Nozzle unit for lateral shielding gas supply of laser processing head and laser processing head having same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a nozzle unit for lateral shielding gas supply of a laser processing head, the nozzle unit comprising: a shielding gas nozzle; a holding device to which the protective gas nozzle is fixed; and an adapter for fixing the holding device to the laser processing head, wherein the holding device and the adapter are detachably coupled to each other by means of magnetic force. The disclosure also relates to a laser machining head having such a nozzle unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nozzle unit for lateral protective gas supply for a laser processing head, particularly for a laser welding head, and a laser processing head, particularly a laser welding head, having such a nozzle unit. Background Technology

[0002] Laser cladding welding (hereinafter referred to as "cladding welding") is an additive manufacturing method in which cladding material is fed into a processing area on a workpiece, such as a metal workpiece, and melted and joined to the workpiece, particularly welded together, by a laser beam. The laser welding head radiates a laser beam from a laser source or the end of a laser fiber onto the processing area on the workpiece. If the cladding material is fed in the form of a wire, it can also be called (laser) wire cladding welding. In this case, for example, a wire feeder feeds the wire (also called welding wire) into the processing area.

[0003] In laser processing, particularly in laser welding or laser cladding, it is advantageous to supply a shielding gas to the processing zone, for example, to protect the workpiece material or cladding material from the influence of the ambient atmosphere. The shielding gas supply can be coaxial, where the shielding gas flow is at least partially rotational or axisymmetric relative to the laser beam axis. Alternatively, the shielding gas supply can be lateral, where the shielding gas is introduced into the processing zone outside the laser beam axis, or at an angle relative to the beam axis.

[0004] For lateral protective gas supply, a protective gas nozzle is typically used, which is positioned externally to the laser processing head housing or fixed to its side. Here, it is essential to protect the protective gas nozzle from collisions with other objects, such as workpieces, welded structures, or components of the laser processing equipment. A collision can be considered an accidental contact between the protective gas nozzle and other objects, particularly the workpiece. Protection is necessary to safeguard the protective gas nozzle, laser processing head, workpiece, and machine from damage caused by such collisions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide an improved nozzle unit for the lateral protective gas supply of laser processing heads, particularly laser welding heads.

[0006] In particular, one objective of the present invention is to provide a nozzle unit with improved collision protection. Specifically, one objective is to provide a nozzle unit that prevents the protective gas nozzle from being damaged upon collision with other objects.

[0007] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to provide a nozzle unit with improved adjustability. Additionally, another objective of the present invention is to provide a nozzle unit with improved adaptability to different diameters of protective gas nozzles.

[0008] In addition, another task is to provide a laser processing head, particularly a laser welding head, with such a nozzle unit.

[0009] At least one of the tasks is solved by the subject matter of the preferred technical solution. Advantageous implementations and extensions are the subject matter of the corresponding alternative technical solutions.

[0010] This invention is based on the understanding that conventional protective gas nozzles are rigidly connected to the laser processing head. Furthermore, conventional nozzle units are typically constructed as rigid components, i.e., all elements are fixedly connected together. The basic concept of this invention is to mount the protective gas nozzle on the laser processing head in such a way that the connection can be released when the protective gas nozzle collides with an obstacle or when an (accidental) external force is applied to it. This prevents the protective gas nozzle from bending and thus being damaged or even destroyed. According to the invention, for this purpose, the two elements of the nozzle unit are magnetically coupled to each other, allowing the protective gas nozzle to be detachably coupled or fixed to the laser processing head. In this disclosure, "detachable" means "reversibly detachable." Furthermore, this allows for easy replacement of components of the nozzle unit, particularly the protective gas nozzle itself.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a nozzle unit for lateral protective gas supply to a laser processing head is provided. The nozzle unit includes: a protective gas nozzle; a holding device for fixing the protective gas nozzle; and an adapter for fixing the nozzle unit to the laser processing head. The holding device and the adapter are detachably coupled to each other by magnetic force. The magnetic coupling between the holding device and the adapter can also be referred to as magnetic coupling.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a laser processing head is provided, comprising: a housing; and a nozzle unit according to one aspect or embodiment of this disclosure, wherein the adapter is fixed to the housing, particularly on the outside of the housing and / or on the cantilever of the housing.

