Laser processing head and system for connecting optical fiber cable to optical element

Abstract

A laser machining head and system are disclosed. The system includes an optical member configured to receive a laser beam and a connector configured to connect to an upstream end of the optical member and configured to optically transmit the laser beam from a fiber optic cable to the optical member. The system also includes a seal configured to rest within a recess between the upstream end of the optic and the downstream end of the connector. When the connector is connected to the optical member, the connector and the optical member maintain separation between the connector and the optical member radially inward of the seal.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Laser processing heads utilize high-power lasers to melt materials, producing precise and clean cuts, and have other applications. Laser processing heads can be used with various types of lasers, such as CO2 lasers, neodymium lasers, Nd:YAG lasers, and others. Different types of lasers may be suitable for different applications, such as cutting, welding, boring, engraving, and others.

[0002] Laser cutting offers several advantages over traditional mechanical cutting. For example, laser cutting reduces contamination because there is no physical cutting edge that can wear or become contaminated. Due to its relatively small heat-affected zone, laser cutting also minimizes the risk of workpiece warping. Furthermore, compared to other cutting techniques, especially for sheet metal, laser cutting is more precise and energy-efficient. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In current laser processing heads, fiber optic cables deliver the laser beam to optics for focusing the laser beam for various applications, such as cutting. The fiber optic cables are typically connected to the optics via one or more connectors. However, existing connectors do not adequately manage the direct contact between the connector and the optics, which can generate debris or other contaminants that can degrade the optics.

[0004] This problem is addressed at least in part by laser processing heads and systems according to various aspects of this disclosure. In one aspect, a system includes an optics configured to receive a laser beam and a connector configured to connect to an upstream end of the optics and to optically transmit the laser beam from an optical fiber cable to the optics. The system further includes a seal configured to rest within a recess between the upstream end of the optics and a downstream end of the connector. A portion of the connector and a portion of the optics are configured to maintain a separation between the connector and the optics radially inward of the seal when the connector is connected to the optics.

[0005] The implementation may include one or more of the following features. The optics defines an interior, and the portion of the connector and the portion of the optics are configured to define a gap from the seal to the interior of the optics in the entire three-dimensional region between the connector and the optics when the connector is connected to the optics, and to prevent any direct contact between the connector and the optics. The upstream end of the optics may include a support, and the seal is configured to rest within the support. The downstream end of the connector may include an inner surface and a protrusion projecting downstream beyond the inner surface, and the recess is defined by the support, the inner surface, and the protrusion. The upstream end of the optics may include an inner surface, the support is recessed downstream from the inner surface of the upstream end of the optics, and the portion of the connector and the portion of the optics are configured to prevent direct contact between the inner surface of the connector and the inner surface of the optics when the connector is connected to the optics. The upstream end of the optics may include an upstream projecting flange, configured such that when the connector is connected to the optics, the center of the interior of the connector aligns with the center of the interior of the optics. The downstream end of the connector may include a radially outward projecting flange. A portion of the optics may include the flange of the upstream end of the optics, and a portion of the connector may include the flange of the downstream end of the connector. The flanges of the downstream end of the connector and the flange of the upstream end of the optics are configured to abut against each other when the connector is connected to the optics to maintain separation between the connector and the optics radially inward of the seal. The downstream end of the connector may include a downstream projecting protrusion, and the upstream end of the optics may include a support configured to receive the protrusion when the connector is connected to the optics. The portion of the optics may include the support, and the portion of the connector may include the protrusion. The protrusion and the support are configured such that when the connector is connected to the optics, the protrusion rests within the support and maintains separation between the connector and the optics radially inward of the seal. The upstream end of the optics may include an upstream projecting flange, and the downstream end of the connector may include a radially outward projecting flange. The portion of the optics may additionally include the flange at the upstream end of the optics, and the portion of the connector may additionally include the flange at the downstream end of the connector. The flange at the downstream end of the connector and the flange at the upstream end of the optics are configured to abut against each other when the connector is connected to the optics to maintain separation between the connector and the optics radially inward of the seal.When the seal is within the recess, the flange at the upstream end of the optics, the flange at the downstream end of the connector, the support, and the protrusion are radially outward of the seal. The connector is a first connector, and the system may additionally include a second connector. The second connector is connected to the fiber optic cable, and the first connector is configured to receive the second connector within the interior of the first connector. The seal is a first seal, and the system may additionally include a second seal within the interior of the first connector. The outer surface of the second connector is configured to directly contact the inner surface of the first connector to define a junction when the second connector is received within the interior of the first connector, and the second seal is downstream of the junction. When the first seal is within the recess, the second seal is upstream of the first seal. The connector is directly connected to the fiber optic cable.

