Water guide laser nozzle and nozzle replacement method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of water guide laser processing, in particular to a water guide laser nozzle and a nozzle replacement method, comprising: a first connecting structure, a first end of which is used for connecting to an optical module, and a second end of the first connecting structure is provided with a hole structure; a second connecting structure containing a water path and an optical path structure, a second end of the second connecting structure being an outlet of the water path and the optical path structure, an axial direction of the water path and the optical path outlet being defined as a first direction, and a radial direction being a second direction. The nozzle has the capabilities of quick disassembly and installation, and has high-precision axial and radial positioning, so that after the nozzle is replaced under different operation habits of different operators, the position of the nozzle has high repeated precision; after the nozzle is replaced and self-sucked and positioned, the nozzle has a locking structure to prevent the reliability of the nozzle structure from being affected by high acceleration movement in the processing process; and the operation is simple, and the nozzle can be quickly replaced without professional skills.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water-guided laser processing technology, and more specifically to a water-guided laser nozzle and a nozzle replacement method. Background Technology

[0002] Water-guided laser processing technology is a clean, efficient, and non-destructive new precision machining technology. The "precision" is mainly determined by factors such as precision machine tools, precise optical-water coupling design, high-precision nozzles, and a stable laser-water beam. However, the high-precision nozzle determines the diameter of the "tool" used in water-guided laser processing. For example, nozzle specifications include 30μm, 50μm, 60μm, and 80μm, allowing users to choose different nozzles based on processing efficiency and process requirements.

[0003] Because the water jet nozzle is subjected to continuous high-pressure water scouring and the top and sidewalls impacted by scattered laser light, the working conditions are extremely harsh. When the nozzle tip becomes dull due to fatigue wear, the roundness is lost, and the nozzle reaches the material damage threshold, the "water fiber" will be broken. The effective laser water beam will then shorten and the laser energy in the water will decrease. Therefore, the water-guided laser nozzle is a consumable component.

[0004] The installation position of the nozzle is crucial in the design of water-guided laser optical-water coupling parameters. An optimal optical-water coupling setting is a balance between the lifespan of the protective lens, the lifespan of the nozzle, and the stability of the laser coupling into the water. It can also be described as a balance between the coupling factor and the focal point, so that the nozzle can achieve optimal protection.

[0005] As attached Figure 1 As shown, a water jet nozzle kit typically includes a water jet coupler chamber, a protective lens 01, a sapphire nozzle 02, an auxiliary gas chamber, and sealing elements. An optical module focuses the laser beam 03 onto a predetermined area of ​​the sapphire nozzle 02, for example... Figure 1 The center of the sapphire nozzle 02 shown is the laser focus 05. The high-pressure water layer 04 flows down from the sapphire nozzle 02 through the laser focus 05 to form a laser water beam 06.

[0006] It should be understood that the protective lens 01 and the sapphire nozzle 02 are typically housed in two detachable structures. For example, the protective lens 01 may be connected to the optical module, while the sapphire nozzle 02 may be housed in the laser nozzle structure. Currently, the connection between the laser nozzle and the optical module is mostly achieved through screw fastening, snap-fitting, or clamping. This can lead to assembly errors or poor assembly consistency due to nozzle replacement. This will cause a change in the positional relationship between the laser focus 05 and the sapphire nozzle 02. The redundancy of this installation error is generally only a few tens of micrometers. Therefore, the repeatability error in the position of the nozzle after replacement will greatly affect the nozzle's lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Aiming at the technical problems of the water guide laser nozzle in the prior art, the first aspect of the present application proposes a technical solution, a water guide laser nozzle, comprising:

[0008] A first connecting structure, a first end of which is used for connecting to an optical module, and a second end of the first connecting structure is provided with a hole structure;

[0009] A second connecting structure comprising a water path and an optical path structure, a second end of the second connecting structure being an outlet of the water path and the optical path structure, an axial direction of the water path and the optical path outlet being defined as a first direction, and a radial direction being a second direction, a shaft structure being provided at a first end of the second connecting structure and being matched with the hole structure, the first end of the second connecting structure being used for connecting to the second end of the first connecting structure, and the shaft structure being inserted into the hole structure to constrain the relative position of the second connecting structure with respect to the first connecting structure in the second direction;

[0010] A positioning component comprising a first fastener and a second fastener, the first fastener being assembled at a predetermined position of the first connecting structure, and the second fastener being assembled at a predetermined position of the second connecting structure;

[0011] Wherein, the first fastener and the second fastener are configured to, when the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are connected in a clamping manner, the connecting interaction force between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure in the first direction is at a predetermined value, and the connecting interaction force between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure is greater than the gravity of the second connecting structure.