[0013] The aspects and embodiments of this disclosure may have one or more of the following optional features.

[0014] Therefore, the retaining device can be detachably coupled to or detachably connected to the adapter. In this way, in the event of a collision between the protective gas nozzle and an object or the application of an external force, the protective gas nozzle (and the retaining device) can be detached from the laser processing head independently of other components of the laser processing head, such as the wire feeder.

[0015] The protective gas nozzle can be detachably fixed to the retaining device, or it can be fixedly connected to the retaining device. The protective gas nozzle and the retaining device can be integrally formed and / or constructed as consumable parts.

[0016] The housing may have flanges, outwardly projecting flanges, and / or cantilever for securing the adapter or nozzle unit.

[0017] The adapter can be removably secured to the housing, particularly to the housing's flanges, outwardly projecting flanges, and / or cantilever, and / or can be fixed there. The adapter can be configured to removably secure the nozzle unit or retaining device to the housing of the laser processing head, for example, via threaded, bolted, or clamping connections. The adapter can be constructed as a clamping element, particularly a C-clamping element and / or a helical clamping element.

[0018] The magnitude or strength of the magnetic force can be selected such that the adapter and retaining device disengage from each other from or once a predetermined external force is applied (e.g., acting on the protective gas nozzle). The predetermined external force can be specified as an external force with a predetermined value and / or a predetermined direction. The predetermined external force can be an unexpected and / or sudden external force. The external force may originate from a collision between the protective gas nozzle and another object, particularly a workpiece, and can be transmitted to other components of the nozzle unit, such as the retaining device or the adapter. When determining whether an external force is applied, the magnetic force and / or gravity that typically act on the retaining device with the protective gas nozzle in the coupled state can be ignored. The magnitude of the magnetic force can be selected such that gravity acting on the retaining device and the protective gas nozzle (especially in the coupled state) does not cause the magnetic coupling to disengage.

[0019] The detachment of magnetic coupling can mean that the retaining device and the adapter, particularly the magnetic unit and the coupling region, especially the coupling surface and the magnetic cup of the coupling region, or the magnet of the magnetic unit disposed therein, are moved away from each other to such a degree that the coupling magnetic force is overcome by other forces (such as the gravity acting on the retaining device and the protective gas nozzle, as well as external forces). After the magnetic coupling is detached, the adapter and the retaining device, particularly the coupling surface and the magnetic cup, can become detached from each other and / or no longer in contact.

[0020] The release mechanism ensures that the retaining device can be detached from the adapter in the event of a collision between the nozzle unit and the protective gas nozzle. This prevents components of the nozzle unit, particularly the protective gas nozzle or the retaining device, from bending and being damaged by external forces.

[0021] One of the adapter and retaining device can be configured as a magnetic unit, and the other can be configured as a ferromagnetic unit. Magnetic force for coupling the adapter and retaining device can be provided by the magnetic unit and the ferromagnetic unit. The magnetic unit may include a magnet. The magnetic unit may also include a magnetic cup in which the magnet is disposed. The ferromagnetic unit may include a coupling region for magnetic coupling with the magnetic unit. The ferromagnetic unit and / or the coupling region may include a ferromagnetic portion made of or composed of a ferromagnetic material.

[0022] The magnet can have a rectangular cross-section and / or be constructed in a cuboid shape. The magnet can be constructed as rotationally symmetric and / or cylindrical. The magnetic cup can be constructed as a hollow cylinder with an opening on one side and / or have an opening. The magnetic cup can have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the magnet's cross-section (perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic force and / or perpendicular to the coupling surface in the coupled state). The magnet can be inserted into the magnetic cup. The magnetic cup can be ferromagnetic and / or can be composed of ferromagnetic materials. The magnet can be fixed to the magnetic cup, particularly at the bottom of the magnetic cup. The magnet can be glued into the magnetic cup. Alternatively, the magnet can be fixed to the magnetic cup solely by magnetic force. In this case, the magnetic force used to fix the magnet in the magnetic cup can be greater than the magnetic force used to couple the magnetic unit to the ferromagnetic unit. The depth of the magnetic cup can be equal to or greater than the height of the magnet. The end face of the magnet can be flush with the end face of the magnetic cup.

