Protective funnel for a laser device and method for the same

Abstract

The invention describes a laser device (1), a method and a protective funnel (2) with an air flow guide (24) for a laser device (1) in the form of a galvanometer laser, comprising at least one connecting element or connecting area (25) for connecting with a laser head or marking head (11) of the laser device (1), a main body (21) in which the laser beam (8) is protected from running, and an elastic workpiece mask (32) arranged at the end opposite the connecting area (25), wherein a workpiece seal (23), in particular a primary sealing element (35), is arranged at the workpiece mask (32) for resting on a workpiece (4), and the main body (21) has an air flow guide (24) for protecting a protective glass (29) that can be replaced in the connecting area (25) from contamination, wherein a suction funnel (41) and preferably two oppositely arranged outer air supply guides (43, 44) are arranged, which are connected via openings (47, 48) with a cavity (40) of the main body (21). The cavity (40) of the main body (21) is equipped with further inner air supply guides (45, 46), wherein the inner air supply guides (45, 46) project into or are arranged in an inner chamber (49, 50) of the outer air supply guides (43, 44) via elevations (57) to form a defined flow of suction air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective funnel for a laser device, a method, and a laser device as described in claims 1, 2, 9, 10, and 14. Background Technology

[0002] A laser processing tool is known from the prior art, in which a user presses or places a laser source onto a workpiece via a handheld laser head, and then initiates processing.

[0003] A laser processing apparatus for marking the surface of a workpiece using a laser beam is known from EP 3 315 241 B1, wherein the apparatus head is positioned on the workpiece surface, and the apparatus head is connected to a base station via a supply line having wires and fluid guide lines. A sealing cover is tightly fitted at the apparatus head, the sealing cover having surrounding abutment edges for placement on the workpiece surface. Furthermore, a safety contact element is arranged at the apparatus head, which is actuated (especially activated) by pressing the sealing cover against the workpiece surface, thereby releasing the laser processing apparatus. Additionally, a gas supply device is provided, including a first gas input device, a second gas input device, and a gas exhaust device.

[0004] Furthermore, a laser processing apparatus for machining workpiece surfaces using a laser beam is known from EP 2 564 977 B1, which has a laser deflection unit in a laser head formed by optical elements for focusing and / or pivoting the laser beam. A sealing cover is also tightly fitted at the laser head, the sealing cover having abutting edges surrounding the workpiece surface, wherein a connecting unit is arranged between the laser head and the sealing cover, the connecting unit including a safety contact element and partially including a gas guiding device.

[0005] A disadvantage of the aforementioned system is the need for a special gas supply device, which limits the operation of the instrument head.

[0006] US 2015 / 190886 A1 describes a laser processing system with a protective funnel, wherein the cover of the protective funnel is secured to the laser head by a spring-loaded material (especially a spring plate). The shielding plates are arranged in a rectangular configuration, with two opposing shielding plates having identical constructions. The two covers are chamfered or beveled at their side edges, creating a gap between adjacent covers through which ambient air can flow into the interior of the protective funnel, or through which gases and fumes can flow outwards. Furthermore, a transverse jet nozzle and a suction opening for a suction device are provided to generate a transverse airflow extending across the extension of the processing optics. The covers are provided with sealing elements, through which the protective funnel is pressed against the workpiece with corresponding spring pressure, and the laser head travels with the protective funnel for processing the workpiece. A disadvantage here is that the protective funnel lacks safety elements, especially contact elements, so that the laser can be activated even when the protective funnel is not placed on the workpiece.

[0007] A device for joining workpieces using a laser radiation apparatus is known from DE 102011050832 A1, wherein the laser welding apparatus is constructed in the form of a welding torch. Here, two pressing elements are arranged at the upper and lower legs of the welding torch, respectively, pressing against the workpiece. The laser beam is guided and positioned via a scanning optics device. Since no safety contact element is provided at the pressing elements, the laser beam can be activated in this solution even without a workpiece.

[0008] Furthermore, a laser cleaning apparatus is known from US 2003 / 0121896 A1, in which a laser, along with a protective housing, is placed on the laser cleaning apparatus. Here, an inert gas is supplied through the laser cleaning apparatus to remove organic materials from the surface of the workpiece. A laser engraving system for generating images on a workpiece is known from US 5,477,023 A. Here, the laser is protected by a protective funnel placed on the workpiece, wherein the placement of the protective funnel on the workpiece is monitored by means of a microswitch.

[0009] A device for material processing using a laser radiation apparatus is known from DE 1947664 A1, wherein a protective funnel in the form of two movable tubes is arranged between the processing optics and the workpiece, the length of which can be selected according to the lens plane and secured by screws. Furthermore, a suction device in the form of a suction pipe is provided, by means of which material particles evaporating at the workpiece are moved away from the optics or lens.

