Device for connecting two rails on an optical testing bench allowing precise alignment and rotational movement between these two benches.

Abstract

A device for connecting two rails on an optical experiment bench, allowing for precise and rigid joining of the two benches, as well as the possibility of rotation from -90° to +90° between these two benches, characterized by: a goniometric mechanism (a), a graduated angular indicator disc (b), both located under the rails, dovetail joints (c) acting as both fixing and sliding connections with the rails, connecting pieces between the rails and the goniometric mechanism (d), a retractable column (e), clamping screws (f), and support feet (g). Figure for the abstract: [Fig 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Device for connecting two rails on an optical testing bench allowing precise alignment and rotational movement between these two benches.

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for connecting two rails on an optical testing bench allowing precise alignment and rotational movement between these two benches.

[0002] The primary purpose of these teaching tools is for use in schools for the training of high school students, technicians, and engineers. They are mostly tools for experimenting with physical subjects and are used during lessons. These benches have components (light source, diffraction elements, measuring instruments, etc.) mounted on intermediate fixing elements called brackets, which slide and lock into position on the bench (also called a rail). For experiments to be carried out under good observation conditions, the rail must provide guidance for the elements with minimal play, and the rail / bracket assembly must have a locking mechanism that provides the expected functional precision (precision relative to the optical axis: absence of torsion and lateral, longitudinal, or vertical deviation).

[0003] In the case of the present patent application, four additional functions are sought to diversify the experiments. Within this framework, the device must be capable of studying the laws of optics, such as focometry and the deviation of light through a prism. To achieve this, the device must allow: - rotation from -90° to +90°, - joining of the two profiles in line, - rigidity of the assembly in the joined position, - and all while ensuring accuracy (as we have seen, mainly related to the rigidity of the bench) in any position.

[0004] State of knowledge: The state of knowledge can be established from two perspectives:

[0005] - the first concerns the known technology of the devices experimentation with the laws of optics,

[0006] - the second relates to other known devices which allow rigid joining, the straightness and rotation of two separate mechanical elements.

[0007] With regard to didactic apparatus for experimenting with the laws of optics: It should be noted that the study of optics began in Antiquity. While the laws of reflection were known to Euclid (330 BC) and the laws of refraction were Although first described around the year 1000, the first optical instruments appeared in the 17th century. They were mainly used for the study of astronomy.

[0008] It was from 1850 onwards that apparatus and accessories were developed for producing experiments on optical phenomena before a large audience. In particular, optical benches, which are devices used in education to teach the fundamental principles of optics, such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, etc., are noteworthy. We should mention the "Duboscq" optical elements, or even the first optical benches built in the 1930s where we first notice the presence of a U-shaped metal rail approximately 1.5m long (which would become a standard size).

[0009] Modern optical benches are designed for ease of use and high precision in measurements. They are equipped with numerous accessories such as prisms, lenses, mirrors, filters, and diaphragms, enabling a wide variety of experiments to be performed. Some benches are also equipped with measuring instruments such as graduated scales, micrometers, and interferometers, which allow for the precise measurement of angles, distances, and wavelengths.

[0010] The main systems available on the market consist of a single-piece rail (also called a bench) over 1.5 m long, which makes them bulky. Their rigidity varies depending on the shape used. The shape of the profile is therefore essential, both in its design and manufacture, to guarantee sufficient rigidity to provide accurate experiments.

[0011] The present applicant had also filed patent no. FR299805 to guarantee this necessity. In this patent, the shape of the profile determines the rigidity of the bench and the positioning of the rider (supporting the optical tool placed on the bench) on it.

[0012] A manufacturer of equipment for panoramic photography offers another telescopic optical bench system with several rails and coupling pieces between the rails ("NODAL Ninja"®). However, these systems do not allow rotation between the two rail sections, which is necessary for studying the deflection of light.

[0013] The main manufacturers offer a goniometric coupling system (such as the one from the company "TWINSE") that allows two benches to be connected and given a precise angle in order to measure, for example, the deflection of a light beam that has passed through a prism. However, these systems are not an integral part of the benches. They are accessories used solely for angular deflection. Therefore, with regard to optical benches, no solution satisfies the threefold objective of ensuring an angular connection between two rails while guaranteeing the rigidity and precision of the entire system in a linear position. abutted

[0014] Relating to mechanical devices which allow the rigid joining, straightness and rotation in both directions of two separate mechanical elements without play: Many systems have been developed allowing both the rotation of two profiles relative to each other and their locking in a chosen position.