[0023] The magnetic unit may include a positioning element. The shape of the coupling region and the shape of the positioning element can be adapted to each other and / or the magnitude of the magnetic force can be selected such that the magnetic unit is coupled to the ferromagnetic unit by magnetic force in a predetermined orientation, particularly in the absence of external force. The shape of the coupling region and the shape of the positioning element can be adapted to each other and / or the magnitude of the magnetic force can be selected such that when the magnetic unit is near the coupling surface, the ferromagnetic unit automatically orients, centers, or positions itself to a predetermined orientation (referred to as automatic orientation, automatic centering, or automatic positioning). This makes it possible to effortlessly position the holding device or magnetic unit in a predetermined orientation at all times.

[0024] The coupling region and the positioning element can be inserted into and / or engaged with each other. The positioning element can be formed on the magnetic cup, particularly at the edge of the magnetic cup. The positioning element can be formed on the end face of the magnetic unit, particularly the end face of the magnetic cup (or the edge of the magnetic cup), and / or on the outside of the magnetic unit, particularly the outside of the magnetic cup (or the edge of the magnetic cup). The positioning element can be integrally formed with the magnetic unit, the magnetic cup, or the edge. The edge of the magnetic cup can surround the opening of the magnetic cup. The edge of the magnetic cup can include the end face of the magnetic cup. The end face can form part of the edge.

[0025] The coupling region may include a coupling surface. The coupling surface may face the magnetic unit, particularly a magnetic cup and / or magnet. The coupling surface may be flat.

[0026] In the coupled state, the coupling surface can be in contact with the end face of the magnetic cup and / or the end face of the magnet. The coupling surface may include or be composed of a ferromagnetic material for magnetic coupling with the magnetic unit. Magnetic forces for the coupling holding device and adapter can act between the ferromagnetic unit and the magnetic unit, particularly between the coupling region (or the coupling surface of the coupling region) and the magnet and / or the magnetic cup. The magnetic force can extend perpendicular to the coupling surface.

[0027] "Coupled in a predetermined orientation" can mean that the magnetic unit is twisted about a rotation axis perpendicular to the coupling surface until a predetermined external force is applied, particularly in the case of not loosening the magnetic coupling of the adapter and retaining device, which is prevented. Here, the predetermined external force can be specified as an external force in a first direction having a predetermined value. The twisting of the magnetic unit can also be defined as about a rotation axis parallel to the magnetic force and / or coaxial with the axis of the magnetic cup and / or magnet. When an external force in the first direction reaches or exceeds the predetermined value, the magnetic unit can be allowed to twist about a rotation axis perpendicular to the coupling surface, and / or the magnetic coupling can be loosened.

[0028] Under the action of a predetermined external force, the magnetic unit may be allowed to tilt about an axis parallel to the coupling surface of the coupling region. Here, the predetermined external force can be an external force in a second direction with a predetermined value (magnitude) greater than zero. The tilt of the magnetic unit can be defined as about an axis perpendicular to the central axis or axis of symmetry of the magnetic force or magnetic cup and / or magnet. The predetermined external force can typically be an external force acting on the magnetic unit.

[0029] The coupling region can be constructed as a recess in a ferromagnetic unit. This recess may also be referred to as an inner groove. The recess may include a coupling surface. The recess may include an edge defining the coupling surface. The edge of the magnetic cup can be inserted into the recess, particularly when the adapter and retaining device are coupled to each other. The edge of the recess and / or the magnetic cup can be non-rotationally symmetric. The edge of the recess and / or the magnetic cup can have a non-rotationally symmetric periphery. The edge of the recess and / or the magnetic cup can have a circular periphery except for at least one peripheral region with a different shape. The peripheral region with a different shape can be straight, and / or can have a chordal shape. Regions of the magnetic cup edge that deviate from rotational symmetry, or peripheral regions of the magnetic cup edge with different shapes, can be considered as positioning elements.

[0030] The positioning element can be constructed as a positioning protrusion. The positioning protrusion can be constructed as a protruding or raised element. The positioning protrusion can protrude from the end face and / or outer side of the magnetic unit (especially the magnetic cup). The coupling region, especially the coupling surface, can have a correspondingly shaped notch into which the positioning protrusion (in the coupled state) is inserted. The positioning protrusion can be prismatic. The positioning protrusion can gradually taper away from the magnetic unit or magnetic cup. The base of the prism can be located on the end face of the magnetic unit or magnetic cup. The positioning protrusion can start from the base and gradually taper away from the end face.

