Optical device and laser beam output device

Abstract

To provide, for example, novel and improved optical device and laser beam output device that allow an optical device including a laser light source to be more easily attached to and detached from a laser beam output device including the optical device.SOLUTION: An optical device includes, for example, a plurality of laser light sources, an optical fiber holding portion that holds an optical fiber, a plurality of optical components that guide laser light output from each of the plurality of laser light sources to the optical fiber so as to be optically connected to the optical fiber, a housing that houses the plurality of laser light sources, at least a portion of the optical fiber holding portion, and the plurality of optical components, a first member that forms a part of the housing or is attached to the housing, and a handle that is fixed to the first member and is used to carry the optical device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device and a laser light output device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an optical device that guides laser light output from a plurality of laser light sources to the end of an optical fiber via a plurality of optical components is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In some cases, a laser light output device may be configured that includes this type of optical device, a drive circuit that drives the laser light source of the optical device, and a control circuit that controls the drive circuit.

[0005] In such a laser light output device, when inspecting or replacing the optical device, it is beneficial to be able to more easily attach and detach the optical device to and from the laser light output device.

[0006] Therefore, one of the problems of the present invention is to obtain a novel and improved optical device and a laser light output device that can more easily attach and detach, for example, an optical device including a laser light source, to and from a laser light output device including the optical device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The optical device of the present invention includes, for example, a plurality of laser light sources, an optical fiber holding part that holds an optical fiber, a plurality of optical components that guide the laser light output from each of the plurality of laser light sources to the optical fiber so as to be optically connected to the optical fiber, a housing that houses the plurality of laser light sources, at least a part of the optical fiber holding part, and the plurality of optical components, a first member that constitutes a part of the housing or is attached to the housing, and a handle that is fixed to the first member and is used to carry the optical device.

[0008] In the optical device, the first member has a first surface facing a first direction, the optical device has a plurality of terminals whose ends in the first direction are located farther from the first surface in the first direction and are each electrically connected to the laser light source, and the height of the handle from the first surface in the first direction may be higher than the height of at least some of the plurality of terminals from the first surface in the first direction.

[0009] In the optical device, the height of the housing from the first surface in the first direction is higher than the height of at least some of the plurality of terminals from the first surface in the first direction, and at least some of the plurality of terminals may be located between the housing and the handle in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0010] In the optical device, the first member has a first surface facing a first direction, the optical device has a plurality of terminals whose ends in the first direction are located farther from the first surface in the first direction and are each electrically connected to the laser light source, and a wire having a conductor electrically connected to the terminals may be configured to be routed between the housing and the handle.

[0011] In the optical device, the handle may be provided with a guide part that guides a wire having a conductor electrically connected to the terminals.

[0012] In the optical device, the first member has a first surface facing a first direction, at least a part of the housing protrudes from the first member in the first direction, and the height of the handle from the first surface in the first direction may be higher than the height of the housing from the first surface in the first direction.

[0013] The optical device is configured to be fixable to a support portion that extends in a second direction and has an end surface facing the second direction at an end in the second direction. In a state where the handle is fixed to the support portion of the optical device, the handle may have a first wall portion arranged side by side with the support portion with a gap in a direction intersecting the second direction.

[0014] In the optical device, when the optical device moves in a direction intersecting the second direction from a predetermined mounting position with respect to the support portion in a state where the first wall portion is not fixed to the support portion of the optical device, the movement may be restricted by abutting against the support portion.

[0015] In the optical device, a support member that supports the optical device has a bottom surface facing the second direction and the support portion protruding from the bottom surface in the second direction in a state where the optical device is fixed to the support portion of the optical device. An end portion of the first wall portion in a direction opposite to the second direction may face the bottom surface with a gap in a state where the optical device is fixed to the support portion of the optical device.

[0016] In the optical device, a first female screw portion that opens to the end surface and extends in the second direction is provided in the support portion. The handle has a second wall portion that extends in a direction intersecting the second direction and is adjacent to the end surface. A first through hole through which a first coupling tool coupled to the first female screw portion penetrates is provided in the second wall portion, and the support portion and the handle may be configured to be coupled by the first coupling tool.

[0017] In the optical device, the first through hole may be provided at a position deviated from the first member when viewed in the second direction.

[0018] In the optical device, the first member may be provided with a second through hole that overlaps with the first through hole in the second direction and penetrates in the second direction.

[0019] In the optical device, the first member has a third surface facing the direction opposite to the second direction and a fourth surface facing a third direction intersecting the second direction in a fixed state with the support portion of the optical device, and the handle may have a third wall portion adjacent to the third surface and a fourth wall portion adjacent to the fourth surface.

[0020] In the optical device, a second female screw portion that opens on the fourth surface and extends in the third direction is provided on the first member, a third through hole through which a second coupling tool coupled to the second female screw portion penetrates is provided in the fourth wall portion, and the first member and the handle may be coupled by the second coupling tool.

[0021] In the optical device, a fourth through hole through which a third coupling tool used for coupling with a support member that supports the optical device penetrates may be provided in the third wall portion.

[0022] In the optical device, the handle has a fifth wall portion that includes a portion on the side opposite to the support portion with respect to the first member and extends in the second direction in a fixed state with the support portion of the optical device, and a sixth wall portion that intersects and extends with the fifth wall portion at a position away from the first member in the second direction.

[0023] In the optical device, a portion of the handle that is away from the first member may not contact a housing member that houses the optical device.

[0024] In the optical device, an opening or notch into which a finger can be inserted may be provided in the handle.

[0025] In the optical device, the handle may include a plurality of first handles provided apart from each other.