[0006] Another general aspect includes a laser processing head. The laser processing head includes a laser configured to generate a laser beam. The head also includes an optical fiber cable in optical communication with the laser. The head further includes a connector in optical communication with the optical fiber cable. The head also includes an optics component in optical communication with the connector and connected to a downstream end of the connector. The optics component is configured to receive the laser beam. The head further includes a seal configured to rest within a recess between an upstream end of the optics component and a downstream end of the connector. A portion of the connector and a portion of the optics component are configured to maintain a separation between the connector and the optics component radially inward of the seal when the connector is connected to the optics component.

[0007] The implementation may include one or more of the following features. The optics defines an interior, and the portion of the connector and the portion of the optics are configured to define a gap from the seal to the interior of the optics in the entire three-dimensional region between the connector and the optics when the connector is connected to the optics, preventing any direct contact between the connector and the optics. The portion of the optics may include a flange at the upstream end of the optics, and the portion of the connector may include a flange at the downstream end of the connector, and the flange at the downstream end of the connector and the flange at the upstream end of the optics are configured to abut against each other when the connector is connected to the optics to maintain separation between the connector and the optics radially inward of the seal. The portion of the connector may include a protrusion at the downstream end of the connector, and the portion of the optics may include a support at the upstream end of the optics. The support and the protrusion are configured such that when the connector is connected to the optics, the protrusion rests within the support and maintains separation between the connector and the optics on the radially inner side of the seal.

[0008] Various additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Examples are shown in the drawings for illustrative purposes; however, the subject matter is not limited to the specific elements and means disclosed. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a known system for connecting fiber optic cables to optical components is shown.

[0011] Figure 2A A schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a system for connecting fiber optic cables to optical components according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A An enlarged view of the first embodiment of the system in area A.

[0013] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a rolling seal according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 4A A schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a system for connecting fiber optic cables to optical components according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 4B It shows Figure 4A An enlarged view of the second embodiment of the system in area A.

[0016] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a laser processing head according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Laser cutting can involve guiding a laser beam through optics and manipulating a focused laser beam to follow a specific cutting pattern. The focused laser beam can melt, burn, or vaporize the workpiece, leaving clean edges and a high-quality surface finish. The environment around the laser processing head may be filled with debris or other contaminants generated from cutting the workpiece. Such debris or other contaminants can damage or impair the effectiveness of the optics, especially if they reach the interior of the optics. For example, if debris or other contaminants deposit on the lens of the optics, the laser beam can burn them off, potentially causing permanent damage or degradation to the lens. Furthermore, some laser processing heads contain various structures (e.g., gantry, motor, etc.) capable of rapidly accelerating the optics on the workpiece during the cutting process. This rapid acceleration can subject the optics and connected structures to significant forces (e.g., 6G). Rapid acceleration can cause contact wear or fretting wear between various structures of the laser processing head, which can be a source of debris or other contaminants that can damage or degrade the optics. Another disadvantage of exposing debris or other contaminants to the optics is the potential need for downtime for cleaning the laser processing head.

[0018] Figure 1A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a known system 100 for connecting an optical component 108 to a laser processing head is shown. While embodiments are described in the context of connecting an optical component to a laser processing head due to certain conditions common to laser cutting tables, this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to other fiber optic connections, particularly in other applications where reduction of debris or other contaminants or reduction of wear or abrasion is desired. System 100 may include a laser receiver 106 that receives a laser connector 104 at the downstream end of the optical component 102, the optical component 102 transmitting laser light downstream from a laser (not shown) to the laser connector 104. The laser receiver 106 connects the laser connector 104 to the optical component 108 of the laser processing head. The optical component 108 may include any number of different structures for focusing a laser beam LB emitted from the optical component 102, for connecting the optical component 108 to other structures, for protecting the optical component 108, for collimation, for combining the laser beam LB, for splitting the laser beam LB, for shaping the laser beam LB, or for other purposes. For example, optics 108 may include one or more lenses for focusing the laser beam LB, such as a first lens 110 and a second lens 112. Optics 108 may include one or more shielding elements, such as an upstream shielding element 114 and a downstream shielding element 116, for shielding the environment from debris or other contaminants.