[0010] Application WO 2022 / 073046 A1 is considered the closest prior art, showing a protective funnel for a laser device in the form of a galvanometer laser. It includes at least one connecting element for connection to a marking head of the laser device, a guiding region through which the laser beam extends, and a contact plate with a safety contact element preferably disposed at an end opposite the connecting element. The contact plate has a sealing element for placement on a workpiece, and the guiding region is preferably configured to adjust the overall length of the protective funnel to change the laser's focus. The guiding region also has at least one air guiding system for protecting the protective glass from contamination, wherein two preferably oppositely disposed air inlet and air outlet openings are arranged in the guiding region. Disadvantages include insufficient air guidance to protect the protective glass for the mirror from contamination, and suboptimal sealing between the contact plate and the workpiece. Furthermore, the system is designed for lower power and therefore also for lower contamination loads. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The objective of this invention is to create a protective funnel that, on the one hand, avoids the aforementioned disadvantages, and on the other hand, allows known systems to be used for larger marking areas and with higher power.

[0012] This task is solved by the present invention. Advantageous construction methods or means are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] The objective of this invention is achieved by a protective funnel for a laser device with an airflow guide, wherein the cavity of the main body is equipped with an additional internal air supply guide, which extends via a ridge into or is disposed within the internal chamber of the external air supply guide to form a defined flow of intake air. Advantageously, by using the internal air supply guide, the possibility of optimizing the flow direction along the vertical flow direction is created for the first time. Until now, the external air supply guide has been connected to the cavity of the main body at a 90° angle through a simple opening, resulting in suboptimal inflow characteristics. By using the guiding element, for the first time it is possible to create a adapted airflow within the cavity, thereby optimally controlling particles and fumes or gases emitted from the processing plane. Thus, optimal protection of the protective glass from contamination is achieved.

[0014] However, the objective of the present invention is also achieved by a protective funnel with workpiece seals for a laser device, wherein a movable workpiece mask is sealed relative to the body and the workpiece during processing to prevent external influences. For this purpose, secondary and primary sealing elements are provided or arranged in the workpiece placement area, and for sealing the process chamber or cavity, sealing protrusions of the workpiece mask, particularly the receiving component, and tunnel seals of the body are arranged, which are pressed against each other during processing. Advantageously, the special arrangement of the seals ensures that unwanted air cannot flow into the cavity of the body, thereby creating optimal conditions for the marking process within the body.

[0015] The following construction scheme is advantageous, wherein a barrier wall is arranged in the placement area to protect against reflected laser radiation and molten spatter. This achieves the goal of protecting the main seal from reflected laser radiation and molten spatter (which, due to their heat, can damage the seal).

[0016] However, the following feature is also advantageous: the workpiece mask is connected to the main body via a flexible placement spring. This allows for the application of a certain clamping force to position and protect the funnel.

[0017] The following construction scheme is advantageous, in which the tunnel seal is connected to a tunnel mask arranged in the cavity of the main body. This achieves, for the first time, a seal over the entire movable component, particularly the workpiece mask. Therefore, disruptive airflow cannot bypass the movable component and flow into the hollow body.

[0018] However, the following feature is also advantageous: the secondary sealing element is arranged or fastened at an angle in the placement area. Thus, a reliable seal is achieved through the additional sealing element.

[0019] The following construction scheme is advantageous, in which a transverse jet is arranged in the opposite region of the suction funnel. This achieves optimal flow, especially turbulence, within the process chamber, which is necessary for the marked area. Therefore, it also supports the removal of dust, gas, or particles.

[0020] The following construction scheme is also advantageous, wherein the air supply guide is constructed in the form of a guide element, and the air supply guide can be inserted into the cavity of the main body. This allows for initial adaptation of the incoming airflow.

[0021] Furthermore, this task is solved by applying a protective funnel with an airflow guide in a laser device in the form of a galvanometer laser. An internal air supply guide, particularly a guiding element, is inserted into the body, extending into the internal cavity of an external air supply guide, thereby creating an adaptation of the flow direction along the vertical flow direction via the internal air supply guide. Advantageously, the special construction of the internal air supply guide achieves a smooth transition of the inflowing air into the vertical flow within the internal cavity of the body. Previously, in the prior art, only a notch or opening existed in the body, particularly in the walls of the body, causing the inflowing air to flow in at a 90° angle to the vertical flow. This is now achieved at a smaller angle using the internal air supply guide, thus creating a better transition into the vertical flow.

