Laser tool head and machining system and method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a laser tool head and a machining system and method thereof, and relates to the technical field of laser machining equipment, the laser tool head comprises an optical assembly, the optical assembly is installed in a pivoted mode so as to pivot around a pivot axis, and the optical assembly is configured to receive a laser beam and pivot around the pivot axis so as to change the emitting direction of the laser beam; the optical assembly comprises an optical component, a tool center point is arranged at a fixed distance of the pivot axis, and the optical component is configured to guide the laser beam to the pivot axis and intersect with the tool center point. When the optical assembly pivots, the output axis rotates around the tool center point, so that the tool center point is kept fixed in the spatial position. In this way, the laser beam can be guided at different angles with respect to the workpiece without compensation in a positioning system of the laser processing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser processing equipment technology, and in particular to a laser tool head and its processing system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Laser processing technologies, such as cutting, welding, and marking, are widely used in modern manufacturing. With industrial upgrading, the demand for processing complex three-dimensional curved surface workpieces is increasing. Such applications often require the laser beam to be guided continuously at different angles when processing the same contour to ensure processing quality and avoid interference from materials or geometry.

[0003] For workpieces with complex three-dimensional surfaces (such as automotive body panel molds, aerospace components, and customized medical devices), it is generally desirable to dynamically adjust the incident angle of the laser beam during processing while maintaining a fixed spatial reference point (i.e., the tool center point). This function is crucial for ensuring the consistency of the processed profile, avoiding collisions between the laser head and the workpiece, and improving processing efficiency.

[0004] However, traditional laser toolheads struggle to meet these requirements. Their mainstream structures are either rigid and lack deflection capability, or their deflection mechanisms suffer from a fundamental flaw: once the beam angle changes, its focal point (tool center point) on the workpiece surface drifts. This drift disrupts the continuity of the machining trajectory, forcing frequent pauses for repositioning during machining, or reliance on highly dynamic displacement axes for synchronous compensation.

[0005] To address these technical problems, we propose a laser tool head, its processing system, and processing method. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a laser tool head, its processing system, and processing method to solve the problem mentioned in the background art that when the existing laser tool head pivots to adjust the angle, the focal point on the workpiece surface will be displaced, affecting the continuity of processing.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: On one hand, the present invention provides a laser tool head including an optical assembly pivotally mounted to pivot about a pivot axis and configured to receive a laser beam and pivot about the pivot axis to change the emission direction of the laser beam; the optical assembly includes optical elements, a tool center point is provided at a fixed distance from the pivot axis, the optical elements are configured to guide the laser beam to the pivot axis and intersect with the tool center point; wherein, pivoting the optical assembly can change the emission direction of the laser beam while keeping the tool center point fixed relative to the laser tool head, and the fixed distance remains constant during pivoting.

[0008] Furthermore, the optical components include a focusing optical element for receiving and focusing a laser beam; a first reflecting optical element whose optical axis is arranged along the pivot axis for receiving the laser beam from the focusing optical element; and a second reflecting optical element which is arranged at a radial offset from the pivot axis and oriented to reflect the laser beam to intersect with the center point of the tool.

[0009] Furthermore, the second reflecting optical element includes a mirror, a prism, a beam splitter, or a dichroic element.

[0010] Furthermore, the focal point of the focusing optical element is located at the center of the tool.

[0011] Furthermore, the focal point of the focusing optics is configured to have a focal length offset from the center point of the tool.

[0012] Furthermore, the focal length offset can be adjusted within ±10 mm relative to the tool's center point.

[0013] Furthermore, the focal length offset can be adjusted within a range of ±3 mm.

[0014] Furthermore, the optical components also include an adjustable lens mount on which a focusing optical element is mounted. The lens mount is configured to adjust the position of the focusing optical element along the pivot axis to set the offset of the focal point of the focusing optical element relative to the center point of the tool.

[0015] Furthermore, the optical path length from the second reflective optical element to the tool center point remains constant during the pivoting of the optical assembly, thereby maintaining a constant spot size at the tool center point.

[0016] Furthermore, the laser beam is aligned with the pivot axis between the focusing optics and the first reflecting optics.

[0017] Furthermore, the incident angle of the laser beam at the center point of the tool is between 15 and 90 degrees.

[0018] Furthermore, the incident angle of the beam is between 30 and 70 degrees.

[0019] Furthermore, the incident angle of the beam is 52.5 degrees.

[0020] Furthermore, the optical component also includes a component housing, and an optical cavity is provided inside the component housing. The focusing optical element, the first reflecting optical element, and the second reflecting optical element are sequentially installed in the optical cavity along the optical path of the laser beam.

[0021] Furthermore, the optical assembly also includes a first protective window, which is disposed downstream of the second reflective optical element; wherein the focusing optical element and / or the first protective window seal the optical cavity.

[0022] Furthermore, the optical assembly also includes a second protective window, which is located upstream of the focusing optical element.