[0026] In the optical device, the housing may be located between the plurality of first handles.

[0027] In the optical device, the handle may be made of a conductor and used as a ground conductor of the laser light source.

[0028] In the optical device, the optical device may include a refrigerant connector communicating with a refrigerant passage in the housing, and the handle may be provided at a position where it does not interfere with the refrigerant connector.

[0029] The laser light output device of the present invention includes, for example, an optical device having a plurality of laser light sources and outputting laser light, a drive circuit for driving the plurality of laser light sources, a control circuit for controlling the operation of the drive circuit, and a housing member for housing the optical device, the drive circuit, and the control circuit. The optical device includes a plurality of laser light sources, an optical fiber holding portion for holding an optical fiber, a plurality of optical components for guiding the laser light output from each of the plurality of laser light sources to the optical fiber so as to be optically connected to the optical fiber, a housing for housing at least a part of the plurality of laser light sources, the optical fiber holding portion, and the plurality of optical components, a first member constituting a part of the housing or attached to the housing, and a handle fixed to the first member and for carrying the optical device. The optical device is detachably attached to the housing member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to obtain a novel and improved optical device and a laser light output device that make it easier to attach and detach an optical device including a laser light source to and from a laser light output device including the optical device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments shown below, as well as the actions and results (effects) brought about by the configurations, are examples. The present invention can also be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain at least one of various effects (including derivative effects) obtained by the configuration.

[0033] The plurality of embodiments shown below have the same configuration. Therefore, according to the configuration of each embodiment, the same actions and effects based on the same configuration can be obtained. Further, in the following, the same reference numerals are given to those same configurations, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0034] In this specification, ordinal numbers are given for convenience in distinguishing members, parts, directions, etc., and do not indicate priority or order.

[0035] In each figure, the X direction is represented by arrow X, the Y direction is represented by arrow Y, and the Z direction is represented by arrow Z. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction intersect each other and are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, the line of sight viewed in the direction opposite to the Z direction is referred to as a plan view. Also, the directions are those in the state where the optical device is incorporated into the laser light output device.

[0036] In FIG. 4, the optical path of the laser beam L is indicated by a solid-line arrow.

[0037] [Embodiment] [Laser Light Output Device] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the internal configuration of the laser light output device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the laser light output device 1 includes a housing member 10, an optical device 100, a control circuit 20, a drive circuit 30, and an optical fiber support portion 60.

[0038] The housing member 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is thin in the Z direction. The housing member 10 has a bottom wall 11 and four side walls 12. The bottom wall 11 has a rectangular and plate-like shape having two sides along the X direction and two sides along the Y direction, and extends intersecting and substantially orthogonally to the Z direction. The bottom surface 11a of the bottom wall 11 faces the Z direction and extends intersecting and substantially orthogonally to the Z direction. The side walls 12 project from the four sides around the bottom wall 11 in the Z direction and extend along each side with a predetermined width (predetermined height) in the Z direction.

[0039] Also, the housing member 10 has a top wall 13 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) that is separated from the bottom wall 11 in the Z direction and is substantially parallel to the bottom wall 11. The top wall 13 has a rectangular and plate-like shape, and extends intersecting and substantially orthogonally to the Z direction. The top wall 13 is provided so as to be adjacent to the Z-direction edges of the four side walls 12 and functions as a lid of the housing member 10. FIG. 1 is a plan view in a state where the top wall 13 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) is removed.

[0040] On the side wall 12, a gripping portion 14 and a reinforcing member 15 are attached. The gripping portion 14 is a handle for the laser light output device 1 and is used when an operator moves or carries the laser light output device 1. The reinforcing member 15 reinforces the side wall 12 in the vicinity of the refrigerant connector 108. The reinforcing member 15 can also be used as a handle for the laser light output device 1. The gripping portion 14 can also be referred to as a second handle.

[0041] The optical device 100, the control circuit 20, the drive circuit 30, and the optical fiber support portion 60 are housed in the housing member 10.

[0042] The optical device 100 has a plurality of laser light sources 110 (see FIG. 4) inside, and outputs the laser light output from the plurality of laser light sources 110 to the optical fiber 40. The more detailed structure of the optical device 100 will be described later. The optical fiber 40 is routed inside the housing member 10. The laser light transmitted in the optical fiber 40 is input through the ferrule 41 that penetrates the side wall 12 to another optical fiber (not shown) that is optically connected to the optical fiber 40. The optical fiber support portion 60 holds the portion between the optical device 100 and the ferrule 41 of the optical fiber 40 in a wound state. The laser light source 110 can also be referred to as a light source unit.

[0043] The drive circuit 30 supplies power to the laser light source 110 (see FIG. 4) housed in the optical device 100 so as to output laser light. That is, the drive circuit 30 drives the plurality of laser light sources 110. The drive circuit 30 supplies power to the laser light source 110 through the inner conductor of the wire 50.

