Material processing functionality in handheld laser system

AU2026226371A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-09-17IPG PHOTONICS CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
AU2026226371
Authority / Receiving Office
AU · AU
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-09-01
Publication Date
2026-09-17

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Abstract

Abstract A nozzle assembly for performing material processing operations with laser radiation on a surface of a workpiece, the nozzle assembly comprising: a nozzle configured to deliver the laser radiation to the surface; and a coupling mechanism that includes a retaining portion formed on an output end of a laser head that directs laser radiation from a laser source, and an engagement portion configured to be releasably attachable to the nozzle and engage with the retaining portion. Abstract WO 2022 / 266534 PCT / US2022 / 034172 4 / 20 162 121 126 164 120 124 !!!!!!! 123 161 155 FIG. 4 20 26 22 63 71 01 S ep 2 02 6 w o 2 0 2 2 / 2 6 6 5 3 4 P C T / U S 2 0 2 2 / 0 3 4 1 7 2 S e p 2 0 2 6 1 5 6 1 2 4 2 0 2 6 2 2 6 3 7 1 0 1 / / / / / / !!!!!!! 1 2 3 1 6 1 1 5 5
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Claims

1. A nozzle assembly for performing material processing operations with laser radiation on a surface of a workpiece, the nozzle assembly comprising:a nozzle configured to deliver the laser radiation to the surface; anda coupling mechanism that includesa retaining portion formed on an output end of a laser head that directs laser radiation from a laser source, andan engagement portion configured to be releasably attachable to the nozzle and engage with the retaining portion.

2. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the retaining portion is formed on an annular surface of the laser head.

3. The nozzle assembly of claim 2, wherein the annular surface is configured with at least one recess and a ball disposed within the at least one recess.

4. The nozzle assembly of claim 3, wherein the engagement portion comprises an annular collar, an inner circumferential surface of the annular collar configured with at least one pair of arcuate shaped slots, each slot configured to receive a ball of the at least one recess and ball.

5. The nozzle assembly of claim 4, wherein the pair of arcuate shaped slots includes a first arcuate shaped slot configured to engage with the ball, and a second arcuate shaped slot configured to lock the engagement portion to the retaining portion when the engagement portion is rotated with respect to the retaining portion.

6. The nozzle assembly of claim 5, wherein the first arcuate shaped slot is sized to be larger than the second arcuate shaped slot.2026226371   01 Sep 20267. The nozzle assembly of claim 4, wherein the annular collar is configured with an indexing feature that corresponds to an indexing feature positioned on the output end of the laser head.

8. The nozzle assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the indexing features are configured as a visible indexing mark.

9. The nozzle assembly of claim 4, wherein the engagement portion further comprises a spring that engages with an inner surface of the engagement portion.

10. The nozzle assembly of claim 9, wherein the engagement portion comprises an outer ring and an inner ring,the inner ring configured with the annular collar having the pair of arcuate shaped slots, andthe outer ring configured with the inner surface that engages with the spring.

11. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the following apply: the coupling mechanism is configured as a twist-lock mechanism;the coupling mechanism does not include threads.

12. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tightening device configured to releasably secure the nozzle against the engagement portion.

13. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the output end of the laser head is configured with at least one gas port for supplying gas to the nozzle.

14. The nozzle assembly of claim 13, wherein the nozzle comprises a nozzle extension having an inlet, an outlet, and a central aperture for permitting laser radiation and the gas to enter the central aperture through the inlet and to exit through the outlet.2026226371   01 Sep 202615. The nozzle assembly of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of an interior surface of the central aperture of the nozzle extension is configured with a debris shield that restricts passage of debris generated during a material process operation.

16. The nozzle assembly of claim 15, wherein one or more of the following applies: the debris shield comprises threads on the interior surface of the central aperture, the portion of the interior surface configured with the debris shield is at least partially tapered.

17. The nozzle assembly of claim 15, wherein the nozzle is configured with a protective window and the debris shield inhibits material processing debris from reaching the window.

18. The nozzle assembly of claim 14, wherein the engagement portion further comprises an attachment mechanism that attaches to the nozzle extension.