[0022] This task is also addressed by a method of using a protective funnel with a workpiece seal in a laser device in the form of a galvanometer laser, wherein when the workpiece mask is placed at the workpiece, the receiving part of the workpiece mask, in particular its sealing protrusions, presses against the tunnel seal of the tunnel mask inside the body, so as to seal the gap between the body and the workpiece mask.

[0023] Advantageously, by applying seals within the protective funnel, particularly between the body and the workpiece mask, a reliable seal is created, for the first time, in the workpiece area. In the prior art, seals for the workpiece are known, but the gap between the movable workpiece mask and the body is not sealed, allowing disruptive airflow to reach the interior of the body through this gap. Now, by arranging seals between the workpiece mask and the body, this situation is prevented.

[0024] The following measures are advantageous, in which additional sealing elements are arranged at an angle at the receiving component. This achieves a reliable seal between the workpiece and the protective funnel. Furthermore, the special angled arrangement of the seals ensures complete placement of the seals at the workpiece.

[0025] Finally, the following measure is advantageous: the internal air supply guide is formed by a bulge, the specific shape of which affects the flow direction of the incoming air. Thus, it is possible to easily adapt the flow direction of the incoming air to vertical flow by changing the bulge. For example, under different prerequisites, the internal air supply guide, especially the guide element, can be easily replaced to change the flow direction.

[0026] However, the objective of this invention is also achieved by a laser device in the form of a galvanometer laser. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The invention will now be described by way of embodiments, wherein it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments or solutions presented and described.

[0028] in: Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram illustrates a laser device with a secured protective funnel used for processing workpieces via a laser process. Figure 2 A simplified schematic diagram shows a front view of the protective funnel during the marking or processing procedure; Figure 3 A simplified diagram illustrates the following based on Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of line AA passing through the protective funnel; Figure 4 A simplified schematic diagram shows a partial view of the cut-out protective funnel in a static position; Figure 5 A simplified schematic diagram shows a partial view of the cut-out protective funnel in its working position; Figure 6 A simplified schematic diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the guide element used for the internal air supply guide section; Figure 7 A simplified schematic diagram of the airflow guide is shown.

[0029] First, it should be clarified that in different embodiments, the same components are given the same reference numerals or the same component names. The disclosure contained throughout the specification can be appropriately transferred to the same components having the same reference numerals or the same component names. Similarly, the location descriptions selected in the specification (e.g., above, below, side, etc.) refer to the accompanying drawings and are appropriately transferred to the new location when the location changes. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figures 1 to 4 The image shows a laser device 1 with a protective funnel 2, used for laser material processing, particularly laser marking, preferably by performing an operation 3 of engraving, marking, and / or engraving on a preferred flat workpiece 4.

[0031] according to Figure 1A laser device 1 of the type of galvanometer laser 1a known from the prior art is presented, wherein at least one radiation source 6 in the form of a laser is arranged and operates in a housing 5. Here, a laser beam 8 acts on a workpiece 4 to be processed, wherein the workpiece 4 is preferably positioned on a processing table 7. The laser beam 8 emitted by the radiation source 6 (as schematically shown with dotted lines) is sent via a deflection element 9 to at least one laser deflection unit 10, which is arranged in the laser head or marking head 11 of the laser device 1. The laser beam 8 is deflected (not shown) and positioned by the laser deflection unit 10 along the direction of the workpiece 4, thereby processing the workpiece 4. The control of the laser beam 8, especially the position control at the workpiece 4, is performed via software running in a control unit 12, wherein, for this purpose, the control unit 12 preferably processes the operation 3, which contains data and parameters (especially position data), accordingly.

[0032] For example, graphics 14 and / or text 14 can be created on an external component 13 (especially a computer, laptop 13a, or controller) via commercial or proprietary software 15 (e.g., Ruby, Coral-Draw, Paint, etc.) and / or web-based software 15a. This graphics 14 and / or text 14 is then converted into job 3 and exported or transmitted to the control unit 13 of the laser device 1. The control unit performs the conversion of the transmitted data (especially graphics 14 and / or text 14) to control the various components of the laser device 1. For example, job 3 can be created using web-based software 15a, where a connection is established between this component 13 or the direct laser device 1 and the Internet 16 and preferably a cloud 17. The web-based software 15a can then be accessed and configured via a browser, thereby creating job 3. This job can be stored in a job database 18 in the cloud 17, making it accessible from any location in the world at any time. Alternatively, job 3 may be downloaded directly from job database 18 for processing using laser device 1, either via external component 13 or directly by laser device 1 via its control / display element (especially a touchscreen), for which laser device 1 establishes a connection with Internet 16 and further with cloud 17. Alternatively, job 3 may be uploaded to database 18 via Internet 16 by external component 13 for processing at a later time or at another location. After the data (especially the created job 3) is transferred or loaded to laser device 1, job 3 is completed by laser device 1 (especially its control unit 12). Alternatively, multiple jobs 3 may be stored simultaneously in laser device 1 and completed sequentially.