[0044] The control circuit 20 is configured as a computer and controls the operation of the drive circuit 30 based on an instruction signal input from an external device. The control circuit 20 can perform feedback control of the drive circuit 30 based on the output light from the laser light source 110 or the detection value of the detection current corresponding to the output light for stabilizing the output of the laser light source 110. Further, the control circuit 20 may have a user interface function, various monitoring functions within the laser light output device 1, and the like. Note that the laser light output device 1 may further include a power supply circuit (not shown) for supplying power to each part within the laser light output device 1.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the laser light output device 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical device 100 has a handle 120 for an operator to move or carry the optical device 100. The handle 120 is attached to a base 101A (see FIGS. 3, 5, etc.), which is a part of the housing 101 of the optical device 100. When the operator moves the optical device 100 in the Z direction to separate it from the bottom wall 11 of the housing member 10, and when moving the optical device 100 in the opposite direction of the Z direction to approach the bottom wall 11, the operator grips the handle 120. Here, the handle 120 is provided at the end of the optical device 100 in the Y direction and the end in the opposite direction of the Y direction. On the other hand, the refrigerant connector 108 is provided at the end of the optical device 100 in the opposite direction of the X direction. In this way, the handle 120 and the refrigerant connector 108 are provided at the ends of the optical device 100 in different directions from each other. That is, the handle 120 is provided at a position where it does not interfere with the refrigerant connector 108 of the optical device 100. The handle 120 is made of a metal material, such as an iron-based material, for example. Further, the handle 120 may be made of a conductor, such as stainless steel, for example. In this case, the handle 120 may be electrically connected to the ground electrode of the laser light source 110 via the ground conductor of the base 101A and also electrically connected to the common ground electrode of the laser light output device 1 via wiring (not shown) and the like. In this case, it can be used as a part of the ground conductor (not shown) of the laser light source 110. The base 101A is an example of a first member, and the handle 120 is an example of a first handle.

[0046] [Optical device] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical device 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the optical device 100 includes a housing 101, two handles 120, an optical fiber holding portion 106, and a refrigerant connector 108.

[0047] The housing 101 is composed of a plate-shaped base 101A and a cover 101B having a convex shape convex in the Z direction. A space for accommodating a plurality of laser light sources 110 and optical components is formed between the base 101A and the cover 101B. The base 101A is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a copper-based material or an aluminum-based material. The base 101A may be composed of one member or a plurality of members. Further, the cover 101B may be made of a material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, such as an Fe-Ni-Co alloy or aluminum oxide.

[0048] [Configuration inside the housing] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the optical device 100 of the embodiment, and is a plan view of the inside of the optical device 100 viewed in the opposite direction of the Z direction.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the optical device 100 includes a housing 101, a plurality of sub-units 111a (111a1, 111a2), a light combining unit 107, condenser lenses 104 and 105, an optical fiber 40, and an optical fiber holding unit 106. As described above, the housing 101 has a base 101A and a cover 101B. Each sub-unit 111a includes a laser light source 110, a collimating lens 102, and a mirror 103. The collimating lens 102 collimates the laser light in the X direction, which is the slow axis direction in this example. In this embodiment, the collimating lens that collimates the laser light in the Z direction, which is the fast axis direction in this example, is included in the laser light source 110. However, this is just an example, and the collimating lens that collimates the laser light in the fast axis direction may be provided outside the laser light source 110, between the laser light source 110 and the collimating lens 102. In that case, the collimating lens that collimates in the fast axis direction will be included in the sub-unit 111a.

[0050] The laser light output from each laser light source 110 passes through the collimating lens 102 and the mirror 103 of each sub-unit 111a, and further passes through the light combining unit 107 and the condenser lenses 104 and 105 to be guided to the end 40a of the optical fiber 40 and optically coupled to the optical fiber 40. The collimating lens 102, the mirror 103, the light combining unit 107, and the condenser lenses 104 and 105 are an example of optical components that guide the laser light output from each of the plurality of laser light sources 110 to the optical fiber 40 so as to be optically connected to the optical fiber 40.

[0051] At least a part of the plurality of sub-units 111a, the light combining unit 107, the condenser lenses 104 and 105, the end 40a of the optical fiber 40, and the optical fiber holding unit 106 are all directly or indirectly attached to the base 101A, either directly or via other members, and are housed in an accommodation chamber (not shown) formed between the base 101A and the cover 101B, that is, inside the housing 101. As an example, the accommodation chamber is hermetically sealed, but it does not have to be hermetically sealed.

[0052] Base 101A has a plurality of stepped surfaces (not shown) that are oriented in the Z direction as the mounting surfaces of the sub-units 111a and are displaced in the Z direction (height) by a certain length as they are displaced by a certain length in the opposite direction of the X direction along the Z direction. The sub-unit 111a has a sub-unit 111a1 that constitutes an array A1 arranged in the X direction and a sub-unit 111a2 that constitutes an array A2 arranged in the X direction. For each of the arrays A1 and A2, one sub-unit 111a is provided for one mounting surface that constitutes the steps.

[0053] The laser light source 110 has, for example, a housing, a chip-on-submount, a collimating lens that collimates the laser light in the fast axis direction, and a window member (all not shown). The chip-on-submount has a submount and a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element has, for example, a fast axis and a slow axis and is a semiconductor laser element with an output of 5 [W] or more. The chip-on-submount and the collimating lens are housed inside the housing. The window member is provided at the opening of the housing. The laser light output from the light-emitting element is output from the laser light source 110 via the collimating lens and the window member. The laser light output from the laser light source 110 travels in the X direction via the collimating lens 102 and the mirror 103. As described above, the sub-units 111a are respectively provided on the stepped mounting surfaces. For this reason, the laser light traveling in the X direction from the mirror 103 of each sub-unit 111a does not interfere with the mirror of another sub-unit 111a that is displaced in the X direction with respect to the mirror 103.

[0054] The laser light from each mirror 103 is input to the light combining unit 107 and is combined in the light combining unit 107. The light combining unit 107 has a combiner 107a, a mirror 107b, and a half-wave plate 107c.

[0055] The mirror 107b directs the laser light from the sub-unit 111a of the array A1 toward the combiner 107a via the half-wave plate 107c. The half-wave plate 107c rotates the polarization plane of the light from the array A1.

[0056] On the other hand, the laser light from the sub-unit 111a of the array A2 is directly input into the combiner 107a.