[0031] The positioning protrusion may have two opposing sides. Each of these sides may form an angle of less than 90° or less than 75°, preferably about 45°, with a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the magnetic cup, and / or the sides may form a support surface for support within a notch in the coupling region. The two sides may move closer together as they move away from the magnetic unit or magnetic cup. The positioning protrusion may have a trapezoidal cross-section. The normal to each side may be perpendicular to the radial direction of the magnetic cup and / or magnet. The normals to the two sides may lie in a single plane.

[0032] The notch in the coupling region can be formed to correspond to the positioning protrusion. The notch in the coupling region can be constructed as a prism. The sides of the notch can form contact surfaces or friction surfaces for shearing the magnetic unit and the coupling region. The support of the positioning protrusion in the notch of the coupling region (or the support of the two sides of the positioning protrusion on the contact surface) can be generally regarded as a support point.

[0033] The notch in the coupling region can open to the side corresponding to the outer side of the magnetic cup. When the adapter is fixed to the laser processing head and the device and adapter are coupled together, and / or when the laser processing head is running closest to the workpiece, the notch in the coupling region and the positioning protrusion on the end face can each be formed at the lowest position along the direction of gravity. The notch can be located in the lower region of the edge of the coupling region.

[0034] According to alternative embodiments, positioning elements or protrusions may be formed on the coupling region, while notches may be formed on the magnetic unit. The foregoing description applies accordingly where applicable.

[0035] The magnetic unit can contact the ferromagnetic unit at three support points. In this disclosure, "contact" should be understood as synonymous with "touching". A positioning element or two support surfaces of a positioning element can form a support point. The magnetic unit can have two additional support elements, each forming a support point. The support elements can be disposed on the end face of the magnetic unit (particularly a magnetic cup), and / or can protrude from the end face. When the magnetic unit and the ferromagnetic unit are coupled, the support elements can be supported on the coupling surface. Alternatively, the support elements can also be formed on the coupling surface. Such a three-point support can provide anti-overturning stable support on the coupling surface.

[0036] The retaining device may also include a clamping device by which the protective gas nozzle is replaceably fixed to the retaining device. The clamping device is adjustable for different diameters of the protective gas nozzle. Thus, the nozzle unit can be adjusted for protective gas nozzles of different diameters depending on the application.

[0037] The protective gas nozzle can be constructed as a tube or include a tube. The tube may have a substantially cylindrical section and / or may have a tapered end. The tapered end may have two flat-cut sides. The protective gas nozzle or the tube may be made of or include metal, particularly copper.

[0038] The clamping device may have a first clamping element with a first, particularly V-shaped notch, and a second clamping element with a second, particularly V-shaped notch. The first and second notches may be opposite each other in a predetermined direction. The two clamping elements may be movable relative to each other in the predetermined direction to clamp the protective gas nozzle between the clamping elements. Protective gas nozzles of different diameters can be used with the clamping device. The protective gas nozzle may be clamped between the V-shaped notches.

[0039] The first clamping element can be connected to a magnetic unit, particularly a magnetic cup. The first and / or second notches can be initially parallel and then V-shaped.

[0040] The holding device may also include an adjusting device. This adjusting device allows adjustment of the position of the protective gas nozzle relative to the adapter and / or relative to the laser processing head housing and / or relative to the beam propagation direction of the laser beam and / or relative to the magnetic unit. The adjusting device may be constructed as a plate with an elongated hole. Therefore, the position of the adjusting device or the protective gas nozzle can be adjusted along the direction of the elongated hole. The adjusting device can be releasably fixed to the magnetic unit by a clamping screw of the holding device. The adjusting device can also be fixedly connected to the clamping device or the protective gas nozzle.

[0041] A laser processing head can be configured to radiate a laser beam onto a processing area on a workpiece. The laser processing head may have at least one optical element for light guiding and / or beam shaping. In particular, the laser processing head may include focusing optics for focusing the laser beam onto the workpiece. Furthermore, the laser processing head may include collimating optics for collimating the laser beam. The laser processing head may include a housing. The focusing optics and collimating optics may be disposed within the housing. The housing of the laser processing head may define the optical space of the laser processing head.