[0023] Furthermore, a purge channel is provided inside the component housing, through which purge gas can be introduced; wherein, the optical cavity is isolated from the purge channel by a focusing optical element and / or a first protective window, and at least a portion of the surface of the focusing optical element and / or the first protective window is located in the purge channel.

[0024] Furthermore, the component housing has a coaxial injection port, which is set along the emission direction of the laser beam. The purge channel terminates at the coaxial injection port, so that the purge gas is ejected coaxially with the laser beam.

[0025] Furthermore, the coaxial jet nozzle is provided with an annular outlet so that the purging gas forms a sheath flow, which cleans the surface of the first protective window and impacts the cutting area immediately below the center point of the tool.

[0026] Furthermore, the laser tool head also includes a pivoting mechanism configured to drive the optical components to pivot. The pivoting mechanism is a hollow shaft motor, which has a hollow shaft through which both the laser beam and the pivoting axis pass.

[0027] Furthermore, at least a portion of the purge channel is integrated within the hollow shaft of the hollow shaft motor and extends along the pivot axis.

[0028] Furthermore, the laser tool head also includes a tool mounting base, a hollow shaft motor fixedly connected to the tool mounting base, the hollow shaft extending into the tool mounting base, and a second protective window installed in the tool mounting base and coaxially arranged with the hollow shaft and the pivot axis.

[0029] Furthermore, the laser tool head may also include an angular position sensor and a calibration device. The angular position sensor detects the rotation angle of the optical components about the pivot axis; the calibration device stores calibration data that correlates the rotation angle with the laser beam emission direction at the tool's center point. This setup enables closed-loop control and precise calibration of the laser beam emission angle, ensuring the accuracy of the machining direction.

[0030] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a laser processing system, including the laser tool head described above, and a motion platform configured to translate the tool mount in the X and Y directions; A laser source for generating a laser beam; a laser transmission path that couples the laser source to a laser tool head and is configured to align the laser beam coaxially with the pivot axis of the laser tool head upstream of the focusing optics; a controller communicatively connected to the motion platform and the laser tool head and configured to: control the motion platform to drive the tool mount to translate, thereby moving the tool center point along a predetermined machining path on the workpiece; and control the laser tool head to drive the optical components to pivot about the pivot axis, thereby setting the cutting direction of the laser beam relative to the workpiece; wherein the movement trajectory of the tool center point is dominated by translational motion, and the cutting direction is dominated by pivotal motion.

[0031] Furthermore, the motion platform is configured to translate the tool mount in the Z direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the laser transmission path passes through a hollow shaft that is coaxial with the pivot axis.

[0033] Furthermore, the laser transmission path also includes free-space optical components, which include a light source guide, a Y-axis guide, and an X-axis guide.

[0034] Furthermore, the optical fiber cable is positioned on the laser transmission path, which also includes a collimator positioned after the output end of the optical fiber cable, with its optical axis collinear with the pivot axis, for collimating the laser beam from the optical fiber cable.

[0035] Furthermore, the laser transmission path is isolated from the air in the purge channel by the first protective window.

[0036] Furthermore, the tool mounting base is provided with a mounting reference for mounting the laser tool head; The mounting reference is configured such that, after the laser tool head is installed, the pivot axis coincides with the center line of the tool mount, and the coaxiality of the laser transmission path and the pivot axis is maintained within a preset deviation throughout the entire stroke of the motion platform.

[0037] Furthermore, the motion platform includes a gantry, which is configured to perform translational motion only in the X and Y directions.

[0038] Furthermore, the controller is configured to limit the range of motion of the motion platform in the X and Y directions to an outer envelope area that can completely cover the predetermined processing path.

[0039] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a laser processing method applied to the aforementioned laser processing system, comprising the following steps: S01. Transmit the laser beam along the pivot axis of the tool head to the tool head, and guide the beam to intersect the tool center point at a fixed distance along the pivot axis; S02. Translate the laser tool head in the X and Y directions to drive the tool center point to move along the machining path on the workpiece; S03. According to the processing requirements, translate the laser tool head in the Z direction to adjust the height of the tool center point on the workpiece; S04. While emitting the laser beam, the optical components of the tool head are pivoted around the pivot axis to change the incident angle of the laser beam relative to the workpiece; wherein, during the pivoting process, the center point of the tool is kept on the machining path and at a constant fixed distance.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects achieved by the present invention are as follows: 1. The optical components can be pivoted via a pivoting mechanism, thereby adjusting the relative angle between the laser beam and the workpiece during laser processing.

[0041] 2. The laser beam incident on the optical assembly can be reoriented via optical components, directing it towards the tool's center point located on the pivot axis. As the optical assembly pivots, the output axis rotates around the tool's center point, keeping the center point fixed in space. This allows the laser beam to be guided at different angles relative to the workpiece without compensation in the laser processing equipment's positioning system.