[0057] The combiner 107a combines the laser lights from the two arrays A1 and A2. The combiner 107a may also be referred to as a polarization combining element.

[0058] The laser light from the combiner 107a is focused by the focusing lenses 104 and 105 toward the end 40a of the optical fiber 40. The focusing lens 104 focuses the laser light on the fast axis, and the focusing lens 105 focuses the laser light on the slow axis.

[0059] The optical fiber holding part 106 holds the optical fiber 40 via, for example, an adhesive.

[0060] Also, the base 101A is provided with a refrigerant passage 109 for cooling the sub-unit 111a including the laser light source 110, the optical fiber holding part 106, the focusing lenses 104 and 105, the combiner 107a, etc. In the refrigerant passage 109, for example, a refrigerant such as a coolant flows. The refrigerant passage 109 passes, for example, near the mounting surfaces of the respective components of the base 101A, for example, directly below or in the vicinity thereof. The inner surface of the refrigerant passage 109 and the refrigerant (not shown) in the refrigerant passage 109 are thermally connected to the components and parts to be cooled, that is, the sub-unit 111a, the optical fiber holding part 106, the focusing lenses 104 and 105, the combiner 107a, etc. By performing heat exchange with the refrigerant via the base 101A, the components and parts to be cooled are cooled. Note that the inlet 109a and the outlet 109b of the refrigerant passage 109 communicate with the internal passages of the refrigerant connectors 108 (see FIGS. 1 to 3), respectively.

[0061] [Configuration of the peripheral part of the housing] FIG. 5 is a side view of the optical device 100 as viewed in the X direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the base 101A protrudes from the cover 101B in the Y direction and the opposite direction of the Y direction. The handles 120 are fixed to each of the Y-direction end and the opposite-direction end of the protruding portion of the base 101A. In the present embodiment, the two handles 120 of the optical device 100 are in a mirror image relationship with respect to a symmetric reference plane extending in the X and Z directions at the intermediate position in the Y direction of the optical device 100. Therefore, hereinafter, the structure of the handle 120 may mainly be described with respect to the handle 120 provided at the end in the opposite direction of the Y direction of the base 101A.

[0062] Among the base 101A, the portions protruding from the cover 101B have a substantially constant width in the Z direction and extend intersecting the Z direction, and each has a rectangular and plate-like shape. As shown in FIG. 5, in the base 101A, the surface 101a faces the Z direction, intersects the Z direction, and extends substantially orthogonally. The surface 101b faces the opposite direction of the Z direction, intersects the Z direction, and extends substantially orthogonally. The surface 101d located at the end in the Y direction faces the Y direction, intersects the Y direction, and extends substantially orthogonally. Also, the surface 101d located at the end in the opposite direction of the Y direction faces the opposite direction of the Y direction, intersects the Y direction, and extends substantially orthogonally.

[0063] In the cover 101B, the surface 101c is located farther from the Z direction than the surface 101a, faces the Z direction, intersects the Z direction, and extends substantially orthogonally. The surface 101e located at the end in the Y direction extends in the Z direction from a position close to the surface 101a, faces the Y direction, intersects the Y direction, and extends substantially orthogonally. Also, the surface 101e located at the end in the opposite direction of the Y direction extends in the Z direction from a position close to the surface 101a, faces the opposite direction of the Y direction, intersects the Y direction, and extends substantially orthogonally. The surface 101c may also be referred to as the top surface of the cover 101B, and the surface 101e may also be referred to as the side surface of the cover 101B (housing 101).

[0064] In the above-described configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a space S is formed between the surface 101e and the handle 120 on both sides of the cover 101B in the Y direction and the direction opposite to the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 5, a wiring board 112 is provided at a portion of the surface 101a of the base 101A that faces the space S. That is, the wiring board 112 is exposed in the space S. Further, the wiring board 112 extends to the inside of the housing 101 through the boundary portion between the base 101A (the surface 101a) and the cover 101B. A wiring pattern (not shown) is provided on the wiring board 112, and the portion of the wiring pattern inside the housing 101 is electrically connected to the laser light source 110 inside the housing 101. On the other hand, the portion of the wiring pattern outside the housing 101 is electrically connected to a terminal 113 protruding in the Z direction on the wiring board 112. The end portion of the terminal 113 in the Z direction is located away from the surface 101a in the Z direction. The surface 101a is an example of the first surface. The Z direction is an example of the first direction.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the optical device 100 is incorporated in the laser light output device 1, a wire 50 is routed in the space S. At one end of the wire 50, the conductor of the wire 50 is electrically connected to the conductor of the drive circuit 30. On the other hand, at the other end of the wire 50, a terminal 51 electrically connected to the conductor of the wire 50 is coupled to the terminal 113 of the wiring board 112 by a coupling tool 114 such as a screw, and is thereby electrically connected to the terminal 113. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the laser light source 110 and the drive circuit 30 are electrically connected via the wiring pattern, the terminal 113, the terminal 51, and the conductor of the wire 50 of the wiring board 112.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the space S is a space that is open in the Z direction and extends in the X direction between the surface 101e of the cover 101B (housing 101) protruding in the Z direction from the surface 101a and the vertical wall 122a of the handle 120 protruding in the Z direction from the surface 101a. The wire 50 can extend in the X direction while being accommodated between the cover 101B and the handle 120. According to such a configuration, the handle 120 and the housing 101 can suppress the displacement of the wire 50 in the Y direction or the opposite direction of the Y direction. Further, the surface 101e and the handle 120 can function as guides when an operator routes the wire 50.