[0042] Laser processing heads can be configured as laser welding heads. Laser processing heads can be adapted and / or constructed for laser processing, particularly laser welding, and preferably laser cladding welding of workpieces.

[0043] Furthermore, the laser processing head may include a wire feeding device for feeding welding wire into the processing area on the workpiece. The feeding of the welding wire may be at least partially concentric with the laser beam. This may mean that the wire feeding direction and the beam propagation direction of the laser beam are at least partially coaxial with each other. Additionally, the laser processing head may include at least one additional optical element, such as an axial prism and / or a prism, for forming a ring-shaped laser beam and / or for radiating the laser beam concentrically with the wire onto the processing area on the workpiece.

[0044] The workpiece can be a metal workpiece. The cladding material and / or wire material can contain or consist of metallic materials.

[0045] The at least one magnet can maintain its magnetic force at temperatures exceeding 100°C, for example, at 200°C. The at least one magnet may comprise AlNiCo, neodymium, samarium, and / or cobalt, or be composed of or contain samarium-cobalt alloys. This ensures that the magnet maintains its magnetic force even at high temperatures, such as the high temperatures generated in the processing zone of the workpiece during laser cladding welding. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are described in detail below. The drawings are as follows.

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a laser processing head having a nozzle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] Figure 2A A schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] Figure 2B A schematic perspective view of a nozzle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figure 3A A schematic top view of a nozzle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the protective gas nozzle has been removed.

[0051] Figure 3B A schematic top view of a nozzle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the protective gas nozzle has been removed.

[0052] Figure 4A A schematic perspective view showing an adapter for a nozzle unit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 4B A schematic perspective view of the magnetic unit of the nozzle unit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Figure 5A A schematic perspective view showing an adapter for a nozzle unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 5B A schematic perspective view of the magnetic unit of the nozzle unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] Figure 5C A schematic bottom view of the adapter of the nozzle unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] Figure 5D A schematic bottom view of the magnetic unit of the nozzle unit according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0058] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of the end of a protective gas nozzle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0059] In the following text, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals are used for elements with the same or equivalent functions. The directions x, y, and z shown in the figures are coordinate axes of a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a laser processing head having a nozzle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0061] The laser processing head 100 is specifically used for cladding welding (laser cladding welding) using a laser beam 1, and therefore can also be called a laser welding head. In laser cladding welding, cladding material, as a wire 3, is fed into the processing zone 21 on the workpiece 2. Simultaneously, the laser beam 1 is radiated into the processing zone 21. As a result, the fed wire 3 melts and connects with the workpiece 2. By moving the processing zone 21, for example by moving the laser processing head 100 along the feed direction (e.g., along the x-direction), a weld 22 is formed. The weld 22 can be used to connect multiple workpieces. Additionally or alternatively, structures can be formed on the workpiece 2.

[0062] As shown in the figure, the beam propagation direction or beam axis of the laser beam 1 is parallel to the y-direction. The wire is fed along a wire feeding direction, which is coaxial with the beam propagation direction. The laser processing head 100 includes optical elements for beam guiding and beam shaping, such as lenses, objectives, mirrors, prisms, axial prisms, etc. A focusing lens 120 for focusing the laser beam 1 onto the workpiece 2 is also shown in the figure. The laser processing head 100 may also include a collimating lens (not shown) for collimating the laser beam 1. The laser processing head 100 may include other optical elements not shown. These other optical elements may include one or more axial prisms for forming the annular laser beam 1. Furthermore, the laser processing head 100 may include one or more prisms for dividing the laser beam 1 into multiple parts, and one or more mirrors for guiding the laser beam 1 around the wire 3. "Annular" can also mean that the laser beam 1 has a rotationally symmetric shape about the beam propagation direction, particularly an axisymmetric shape.

[0063] In addition, a laser source (not shown) for generating the laser beam 1 can be provided. The laser beam can be supplied to the laser processing head 100 via an optical fiber (also not shown). Furthermore, a moving device (not shown) can be provided, configured to adjust the position of the laser processing head 100 relative to the workpiece 2, particularly moving the laser processing head 100 along the feed direction. The workpiece 2, or these workpieces, can be constructed as plate-shaped and / or metal workpieces.

