Patent Number: 
Section: description

FIGS. 1 and 2 show, in a schematic front view, a first exemplary embodiment of an interruption device 1 according to the present invention for a light beam 2 of a light source, in particular a laser light source. Interruption device 1 can be used with any kind of optical arrangement in which a light beam is optionally interrupted. In the interest of reliable operation of the optical arrangement, means 3 for monitoring the functioning of interruption device 1 are associated with interruption device 1. Means 3 for monitoring the functioning of interruption device 1 have a light barrier (not shown), of which only its light beam 11 is visible, and an opening 4 configured in interruption device 1. FIG. 1 shows interruption device 1, configured as shutter 5, in the closed state, i.e. with light beam 2 of the light source interrupted. In this state, light beam 11 of the light barrier can pass through opening 4, and detection of the closed state of shutter 5 is possible. Concretely, shutter 5 has two components 6 and 7 that are of mirror-symmetrical configuration and are movable rotationally and in opposite directions in order to open shutter 5. When shutter 5 is in the open state, openings 8 configured in components 6 and 7 are slid over one another so that light beam 2 can pass through the shutter. Movement of components 6 and 7 is effected by an electromagnet 9, which moves components 6 and 7 toward one another when current flows through it. In this state, electromagnet 9 holds components 6 and 7 with respect to one another in such a way that light beam 2 can pass through openings 8. Components 6 and 7 are fastened to a mounting block 10. The momentum-compensated shutter 5 is of very compact construction. Components 6 and 7 are configured as barriers which each have an opening 8 for light beam 2. To release light beam 2, openings 8 are brought into registration. The barriers are resiliently fastened to mounting block 10. The purpose of the light barrier signal is to switch off the light source, via a directly wired electronic logic system, in the event of a malfunction of shutter 5. FIGS. 3 and 4 show, in a schematic front view, a second exemplary embodiment of a interruption device 1 in the closed and open state for light beam 2. Interruption device 1, configured as shutter 5, also has means 3 for monitoring the functioning of interruption device 1. For that purpose, openings 4 for light beam 11 of a light barrier are configured in components 6 and 7 of shutter 5. As shown in FIG. 4, light beam 2 passes through openings 8 configured in components 6 and 7 when those openings 8 are brought into registration. In the momentum-compensated shutter 5, components 6 and 7 are configured as two symmetrically arranged rockers that are mounted on a common rotation axis 12. The rockers are scissored apart by means of a spring 13 (a helical expander spring) arranged coaxially with rotation axis 12. To release light beam 2, openings 8 are brought into registration so that light beam 2 can pass through. The rockers are moved symmetrically and in opposite directions by electromagnet 9. When magnet 9 is currentless, light beam 2 is blocked. In the second exemplary embodiment of a shutter 5 as well, the purpose of the light barrier signal is to switch off the light source, via a directly wired electronic logic system, in the event of a malfunction of shutter 5. FIGS. 5 and 6 show, in a schematic front view, a third exemplary embodiment of an interruption device 1 according to the present invention that is configured as shutter 5. FIG. 5 shows shutter 5 in the open state, and FIG. 6 shows shutter 5 in the closed state. The momentum-compensated shutter 5 comprises two symmetrically arranged components 6 and 7 in the form of magnets, each of which is equipped with a nonmagnetic tip 14. Components 6 and 7 are in the form of barriers, and are pushed by two springs 15 into coils 16. Coils 16 surround cores 17. To release light beam 2 of the light source, coils 16 are activated so that the magnets are slid outward against the spring forces, making it possible for light beam 2 to pass through. Because coils 16 are suitably polarized, the magnets move symmetrically and in opposite directions. When coils 16 are currentless, light beam 2 is blocked. Nonmagnetic tips 14 prevent shutter 5 from opening completely or partially because of the mutual repulsion of the permanent magnets. Each magnet or each component 6 and 7 has means 3 for monitoring the functioning of interruption device 1. Means 3 have an opening 4 configured in each component 6 and 7 for a light beam 11 of a light barrier. In this exemplary embodiment as well, the purpose of the light barrier signal is to switch off the light source, via a directly wired electronic logic system, in the event of a malfunction of shutter 5. FIGS. 7 and 8 show, in a schematic front view, alternatively configured closure tips 18 and 19 for a shutter 5 as shown in FIG. 5 and 6, in the opened and closed states. Closure tips 18 and 19, and thus components 6 and 7, differ in terms of their shape but have the same mass. Closure tips 18 and 19 configured in this fashion have less of a tendency to jam, resulting in more reliable operation of an optical arrangement or shutter 5. In order to avoid repetition, the reader is referred to the general portion of the specification and to the appended claims regarding further advantageous embodiments and developments of the interruption device according to the present invention. In conclusion, be it noted explicitly that the exemplary embodiments described above are provided merely for discussion of the teaching claimed, but do not limit it to those exemplary embodiments. 1 Interruption device 2 Light beam 3 Monitoring means 4 Opening 5 Shutter 6 Component 7 Component 8 Opening 9 Electromagnet 10 Mounting block 11 Light beam 12 Rotation axis 13 Spring 14 Nonmagnetic tip 15 Spring 16 Coil 17 Core 18 Closure tip 19 Closure tip