[0067] Furthermore, the handle 120 is provided with a wire guide 150 that holds the wire 50 in a predetermined position and guides it along a predetermined wiring path. Specifically, the wire guide 150 is, for example, a clip or a strap that bundles a plurality of wires 50, but is not limited thereto. The handle 120 has fewer specification constraints than the cover 101B, and it is easier to provide a shape such as a hole or a notch for fixing the wire guide 150 than the cover 101B. Therefore, according to such a configuration, the wire 50 can be more easily routed along a predetermined path with a relatively simple configuration using the handle 120. The wire guide 150 is an example of a guide portion and can also be referred to as a wire holding portion.

[0068] Also, in the present embodiment, the height H3 of the handle 120 from the surface 101a in the Z direction is higher than the height H1 of at least some of the plurality of terminals 113 from the surface 101a in the Z direction. The height H2 of the cover 101B (housing 101) from the surface 101a in the Z direction is higher than the height H1 of at least some of the plurality of terminals 113 from the surface 101a in the Z direction. Further, the terminal 113 is located between the handle 120 and the cover 101B. According to such a configuration, when the optical device 100 is moved, transported, attached, detached, etc., the handle 120 and the housing 101 can enhance the protection of the terminal 113 against obstacles coming in the opposite direction of the Z direction relative to the terminal 113.

[0069] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the optical device 100 has a plurality of handles 120. According to such a configuration, it becomes easier for an operator to hold the optical device 100. Such a configuration is particularly effective when the optical device 100 is heavy. Also, the cover 101B (housing 101) is located between the plurality of handles 120. According to such a configuration, when moving, transporting, attaching, detaching, etc. of the optical device 100, with respect to an obstacle coming from the side opposite to the handles 120 relative to the housing 101, the plurality of handles 120 can enhance the protectiveness of the housing 101.

[0070] Also, in the present embodiment, the height H3 of the plurality of handles 120 from the surface 101a in the Z direction is higher than the height H2 of the cover 101B (housing 101) from the surface 101a in the Z direction. Also, as described above, the cover 101B is located between the plurality of handles 120. According to such a configuration, when moving, transporting, attaching, detaching, etc. of the optical device 100, with respect to an obstacle coming from the opposite direction in the Z direction relative to the housing 101, the plurality of handles 120 can enhance the protectiveness of the housing 101.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a part of the laser light output device 1 with the optical device 100 removed or before being attached. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of support portions 16 and 17 for supporting the optical device 100 are provided on the bottom surface 11a of the bottom wall 11 of the housing member 10. The bottom surface 11a faces in the Z direction and extends intersecting and substantially orthogonally to the Z direction. The plurality of support portions 16 and 17 project in the Z direction at substantially the same height from the bottom surface 11a, and have a columnar shape such as a cylindrical shape or a prismatic shape. Note that a protrusion 18 projecting at substantially the same height as the support portions 16 and 17 is provided on the bottom surface 11a. The protrusion 18 can be used for supporting and fixing the optical device 100 and other components. As an example, a wire guide for guiding the wire 50 may be provided on the protrusion 18. According to such a configuration, since the optical device 100 can be supported with a gap formed between the bottom wall 11 by the support portions 16 and 17 protruding from the bottom wall 11, the heat propagation generated in the optical device 100 can be suppressed as compared with the case where there is no gap. The bottom wall 11 (housing member 10) on which the support portions 16 and 17 are provided is an example of a support member.

[0072] [Configuration of the handle] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 1. Further, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the handle 120 has a member 121 and a member 122. These members 121 and 122 are integrated via a welding portion, for example. However, the handle 120 is not limited to such a form, and the members 121 and 122 may be integrated via a coupling tool such as a screw, or may be configured by three or more members. Further, the handle 120 may be configured by one member.

[0073] The member 121 is formed by bending a plate-shaped metal member and has a vertical wall 121a and a horizontal wall 121b. The vertical wall 121a intersects and is substantially orthogonal to the Y direction. The vertical wall 121a extends in the Z direction with a substantially constant width in the X direction. Further, the horizontal wall 121b intersects and is substantially orthogonal to the Z direction. The horizontal wall 121b extends in the Y direction from the Z-direction end of the vertical wall 121a with a substantially constant width in the X direction so as to approach the intermediate position of the optical device 100 in the Y direction.

[0074] The member 122 is formed by bending a plate-shaped metal member and has a vertical wall 122a and a horizontal wall 122b. The vertical wall 122a intersects and is substantially orthogonal to the Y direction. The vertical wall 122a extends in the Z direction with a substantially constant width in the X direction. Further, the horizontal wall 122b intersects and is substantially orthogonal to the Z direction. The horizontal wall 122b extends in the opposite direction of the Y direction from the Z-direction end of the vertical wall 122a with a substantially constant width in the X direction so as to be away from the intermediate position of the optical device 100 in the Y direction.

[0075] The vertical wall 121a of the member 121 and the end portion in the opposite direction of the Z direction of the vertical wall 122a of the member 122 are joined by welding, whereby the member 121 and the member 122 are integrated.

[0076] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the member 121 has a relatively high-rigidity L-shaped cross section and extends between the X-direction end portion and the end portion in the direction opposite to the X direction of the base 101A. According to such a configuration, the member 121 can reinforce the base 101A and thus the optical device 100. Further, the member 121 projects in the X direction from the base 101A and also projects in the direction opposite to the X direction, and the projected portions are used as the coupling points with the laser light output device 1 by the coupler 140. Furthermore, an opening 122c is provided in the vertical wall 122a of the member 122 at a position displaced in the Z direction with respect to the base 101A. According to such a configuration, the handle 120 and thus the optical device 100 can be made lighter, and the operator can more easily grip the handle 120 because a finger can be inserted into the opening 122c. Note that, instead of the opening 122c, a notch may be provided.