[0064] The laser processing head 100 includes a housing 110 in which optical elements are mounted. Furthermore, the laser processing head 100 includes a nozzle unit 200 for lateral shielding gas supply according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The nozzle unit 200 includes a shielding gas nozzle 210. The nozzle unit 200 is fixed to the housing 110, particularly to the outer side of the housing 110. Specifically, the nozzle unit 200 can be fixed to a flange or cantilever (not shown) of the housing 110. This fixing can be removable. As shown, the nozzle unit 200 can be arranged on the lower end of the housing 110, i.e., the end of the housing 110 facing the workpiece 2.

[0065] Figure 2A A schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the xy plane. Figure 2B A schematic perspective view of the nozzle unit is shown. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Top views of the nozzle unit after the protective gas nozzle has been removed are shown.

[0066] Nozzle unit 200 includes a protective gas nozzle 210. The protective gas nozzle 210 is constructed as a tube. This tube includes a generally cylindrical section 211 having a first end 213 and a second end 212 that tapers to a point. Protective gas (not shown) exits from the second end 212 and is introduced at the first end 213 of the cylindrical section 211 of the protective gas nozzle 210. The tube 210 may, for example, be made of copper. Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of the second end 212 of the cylindrical section 211 of the protective gas nozzle 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the cylindrical section 211 is cut at an angle on both sides (preferably opposite each other with respect to the central axis of the section 211) to form the second end 212, which is narrowed at the tip. Therefore, the second end 212 can be symmetrical, and in particular rotationally symmetrical.

[0067] Furthermore, the nozzle unit 200 includes a holding device 220 for holding the protective gas nozzle 210. As shown, the protective gas nozzle 210 is fixed to the holding device 220 by a cylindrical section 211, for example by clamping.

[0068] Furthermore, the nozzle unit 200 includes an adapter 230 for securing the nozzle unit 200 or the holding device 220 to the laser processing head 100. The holding device 220 and the adapter 230 are detachably coupled to each other by magnetic force. For this purpose, the holding device 220 includes a magnetic unit 240, and the adapter 230 includes a ferromagnetic unit. Although the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings as including a magnetic unit for the holding device and a ferromagnetic unit for the adapter, it is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the holding device may include a ferromagnetic unit, and the adapter may include a magnetic unit. Magnetic coupling, the magnetic unit 240, and the ferromagnetic unit will be discussed later. Figures 4A to 5D Detailed description.

[0069] The magnitude of the magnetic force is chosen such that the magnetic coupling between the adapter 230 and the retaining device 220 is disengaged when a predetermined external force is applied to the retaining device 220 or the protective gas nozzle 210. The external force may originate from a collision between the protective gas nozzle 210 and another object, particularly a workpiece. The magnitude of the magnetic force is chosen such that gravity acting on the retaining device 220 and the protective gas nozzle 210 will not cause the magnetic coupling to disengage. This ensures that the retaining device 220 can be disengaged from the adapter 230 in the event of a collision between the nozzle unit 200 or the protective gas nozzle 210.

[0070] The adapter 230 can be detachably secured to the housing 110 of the laser processing head 100. For this purpose, the adapter 230 can be configured as a C-clamp or a spiral clamp, as shown, into which a flange or cantilever of the housing 110 is inserted. To detachably secure the adapter 230 or the entire nozzle unit 200 to the housing 110, the adapter 230 includes one or more screws or bolts 231.

[0071] The retaining device 220 also includes a clamping device 221, by which the protective gas nozzle 210 can be detachably or replaceably fixed to the retaining device 220. The clamping device 221 is adjustable for different diameters of the protective gas nozzle 210, particularly the cylindrical section 211 of the protective gas nozzle 210. Thus, the nozzle unit 200 can be adjusted and used for protective gas nozzles of different diameters according to the application. Figure 3A The image shows the adjustment state of the clamping device 221 for the protective gas nozzle 210, which has a relatively large diameter. Figure 3B The clamping device 221 is shown in its adjusted state for the protective gas nozzle 210, which has a relatively small diameter.