[0033] To this end, workpiece 4 is positioned at processing table 7, and then the protective funnel 2, particularly the marker head 11 with the protective funnel 2 fastened therein, is moved such that the workpiece mask 20 of the protective funnel 2 is pressed against the surface 19 of workpiece 4. That is, in order to process workpiece 4, particularly the surface 19 of workpiece 4, the marker head 11 with the protective funnel 2 fastened therein is placed on workpiece 4, and then the radiation source 6 is activated, causing the laser beam 8 to be deflected to workpiece 4 via the laser deflection unit 10, and thus material can be removed from the surface 19 of workpiece 4 via the laser beam 8. For this type of laser process, it must be ensured that the potentially deflected, particularly reflected, laser beam 8 does not radiate into the surrounding environment and harm any personnel who may be present. This is prevented by connecting the protective funnel 2 to the marker head 11, wherein the laser beam 8 operates protectively within the protective funnel 2.

[0034] According to the invention, the protective funnel 2 is constructed such that the workpiece mask 20 is movably connected to the body 21, wherein the body 21 is fastened to the marking head 11 via a retaining pin 27 connected to the unlocking button 22. Thus, the protective funnel 2 can be easily and quickly removed from the marking head 11 via the unlocking button 22 for, for example, to fasten other protective funnels 2.

[0035] In the protective funnel 2 according to the invention, an important aspect is the workpiece seal 23 used for the laser marking process (according to...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and on the other hand, the airflow guide 24 during the laser marking process (according to Figure 3 Here, in Figures 3 to 5 The text presents information based on... Figure 2 The cross section of line AA in the middle, where, Figure 3 The entire protective funnel 2 is shown in the diagram, and... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The image shows a magnified partial view of the workpiece mask 20 being lifted and placed on the workpiece 7.

[0036] according to Figure 3The main body 21 is constructed in the form of a tube and extends from the workpiece mask 20 to the opposite end region or connection region 25. A retaining element 26 and a retaining pin 27 connected to the unlocking button 22 can be arranged in the connection region 25 to establish a reliable connection with the marking head 11. Furthermore, an opening 28 is provided in the connection region 25, which is equipped with a replaceable protective glass 29. The protective glass 29 is used to protect the laser deflection unit 10 arranged in the marking head 11 from dirt, dust, etc. In the region of the workpiece mask 20, the main body 21 extends in the form of a tunnel 30. Here, a placement spring 31 is arranged at the outer periphery of the tunnel 30. This placement spring is composed of a shaped track, particularly one that extends in a wave pattern, so that the workpiece mask 20, and especially the receiving component 32, is movably held in the main body 21 by the placement spring 31. The receiving component 32 is specially constructed in which an external or secondary sealing element 34, a primary sealing element 35, and a barrier wall 36 are arranged or constructed in the direction of the placement area 33, i.e., in the direction of the workpiece 4, and on the opposite side, a sealing protrusion 37 extends into the tunnel 30 of the body 21. The sealing protrusion 37 is here connected in a form-fitting manner with a tunnel mask 38 inserted into the tunnel 30 of the body 21, wherein a tunnel seal 39 is arranged between the tunnel mask 38 and the sealing protrusion 37, and wherein the tunnel seal 39 is fastened in the tunnel mask 38.

[0037] Furthermore, the main body 21, especially its tubular cavity 40, is connected to the suction funnel 41, wherein the suction funnel 41 is further connected to the suction hose 42 (as from...). Figure 1 (See image) It is connected to a suction device, particularly a suction pump (not shown). Furthermore, the cavity 40 is equipped with preferably two opposing external air supply guides 43, 44 and preferably two internal air supply guides 45, 46. For this purpose, two opposing notches 47, 48 or openings 47, 48 are arranged on the side wall of the main body 21. The external air supply guides 43, 44 are constructed such that they have a housing for forming the internal chambers 49, 50, wherein, preferably on the lower side, particularly in the direction of the placement area 33, air supply openings 51, 52 are provided, arranged below the notches or openings 47, 48 in the hollow body 21, so that the deflected laser beam 8 cannot radiate from the notches or openings 47, 48.