[0019] System 100 can make optical components 108 susceptible to debris or other contaminants that could cause damage or deterioration. For example, the outer surface 122 of the laser connector 104 may directly contact the inner surface 124 of the laser receiver 106. This direct contact can cause contact wear and / or fretting wear when system 100 moves at high acceleration, for example, during a cutting process and / or when the laser connector 104 is connected to the laser receiver 106. Contact wear and / or fretting wear can be particularly problematic when both the outer surface 122 and the inner surface 124 are made of metallic materials, but wear problems can also occur due to contact between non-metallic materials.

[0020] The structural junction between the laser receiver 106 and the optics 108 of the known system 100 can expose the optics 108 to debris or other contaminants that could cause damage or deterioration. For example, the downstream end 118 of the laser receiver 106 may be a plane that directly intersects with the plane of the upstream end 120 of the optics 108. However, debris or other contaminants can pass through this junction and enter the interior of the optics 108. This direct junction can also lead to contact wear and / or fretting wear when the system 100 moves at high acceleration, for example, during a cutting process. Contact wear and / or fretting wear can be particularly problematic when both the downstream end 118 and the upstream end 120 are made of metallic materials, but wear problems can also arise from contact between non-metallic materials.

[0021] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to systems for connecting fiber optic cables to optics in a laser processing head. The system may include several features that protect the optics from debris or other contaminants and / or reduce the incidence of contact wear and / or fretting wear that leads to the formation of such debris or other contaminants. For example, the system may prevent direct contact between the connector and the optics radially inward of the seal to reduce or eliminate the chance of contact wear and / or fretting wear, thereby protecting the optics from debris or other contaminants. More detailed below and as... Figure 2A-5 These and other aspects of this disclosure are illustrated.

[0022] Figure 2A A schematic cross-sectional view of a system 200 for connecting an optical fiber cable 202 and focusing a laser beam LB received from the optical fiber cable 202, according to some aspects of this disclosure, is shown.

[0023] Figure 2B Show Figure 2AAn enlarged view of system 200 within area A. System 200 may include optics 208 that can focus a laser beam LB emitted from a laser of a laser processing head. Optics 208 may include any features, structures, relationships, etc., previously described with respect to optics 108, including, for example, a first lens 210, a second lens 212, an upstream shield 214, and a downstream shield 216. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” as used herein refer to positions relative to the emission direction of the laser beam LB. System 200 may additionally include connectors, such as a first connector 204. The terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used as a naming convention in this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure to any particular number of structures. For example, the term “second” may refer to two or more structures with the same name, but in alternative embodiments, even when a structure is named a “second” structure, only a single said structure may exist. In other words, the term “second” may cover embodiments having at least two structures, but is not intended to limit this disclosure to multiple structures.

[0024] The first connector 204 can be connected to the upstream end 220 of the optics 208 and can optically connect the fiber optic cable 202 of the laser processing head to the optics 208. For example, the first connector 204 may include an interior 240 that defines an optical path through the first connector 204 and to the optics 208. The system 200 may also include a seal, such as a first seal 226. The first seal 226 may occupy a recess 228 between the upstream end 220 of the optics 208 and the downstream end 218 of the first connector 204. In an embodiment, the first seal 226 may be compressible and can be compressed within the recess 228 between the downstream end 218 of the first connector 204 and the upstream end 220 of the optics 208.