[0042] 3. By setting a purge channel in the optical component, the purge channel can be filled with purge gas. During the laser processing, the purge gas in the purge channel can clean the surface of the focusing optical element, the first protective window and the second protective window, preventing debris and smoke from reaching the surface and affecting the optical path of the laser beam.

[0043] 4. By setting up a coaxial jet nozzle, when the laser beam is emitted from the coaxial jet nozzle, purge gas is also simultaneously ejected from the coaxial jet nozzle. This allows for the removal of debris and fumes from the workpiece during laser processing, improving the quality of the laser processing. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a laser tool head.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a laser tool head.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a laser tool head.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the purging system.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning system.

[0049] In the diagram: 100, optical component; 101, component housing; 1011, optical cavity; 1012, purge channel; 1013, coaxial jet nozzle; 102, focusing optical element; 103, first reflecting optical element; 104, second reflecting optical element; 105, first protective window; 106, upstream surface; 107, downstream surface; 200, hollow shaft motor; 201, hollow shaft; 300, tool mounting base; 301, second protective window; 302, air inlet; 400, pivot axis; 500, input axis; 600, output axis; 700, tool center point; 800, light source guide; 900, Y-axis guide; 1000, X-axis guide. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Please see Figures 1 to 4 : This invention provides a laser tool head having a pivot axis 400, comprising: An optical component 100 is pivotally mounted to pivot about a pivot axis 400 and is configured to receive a laser beam and pivot about the pivot axis 400 to change the exit direction of the laser beam. The axis into which the laser beam enters is defined as the input axis 500, and the axis out which the laser beam exits is defined as the output axis 600. Specifically, the optical component 100 receives the laser beam at the input axis 500 and guides the laser beam out along the output axis 600. The pivot axis 400 is coaxial with the input axis 500.

[0051] In one embodiment, the optical assembly 100 includes optical components for receiving a laser beam along the input axis 500 and guiding the laser beam out along the output axis 600. A tool center point 700 is located at a fixed distance from the pivot axis 400. The laser beam emitted from the output axis 600 intersects with the tool center point 700, forming a processing spot. This fixed distance is a preset distance based on actual processing requirements.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the optical components include a focusing optical element 102, a first reflecting optical element 103, and a second reflecting optical element 104. The second reflecting optical element 104 is disposed at a radial offset of the pivot axis 400 and is oriented to reflect the laser beam to intersect the pivot axis 400 at the tool center point 700.

[0053] Specifically, the optical component 100 also includes a component housing 101, and an optical cavity 1011 is formed inside the component housing 101. The focusing optical element 102, the first reflecting optical element 103 and the second reflecting optical element 104 are sequentially installed in the optical cavity 1011 along the optical path of the laser beam.

[0054] The focusing optical element 102 is a focusing lens with a focal point. The first reflecting optical element 103 is disposed on the input axis 500, and the second reflecting optical element 104 is disposed on the output axis 600.

[0055] The first reflecting optical element 103 and the second reflecting optical element 104 are both obliquely mounted on the inner wall of the optical cavity 1011, and are distributed left and right. The first reflecting optical element 103 is set at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the input axis 500. When the laser beam is directed towards the first reflecting optical element 103 along the input axis 500, the first reflecting optical element 103 reflects the laser beam to the second reflecting optical element 104, which then reflects the laser beam a second time and projects the optical assembly 100. This projection path forms the output axis 600, and the output axis 600 has an angle with the input axis 500. At the same time, the output axis 600 has an intersection point with the pivot axis 400, which is the tool center point 700.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the laser tool head of the present invention is configured to provide telecentric emission on the working surface, with its telecentricity within a preset deviation range. The laser tool head is configured to maintain the change in the spot diameter at the tool center point 700 within a preset deviation range during the pivoting of the optical assembly 100.

[0057] Specifically, the optical path length from the second reflective optical element 104 to the tool center point 700 remains constant during the pivoting of the optical assembly 100, thereby maintaining a constant spot size at the tool center point 700.

[0058] In this embodiment, the light spot refers to the energy-acting area formed at the center point 700 of the working surface or tool after the laser beam is focused; the light spot diameter or light spot size refers to the characteristic size of this area.

[0059] Furthermore, the laser beam is aligned with the pivot axis 400 between the focusing optical element 102 and the first reflecting optical element 103.

[0060] The laser beam incident angle at the tool center point 700 is between 15 and 90 degrees. Further, the beam incident angle can be between 30 and 70 degrees. Preferably, the beam incident angle is 52.5 degrees.

[0061] Based on the above structure, the pivoting optical component 100 can change the emission direction of the laser beam, keeping the tool center point 700 fixed relative to the laser tool head, and maintaining a constant fixed distance during pivoting. This allows the tool center point 700 to remain fixed in space. Furthermore, the laser beam can be guided at different angles relative to the workpiece without compensation in the positioning system of the laser processing equipment.

