating lens, and receiving optics. Adjustment is achieved by sliding the entire assembly relative to the optical carrier. This can then be fixed in place, for example, by screwing, clamping, or gluing.

[0004] DE 10 2005 035 417 A1 describes a distance measuring device, for example, a handheld laser distance meter, comprising a conductor carrier unit and an electro-optical unit, which includes a transmitter or receiver unit and an optical carrier unit. It is proposed that the optical carrier unit be supported by the conductor carrier unit. A collimating lens may be arranged in the optical carrier unit. Furthermore, a corresponding method for attaching an electro-optical unit to a conductor carrier unit during the manufacture of a distance measuring device is described. It is mentioned that the optical carrier unit can be attached to the conductor carrier unit in a position aligned with the transmitter unit by means of adhesive bonding, followed by adjustment and subsequent curing of the adhesive.Also described is a variant in which the optical carrier unit is first glued to the conductor carrier unit, and then the transmitter unit is adjusted relative to this and attached by a soldering process. Furthermore, it is disclosed to make the conductor carrier unit transparent to UV radiation at the glue joints in order to facilitate curing by UV radiation. The optical carrier unit can have wing elements that abut the conductor carrier unit and by which the optical carrier unit is supported. Such wing elements can serve to glue the optical carrier unit to the conductor carrier unit.

[0005] DE 10 2023 219 097 A1 relates to a laser distance measuring device. This device comprises an optical housing with a transmitting optic for emitting at least one laser beam and with a receiving optic for receiving a reflected laser beam. The optical housing accommodates at least part of the transmitting optic and / or the receiving optic. The receiving optic comprises a receiving lens and a photodetector. The receiving lens is arranged in the optical housing at a predefined distance from the photodetector. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] According to the invention, a laser distance measuring device is proposed, comprising an optical housing with a transmitting optic for emitting at least one laser beam and with a receiving optic for receiving at least one reflected laser beam, wherein the optical housing at least partially accommodates the transmitting optic and / or the receiving optic and an optomechanical component, in which at least one collimation lens is integrated, is accommodated in an optical carrier.

[0007] In a further advantageous embodiment of the laser distance measuring device proposed according to the invention, the optomechanical component is designed in a bridge shape.

[0008] In the proposed laser distance measuring device, the optomechanical component has planar mounting surfaces for the material-bonded integration of the optomechanical component into the optical carrier.

[0009] Furthermore, in the laser distance measuring device proposed according to the invention, it is advantageously provided that the optomechanical component includes grip structures for its precise handling. In addition, in the laser distance measuring device proposed according to the invention, the grip structures on the optomechanical component are arranged opposite each other.

[0010] Advantageously, in the laser distance measuring device proposed according to the invention, it is further provided that the at least one collimation lens integrated into the optomechanical component has an optical surface which is in particular convex in shape.

[0011] Furthermore, in the laser distance measuring device proposed according to the invention, it is advantageously provided that the at least one collimation lens integrated into the optomechanical component has a rear optical surface that faces a radiation source.

[0012] Advantageously, the laser distance measuring device proposed according to the invention is designed such that a downstream, rotatable wedge prism is received in the optical carrier of the collimation lens integrated into the optomechanical component.

[0013] In the laser distance measuring device proposed according to the invention, it is further provided that the optomechanical component and the at least one collimation lens are formed in one piece.

[0014] Furthermore, the laser distance measuring device proposed according to the invention is characterized in that the optomechanical component with integrated collimation lens is designed as a one-piece plastic component. Advantages of the invention

[0015] The solution proposed according to the invention provides a transmitting device comprising at least one device for generating and emitting visible or invisible radiation. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transmitting device includes a light source, for example in the form of an LED, a laser, a semiconductor laser, or a laser diode, which emits light in the direction of the target object. The collimating lens used is precisely positioned at a distance to focus Gaussian beams for the smallest possible divergence. The collimating lens is characterized by specific optical surfaces for focusing the laser light, as well as specific surfaces for precise adjustment with regard to gripping and holding, and for fastening by means of a material-bonded connection, in particular an adhesive bond.The collimation lens can be adjusted in one, two or three axes.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment, a wedge prism can be used to adjust the beam alignment of at least one axis.