[0077] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the handle 120 is attached to the base 101A by a coupling tool 130 such as a screw in a state where the horizontal wall 121b of the member 121 is adjacent to the surface 101b of the base 101A and the vertical wall 122a of the member 122 is adjacent to the surface 101d of the base 101A. Specifically, a female screw hole 101f that opens to the surface 101d and extends along the Y direction is provided in the base 101A, and the coupling tool 130 coupled to the female screw hole 101f passes through a through hole 122a1 provided in the vertical wall 122a. The vertical wall 122a is sandwiched between the head of the coupling tool 130 and the base 101A. That is, the vertical wall 122a and thus the handle 120 are coupled to the base 101A by the coupling tool 130. According to such a configuration, since the handle 120 is attached to the base 101A in a state of being adjacent to the base 101A in two directions in the Y direction and the Z direction, the handle 120 can be fixed to the base 101A more firmly than in the case where the handle 120 is attached in a state of being adjacent to the base 101A in only one direction. The surface 101b is an example of the third surface, and the surface 101d is an example of the fourth surface. The horizontal wall 121b is an example of the third wall portion, and the vertical wall 122a is an example of the fourth wall portion. The coupling tool 130 is an example of the second coupling tool, the through hole 122a1 is an example of the third through hole, and the female screw hole 101f is an example of the second female screw portion. The direction opposite to the Y direction (and the Y direction) is an example of the third direction. Note that the term "adjacent" includes a state of being in direct contact and a state of being in contact via a thin intervening material such as a shim, washer, sealing material, or adhesive.

[0078] Also, among the transverse walls 121b adjacent to the surface 101b, the portions that deviate from the base 101A in the X direction and the opposite direction of the X direction, in other words, the portions that do not overlap with the base 101A in the Z direction, are placed on the Z-direction end face 16a of the support portion 16 and are fixed to the support portion 16 by a coupling tool 140 such as a screw while being adjacent to the end face 16a. Specifically, the support portion 16 is provided with a female screw hole 16b that opens to the end face 16a facing the Z direction and extends along the Z direction, and the coupling tool 140 coupled to the female screw hole 16b penetrates through a through hole 121b1 provided in the transverse wall 121b. The female screw hole 16b and the through hole 121b1 overlap in the Z direction. The transverse wall 121b is in a state of being sandwiched between the head of the coupling tool 140 and the support portion 16. That is, the transverse wall 121b and thus the optical device 100 are coupled to the support portion 16 and thus to the housing member 10 by the coupling tool 140. According to such a configuration, by using the transverse wall 121b adjacent to the surface 101b of the base 101A as a coupling portion with the support portion 16, the configuration of the handle 120 can be made simpler compared to a configuration in which a coupling tool with the support portion 16 is provided separately from the transverse wall 121b. Further, the transverse wall 121b and the through hole 121b1 can be used to temporarily fix the handle 120 to a jig having the same shape as the support portion 16 when the base 101A and the handle 120 are coupled and integrated by the coupling tool 130. Specifically, with the handle 120 and the base 101A placed on the jig in the Z direction in the Z direction, the coupling tool 130 is inserted into the female screw hole 101f in the intersecting direction intersecting the Z direction to couple the handle 120 and the base 101A, so that the base 101A and the handle 120 can be integrated while being positioned in the intersecting direction. That is, the positioning and coupling operations of the base 101A and the handle 120 can be performed more easily and quickly. Also, the configuration in which the through hole 121b1 is provided in the portion of the transverse wall 121b that deviates from the base 101A is beneficial in that only the handle 120 among the base 101A and the handle 120 can be temporarily fixed to the jig without hindering the positioning and coupling of the base 101A and the handle 120.Note that the intersecting direction is the axial direction of the female screw hole 101f and the insertion direction of the coupler 130 into the female screw hole 101f. In this embodiment, as an example, it is the Y direction or the opposite direction of the Y direction, but it may be another direction intersecting the Z direction. The coupler 140 is an example of the first coupler and the third coupler, the transverse wall 121b is an example of the second wall portion and the third wall portion, the female screw hole 16b is an example of the first female screw portion, and the through hole 121b1 is an example of the first through hole and the fourth through hole. Also, the Z direction is an example of the second direction.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 8, the portion of the transverse wall 121b adjacent to the surface 101b that overlaps the base 101A in the Z direction is placed on the Z-direction end face 17a of the support portion 17 and is fixed to the support portion 17 together with the base 101A by a coupler 140 like a screw while being adjacent to the end face 17a. Specifically, the support portion 17 is provided with a female screw hole 17b that opens to the end face 17a facing the Z direction and extends along the Z direction, and the coupler 140 coupled to the female screw hole 17b penetrates through a through hole 121b2 provided in the transverse wall 121b and a through hole 101g1 provided in the base 101A. The through hole 101g1 opens to the bottom surface of the bottomed hole 101g as a countersunk hole. The female screw hole 17b, the through hole 121b2, and the through hole 101g1 overlap in the Z direction. In this case, the transverse wall 121b and the base 101A are sandwiched between the head of the coupler 140 and the support portion 17. That is, the transverse wall 121b and thus the optical device 100 are coupled to the support portion 17 and thus the housing member 10 by the coupler 140. According to such a configuration, both the base 101A and the handle 120 can be firmly fixed to the housing member 10 by the coupler 140. The female screw hole 17b is an example of the first female screw portion, and the through hole 101g1 is an example of the second through hole.

