Coupler for attaching an articulated arm to a laser

摘要

A coupler for conveniently coupling an articulated arm to a laser housing whereby the laser beam need not be realigned down the articulated arm each time the arm is coupled to the laser housing. The coupler includes a kinematic plate attached to the laser housing, a sleeve rotationally attached to the plate forming a center bore, and a connector attached to an articulated arm. The connector has a cylindrical shaped projecting member that inserts into the bore of the sleeve. Races are formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical member. The sleeve has roller bearings protruding inside the bore to engage the races. Ball bearings are attached to the end of the cylindrical member to engage the kinematic plate. The races are shaped such that when the sleeve is rotated, the cylindrical member is forced toward the kinematic plate until the ball bearings are secured against the kinematic plate. The ball bearings contacting the kinematic plate ensure that the connector is reattached each time with the exact same orientation relative to the kinematic plate and the laser housing. Therefore, no realignment of the beam into the input end of the articulated arm is required after each reattachment.