[0038] Furthermore, the internal air supply guides 45, 46 have defined, and particularly innovative, geometries and arrangements to achieve optimal airflow guidance 24. The internal air supply guides 45, 46 are inserted into the cavity 40 of the main body 21 as guide elements, wherein specially constructed end regions protrude through notches or openings 47, 48 into the internal chambers 49, 50 of the external air supply guides 43, 44. Figure 6An enlarged cross-sectional view of the air supply guide 43 or 44 is shown, wherein brass or aluminum or their alloys are preferably used as the material. A fastening ridge 53 is provided to secure the air supply guide 43, 44 to the body 21. Importantly, the portions of the air supply guides 45, 46 extending away from the fastening ridge 53, particularly those extending into the internal chambers 49, 50 of the external air supply guides 43, 44, are also important. The air supply guides 45, 46 extend from the fastening ridge 53, particularly from the contact surface 54 of the body 21, and have two angled straight surfaces 55, 56 to form an outwardly extending ridge 57, wherein the ridge 57 terminates with a radius 58, and is subsequently closed by an angled extending surface 59 terminating with a rounded portion 60. The special structure of the raised 57 of the air supply guides 45, 46 enables optimal airflow from the air supply openings 51, 52 through the internal chambers 49, 50 of the external air supply guides 43, 44 around the raised 57 of the internal air supply guides 45, 46 into the cavity 40 of the main body 21, as will be described in more detail later.

[0039] In order to perform the machining process now, the protective funnel 2 must be placed or pressed onto the workpiece 4, as this is done in Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure, where, Figure 4 Presented in the raised position, and Figure 5 Presented in the placement location.

[0040] Here, in the raised position, it is visible that the placement springs 31 are not compressed together, so that the workpiece mask 20 is in its lowest position, i.e., the stationary position. Therefore, the secondary sealing element 34 also does not deform. Furthermore, the receiving member 32 is in the stationary position, so that the sealing protrusion 37 is raised from the tunnel seal 39, thereby creating a gap through which air can flow into the cavity.

[0041] If the protective funnel 2 is now positioned or pressed onto the workpiece 4, the workpiece mask 20 moves along the direction of the body 21 due to the placement spring 31, that is, the placement spring 31 is pressed together, thereby causing the workpiece mask 20 and the receiving component 32 to move along the direction of the body 21. Simultaneously, the angled sealing element 34 moves outward and flattens against or rests on the surface of the workpiece 4. Since the secondary sealing element 34 is in a stationary state here (according to...), Figure 4The secondary sealing element 34 protrudes further from the support surface of the placement area 33 or receiving component 32 than the primary sealing element 35, thus the secondary sealing element 34 is always pressed outward, that is, pressed outward so far, until the primary sealing element 34 is placed without gaps on the surface of the workpiece 4. Here, the primary sealing element 34 can also be slightly deformed by applying a certain pressure. It is only necessary to ensure that there is a preferred hermetically sealed workpiece mask 20 at the tool 4 so that the flow in the cavity 40 of the body 21 is not affected, and furthermore, the laser beam 8 that can be deflected by the workpiece 4 will not escape.

[0042] To achieve a complete seal, an additional internal seal is provided for the first time in this protective funnel 2, which seals the gap 61 that automatically appears in the movable element. For this purpose, a tunnel mask 38 with a tunnel seal 39 is hermetically inserted into the cavity 40. Furthermore, the receiving component 32 is provided with a sealing protrusion 37 so that, in the placed state (i.e., during processing), the sealing protrusion 37 is pressed against the tunnel seal 39 and thus seals the gap 61 (as in...). Figure 5 As can be seen in the image, air cannot flow through the workpiece mask 20 into the cavity 40 of the body 21. That is, at the marked position of the laser device 1 (i.e. during processing), a spring mechanism is placed, in particular the workpiece mask 21 is sealed relative to the process chamber or cavity 40, and thus protects it from contamination. Furthermore, it prevents uncontrolled air intake from being drawn in through any possible gaps or openings 61.

[0043] Through the special construction of the barrier wall 36, it is further achieved that, on the one hand, the main sealing element 35 is protected, and on the other hand, the reflected laser beam 8 and molten spatter are prevented from escaping from the process chamber or cavity 40. For this purpose, the barrier wall 35 protrudes as close as possible to the support surface of the main sealing element 35, thus creating only a minimal gap between the workpiece and the barrier wall 35. This gap is sealed via the main sealing element 34 and the secondary sealing element 35.