[0025] When the first connector 204 is connected to the optics 208, the first connector 204 and the optics 208 may define a gap between the first connector 204 and the optics 208 on the radially inner side of the first seal 226. In this case, the radially inner side may include a three-dimensional virtual region defined by the first seal 226. The three-dimensional virtual region may circumferentially define the first seal 226. The three-dimensional virtual region may extend along the optical axis a of the system 200 from the bottom (or the downstream portion) of the first seal 226 to the top (or the upstream portion) of the first seal 226. In an embodiment, when the first connector 204 is connected to the optics 208, the first connector 204 and the optics 208 may define a gap between the first connector 204 and the optics 208 such that on the radially inner side of the first seal 226 (e.g., at any point within the previously described three-dimensional virtual region), no portion of the first connector 204 directly contacts any portion of the optics 208. Therefore, the first connector 204 and the optics 208 can be constructed and arranged to prevent direct contact between any part of the first connector 204 and any part of the optics 208 within a three-dimensional virtual region (including the interior 230 from the first seal 226 to the optics 208). By preventing direct contact between the first connector 204 and the optics 208 within the first seal 226, the incidence of contact wear and / or fretting wear can be reduced or eliminated within the area defined by the first seal 226. This protects the optics 208 because the first seal 226 prevents debris or other contaminants from reaching the optics 208 from locations outside the boundary of the first seal 226, and because the construction and arrangement of the first connector 204 and the optics 208 prevent direct contact between the first connector 204 and the optics 208 within the boundary of the first seal 226.

[0026] In one embodiment, the upstream end 220 of the optics 208 may include a support, such as a first support 232. The first support 232 may receive a first seal 226. In one embodiment, the first support 232 may removably receive the first seal 226, facilitating cleaning of the system 200. In one embodiment, the first support 232 may substantially or completely shield the first seal 226 from scattered light. The upstream end 220 of the optics 208 may additionally include a second support 234 arranged radially outward relative to the first support 232. The upstream end 220 may also include an inner surface 236. The inner surface 236 may be arranged radially inward of the first support 232, between the interior 230 and the first support 232. The first support 232 and the second support 234 may each be recessed downstream relative to the inner surface 236. In one embodiment, the second support 234 may be recessed downstream relative to the first support 232. Alternatively, in embodiments not shown, the first support 232 and the second support 234 may be at the same level, or the first support 232 may be recessed downstream relative to the second support 234. The first seal 226, when placed within the recess 228, may extend upstream beyond the inner surface 236, preventing debris or other contaminants from passing through the first seal 226 and reaching the inner surface 236.

[0027] The upstream end 220 may also include a flange 238 that centers the first connector 204 when it is connected to the optics 208. That is, the flange 238 aligns the center of the interior 240 of the first connector 204 with the center of the interior 230 of the optics 208 to optimize the optical path between the first connector 204 and the optics 208. Alternatively, a cylindrical pin or other mechanical element may be used to align the center of the interior 240 of the first connector 204 with the center of the interior 230 of the optics 208 to optimize the optical path between the first connector 204 and the optics 208. The flange 238 may be radially outside the first seal 226, the inner surface 236, the first support 232, and / or the second support 234. The flange 238 may project upstream, i.e., away from the second support 234. In an embodiment, the flange 238 may project upstream beyond the inner surface 236.

[0028] The first connector 204 may include a plurality of features complementary to one or more features of the optics 208, such that when the first connector 204 is connected to the optics 208, the features prevent direct contact between the first connector 204 and the optics 208 on the radially inward side of the first seal 226, as previously described. For example, the downstream end 218 of the first connector 204 may include a flange 242. The flange 242 may project radially outward, and when the first connector 204 is connected to the optics 208, the flange may abut against the flange 238 of the optics 208. In an embodiment, the flange 242 of the first connector 204 and the flange 238 of the optics 208 may be configured and arranged such that when the first connector 204 is connected to the optics 208, the flange 242 of the first connector 204 and the flange 238 of the optics 208 maintain separation between the first connector 204 and the optics 208 on the radially inward side of the first seal 226, as previously described. For example, the flange 242 of the first connector 204 and the flange 238 of the optics 208 can be constructed and arranged such that the mating between the flange 242 of the first connector 204 and the flange 238 of the optics 208 can maintain the separation of the first connector 204 and the optics 208 on the radially inner side of the first seal 226, as previously described.