[0017] The solution proposed according to the invention provides an opto-mechanical component with an integrated collimating lens, in which the collimating lens is optimized for focusing Gaussian beams with the smallest possible divergence at long distances. The integrated opto-mechanical component proposed according to the invention, with the collimating lens housed within it, can be adjusted in several axes and precisely fixed in a specific installation position. When a wedge prism is used, the beam alignment can be corrected by rotating it. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings and the following description.

[0019] They show: Fig. 1 A schematic view of a handheld laser distance meter Fig. 2 an exploded view of an optical carrier with optomechanical component, a rotatable wedge prism and a receiving lens, Fig. 3 the beam path in the optical carrier, Fig. 4 the optical carrier including internal components as well as received and emitted laser radiation, Fig. 5 a beam path on the transmitting side in the optical carrier, Fig. 6 a beam path on the receiving side in the optical carrier and Fig. 7 a perspective view of the optomechanical component with the collimation lens integrated within it. Embodiments of the invention

[0020] In the following description of embodiments of the invention, identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are omitted in individual cases. The figures represent the subject matter of the invention only schematically.

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a handheld laser distance meter 100 for non-contact distance measurement between the laser distance meter 100 and a distant object, which is not shown in detail. The handheld laser distance meter 100 has a housing 102, a display unit 104, which is shown as a display, and an adjustment element 106. The display unit 104 is designed to show information such as measurement results, distances, measurement modes, or the like. The adjustment element 106 is used to switch the laser distance meter 100 on and off, to start distance measurements, or to set the respective measurement modes.

[0022] The device housing 102 also contains an optical housing 120, a transmitting optic 140 for emitting at least one laser beam 108, a receiving optic 160 for receiving a reflected laser beam 109, a control unit 110, and a power supply unit 112. The optical housing 120 at least partially accommodates the transmitting optic 140 and the receiving optic 160. The power supply unit 120 is configured to supply the laser rangefinder 100 with electrical energy. The control unit 110 is configured to control the laser rangefinder 100.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of components mounted in an optical carrier 200. An optomechanical component 202 comprises a collimating lens 204 integrated therein. The optomechanical component 202, as shown in the perspective view according to Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the component can advantageously be provided with opposing grip surfaces and manufactured using plastic injection molding. A rotatable wedge prism 208 is connected downstream of the optomechanical component 202 in the optical carrier 200. Furthermore, the exploded view according to Figure 2 shows that... Fig. 2 shows that the optical carrier 200 shown here in perspective top view comprises a receiving lens 206 which receives a laser beam bundle 218 (cf. Fig. 3) bundles before appearing on a printed circuit board 214.

[0024] According to the representation Fig. 3 shows that the received laser beam bundle 218 shown here was transmitted via the interposition of the elements associated with Fig. The signal is focused by the receiving lens 206 mentioned above and strikes a signal acquisition chip 220, which is also located in the optical carrier 200, but is only shown schematically here. Furthermore, according to the illustration Fig. As can be seen from Figure 3, an emitted laser beam 216, emitted by a radiation source designed, for example, as a laser diode 222, leaves the optical carrier 200 parallel to the received laser beam 218. The emitted laser beam passes through a [missing information], as shown in the illustration according to Fig. 3 collimation lens 204 (not shown in detail), which is integrated into the optomechanical component 202 according to the exploded view in Fig. 1 is integrated.

[0025] According to the representation Fig. Figure 4 shows that the received laser beam bundle 218 passes through a filter 224 in the optical carrier 200 after passing through the receiving lens 206, before the received laser beam bundle 218 hits the signal reception chip 220, which is part of a printed circuit board (PCB) 214.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the presentation Fig. As can be seen from Figure 4, the laser diode 222, serving as the radiation source, emits the emitted laser beam 216, which collimates in the collimating lens 204, part of the optomechanical component 202, before the radiation beam, as emitted and collimated radiation 226, leaves the optical carrier 200 of the laser rangefinder 100. Reference numeral 228 denotes internally reflected radiation emitted by the laser diode 222, serving as the radiation source, but which does not strike the collimating lens 204, but is reflected by components of the optical carrier 200.