[0072] The clamping device 221 includes a first clamping element 222 and a second clamping element 223. Each clamping element 222, 223 has a notch at its end, the notch being V-shaped, or at least including a V-shaped segment. The ends of the notched clamping elements 222, 223 are opposite each other in a predetermined direction. Figure 3A and 3B In this direction, the clamping elements 222 and 223 extend along the z-axis. The two clamping elements 222 and 223 can be movable or adjustable relative to each other along the predetermined direction. For example, the second clamping element 223 can be adjustable or adjusted relative to the first clamping element 222. For this purpose, the retaining device 220 can have a screw 224. By adjustment, the protective gas nozzle 210 can be clamped between the clamping elements 222 and 223.

[0073] The holding device 220 also includes an adjusting device 225. The adjusting device 225 allows adjustment of the position of the protective gas nozzle 210 relative to the adapter 230 and / or relative to the magnetic unit 240. This allows adjustment of the position of the protective gas nozzle relative to the laser processing head housing and / or relative to the laser beam propagation direction to ensure precise delivery of the protective gas into the processing area. As shown, the adjusting device 225 is constructed as a plate with an elongated hole. Therefore, the position of the adjusting device 225 or the protective gas nozzle 210 can be adjusted along the direction of the elongated hole. The adjusting device 225 can be releasably fixed to the magnetic unit 240 by the clamping screw 226 of the holding device 220. The adjusting device 225 is also fixedly connected to the clamping device 221 or the protective gas nozzle 210. The magnetic unit 245 may have a straight section 249 on its outer side for guiding the adjusting device 224.

[0074] Figure 4A A schematic perspective view showing an adapter for a nozzle unit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4B A schematic perspective view of the magnetic unit of the nozzle unit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter 230 includes or is configured as a ferromagnetic unit. This means that the adapter 230, or at least the coupling region 231 of the adapter 230, is composed of or includes a ferromagnetic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining device 220 further includes a magnetic unit 240 having a magnet 241 ( Figure 2A ) and magnetic cup 242. Figure 4B and 5B The magnetic unit 240 without magnet 241 is shown for clarity. Magnetic force can be provided for the magnetic coupling adapter 230 and the retaining device 220 via the magnetic unit 240 and the ferromagnetic unit.

[0076] The magnet 241 is basically cylindrical and inserted into the magnetic cup 242. For example, the magnet 241 can be glued into the magnetic cup 242. The magnetic cup 242 can also be made of ferromagnetic material. Figure 2A The diagram shows that the depth of the magnetic cup 242 is equal to the height of the magnet 241. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. The depth of the magnetic cup 242 may also be greater than the height of the magnet 241.

[0077] The coupling region 231 is constructed as a recess in a ferromagnetic unit. The coupling region 231 or recess includes a coupling surface 232 and an edge 235. The coupling surface 232 is located opposite the magnetic unit 240 and is flat. The edge 243 of the magnetic cup 242 is inserted into the recess, and when the adapter 230 and the retaining device 220 are coupled together, the coupling surface 232 and the end face 245 of the magnetic cup 240 are in contact. The recess or the edge 235 of the recess and the edge 243 of the magnetic cup 242 are non-rotationally symmetric. As shown, the recess or the edge 235 of the recess and the edge 243 of the magnetic cup 242 have circular circumferences, except for at least one peripheral region 233 or 244 of a different shape. The peripheral regions 233, 244 of different shapes can be, for example, straight. As shown, the recess or the edge 235 of the recess and the edge 243 of the magnetic cup 242 each have two peripheral regions 233 or 244 of different shapes. At edge 243, peripheral regions 244 of different shapes each form a positioning element.

[0078] The shape of the coupling region 231 and the shape of the positioning element are adapted to each other, so that the magnetic unit 240 is coupled to the adapter 230 by magnetic force in a predetermined orientation, especially in the absence of external force.

[0079] In this embodiment, when an external force (e.g., from a collision between the protective gas nozzle 210 and an object) acts on the magnetic unit 240, the magnetic unit 240 can rotate around a surface parallel to the coupling surface 232 (in... Figure 3A , 3B The axis (parallel to the yz plane) is inclined.