[0062] In one embodiment, the second reflective optical element 104 includes a mirror, a prism, a beam splitter, or a dichroic element. The focal point of the focusing optical element 102 is located at the tool center point 700. The focal point of the focusing optical element 102 is configured to have a focal length offset from the tool center point 700.

[0063] The focal length offset can be adjusted within ±10 mm relative to the tool center point 700. Preferably, the focal length offset can be adjusted within ±3 mm.

[0064] In one embodiment (not shown in the figure), to adjust the focal length offset, the optical component further includes an adjustable lens mount. The focusing optical element 102 is mounted on the lens mount, which is configured to adjust the position of the focusing optical element 102 along the pivot axis 400 to set the offset of the focal point of the focusing optical element 102 relative to the tool center point 700. The adjustable lens mount is prior art in the art, and its specific adjustment method is conventional in the art, and will not be described further in this application.

[0065] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the optical assembly 100 also includes a first protective window 105, which is located downstream of the second reflective optical element 104; wherein the focusing optical element 102 and / or the first protective window 105 seal the optical cavity 1011. A purge channel 1012 is also provided inside the assembly housing 101, through which purge gas can be introduced. The purge gas maintains a positive internal pressure relative to the environment in the purge channel 1012 to suppress the entry of smoke and debris.

[0066] The purging gas includes, but is not limited to, compressed air, nitrogen, argon or other inert gases, and the dew point of the purging gas may be below -10°C.

[0067] In one embodiment, the optical cavity 1011 is isolated from the purge channel 1012 by a focusing optical element 102 and a first protective window 105, and at least a portion of the surfaces of the focusing optical element 102 and the first protective window 105 are located in the purge channel 1012.

[0068] In this embodiment, the focusing optical element 102 and the first protective window 105 are arranged sequentially along the laser path, and each has an upstream surface 106 and a downstream surface 107. The surface for receiving the laser beam is defined as the upstream surface 106, and the surface from which the laser beam is emitted is defined as the downstream surface 107. The focusing optical element 102 is located on the input axis 500, and the first protective window 105 is located on the output axis 600.

[0069] In this embodiment, the purge channel 1012 surrounds the optical cavity 1011, and the upstream surface 106 of the focusing optical element 102 and the downstream surface 107 of the first protective window 105 are both located within the purge channel 1012. Furthermore, the focusing optical element 102 is located directly above the first reflecting optical element 103, while simultaneously isolating the top of the optical cavity 1011 from the purge channel 1012. The focusing optical element 102 can focus the incident laser beam and project it onto the first reflecting optical element 103. The first protective window 105 is located downstream of the second reflecting optical element 104, while simultaneously isolating the bottom of the optical cavity 1011 from the purge channel 1012.

[0070] By combining the focusing optical element 102 and the first protective window 105, the boundary of the optical cavity 1011 is defined. At the same time, the interior of the optical cavity 1011 can be sealed to prevent dust, smoke and other contaminants from entering the optical cavity 1011 and to avoid contamination of the optical components inside the optical cavity 1011, which would affect the optical path of the laser beam.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first protective window 105 is set at an angle of approximately 7.5 degrees relative to the vertical direction of the output axis 600. This angle setting allows for good optical transmission of the first protective window 105 while reducing back reflection of the laser beam. In other embodiments, the angle between the first protective window 105 and the output axis 600 can also be 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees, etc.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the component housing 101 also has a coaxial injection port 1013, which is arranged along the emission direction of the laser beam. The purge channel 1012 terminates at the coaxial injection port 1013, so that the purge gas is ejected coaxially with the laser beam. The coaxial injection port 1013 is provided with an annular outlet so that the purge gas forms a sheath flow. The sheath flow cleans the surface of the first protective window 105 and impacts the cutting part immediately below the tool center point 700.

[0073] In this embodiment, the coaxial nozzle 1013 is located on the output axis 600. The coaxial nozzle 1013 is positioned downstream of the first protective window 105. After the laser beam passes through the first protective window 105, it exits from the coaxial nozzle 1013, thus directing the laser beam to the outside of the optical component 100, achieving laser processing. Simultaneously, when the laser beam exits from the coaxial nozzle 1013, it also simultaneously ejects purge gas. This effectively removes debris and fumes from the workpiece during laser processing, improving the quality of the laser processing.

[0074] In other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the purge channel 1012 may further include at least one of a rectifier section, a diffuser, or a jet shaping element to set the jet profile at the coaxial nozzle 1013.

[0075] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the laser tool head of the present invention also includes a tool mounting base 300 and a pivoting mechanism, wherein the pivoting mechanism is a hollow shaft motor 200, the hollow shaft motor 200 having a hollow shaft 201 through which both the laser beam and the pivoting axis 400 pass. At least a portion of the purge channel 1012 is integrated within the hollow shaft 201 of the hollow shaft motor 200 and extends along the pivoting axis 400. The hollow shaft 201 extends into the tool mounting base 300. The optical assembly 100 also includes a second protective window 301, which is located upstream of the focusing optical element 102. The second protective window 301 is mounted to the tool mounting base 300 and is coaxially arranged with the hollow shaft 201 and the pivoting axis 400.