[0015] For example, the draftsman's compass, the system for "breaking" the shotgun, the articulated arms used for construction equipment, etc... The most characteristic of these devices and closest to our need is the system used for multi-function ladders.

[0016] This is indeed a mechanism connecting two initially separate profiles, allowing for both a linear and rigid joining of the profiles (as in the case of a straight ladder) and their assembly at a chosen angle (as in the case of scaffolding). However, while this system is rigid enough to support the weight of a human being, it does not provide the precision required for studying the laws of optics. Furthermore, the rotation permitted by this mechanical system is only 180° in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, but not both simultaneously.

[0017] Thus, whether in the field of optics, or in another field of activity, there is no identifiable system that can meet the requirements of: rotation from -90° to +90°, possibility of joining the two profiles in line, rigidity of the assembly in the joined position, and precision of the system in any position.

[0018] Presentation of the invention: the invention relates to a device for connecting two rails for experimenting with the laws of optics, allowing a precise and rigid joining of the two rails, as well as a possibility of rotation from -90° to +90° between these two rails.

[0019] This device is equipped with: a goniometric mechanism (a), a graduated angular indicator disc (b) both located under the rails, dovetails (c) acting as both fixing and sliding connection with the rails, connecting pieces between the rails and the goniometric mechanism (d), a retractable column (e), clamping screws (f), support feet (g).

[0020] This device uses a method characterized in that the dovetails (c) act as a sliding connection, according to a first position of the rails joining, these connections reinforce the three-dimensional rigidity of the bench; while in a position distant from the rails, the connecting pieces (d) maintain the latter in a distant position allowing a possibility of rotation from -90° to +90° between these two rails.

[0021] This device also differs from conventional devices by the absence of system parts in the contact area between the two rails (cf. [Fig.1]), the goniometric mechanism (a) and the graduated angular indicator disc (b) being located under the rails, and the column (e) being retractable.

[0022] This configuration, connecting pieces (d) plus dovetails (c) and the possibility of moving the whole system along the rails (cf. [Fig.2]), makes it possible to guarantee an absolute three-dimensional rigidity (in torsion, longitudinally and laterally) of the assembled bench made up of the two butted rails.

[0023] Indeed, rigidity is obtained by one of the two assemblies of connecting pieces and dovetails(c) which are positioned in both rails at the same time.

[0024] While conventional devices effectively ensure the rotation and the accuracy of the system's orientation within an angular study range of -90° to +90°, the system designed also allows the two rails to be joined in line while guaranteeing the rigidity necessary for the study of the laws of optics.

[0025] [Fig. 1] General view of the device in a position suitable for ensuring an angle of rotation of the two rails.

[0026] [Fig.2] General view of the device with the two rails butted together to form a straight line. Note that a dovetail joint is positioned in both rails simultaneously and that the clamping screws (f) secure the butted rails, ensuring perfect rigidity of the bench.

[0027] Glossary: (a) of a goniometric mechanism, (b) of a graduated disc indicating angular position, (c) dovetail joints, (d) of connecting parts to the rails, (e) of a retractable column, (f) clamping screw, (g) of support feet.

Claims

Demands

1. A device for connecting two rails on an optical testing bench allowing a precise and rigid joining of the two benches, as well as a possibility of rotation from -90° to +90° between these two rails, characterized by: a goniometric mechanism (a), a graduated angular indicator disc (b) both located under the rails, dovetails (c) acting both as fixing and sliding connection with the rails, connecting pieces between the rails and the goniometric mechanism (d), a retractable column (e), clamping screws (f), support feet (g).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the dovetails (c) act as a sliding connection, according to a first position of rail butting, these connections reinforce the three-dimensional rigidity of the bench; while in a position distant from the rails, the sliding connections maintain the latter in a distant position allowing a possibility of rotation from -90° to +90° between these two rails.

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