[0044] Therefore, it can be said that the protective funnel 2 is formed with a workpiece seal 23 for the laser device 1 in the form of a galvanometer laser 1a, including at least one connecting element or connecting region 25 for connection with the marking head 11 of the laser device 1, a body 21 in which the laser beam 8 is protectively extended, and an elastic workpiece mask 20 arranged at the end opposite to the connecting region 25, wherein the workpiece seal 23, especially the main sealing element 35, for placing the workpiece 4 is arranged at the workpiece mask 20, and the body 21 has an airflow guide for protecting the protective glass 29, which can be replaced in the connecting region 25, from contamination. 24, wherein a suction funnel 41 and two preferably oppositely positioned external air supply guides 43, 44 are arranged, the external air supply guides being connected to the cavity 40 of the body 21 via openings 47, 48, wherein a movable workpiece mask 20 is sealed relative to the body 21 and workpiece 4 during the processing to prevent external influences. For this purpose, a secondary sealing element 34 and a primary sealing element 35 are provided or arranged in the placement area 33 for the workpiece 4, and in order to seal the process chamber or cavity 40, sealing protrusions 37 of the workpiece mask 21 and tunnel seals 39 of the body 21 are arranged, which are pressed against each other during the processing.

[0045] In order to perform a flawless marking or processing process, it is necessary that the protective funnel 2 has an airflow guide 24 to remove the gas or smoke and / or splashes caused by the laser beam 8, because otherwise the protective glass 29 would be completely contaminated in the shortest time, and thus the laser beam 8 would no longer reach the workpiece 4.

[0046] In response, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The image shows an airflow guide 24 according to the present invention, wherein, Figure 7 The protective funnel 2 presented in the image is reduced to the most essential components.

[0047] Before, simultaneously with, or after placing the protective funnel 2, and especially the workpiece mask 20, on the workpiece 4, the suction device connected to the suction funnel 41 via the suction hose 42 is activated. Here, simultaneously with, before with, or after activating the suction device, the transverse jet 62, arranged in the opposite area of ​​the suction funnel 41, especially in the lower area near the workpiece 4, can now be switched on or activated, as schematically shown by arrow 63. The suction flow 64 of the suction device in the suction funnel 41 generates a vertical flow 65 in the cavity 40 of the body 21, wherein the vertical flow 65 is supplied with fresh air via two air supply flows 66, 67 through the internal air supply guide and the external air supply guide 43-46 (according to arrow 68). Here, fresh air 68 is drawn in through air supply openings 51, 52, and then this fresh air (according to arrow 68) is first deflected outward by the bulge 57 of the internal air supply guides 45, 46, and then specifically deflected along the vertical flow 65 along the surface 59 and the rounded portion 60. Therefore, a smooth flow transition from the external air supply flow 43, 44 to the internal air supply flow 45, 46, especially into the vertical flow 65, is achieved, which has been impossible until now due to the 90° connection.

[0048] Since the workpiece mask 20 is placed airtight on the workpiece 4, meaning air cannot flow into the area of ​​the workpiece mask 20 from the outside, vortices 69 are generated in the area of ​​the workpiece surface by the transverse jet 62. This transverse jet 62 generates the necessary flow, which is essential for the marking or machining process to obtain the cleanest possible workpiece surface and stable process conditions. Furthermore, as schematically presented, the transverse jet 62 supports the particle flight 70 of the particles 71.

[0049] If you start the laser or laser beam 8 now, such as Figure 7 As schematically illustrated, the laser beam 8 can be positioned across the entire length and width of the workpiece mask 20, particularly the receiving component 32, by adjusting the laser deflection unit 10. This may generate smoke or gas 72 and particles 71 due to the action of the laser or laser beam 8. To protect the glass 29 from contamination by the smoke or gas 72 and particles 71, a corresponding airflow guide 24, as previously described, is required. Here, flow is generated in the process chamber or cavity 40 by internal air supply guides 45, 46, causing the particles 71 generated from the marking or processing process (which move along the direction of the protective glass 29) to be braked and conveyed by flow, particularly vertical flow 65, into the suction funnel 41, as schematically shown in bold lines.

[0050] Furthermore, the external air supply guides 43 and 44 are used to shield the process chamber openings, especially the openings 47 and 48, so that the laser beam 8 escaping from them cannot directly reach personnel.