[0076] In one embodiment (not shown), the tool mount 300 is provided with a fiber optic interface, the input end of which is configured to receive a fiber optic cable, and its optical axis is coaxially aligned with the pivot axis 400. A second protective window 301 is located at the input end of the fiber optic interface.

[0077] In one embodiment, the hollow shaft 201 is located directly above the focusing optical element 102. The hollow shaft 201 is hollow inside and has openings at both ends to allow the laser beam and purge gas to pass through it.

[0078] The hollow shaft 201 is fixedly connected to the component housing 101. The hollow shaft motor 200 can drive the hollow shaft 201 to rotate. The rotating hollow shaft 201 then synchronously drives the entire optical component 100 to rotate, thereby driving the optical component 100 to pivot.

[0079] In some embodiments, the optical component 100 can pivot within ±7.5 degrees relative to a nominal position, providing a total pivot range of 15 degrees. In other embodiments, the pivot range may also be ±15 degrees, ±22.5 degrees, or other suitable ranges.

[0080] To detect the pivot angle of the optical component 100, in one embodiment (not shown), the optical component 100 may further include an angular position sensor and a calibration device, wherein the angular position sensor is used to detect the rotation angle of the optical component 100 about the pivot axis 400; and the calibration device stores calibration data that correlates the rotation angle with the laser beam emission direction at the tool center point 700.

[0081] Specifically, the angular position sensor can be a rotary encoder, rotary transformer, etc., which is directly mounted on the pivot axis 400 or the hollow shaft motor 200 to achieve angular detection. The calibration device is a non-volatile memory that stores calibration data. It is integrated into the controller of the tool head or laser equipment and has a preset calibration program for processing sensor data and querying calibration mapping relationships.

[0082] By using an angular position sensor and calibration device, the controller of the laser equipment can command the hollow shaft motor 200 to rotate to a certain angle, thus precisely directing the laser beam to process the workpiece at the required angle without the need for repeated manual adjustments. The calibration device can measure and compensate for system errors, ensuring consistency between the theoretical model and the actual output, and guaranteeing the accuracy of the processing trajectory.

[0083] In one embodiment, the tool mounting base 300 is hollow inside, and the other end of the hollow shaft 201 extends into the tool mounting base 300. The tool mounting base 300 has an air inlet 302 communicating with its interior, which is used to introduce purging gas into the tool mounting base 300, the hollow shaft 201, and the purging channel 1012. A second protective window 301, which allows the laser beam to pass through, is embedded in the tool mounting base 300 and is disposed on the input axis 500.

[0084] In this embodiment, the second protective window 301 is located directly above the hollow shaft 201. The laser beam generated by the laser processing equipment can penetrate the second protective window 301 and enter the hollow shaft 201. The laser beam then passes through the hollow shaft 201 and is directed towards the focusing optical element 102. The focusing optical element 102 focuses the laser beam and directs it towards the optical component. The optical component then guides and reorients the laser beam and emits it along the output axis 600.

[0085] In this embodiment, the air inlet 302 can be connected to an air supply device, such as a high-pressure air pump. The air supply device can introduce purge gas into the connecting base through the air inlet 302. After the purge gas is introduced into the tool mounting base 300, the purge gas will enter the purge channel 1012 through the hollow shaft 201, and then flow at high speed along the purge channel 1012, and finally be ejected from the coaxial injection port 1013. When the purge gas flows at high speed in the purge channel 1012, the purge gas can clean the upstream surface 106 of the focusing optical element 102 and the downstream surface 107 of the first protective window 105, preventing debris and smoke from reaching the above surfaces and affecting the optical path of the laser beam. Furthermore, when the purge gas flows through the inside of the tool mounting base 300, it can also simultaneously clean the downstream surface 107 of the second protective window 301.

[0086] Thus, through the above-described method, the laser tool head also possesses a purging system. This purging system continuously purges the upstream surface 106 of the focusing optical element 102 to prevent contaminants from depositing on critical optical surfaces. Simultaneously, it forms an air curtain to protect the downstream surface 107 of the first protective window 105, actively isolating it from splashes, smoke, and debris from the processing area. This dual protection mechanism prevents contaminants from interfering with the laser beam path, ensuring stable energy transmission and focused spot quality, while significantly extending the lifespan and maintenance cycle of optical components. Furthermore, by ejecting high-pressure gas along with the laser beam, a localized high-purity gas environment can be created in the laser spot's area of ​​action, or processing debris and plasma can be directly blown away. This effectively prevents workpiece surface oxidation, improves the quality of the cut surface, suppresses the shielding effect of smoke and dust on the laser, and enhances processing efficiency. Moreover, the purging system achieves a high degree of integration between the gas path and the optical path, eliminating the need for additional complex bypass pipes, making the overall structure of the laser tool head more compact and reliable.