[0029] The first connector 204 may further include a protrusion 244. The protrusion 244 may project downstream. The protrusion 244 may be complementary to the second support 234. For example, when the first connector 204 is connected to the optics 208, the protrusion 244 may rest within the second support 234. The protrusion 244 and the second support 234 may be configured and arranged such that when the first connector 204 is connected to the optics 208, the protrusion 244 and the second support 234 may maintain separation between the first connector 204 and the optics 208 radially inward of the first seal 226, as previously described. For example, the first connector 204 may include an inner surface 246. The inner surface 246 may extend between the interior 240 of the first connector 204 and the protrusion 244. The protrusion 244 may project downstream from the inner surface 246. The protrusion 244 protrudes downstream from the inner surface 246 of the first connector 204 by a certain amount, and the second support 234 is recessed downstream from the inner surface 236 of the optical element 208 by a certain amount, such that when the first connector 204 and the optical element 208 are connected, the protrusion 244 rests within the second support 234 and maintains the separation between the inner surface 236 of the optical element 208 and the inner surface 246 of the first connector 204. In an embodiment, the recess 228 may be defined by the first support 232, the inner surface 246 of the first connector 204, and the protrusion 244.

[0030] In one embodiment, the protrusion 244 may include a recess 256. The recess 256 secures the first seal 226 to the first connector 204. According to this configuration, when the first connector 204 is separated from the optics 208, the first seal 226 remains secured to the first connector 204, facilitating cleaning of the interior of the optics 208 and / or the first connector 204. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusion 244 may be configured without a recess 256. In some such embodiments, the optics 208 may include a recess (not shown) that secures the first seal 226 to the optics 208, facilitating cleaning of the interior of the optics 208 and / or the first connector 204. For example, the optics 208 may include a recess (not shown) cut into the optics 208 between the inner surface 236 and the first support 232.

[0031] In an embodiment, the fiber optic cable 202 may include a second connector 206 at the downstream end of the fiber optic cable 202. Figure 2A The second connector 206 can be connected to the first connector 204, and when connected, can optically communicate with the first connector 204. In this way, the first connector 204 can be used as an adapter to connect the second connector 206 to the optics 208, which improves the compatibility of the system 200. The interior 240 of the first connector 204 can be configured and arranged to receive the second connector 206.

[0032] The first connector 204 may include several features that reduce or eliminate contact wear and / or micro-vibration wear between the first connector 204 and the second connector 206, and / or prevent debris or other contaminants associated with the connection between the first connector 204 and the second connector 206 from reaching the optics 208. For example, the first connector 204 may include a second seal 248 that receives the downstream end 250 of the second connector 206. In an embodiment, the second seal 248 may be interposed between the downstream end 250 of the second connector 206 and all inner surfaces defining the interior 240 of the first connector 204 to prevent direct contact between the downstream end 250 of the second connector 206 and the inner surfaces defining the interior 240 of the first connector 204. In an embodiment, the second seal 248 may be an annular seal that partially or completely surrounds the downstream end 250 of the second connector 206 when it is connected to the first connector 204. The second seal 248 is located downstream of any direct junction between the first connector 204 and the second connector 206, and therefore prevents debris or other contaminants generated at any direct junction between the first connector 204 and the second connector 206. For example, the second connector 206 may include an outer surface 222, and the interior 240 of the first connector 204 may include an inner surface 224. When the second connector 206 is connected to the first connector 204, the outer surface 222 may form a direct junction 252 with the inner surface 224, which may cause contact wear, fretting wear, particle generation, etc. Since the second seal 248 is located downstream of the junction 252, it prevents debris or other contaminants generated at the junction 252 from reaching the optical element 208.

[0033] In an embodiment, the optics 208 can be provided without the upstream shield 214, which prevents focal shift that might otherwise be caused by the presence of the upstream shield 214. Due to the features of the previously described system 200 that prevent or mitigate the generation of debris or other contaminants and / or prevent debris or other contaminants from reaching the optics 208, the optics 208 can be protected from debris or other contaminants without the upstream shield 214.

[0034] System 200 may include a fastener 254, schematically shown, which connects the first connector 204 and the optics 208. Fastener 254 may include, for example, threads, bolts, clamps, combinations thereof, and other possibilities. After assembling, for example, fiber optic cable 202, second connector 206, junction 252, and first connector 204, the interior space 240 can be cleaned. This can be achieved by opening fastener 254 and separating the downstream end 218 from the upstream end 220 without disconnecting fiber optic cable 202 and second connector 206, thereby providing access to the interior 240. Because access to the interior 240 is possible without disconnecting fiber optic cable 202 and second connector 206, the second seal 248 prevents dirt and debris upstream of the second seal 248 from falling into the optics 208.