[0012] Preferably, the first fastener and the second fastener apply interaction force in a non-contact manner.

[0013] Preferably, the first fastener and the second fastener comprise magnetic components, and opposite ends of the first fastener and the second fastener have opposite magnetic poles, so that the first fastener and the second fastener are attracted to each other.

[0014] Preferably, the first fastener and the second fastener comprise columnar magnets, the first connecting structure is provided with a first columnar hole accommodating the columnar magnets, the second connecting structure is provided with a second columnar hole accommodating the columnar magnets, and the columnar magnets are fixed in the second columnar hole by a limiting piece, so that the interval of the two columnar magnets arranged in the first direction and attracted to each other in the first columnar hole and the second columnar hole is fixed.

[0015] Preferably, the interval of the two columnar magnets arranged in the first direction and attracted to each other in the first columnar hole and the second columnar hole is 0.6mm.

[0016] Preferably, the first cylindrical hole and the second cylindrical hole are provided with hole bottoms with a diameter smaller than the through hole of the cylindrical magnet.

[0017] Preferably, the first connecting structure comprises a non-closed loop hoop structure, the inner edge of the loop hoop structure forms the hole structure, and the loop hoop structure comprises a relaxed state and a pre-tightened state, when the loop hoop structure is in the relaxed state, the shaft structure can be inserted into the hole structure, and the second connecting structure is positioned relative to the first connecting structure in the second direction, and when the loop hoop structure is fastened from the relaxed state to the pre-tightened state, the second connecting structure is positioned relative to the first connecting structure in the first direction and the second direction.

[0018] Preferably, the loop hoop structure comprises a deformable region, and the first free end and the second free end of the loop hoop structure are clamped by a third fastener to deform the deformable region of the loop hoop structure and fasten the loop hoop structure from the relaxed state to the pre-tightened state.

[0019] Preferably, the third fastener comprises a bolt, the bolt is threadedly connected with the first free end and the second free end, and by rotating the bolt, the first free end and the second free end of the loop hoop structure are moved closer to or farther away from each other.

[0020] The second aspect of the present application proposes a technical solution, a water guide laser nozzle replacement method, using the above-mentioned water guide laser nozzle, when disassembling the second connecting structure, first release the connection of the third fastener to the second connecting structure, only through the first fastener and the second fastener to maintain the connection between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure, at this time the connection force between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure is F1, exert a force F2 greater than F1 on the second connecting structure, and the second connecting structure is disassembled;

[0021] When installing the second connecting structure, the first end of the second connecting structure is engaged with the second end of the first connecting structure, and the connection between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure is maintained by the first fastener and the second fastener, at this time the connection force between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure is F3, and then the third fastener is tightened to the second connecting structure, and the replacement of the second connecting structure is completed;

[0022] Wherein, F3=F1.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following advantages:

[0024] 1. The nozzle has the ability of quick disassembly and installation, and has high precision axial and radial positioning, so that the position of the nozzle has high repeat precision after the nozzle is replaced by different operators with different operation habits;

[0025] 2. After the self-suction positioning of the nozzle, a locking structure is provided to prevent the influence of high acceleration movement on the reliability of the nozzle structure during processing.

[0026] 3. Simple operation, no professional skills are required to quickly replace the nozzle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures can be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component can be called out in every drawing. There is now being described by way of example various embodiments of aspects of the application with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the position of the laser focal point in the water-guided laser nozzle shown in the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the water-guided laser nozzle shown in the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the first connecting structure shown in the present application;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the relative positions of the first and second fasteners shown in the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to better understand the technical content of the present application, specific embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033]

A water-guided laser nozzle

[0034] As shown in Figure 2 , the first aspect of the present application proposes a technical solution, a water-guided laser nozzle, comprising a first connecting structure 10, a second connecting structure 20 and a positioning component. Among them, the first connecting structure 10 is a conversion flange connected to an optical module, the second connecting structure 20 is a nozzle kit, the second connecting structure 20 contains water and light path structures, optionally, the water and light path structures include a water jet coupler chamber, a sapphire nozzle 02, an auxiliary gas cavity, a sealing element, etc., through the optical module, the laser beam 03 is focused on the predetermined area of the sapphire nozzle 02, for example Figure 1 , the central position of the sapphire nozzle 02 is the laser focal point 05, and the high-pressure water layer 04 flows out from the sapphire nozzle 02 downward through the laser focal point 05 to form a laser water beam 06.