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, in another embodiment of the purging system, an air inlet 302 is provided on the side of the component housing 101, which communicates directly with the purging channel 1012. A focusing optics element 102 is mounted on the output axis 600. Optical components redirect and project the light beam onto the focusing optics element 102, which focuses the light beam onto the tool center point 700 or its vicinity. The purging channel 1012 passes through the downstream surface 107 of the focusing optics element 102, which is located within the purging channel 1012.

[0088] In this embodiment, the purging gas enters the purging channel 1012 directly through the air inlet 302 and is ejected from the coaxial jet port 1013, which can directly clean and protect the lower surface of the focusing optical element 102.

[0089] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a laser processing system, including the laser tool head described above, and further comprising: A motion platform is configured to translate the tool mount 300 in the X and Y directions. Optionally, the motion platform is configured to translate the tool mount 300 in the Z direction.

[0090] A laser source is used to generate a laser beam. In this configuration, the laser source is stationary relative to the base of the laser processing equipment and is located outside the motion platform. Compared to a structure where the laser source is mounted on the motion platform, this reduces the motion load (or moving mass) on the motion platform.

[0091] The laser transmission path couples the laser source to the laser tool head and is configured to align the laser beam coaxially with the pivot axis 400 of the laser tool head upstream of the focusing optics 102 of the laser tool head. The controller, which communicates with the motion platform and laser toolhead, coordinates laser power, translation speed, pivot rate, focal length shift, and purge airflow to maintain target energy delivery per unit length along a specified path. Specifically, the controller is configured as follows: The motion platform is controlled to drive the tool mount 300 to translate, thereby moving the tool center point 700 along a predetermined machining path on the workpiece; and the laser tool head is controlled to drive the optical assembly 100 to pivot about the pivot axis 400, thereby setting the cutting direction of the laser beam relative to the workpiece; wherein the movement trajectory of the tool center point 700 is dominated by translational motion, and the cutting direction is dominated by pivotal motion.

[0092] Furthermore, the laser transmission path passes through a hollow shaft 201 coaxially arranged with the pivot axis 400. The laser transmission path is isolated from the air of the purge channel 1012 by the first protective window 105.

[0093] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the laser transmission path also includes a free-space optical component 100, which includes a light source guide 800, a Y-axis guide 900, and an X-axis guide 1000.

[0094] In this embodiment, the light source guide 800 can reflect the laser beam generated by the laser processing equipment to the Y-axis guide 900, the Y-axis guide 900 then reflects the laser beam to the X-axis guide 1000, and the X-axis guide 1000 then reflects the laser beam into the laser tool head.

[0095] In another embodiment, an optical fiber cable is disposed on the laser transmission path, which also includes a collimator disposed after the output end of the optical fiber cable, with its optical axis collinear with the pivot axis 400, for collimating the laser beam from the optical fiber cable.

[0096] In this embodiment, the fiber optic cable is connected to the fiber optic interface, allowing the laser beam to be directly injected into the laser tool head. A collimator calibrates the laser beam emitted from the fiber. The fiber optic cable is connected to the fiber optic interface via a quick connector to enable interchangeability with automated production line configurations.

[0097] Furthermore, the tool mounting base 300 is provided with a mounting reference for mounting the laser tool head; the mounting reference is configured such that after the laser tool head is mounted, the pivot axis 400 coincides with the center line of the tool mounting base 300, and the coaxiality of the laser transmission path and the pivot axis 400 is maintained within a preset deviation throughout the entire stroke of the motion platform.

[0098] Furthermore, the controller is configured to limit the range of motion of the motion platform in the X and Y directions to an outer envelope area that can completely cover the predetermined processing path.

[0099] In one embodiment, the motion platform includes a gantry for the laser processing equipment, configured to perform translational motion only in the X and Y directions. The cutting direction is set solely by pivoting the optical assembly 100 about the pivot axis 400. In this way, the gantry of the laser processing equipment eliminates the need for rotation and idle movement to adjust angles, optimizing its trajectory to the shortest possible value, covering only the XY projection range of the processing path itself. This directly results in higher processing efficiency. Furthermore, because the gantry's stroke can be minimized, the overall size of the laser processing equipment can be reduced, saving floor space and manufacturing costs. Simultaneously, it avoids the inertia, vibration, and errors generated during high-speed rotation of the gantry, thereby improving processing stability and accuracy.

[0100] Furthermore, this invention also provides a laser processing method applied to the aforementioned laser processing system, comprising the following steps: S01. The laser beam is transmitted to the tool head along the pivot axis 400 and the beam is guided to intersect the tool center point 700 at a fixed distance along the pivot axis 400. S02. Translate the laser tool head in the X and Y directions to drive the tool center point 700 to move along the machining path on the workpiece; S03. According to the processing requirements, translate the laser tool head in the Z direction to adjust the height of the tool center point 700 on the workpiece; S04. While emitting the laser beam, the optical component 100 of the tool head is pivoted around the pivot axis 400 to change the incident angle of the laser beam relative to the workpiece; wherein, during the pivoting process, the tool center point 700 is kept on the machining path and at a constant fixed distance.