[0080] In the above-described configuration, an operator can hold the handle 120, carry the optical device 100 to a predetermined position of the housing member 10, and fix the optical device 100 to the support portions 16 and 17 by coupling the coupler 140 to the female screw holes 16b and 17b of the support portions 16 and 17. Further, in a state where the optical device 100 is fixed to the housing member 10, after removing the top wall 13, the coupling of the coupler 140 to the female screw holes 16b and 17b can be released and removed, and the optical device 100 can be carried out of the housing member 10 with the handle 120. That is, the optical device 100 is detachably attached to the housing member 10.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in a fixed state with the support portions 16 and 17 of the optical device 100, the vertical wall 122a of the handle 120 extends in the Z direction including a portion on the side opposite to the support portions 16 and 17 with respect to the base 101A. Further, the horizontal wall 122b intersects the vertical wall 122a at a position away from the base 101A in the Z direction and extends in the Y direction (or the opposite direction of the Y direction). According to such a configuration, the operator can hold the horizontal wall 122b, and thus can hold the handle 120 more easily than when the horizontal wall 122b is not present. The vertical wall 122a is an example of a fifth wall portion, and the horizontal wall 122b is an example of a sixth wall portion.

[0082] Also, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in a fixed state with the support portions 16 and 17 of the optical device 100, the portion of the handle 120 away from the base 101A is configured not to contact the bottom wall 11, the side wall 12, and the top wall 13 of the housing member 10. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the handle 120 from interfering with the housing member 10 and preventing the optical device 100 from being incorporated into a predetermined position of the laser light output device 1.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the fixed state with the support portions 16 and 17 of the optical device 100, the end portions of the vertical wall 121a and the vertical wall 122a in the opposite direction in the Z direction are arranged side by side with a gap in the opposite direction (or the Y direction) to the support portions 16 and 17 in the Y direction. Thereby, in the non-fixed state where the optical device 100 is not fixed to the support portions 16 and 17 by the coupling tool 140, even when the optical device 100 moves in the Y direction or the opposite direction of the Y direction from a predetermined mounting position, the vertical walls 121a and 122a come into contact with the support portions 16 and 17, whereby the movement can be restricted. The end portions of the vertical wall 121a and the vertical wall 122a in the opposite direction in the Z direction are an example of the first wall portion. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, since the two support portions 16 and 17 are located between the end portions of the two handles 120 in the opposite direction in the Z direction, the movement of the optical device 100 in both the Y direction and the opposite direction of the Y direction is restricted. Furthermore, in this configuration, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the end portions of the vertical walls 121a and 122a in the opposite direction in the Z direction face the bottom surface 11a of the bottom wall 11 of the housing member 10 with a gap. With such a configuration, even if the optical device 100 comes off from the support portions 16 and 17 and drops in the non-fixed state when the Z direction is vertically upward, it only drops by the length until the end portions of the vertical walls 121a and 122a in the opposite direction in the Z direction come into contact with the bottom surface 11a, that is, by the size of the gap, so that the damage to the optical device 100 due to the drop can be reduced.

[0084] As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the optical device 100 has the handles 120, it becomes easier for the operator to carry the optical device 100. Further, with the structure including the handles 120 as in the present embodiment, it is also possible to obtain various effects other than making it easier to carry the optical device 100.

[0085] The above are examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. Also, each configuration, shape, etc. of the specifications (structure, type, direction, model, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be appropriately changed and implemented.

[0086] For example, the first member to which the handle is fixed may be attached to the housing of the optical device instead of constituting a part of the housing of the optical device.

[0087] Also, the shape of the handle can be changed in various ways. For example, two tips of the handle formed in a U shape may be adjacent to end faces of the first member in opposite directions, respectively, and the handle may be configured to cover the housing of the optical device by fixing the tips and the end faces.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1... Laser light output device 10... Housing member (support member) 11... Bottom wall (support member) 11a... Bottom surface 12... Side wall 13... Top wall 14... Gripping part 15... Reinforcing member 16... Support part 16a... End face 16b... Female screw hole (first female screw part) 17... Support part 17a... End face 17b... Female screw hole (first female screw part) 18... Projection 20... Control circuit 30... Drive circuit 40... Optical fiber 40a... End part 41... Ferrule 50... Wire 51... Terminal 60... Optical fiber support part 100… Optical device 101… Housing 101a… Surface (first surface) 101b… Surface (third surface) 101c… Surface 101d… Surface (fourth surface) 101e… Surface 101f… Female screw hole (second female screw portion) 101g… Bottomed hole 101g1… Through hole (second through hole) 101A… Base (first member) 101B… Cover 102… Collimating lens (optical component) 103… Mirror (optical component) 104… Condensing lens (optical component) 105… Condensing lens (optical component) 106… Optical fiber holding portion 107… Light combining portion 107a… Combiner (optical component) 107b… Mirror (optical component) 107c… 1 / 2 wavelength plate (optical component) 108… Refrigerant connector 109… Refrigerant passage 109a… Inlet 109b… Outlet 110… Laser light source 111a, 111a1, 111a2… Sub - unit 112… Wiring board 113… Terminal 114… Coupling tool 120… Handle (first handle) 121… Member 121a… Vertical wall (first wall portion) 121b… Horizontal wall (second wall portion, third wall portion) 121b1… Through hole (first through hole, fourth through hole) 121b2… Through hole (third through hole) 122… Member 122a… Vertical wall (first wall portion, fourth wall portion, fifth wall portion) 122a1… Through hole (third through hole) 122b… Horizontal wall (sixth wall portion) 122c…Opening 130…Coupling tool (second coupling tool) 140…Coupling tool (first coupling tool, third coupling tool) 150…Wire guide (guide part) A1, A2…Array H1…Height H2…Height H3…Height L…Laser beam S…Space X…Direction Y…Direction (third direction, opposite direction of the third direction) Z…Direction (first direction, second direction)

Claims

1. An optical device, comprising: a plurality of laser light sources; an optical fiber holding part for holding an optical fiber; a plurality of optical components for guiding laser light output from each of the plurality of laser light sources to the optical fiber so as to be optically connected to the optical fiber; a housing that houses at least a part of the plurality of laser light sources, at least a part of the optical fiber holding part, and the plurality of optical components; a first member that forms a part of the housing or is attached to the housing; a handle fixed to the first member for carrying the optical device; An optical device having the above.