[0035] It should be understood that the protective lens 01 and the sapphire nozzle 02 are usually arranged in two detachable structures, for example, the protective lens 01 is connected in the optical module, and the sapphire nozzle 02 is arranged in the laser nozzle structure. At present, the laser nozzle is connected with the optical module by screw fastening, buckling, clamping and the like. Taking the screw connection as an example, the number of turns of the screw is different each time the assembly is assembled, which will cause the connection force between the two structures to change, and the position of the laser focal point 05 will also correspondingly change the spacing, which is not expected by people.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3 The first end of the first connecting structure 10 is used for connecting to the optical module, the first connecting structure 10 is provided with the protective lens 01, and the second end of the first connecting structure 10 is provided with a hole structure 101. The hole structure 101 of the first connecting structure 10 is used to realize the radial positioning when the second connecting structure 20 is assembled.

[0037] Further, the second end of the second connecting structure 20 is the outlet of the water and light path structure, the axis direction defining the water and light path outlet is the first direction, and the radial direction is the second direction. The first end of the second connecting structure 20 is provided with an axis structure 21 matched with the hole structure 101, the first end of the second connecting structure 20 is used for connecting to the second end of the first connecting structure 10, and the axis structure 21 is inserted into the hole structure 101, thereby restricting the relative position of the second connecting structure 20 relative to the first connecting structure 10 in the second direction.

[0038] Optionally, the second connecting structure 20 is provided with a high-pressure water and auxiliary gas quick dismounting joint.

[0039] In this way, through the cooperation of the axis structure 21 of the second connecting structure 20 and the hole structure 101 of the first connecting structure 10, the pre-positioning can be realized when the second connecting structure 20 is installed, and no additional force will be generated on the axial connection between the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20.

[0040] Further, the positioning component includes a first fastener 31 and a second fastener 32, the first fastener 31 is assembled at a predetermined position of the first connecting structure 10, and the second fastener 32 is assembled at a predetermined position of the second connecting structure 20.

[0041] Among them, the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 are configured to, when the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20 are connected, along the first direction, the connection interaction force between the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20 is at a predetermined value, and the connection interaction force between the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20 is greater than the gravity of the second connecting structure 20.

[0042] Thus, the connection between the first connection structure 10 and the second connection structure 20 is achieved by the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32, which can ensure that the interaction force of the connection after each disassembly is a constant value, and thus, after repeated replacement of the second connection structure 20, the position of the laser focal point 05 can always be kept in the predetermined position without change, ensuring the mutual balance between the coupling factor and the focal point.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3 The first connection structure 10 includes a non-closed loop hoop structure, the inner edge of the loop hoop structure forms a hole structure 101, and the loop hoop structure includes a relaxed state and a pre-tightened state. When the loop hoop structure is in the relaxed state, the shaft structure 21 can be inserted into the hole structure 101, so that the second connection structure 20 is positioned relative to the first connection structure 10 in the second direction. When the loop hoop structure is tightened from the relaxed state to the pre-tightened state, the second connection structure 20 is positioned relative to the first connection structure 10 in the first direction and the second direction.

[0044] Specifically, the cylindricity of the hole structure 101 is less than 0.03mm, and the size of the hole structure 101 is a positive deviation, and the cylindricity of the shaft structure 21 is less than 0.03mm, and the size of the hole structure 101 is a negative deviation.

[0045] Thus, by inserting the shaft structure 21 into the hole structure 101, the radial positioning of the second connection structure 20 to the first connection structure 10 can be achieved, so that the second connection structure 20 does not shake relative to the first connection structure 10, and the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 are accurately aligned.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, the loop hoop structure includes a deformable area 11, and the first free end 12 and the second free end 13 of the loop hoop structure are clamped by the third fastener 40 to deform the deformable area 11 of the loop hoop structure and tighten it from the relaxed state to the pre-tightened state.

[0047] It should be understood that when the third fastener 40 brings the first free end 12 and the second free end 13 of the loop hoop structure close to each other, the diameter of the hole structure 101 can be reduced, so that the hole structure 101 is tightly held on the outer wall of the shaft structure 21, achieving a tight connection between the second connection structure 20 and the first connection structure 10, and this connection does not cause a change in the axial connection force, so that the axial connection force between the second connection structure 20 and the first connection structure 10 is still the connection force between the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32.

[0048] In an optional embodiment, the third fastener 40 includes a bolt, and the bolt is threadedly connected with the first free end 12 and the second free end 13. Thus, by rotating the bolt, the first free end 12 and the second free end 13 of the loop hoop structure can be brought close to or away from each other.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment, the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 apply the interaction force in a non-contact manner. In this way, the interaction force between the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 can be easily controlled without mutual contact.