[0101] Furthermore, the focal point of the focusing optical element 102 is configured to have a focal length offset from the tool center point 700, which is adjustable within ±10 mm, preferably within ±3 mm.

[0102] Furthermore, the laser beam incident angle at the tool center point 700 is 15 degrees to 90 degrees, optionally 30 degrees to 70 degrees. Preferably, the beam incident angle is 52.5 degrees.

[0103] Furthermore, it also includes adjusting the position of the focusing optics 102 along the pivot axis 400 to set the focus of the laser beam at or near the tool center point 700.

[0104] Furthermore, it also includes guiding the purge gas to flow along the emission direction of the laser beam to clean the outer surface of the first protective window 105, the second protective window 301, or the focusing optical element 102, and then impacting the cutting part below the tool center point 700, thereby achieving convection heat dissipation and smoke removal.

Claims

1. A laser tool head, characterized in that, include: An optical component, which is pivotally mounted to pivot about a pivot axis and configured to receive a laser beam and pivot about the pivot axis to change the exit direction of the laser beam; The optical assembly includes an optical component, a tool center point is provided at a fixed distance from the pivot axis, and the optical component is configured to guide the laser beam to the pivot axis and intersect with the tool center point; The pivoting of the optical component can change the emission direction of the laser beam while keeping the tool center point fixed relative to the laser tool head, and the fixed distance remains constant during pivoting.

2. The laser tool head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical component includes: A focusing optical element for receiving and focusing the laser beam; A first reflecting optical element, whose optical axis is arranged along the pivot axis, is used to receive a laser beam from the focusing optical element; A second reflective optical element is positioned at a radial offset from the pivot axis and oriented to reflect the laser beam to intersect with the center point of the tool.

3. The laser tool head according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second reflective optical element includes a mirror, a prism, a beam splitter, or a dichroic element.

4. The laser tool head according to claim 2, characterized in that: The focal point of the focusing optical element is located at the center point of the tool.

5. The laser tool head according to claim 4, characterized in that: The focal point of the focusing optical element is configured to have a focal length offset from the center point of the tool.

6. The laser tool head according to claim 5, characterized in that: The focal length offset can be adjusted within ±10 mm relative to the center point of the tool.

7. The laser tool head according to claim 6, characterized in that: The focal length offset can be adjusted within a range of ±3 mm.

8. The laser tool head according to claim 5, characterized in that: The optical component also includes an adjustable lens mount on which the focusing optical element is mounted. The lens mount is configured to adjust the position of the focusing optical element along the pivot axis to set the offset of the focal point of the focusing optical element relative to the center point of the tool.

9. The laser tool head according to claim 4, characterized in that: The optical path length from the second reflective optical element to the center point of the tool remains constant as the optical assembly pivots, thereby maintaining a constant spot size at the center point of the tool.

10. The laser tool head according to claim 2, characterized in that: Between the focusing optical element and the first reflecting optical element, the laser beam is aligned with the pivot axis.

11. The laser tool head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser beam has an incident angle of 15 to 90 degrees at the center point of the tool.

12. The laser tool head according to claim 11, characterized in that: The incident angle of the beam is 30 to 70 degrees.

13. The laser tool head according to claim 12, characterized in that: The incident angle of the beam is 52.5 degrees.

14. The laser tool head according to claim 2, characterized in that: The optical component also includes a component housing, and an optical cavity is formed inside the component housing. The focusing optical element, the first reflecting optical element, and the second reflecting optical element are sequentially installed in the optical cavity along the optical path of the laser beam.

15. The laser tool head according to claim 14, characterized in that: The optical component also includes a first protective window, which is disposed downstream of the second reflective optical element; The focusing optical element and / or the first protective window seal the optical cavity.

16. The laser tool head according to claim 15, characterized in that: The optical component also includes a second protective window located upstream of the focusing optical element.

17. The laser tool head according to claim 16, characterized in that: The component housing is also provided with a purge channel, through which purge gas can be introduced; The optical cavity is isolated from the purge channel by the focusing optical element and / or the first protective window, and at least a portion of the surface of the focusing optical element and / or the first protective window is located in the purge channel.

18. The laser tool head according to claim 17, characterized in that: The component housing has a coaxial injection port, which is arranged along the emission direction of the laser beam. The purge channel terminates at the coaxial injection port, so that the purge gas is ejected coaxially with the laser beam.

19. The laser tool head according to claim 18, characterized in that: The coaxial jet nozzle is provided with an annular outlet so that the purging gas forms a sheath flow, which sweeps the surface of the first protective window and impacts the cutting part immediately below the center point of the tool.