[0027] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows the respective emitted laser beam bundles 216 and the received laser beam bundle 218. According to Fig. 5. The laser light emitted by the radiation source serving as laser diode 222 passes through the collimation lens 204, which is located in the lower region of the optomechanical component 202 housed in the optical carrier 200. The aligned laser radiation passes through an optical surface 232 of the collimation lens 204, which in this case is convex. The emitted laser beam 216 passing through the collimation lens 204 passes through the wedge prism 208 (rotated for prior adjustment) and exits the optical carrier 200, as shown in Fig. 5 shown.

[0028] According to the representation Fig. Figure 6 shows that the received laser beam bundle 218 passes through the receiving lens 206 included in the optical carrier 200 and, with the filter 224 interposed, hits the circuit board (PCB) 214 or the signal reception chip 220 in the optical carrier 200.

[0029] According to the representation Fig. It can be seen from section 7 that the optomechanical component 202 in its lower region, as already mentioned in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the integrated collimation lens 204. The optomechanical component 202, including the collimation lens 204 integrated within it, can be manufactured using plastic injection molding. Simultaneously with the integration of the collimation lens 204 into the optomechanical component 202, which can take the form of a bridge and, for example, can be inserted into the optical carrier 200 from the top, the aforementioned opposing grip structures 234 are formed in a recessed shape.

[0030] The optomechanical component 202 also includes fixing surfaces 238, with the help of which the optomechanical component 202 together with the collimation lens 204 integrated therein can be attached to the optical carrier 200 by means of a material-bonding joining process, for example by gluing and aligning.

[0031] From the perspective view according to Fig. 7 also shows that the collimating lens 204 can be designed such that it has an optical surface 232 which is preferably convexly curved.

[0032] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described here and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, within the scope specified by the claims, a multitude of modifications are possible that fall within the bounds of what is considered skilled in the art. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 2 073 047 A1

[0002] EP 2 607 924 A1

[0003] DE 10 2005 035 417 A1

[0004] DE 10 2023 219 097 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Laser distance measuring device (100) with an optical housing (120) with a transmitting optic (140) for emitting at least one laser beam (108, 216) and with a receiving optic (160) for receiving at least one reflected laser beam (109, 218), wherein the optical housing (120) at least partially accommodates the transmitting optic (140) and / or the receiving optic (160), characterized by , that an optomechanical component (202) in which at least one collimation lens (204) is integrated is received in an optical carrier (200). [2] Laser distance measuring device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the optomechanical component (202) is designed in a bridge shape. [3] Laser distance measuring device (100) according to claims 1 to 2, characterized by , that the optomechanical component (202) has planar mounting surfaces (238) for the material-locking reception of the optomechanical component (202) in the optical carrier (200). [4] Laser distance measuring device (100) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the optomechanical component (202) has grip structures (234) for its precise handling. [5] Laser distance measuring device (100) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the grip structures (234) on the optomechanical component (202) are arranged opposite each other. [6] Laser distance measuring device (100) according to claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the at least one collimation lens (204) integrated into the optomechanical component (202) has an optical surface (232) which is in particular convex in shape. [7] Laser distance measuring device (100) according to claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the at least one collimation lens (204) integrated into the optomechanical component (202) has a rear optical surface (236) facing a radiation source (222 = laser diode). [8] Laser distance measuring device (100) according to claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that in the optical carrier (200) of the collimation lens (204) integrated into the optomechanical component a downstream, rotatable wedge prism (208) is included. [9] Laser distance measuring device (100) according to claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the optomechanical component (202) and the at least one collimation lens (204) are formed in one piece. [10] Laser distance measuring device (100) according to claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the optomechanical component (202) with integrated collimation lens (204) is designed as a one-piece plastic component.

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