[0050] Optionally, the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 comprise magnetic components, and the opposite ends of the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 have opposite magnetic poles, so that the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 are attracted to each other.

[0051] In this way, the magnetic attraction force is used as the interaction force between the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32, and the magnetic attraction force between the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 is not greatly affected when the distance between the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 is fixed or moves within a small range (millimeter range).

[0052] Further, the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 comprise cylindrical magnets, the first connecting structure 10 is provided with a first cylindrical hole 102 for accommodating the cylindrical magnets, the second connecting structure 20 is provided with a second cylindrical hole 201 for accommodating the cylindrical magnets, and the cylindrical magnets are fixed in the second cylindrical hole 201 by a limiting piece 22, so that the distance between the two cylindrical magnets arranged in the first direction and attracted to each other in the first cylindrical hole 102 and the second cylindrical hole 201 is fixed.

[0053] The surface of the cylindrical magnet is nickel-plated, and the single attraction force is greater than 1.5 N. The second connecting structure 20 and the first connecting structure 10 are respectively provided with four cylindrical magnets. The total attraction force of the four cylindrical magnets is greater than three times the gravity of the second connecting structure 20.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4 When the second connecting structure 20 and the first connecting structure 10 are brought together, the first fastener 31 is at the bottom of the first cylindrical hole 102, the second fastener 32 is fixed by the limiting piece 22 and is at the top of the second cylindrical hole 201, and the relative position between the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 is fixed. Therefore, the mutual attraction force between the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 is fixed.

[0055] Specifically, the limiting piece 22 is a screw, and when the screw is tightened, the second fastener 32 is fixed in the second cylindrical hole 201. In particular, when the second fastener 32 is pressed against the top of the second cylindrical hole 201 by the screw, the upper end surface of the second fastener 32 is in contact with the top wall of the second cylindrical hole 201.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the distance between the two columnar magnets arranged along the first direction and attracting each other in the first columnar hole 102 and the second columnar hole 201 along the first direction is 0.6 mm. That is, the wall thickness of the first columnar hole 102 and the lower end surface of the first connecting structure 10 is 0.3 mm, and the wall thickness of the second columnar hole 201 and the upper end surface of the second connecting structure 20 is 0.3 mm.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the hole bottoms of the first columnar hole 102 and the second columnar hole 201 are provided with through holes with a diameter smaller than that of the columnar magnets.

[0058] In this way, the through holes can be used for the passage of the magnetic field and will not cause the columnar magnets to fall out.

[0059]

Water guide laser nozzle replacement method

[0060] The second aspect of the present application proposes a technical solution, a water guide laser nozzle replacement method, using the above-mentioned water guide laser nozzle, when disassembling the second connecting structure 20, first release the connection of the third fastener 40 to the second connecting structure 20, only through the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32 to maintain the connection between the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20, at this time the connection force between the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20 is F1, exert a force F2 greater than F1 on the second connecting structure 20, and disassemble the second connecting structure 20;

[0061] When installing the second connecting structure 20, the first end of the second connecting structure 20 is engaged with the second end of the first connecting structure 10, and the connection between the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20 is maintained through the first fastener 31 and the second fastener 32, at this time the connection force between the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20 is F3, and then the third fastener 40 is tightened on the second connecting structure 20, and the replacement of the second connecting structure 20 is completed;

[0062] Wherein, F3=F1.

[0063] It can be understood that each time after disassembling and reinstalling, the connection force F3 between the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20 is always equal to the connection force F1 between the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20 in the initial state, which is the prerequisite for ensuring the repeated positioning accuracy.

[0064] Thus, the first connecting structure 10 (the adapter flange of the optical module) is provided with a first cylindrical magnet, and the second connecting structure 20 (the nozzle sleeve) is provided with a second cylindrical magnet. When the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20 are matched with each other, the mutual attraction between the first cylindrical magnet and the second cylindrical magnet serves as the interaction force between the first connecting structure 10 and the second connecting structure 20. When repeatedly disassembled, the interaction force between the first cylindrical magnet and the second cylindrical magnet does not change. Therefore, the connecting force between the nozzle sleeve and the adapter flange of the optical module is the same each time after installation, and the repeated positioning accuracy can be ensured.