20. The laser tool head according to claim 18, characterized in that: The laser tool head also includes a pivoting mechanism configured to drive the optical components to pivot. The pivoting mechanism is a hollow shaft motor, which has a hollow shaft, and both the laser beam and the pivoting axis pass through the hollow shaft.

21. The laser tool head according to claim 20, characterized in that: At least a portion of the purging channel is integrated within the hollow shaft of the hollow shaft motor and extends along the pivot axis.

22. The laser tool head according to claim 21, characterized in that: The laser tool head also includes a tool mounting base, the hollow shaft motor is fixedly connected to the tool mounting base, the hollow shaft extends into the tool mounting base, and the second protective window is installed in the tool mounting base and is coaxially arranged with the hollow shaft and the pivot axis.

23. The laser tool head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser tool head also includes: An angular position sensor is used to detect the angle of rotation of the optical component about the pivot axis; A calibration device that stores calibration data relating the rotation angle to the laser beam emission direction at the center point of the tool.

24. The laser tool head according to any one of claims 10 to 22, characterized in that: The laser tool head also includes an optical fiber interface, the input end of which is configured to receive an optical fiber cable, and the optical axis of the optical fiber cable is coaxially aligned with the pivot axis.

25. The laser tool head according to any one of claims 4 to 14, characterized in that: The laser tool head is configured to provide telecentric emission on the working surface, with the telecentricity within a preset deviation range.

26. The laser tool head according to any one of claims 4 to 14, characterized in that: The laser tool head is configured to maintain the change in the spot diameter at the center point of the tool within a preset deviation range during the pivoting of the optical assembly.

27. A laser processing system, comprising a laser tool head as described in any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that, Also includes: A motion platform configured to translate the tool mount in the X and Y directions; A laser source, used to generate a laser beam; A laser transmission path that couples the laser source to the laser tool head and is configured upstream of the focusing optics of the laser tool head to align the laser beam coaxially with the pivot axis of the laser tool head; The controller, which is communicatively connected to the motion platform and the laser tool head, is configured to: The motion platform is controlled to drive the tool mount to translate, thereby moving the center point of the tool along a predetermined machining path on the workpiece; And, control the laser tool head to drive the optical assembly to pivot about the pivot axis, thereby setting the cutting direction of the laser beam relative to the workpiece; The movement trajectory of the tool's center point is dominated by translational motion, while the cutting direction is dominated by pivotal motion.

28. The laser processing system according to claim 27, characterized in that: The motion platform is configured to translate the tool mount in the Z direction.

29. The laser processing system according to claim 27, characterized in that: The laser transmission path passes through a hollow shaft that is coaxial with the pivot axis.

30. The laser processing system according to claim 27, characterized in that: The laser transmission path also includes a free-space optical component, which includes a light source guide, a Y-axis guide, and an X-axis guide.

31. The laser processing system according to claim 27, characterized in that: The optical fiber cable is disposed on the laser transmission path, which further includes a collimator disposed after the output end of the optical fiber cable, and whose optical axis is collinear with the pivot axis, for collimating the laser beam from the optical fiber cable.

32. The laser processing system according to claim 27, characterized in that: The laser transmission path is isolated from the air in the purging channel by the first protective window.

33. The laser processing system according to claim 27, characterized in that: The tool mounting base is provided with a mounting reference for mounting the laser tool head; The mounting reference is configured such that, after the laser tool head is installed, the pivot axis coincides with the center line of the tool mount, and the coaxiality of the laser transmission path and the pivot axis is maintained within a preset deviation throughout the entire stroke of the motion platform.

34. The laser processing system according to claim 27, characterized in that: The motion platform includes a gantry frame configured to perform translational motion only in the X and Y directions.

35. The laser processing system according to claim 34, characterized in that: The controller is configured to limit the range of movement of the motion platform in the X and Y directions to an outer envelope area that can completely cover the predetermined processing path.

36. A laser processing method, applied to the laser processing system according to any one of claims 27 to 35, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S01. Transmit the laser beam along the pivot axis of the tool head to the tool head, and guide the beam to intersect the tool center point at a fixed distance along the pivot axis; S02. Translate the laser tool head in the X and Y directions to drive the tool center point to move along the machining path on the workpiece; S03. According to the processing requirements, translate the laser tool head in the Z direction to adjust the height of the tool center point on the workpiece; S04. While emitting a laser beam, the optical assembly of the tool head is pivoted about the pivot axis to change the incident angle of the laser beam relative to the workpiece; wherein, during the pivoting process, the center point of the tool is kept located on the machining path, and the fixed distance is constant.

37. The laser processing method according to claim 36, characterized in that: It also includes adjusting the position of the focusing optics along the pivot axis to set the focus of the laser beam at or near the center point of the tool.

38. The laser processing method according to claim 36, characterized in that: It also includes guiding the purge gas to flow along the emission direction of the laser beam to clean the outer surface of the first protective window, the second protective window, or the focusing optical element, and then impacting the cutting area below the center point of the tool, thereby achieving convection heat dissipation and smoke removal.

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