[0051] According to the present invention, it can now be said that the protective funnel 2 is formed with an airflow guide 24 for a laser device 1 in the form of a galvanometer laser 1a, including at least one connecting element or connecting region 25 for connection with the marking head 11 of the laser device 1, a body 21 in which the laser beam 8 is protectively extended, and an elastic workpiece mask 20 arranged at an end opposite to the connecting region 25, wherein a workpiece seal 23, particularly a main sealing element 35, is arranged at the workpiece mask 20 for placement on the workpiece 4, and the body 21 has a protective feature for connection. In area 25, the replaceable protective glass 29 is protected from contamination by an airflow guide 24, which includes a suction funnel 41 and two preferably opposing external air supply guides 43, 44 connected to a cavity 40 of the body 21 via openings 47, 48. The cavity 40 of the body 21 is equipped with additional internal air supply guides 45, 46, which extend via protrusions 57 into or are disposed within the internal chambers 49, 50 of the external air supply guides 43, 44 to form a defined flow of intake air. This creates an optimal transition to the vertical flow 65, allowing most particles 71 to be stopped in this area and subsequently removed via the suction funnel. Thus, the protective glass 29 remains clean, enabling optimal marking or processing procedures to be performed at all times.

[0052] The present invention relates to the defined geometry and arrangement of the following components: a protective glass 29, a body 21, internal and external air supply guides 43-46, a suction funnel, a tunnel mask 38, and a workpiece mask 20, to establish a defined flow within a process chamber or cavity 40 during the laser marking or processing process. This defined flow produces optimal process conditions required for the marking process and, in addition, significantly reduces contamination of the protective glass used.

[0053] Here, the invention also includes a method for applying a protective funnel 2 with an airflow guide 24 in a laser device 1 in the form of a galvanometer laser 1a, wherein the protective funnel 2 is placed or pressed onto a workpiece 4 to protect it from radiation and seal the cavity 40 of the body 21 via a workpiece mask 20, thereby generating vertical flow in the cavity 40 of the body 21 via preferably two external air supply guides 43, 44 by activating a suction device, wherein internal air supply guides 45, 46 are inserted into the body 21, wherein the internal air supply guides 45, 46, in particular the guiding elements, extend into the internal chambers 49, 50 of the external air supply guides 43, 44, thereby generating an adaptation of the flow direction in the vertical flow direction via the internal air supply guides 45, 46. That is, by using the internal air supply guides 45, 46 (which extend into the internal chambers 49, 50 of the external air supply guides 43, 44), an adaptation of the flow direction in the vertical flow direction is generated. Here, it is also possible that the internal air supply guides 45 and 46 are formed by a bulge 57, the special shape of which affects the flow direction of the incoming air.

[0054] Similarly, the invention also includes a method for applying a protective funnel 2 with a workpiece seal 23 in a laser device 1 in the form of a galvanometer laser 1a, wherein the protective funnel is placed or pressed onto the workpiece to protect it from radiation and to seal the cavity 40 of the body 21 via the workpiece mask 20, wherein a sealing element is used at the movable workpiece mask 20 to seal relative to the workpiece 4, thereby generating vertical flow in the cavity 40 of the body 21 via preferably two external air supply guides 43, 44 by activating a suction device, wherein when the workpiece mask 20 is placed on the workpiece 4, the receiving part 32 of the workpiece mask 20, in particular its sealing protrusion 37, presses against the tunnel seal 37 of the tunnel mask 38 inside the body 21 to seal the gap 61 between the body 21 and the workpiece mask 20. Advantageously, additional sealing elements 34 are arranged at an angle at the receiving part 32.

[0055] For completeness, it should be mentioned that sensors, especially so-called "io-link" sensors, are also used in the protective funnel 2 to monitor or query the mark position. That is, the marking process is only performed by activating the laser 8 or laser beam 8 after the correct mark position is identified by the sensor.

[0056] In addition, it should be mentioned that the protective funnel 2 can be constructed with only one external air supply guide and an internal air supply guide 43, 45 or 44, 46.

[0057] For the sake of standardization, it should be noted that, in order to better understand the structure of the laser device 1 and its components or constituent parts, it is presented in part not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced, or in particular only schematically.

[0058] Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features in the different embodiments shown and described may themselves constitute independent, inventive, or solutions according to the invention.

Claims

1. A protective funnel (2) with an airflow guide (24) for a laser device (1) in the form of a galvanometer laser, comprising: At least one connecting element or connecting region (25) for connection to the laser head or marking head (11) of the laser device (1); a body (21) in which the laser beam (8) extends protectively; and an elastic workpiece mask (32) disposed at an end opposite to the connecting region (25), wherein a workpiece seal (23), particularly a main sealing element (35), is arranged at the workpiece mask (32) for placement at the workpiece (4), and the body (21) has a protective glass (29) replaceable in the connecting region (25) to protect against contaminated airflow. A guide section (24) is provided, wherein a suction funnel (41) and preferably two opposing external air supply guide sections (43, 44) are arranged, the external air supply guide sections being connected to the cavity (40) of the body (21) via openings (47, 48), characterized in that the cavity (40) of the body (21) is equipped with additional internal air supply guide sections (45, 46), wherein the internal air supply guide sections (45, 46) extend into or are arranged in the internal chambers (49, 50) of the external air supply guide sections (43, 44) via protrusions (57) to form a defined flow of intake air.