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the second seal 348 is shown. The second seal 348 may be an aspect of the first connector 304 and may include the features, structures, and relationships previously described with respect to the second seal 248 and the first connector 204, as may also include the features, structures, and relationships described with respect to the second seal 348 and the first connector 304. The second seal 348 may be an openable and closable rolling seal. For example, the second seal 348 may be biased in a closed position. In the closed position, when the downstream end 350 of the second connector is inserted into the first connector 304, the inner end 356 of the second seal 348 may clamp the downstream end 350 (e.g., apply pressure to the downstream end) to seal the downstream region of the first connector 304 against debris or other contaminants generated upstream of the second seal 348. The outer end 358 of the second seal 348 may be manipulated (e.g., pressed downstream) to overcome inward bias and to move the inner end 356 radially outward and open the second seal 348. Opening the second seal 348 facilitates the insertion and / or removal of the downstream end 350 and reduces or eliminates wear because the second seal 348 allows the downstream end 350 to be inserted into the first connector 304 without contacting other parts of the first connector 304 except for the second seal 348. The first connector 304 may include a window 359 for accessing the outer end 358 of the second seal 348 to open and close the second seal 348.

[0036] Figure 4A A schematic cross-sectional view of a system 400 for connecting an optical fiber cable 402 and focusing a laser beam LB received from the optical fiber cable 402, according to some aspects of this disclosure, is shown.

[0037] Figure 4B Show Figure 4AAn enlarged view of system 400 within area A. System 400 may include the features, structures, relationships, etc., previously described with respect to system 200, and system 200 may also include the features, structures, relationships, etc., previously described with respect to system 400. For example, system 400 may include fiber optic cable 402 and connector 404 (which may include the features, structures, relationships, etc., previously described with reference to the first connector 204). System 400 may additionally include optics 408, which may include a first lens 410, a second lens 412, an upstream shield 414, a downstream shield 416, an upstream end 420, and an interior 430, all previously described and having the same features as those described for corresponding components of optics 208. As with system 200, the upstream shield 414 and the downstream shield 416 are optional. System 400 may include a seal 426 (which may include the features, structures, relationships, etc., previously described with respect to the first seal 226) that can be placed within a recess 428. The upstream end 420 may include a first support 432, a second support 434, an inner surface 436, and a flange 438, as previously described. The downstream end 418 of the connector 404 may define an interior 440. The downstream end 418 of the connector 404 may include a flange 442, a protrusion 444, a notch 456, and an inner surface 446, as previously described. The system 400 may include a fastener 454, as previously described.

[0038] The difference between system 400 and system 200 is that connector 404 can be directly connected to fiber optic cable 402, eliminating the need for the previously described second connector 206 and / or laser receiver 106. Directly connecting connector 404 to fiber optic cable 402 without using an intermediary connector eliminates sources of contact wear and / or fretting wear, simplifies system 400, reduces costs, improves manufacturability, and offers other advantages, making it advantageous.

[0039] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a laser processing head 10 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. The laser processing head 10 may include a laser 560, previously described as capable of generating a laser beam. The laser processing head 10 may include a fiber optic cable 502, previously described, which is capable of optical communication with the laser 560. The laser processing head 10 may include a system 500, which is connectable to and optically communicates with the fiber optic cable 502. The system 500 may be either the previously described system 200 or system 400.