[0065] Although the present application has been disclosed in the above preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be subject to the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for replacing a water-guided laser nozzle, characterized in that, The water-guided laser nozzle includes a first connecting structure (10), a second connecting structure (20) having a water path and an optical path structure, and a positioning component; The first end of the first connection structure (10) is used to connect to the optical module, and the second end of the first connection structure is provided with a hole structure (101). The second end of the second connecting structure (20) is the outlet of the water and light path structure. The axial direction of the water and light path outlet is defined as the first direction, and the radial direction is defined as the second direction. The first end of the second connecting structure (20) is provided with a shaft structure (21) that cooperates with the hole structure (101). The first end of the second connecting structure (20) is used to connect to the second end of the first connecting structure (10), and the shaft structure (21) is inserted into the hole structure (101) to constrain the relative position of the second connecting structure (20) with respect to the first connecting structure (10) in the second direction. The positioning component includes a first fastener (31) and a second fastener (32), the first fastener (31) being assembled at a predetermined position of the first connecting structure (10), and the second fastener (32) being assembled at a predetermined position of the second connecting structure (20). Wherein, the first fastener (31) and the second fastener (32) are configured such that: when the first connecting structure (10) and the second connecting structure (20) are connected together, along the first direction, the connecting interaction force between the first connecting structure (10) and the second connecting structure (20) is at a predetermined value, and the connecting interaction force between the first connecting structure (10) and the second connecting structure (20) is greater than the gravity of the second connecting structure (20); The first connecting structure (10) includes a non-closed annular clamp structure, the inner edge of which forms the hole structure (101), and the annular clamp structure includes a relaxed state and a pre-tightened state. When the annular clamp structure is in the relaxed state, the shaft structure (21) can extend into the hole structure (101), so that the second connecting structure (20) is positioned relative to the first connecting structure (10) along the second direction. When the annular clamp structure is tightened from the relaxed state to the pre-tightened state, the second connecting structure (20) is positioned relative to the first connecting structure (10) along the first direction and the second direction. The ring-shaped clamp structure includes a deformable area (11). The first free end (12) and the second free end (13) of the ring-shaped clamp structure are clamped by a third fastener (40), so that the deformable area (11) of the ring-shaped clamp structure is deformed and is tightened from a relaxed state to a pre-tightened state. The nozzle replacement method includes: When disassembling the second connecting structure (20), first disconnect the third fastener (40) from the second connecting structure (20), and maintain the connection between the first connecting structure (10) and the second connecting structure (20) only through the first fastener (31) and the second fastener (32). At this time, the connecting force between the first connecting structure (10) and the second connecting structure (20) is F1. Apply a force F2 greater than F1 to the second connecting structure (20) to remove the second connecting structure (20). When installing the second connecting structure (20), the first end of the second connecting structure (20) is aligned with the second end of the first connecting structure (10), and the connection between the first connecting structure (10) and the second connecting structure (20) is maintained by the first fastener (31) and the second fastener (32). At this time, the connecting force between the first connecting structure (10) and the second connecting structure (20) is F3. Then, the third fastener (40) is tightened to the second connecting structure (20) to complete the replacement of the second connecting structure (20). Where F3 = F1.

2. The nozzle replacement method for the water-guided laser nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fastener (31) and the second fastener (32) apply interaction forces in a non-contact manner.

3. The nozzle replacement method for the water-guided laser nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fastener (31) and the second fastener (32) include magnetic components, and the magnetic poles of the opposite ends of the first fastener (31) and the second fastener (32) are opposite, so that the first fastener (31) and the second fastener (32) attract each other.

4. The nozzle replacement method for the water-guided laser nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fastener (31) and the second fastener (32) include columnar magnets. The first connecting structure (10) is provided with a first columnar hole (102) to accommodate the columnar magnets. The second connecting structure (20) is provided with a second columnar hole (201) to accommodate the columnar magnets. The columnar magnets are fixed in the second columnar hole (201) by a limiting member (22), so that the distance between the two columnar magnets arranged along the first direction and attracting each other in the first columnar hole (102) and the second columnar hole (201) along the first direction is fixed.

5. The nozzle replacement method for the water-guided laser nozzle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The distance between the two columnar magnets arranged along the first direction and attracting each other in the first columnar hole (102) and the second columnar hole (201) along the first direction is 0.6 mm.

6. The nozzle replacement method for the water-guided laser nozzle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the first columnar hole (102) and the second columnar hole (201) are provided with through holes with a diameter smaller than that of the columnar magnet.

7. The nozzle replacement method for the water-guided laser nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third fastener (40) includes a bolt, which is threadedly connected to the first free end (12) and the second free end (13). By rotating the bolt, the first free end (12) and the second free end (13) of the ring-shaped clamp structure are brought closer to or further away from each other.

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