2. The first member has a first surface facing a first direction, The optical device has a plurality of terminals whose ends in the first direction are located farther from the first surface in the first direction and are each electrically connected to the laser light source, The height of the handle from the first surface in the first direction is higher than the height of at least some of the plurality of terminals from the first surface in the first direction. The optical device according to claim 1.

3. The height of the housing from the first surface in the first direction is higher than the height of at least some of the plurality of terminals from the first surface in the first direction, At least some of the plurality of terminals are located between the housing and the handle in a direction intersecting the first direction. The optical device according to claim 2.

4. The first member has a first surface facing a first direction, The optical device has a plurality of terminals whose ends in the first direction are located farther from the first surface in the first direction and are each electrically connected to the laser light source. A wire having a conductor electrically connected to the terminal is configured to be routed between the housing and the handle. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The handle is provided with a guide portion for guiding a wire having a conductor electrically connected to the terminal. The optical device according to claim 4.

6. The first member has a first surface facing a first direction, At least a part of the housing protrudes from the first member in the first direction, The height of the handle from the first surface in the first direction is higher than the height of the housing from the first surface in the first direction. The optical device according to claim 1.

7. The optical device is configured to be fixable to a support portion that extends in a second direction and has an end face facing the second direction at an end in the second direction. When the handle is in a fixed state with the support portion of the optical device, a first wall portion arranged side by side with the support portion with a gap in a direction intersecting the second direction; The optical device according to claim 1, having the above.

8. When the optical device moves in a direction intersecting the second direction from a predetermined mounting position with respect to the support portion in a non-fixed state between the first wall portion and the support portion of the optical device, the movement is restricted by coming into contact with the support portion. The optical device according to claim 7.

9. The support member that supports the optical device has, in a fixed state with the support portion of the optical device, a bottom surface facing the second direction and the support portion protruding in the second direction from the bottom surface. An end portion of the first wall portion in a direction opposite to the second direction faces the bottom surface with a gap in a fixed state with the support portion of the optical device. The optical device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. A first female screw portion that opens to the end surface and extends in the second direction is provided on the support portion. The handle has a second wall portion that extends in a direction intersecting the second direction and is adjacent to the end surface. A first through hole through which a first coupling tool coupled to the first female screw portion penetrates is provided in the second wall portion. The optical device according to claim 7 or 8, configured such that the support portion and the handle are coupled by the first coupling tool.

11. The first through hole is provided at a position deviated from the first member when viewed in the second direction. The optical device according to claim 10.

12. A second through hole that overlaps the first through hole in the second direction and penetrates in the second direction is provided in the first member. The optical device according to claim 10.

13. The first member has a third surface facing a direction opposite to the second direction and a fourth surface facing a third direction intersecting the second direction in a fixed state with the support portion of the optical device. The handle has a third wall portion adjacent to the third surface and a fourth wall portion adjacent to the fourth surface. The optical device according to claim 7.

14. A second female screw portion that opens to the fourth surface and extends in the third direction is provided on the first member. A third through hole through which a second coupling tool coupled to the second female screw portion penetrates is provided in the fourth wall portion. The optical device according to claim 13, wherein the first member and the handle are coupled by the second coupling tool.

15. The optical device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a fourth through-hole through which a third coupling tool used for coupling with a support member for supporting the optical device penetrates is provided in the third wall portion.

16. The handle includes a fifth wall portion that extends in the second direction and includes a portion on the side opposite to the support portion with respect to the first member in a fixed state of the optical device with the support portion, and a sixth wall portion that intersects and extends with the fifth wall portion at a position away from the first member in the second direction, The optical device according to claim 7 or 8 having the above.

17. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the handle away from the first member does not contact a housing member that houses the optical device.

18. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein an opening or notch into which a finger can be inserted is provided in the handle.

19. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the handle includes a plurality of first handles provided apart from each other.

20. The optical device according to claim 19, wherein the housing is located between the plurality of first handles.

21. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the handle is made of a conductor and is used as a ground conductor of the laser light source.

22. The optical device has a refrigerant connector that communicates with a refrigerant passage in the housing, The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the handle is provided at a position that does not interfere with the refrigerant connector.

23. An optical device having a plurality of laser light sources and outputting laser light, a drive circuit that drives the plurality of laser light sources, a control circuit that controls the operation of the drive circuit, a housing member that houses the optical device, the drive circuit, and the control circuit, and a laser light output device comprising: The optical device has a plurality of laser light sources, an optical fiber holding portion that holds an optical fiber, a plurality of optical components that guide laser light output from each of the plurality of laser light sources to the optical fiber so as to be optically connected to the optical fiber, a housing that houses at least a part of the plurality of laser light sources, the optical fiber holding portion, and the plurality of optical components, a first member that constitutes a part of the housing or is attached to the housing, a handle that is fixed to the first member and is for carrying the optical device, and is a laser light output device that is detachably attached to the housing member.

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