[0040] It should be understood that the foregoing description provides examples of the invention. However, other embodiments of the invention are contemplated that may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the invention or examples thereof are intended to refer to the specific examples being discussed at the time and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the invention in a more general sense. All distinguishing and derogatory language regarding certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but does not, unless otherwise indicated, exclude those features entirely from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system comprising: Optical components configured to receive laser beams, A connector configured to connect to the upstream end of the optics and configured to optically transmit the laser beam from the fiber optic cable to the optics; as well as A sealing element configured to rest within a recess between the upstream end of the optical element and the downstream end of the connector. A portion of the connector and a portion of the optics are configured to maintain separation between the connector and the optics on the radially inner side of the seal when the connector is connected to the optics.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The optical element defines the interior, and The portion of the connector and the portion of the optics are configured to define a gap from the seal to the interior of the optics in the entire three-dimensional region between the connector and the optics when the connector is connected to the optics, and to prevent any direct contact between the connector and the optics.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the upstream end of the optics includes a support, and the seal is configured to rest within the support.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The downstream end of the connector includes an inner surface and a protrusion extending downstream beyond the inner surface, and The recess is defined by the support, the inner surface, and the protrusion.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The upstream end of the optical component includes an inner surface. The support is recessed downstream from the inner surface of the upstream end of the optical element, and The portion of the connector and the portion of the optics are configured to prevent direct contact between the inner surface of the connector and the inner surface of the optics when the connector is connected to the optics.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The upstream end of the optical element includes a flange projecting upstream, and The flange is configured such that when the connector is connected to the optics, the center of the interior of the connector is aligned with the center of the interior of the optics.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The downstream end of the connector includes a radially outwardly projecting flange. The portion of the optical element includes the flange at the upstream end of the optical element. The portion of the connector includes the flange at the downstream end of the connector, and The flange at the downstream end of the connector and the flange at the upstream end of the optics are configured to abut against each other when the connector is connected to the optics to maintain separation between the connector and the optics on the radially inner side of the seal.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The downstream end of the connector includes a protrusion that projects downstream. The upstream end of the optical component includes a support, and The support is configured to receive the protrusion when the connector is connected to the optics.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The portion of the optical component includes the support. The portion of the connector includes the protrusion. The protrusion and the support are configured such that when the connector is connected to the optics, the protrusion rests within the support and maintains the separation between the connector and the optics on the radially inner side of the seal.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The upstream end of the optical component includes a flange projecting upstream. The downstream end of the connector includes a radially outwardly projecting flange. The portion of the optical element further includes the flange at the upstream end of the optical element. The portion of the connector further includes the flange at the downstream end of the connector, and The flange at the downstream end of the connector and the flange at the upstream end of the optics are configured to abut against each other when the connector is connected to the optics to maintain separation between the connector and the optics on the radially inner side of the seal.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein when the seal is within the recess, the flange at the upstream end of the optics, the flange at the downstream end of the connector, the support, and the protrusion are radially outside the seal.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The connector is a first connector, and the system further includes a second connector. The second connector is connected to the fiber optic cable, and The first connector is configured to receive the second connector inside the first connector.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the seal is a first seal, and the system further includes a second seal within the interior of the first connector.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: The outer surface of the second connector is configured to directly contact the inner surface of the first connector when the second connector is received inside the first connector to define a junction. The second seal is located downstream of the junction.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein when the first seal is within the recess, the second seal is upstream of the first seal.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the connector is directly connected to the optical fiber cable.

17. A laser processing head, comprising: A laser configured to generate a laser beam; Fiber optic cable, which communicates optically with the laser; A connector that communicates optically with the fiber optic cable; An optical component that is in optical communication with the connector and connected to the downstream end of the connector, the optical component being configured to receive the laser beam; as well as A sealing element configured to rest within a recess between the upstream end of the optical element and the downstream end of the connector. A portion of the connector and a portion of the optics are configured to maintain separation between the connector and the optics on the radially inner side of the seal when the connector is connected to the optics.

18. The laser processing head according to claim 17, wherein: The optical element defines the interior, and The portion of the connector and the portion of the optics are configured to define a gap from the seal to the interior of the optics in the entire three-dimensional region between the connector and the optics when the connector is connected to the optics, and to prevent any direct contact between the connector and the optics.

19. The laser processing head according to claim 17, wherein: The portion of the optical element includes a flange at the upstream end of the optical element. The portion of the connector includes a flange at the downstream end of the connector, and The flange at the downstream end of the connector and the flange at the upstream end of the optics are configured to abut against each other when the connector is connected to the optics to maintain separation between the connector and the optics on the radially inner side of the seal.

20. The laser processing head according to claim 17, wherein: The portion of the connector includes a protrusion at the downstream end of the connector. The portion of the optical element includes a support at the upstream end of the optical element, and The support and the protrusion are configured such that when the connector is connected to the optics, the protrusion rests within the support and maintains the separation between the connector and the optics on the radially inner side of the seal.

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