2. A protective funnel (2) with a workpiece seal (23) for a laser device (1) in the form of a galvanometer laser, comprising: At least one connecting element or connecting region (25) for connection with the laser head or marking head (11) of the laser device (1); a body (21) in which the laser beam (8) extends protectively; and an elastic workpiece mask (32) arranged at an end opposite to the connecting region (25), wherein a workpiece seal (23), particularly a main sealing element (35), is arranged at the workpiece mask (32) for placement on the workpiece (4), and the body (21) has an airflow guide (24) for protecting a replaceable protective glass (29) in the connecting region (25) from contamination, wherein a suction funnel (41) and preferably two oppositely arranged outer... The external air supply guide (43, 44) is connected to the cavity (40) of the main body (21) via an opening (47, 48). It is characterized in that a movable workpiece mask (32) seals the main body (21) and the workpiece (4) against external influences during the processing. For this purpose, a secondary sealing element (34) and a primary sealing element (35) are provided or arranged in the placement area (33) for the workpiece (4). In order to seal the process chamber or cavity (40), the workpiece mask (32), in particular the sealing protrusion (37) of the receiving member (32) and the tunnel seal (39) of the main body (21) are arranged, which are pressed against each other during the processing.

3. The protective funnel (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A barrier wall (36) is arranged in the placement area (33) to protect against reflected laser radiation or molten splashes.

4. The protective funnel (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The workpiece mask (32) is connected to the body (21) via a flexible placement spring (31).

5. The protective funnel (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The tunnel seal (39) is connected to the tunnel mask (38) arranged in the cavity (40) of the main body (21).

6. The protective funnel (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The secondary sealing element (34) is arranged at an angle or fastened in the placement area (33) to the tool mask (20) or the receiving part (32).

7. The protective funnel (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A transverse jet (62) is arranged in the opposite area of ​​the suction funnel (41).

8. The protective funnel (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The air supply guide (45, 46) is constructed in the form of a guide element and can be inserted into the cavity (40) of the main body (21).

9. A method for applying a protective funnel (2) with airflow guides (24) in a laser device (1) in the form of a galvanometer laser (1a), wherein the protective funnel (2) is placed or pressed onto a workpiece (4) to protect it from radiation and seal the cavity (40) of the body (21) via a workpiece mask (20), thereby generating a vertical flow (65) in the cavity (40) of the body (21) via preferably two external air supply guides (43, 44) by activating a suction device, characterized in that, An internal air supply guide (45, 46), particularly a guide element, is inserted into the main body (21), wherein the internal air supply guide (45, 46) extends into the internal chamber (49, 50) of the external air supply guide (43, 44), thereby adapting the flow direction along the direction of the vertical flow (5) via the internal air supply guide (45, 46).

10. A method for applying a protective funnel (2) with a workpiece seal (23) in a laser device (1) in the form of a galvanometer laser (1a), wherein the protective funnel is placed or pressed onto the workpiece to protect it from radiation and to seal the cavity (40) of the body (21) via a workpiece mask (20), wherein, A sealing element is used at the movable workpiece mask (20) to seal relative to the workpiece (4), thereby generating vertical flow (65) in the cavity (40) of the body (21) via preferably two external air supply guides (43, 44) by activating the suction device. The feature is that when the workpiece mask (20) is placed on the workpiece (4), the receiving part (32) of the workpiece mask (20), in particular its sealing protrusion (37), presses against the tunnel seal (37) of the tunnel mask (38) in the interior of the body (21) to seal the gap (61) between the body (21) and the workpiece mask (20).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, Use another sealing element (34) that is angled to the receiving part (32).

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The internal air supply guide (45, 46) is formed by a ridge (57), the special shape of which affects the flow direction of the incoming air.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The protective funnel (2) is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

14. A laser device (1) in the form of a galvanometer laser (1a) with a protective funnel (2), used for laser material processing, particularly laser marking, preferably by performing engraving, marking, and / or engraving operations (3) on preferred flat workpieces (4), wherein, The protective funnel (2) is connected to the marking head (11) of the laser device (1), particularly the galvanometer laser (1a), and a laser deflection unit (10) is arranged in the marking head (11), wherein the laser beam (8) of the radiation source (6), particularly the laser (6), can be supplied to the laser deflection unit (10) via a deflection element (9). The protective funnel (2) is characterized in that it is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and is equipped for implementing the method according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

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