| 摘要 |
The present invention provides a fixture (10) for coupling an optical component (12) to a machining apparatus through the use of a vacuum. The fixture includes a base (34) having means for coupling the fixture (10) to a machine and defining an aperture (50) communicable with a vacuum source, a fixture (60) sealably coupled to the base (34), and a pad (92) disposed on the fixture (60). The fixture (60) further includes an inner surface (64), an outer surface (66), and a passage (68) extending therebetween. The fixture is coupled to the base such that the inner surface (64) of the fixture (60) cooperates with the base (34) to define a cavity (62). The pad (92) is disposed on the fixture (60) to surround the passage (68) communicating with the cavity (62) and to securely and sealingly connect an optical component (12) to the fixture (60) when the cavity (62) is subjected to a negative pressure. The method disclosed and claimed herein for connecting an optical component (12) to a tooling machine includes the steps of coupling a tooling fixture assembly (10) to the tooling machine placing an optical component (12) on the tooling fixture assembly (10) such that the optical component (12) covers the passage (68,98) communicating with the cavity (62), and creating a negative pressure within the cavity (62) thereby urging the optical component (12) toward the cavity (62) and securing the optical component (12) to the fixture (10).
|