[0080] Figure 5A A schematic perspective view showing an adapter for a nozzle unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5B A schematic perspective view of the magnetic unit of the nozzle unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5C A schematic bottom view of the adapter of the nozzle unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5D A schematic bottom view of the magnetic unit of the nozzle unit according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0081] In this embodiment, the magnetic unit includes a positioning element 246 configured as a positioning protrusion, which is formed on the end face 245 of the magnetic cup 242, wherein the positioning element 246 is integrally formed with the magnetic cup 242. The positioning protrusion protrudes prismatically from the end face 245 of the magnetic cup 242. Thus, the positioning protrusion starts from its base on its end face 245 and gradually tapers away from the end face. The coupling surface 232 includes a correspondingly shaped notch 234 into which the positioning element 246 is inserted when the adapter 230 and the retaining device 220 are coupled to each other.

[0082] The positioning protrusion includes two opposing side surfaces 247. Each of these side surfaces 247 forms an angle of less than 90°, preferably 45°, with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the magnetic cup 242. The side surfaces 247 form support surfaces for support within the recess 234.

[0083] In this embodiment, the shape of the notch 234 and the shape of the positioning element 246 are adapted to each other, such that when the magnetic unit 240 approaches the coupling surface 232, the magnetic unit 240 is automatically positioned to a predetermined orientation (also referred to as "self-centering") by the notch 234 and the positioning element 246. This makes it possible to effortlessly position the holding device 220 or the magnetic unit 240 at the predetermined orientation.

[0084] In this embodiment, before the predetermined external force acting on the magnetic unit is achieved, the magnetic unit 240 is prevented from rotating around the coupling surface 232 perpendicular to the coupling region 231 (in... Figure 3A , 3B The magnetic unit 240 is twisted about the rotation axis (parallel to the x-axis). Twisting of the magnetic unit 240 about this rotation axis is only permitted when an external force exceeding a predetermined value is applied, and / or the magnetic coupling can be released. Side surface 247 is formed here as a friction surface for shearing the magnetic unit 240 from the coupling region 231.

[0085] The magnetic unit 240 can contact the contact surface 232 at three support points. The positioning element 246, or the two support surfaces 247 of the positioning element 246, form support points. The magnetic unit 240 may have two additional support elements 248, each forming a support point. As shown, the support elements 248 are arranged on the end face 245 of the magnetic cup 242. This allows for anti-overturning support on the coupling surface.

[0086] According to the present invention, a lateral protective gas supply nozzle unit for a laser processing head is provided, wherein the protective gas nozzle and / or the workpiece and / or the laser processing head are protected from damage upon impact.

Claims

1. A nozzle unit (200) for lateral protective gas supply to a laser processing head (100), the nozzle unit comprising: Protective gas nozzle (210); A retaining device (220) is provided, wherein the protective gas nozzle (210) is fixed to the retaining device; An adapter (230) is used to fix the holding device (220) to the laser processing head (100); The retaining device (220) and the adapter (230) are magnetically detachably coupled to each other.

2. The nozzle unit according to claim 1, wherein, The magnitude of the magnetic force is selected such that the adapter (230) and the retaining device (220) disengage from each other when a predetermined external force is applied.

3. The nozzle unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, One of the adapter (230) and the retaining device (220) is configured as a magnetic unit (240), and the other of the adapter (230) and the retaining device (220) is configured as a ferromagnetic unit.

4. The nozzle unit according to claim 3, wherein, The magnetic unit (240) includes a magnet (241) and a magnetic cup (242), the magnet (241) being placed in the magnetic cup, and wherein the ferromagnetic unit includes a coupling region (231) for magnetic coupling with the magnetic unit (240).

5. The nozzle unit according to claim 4, wherein, The magnetic unit (240) includes positioning elements (244, 246), wherein the shape of the coupling region (231) and the shape of the positioning elements (244, 246) are adapted to each other, such that the magnetic unit (240) is coupled to the ferromagnetic unit in a predetermined orientation.

6. The nozzle unit according to claim 5, wherein, The shape and / or magnitude of the magnetic force of the coupling region (231) and the positioning elements (244, 246) are selected such that: before a predetermined external force is applied, the magnetic unit (240) is prevented from twisting about a rotation axis perpendicular to the coupling surface (232) of the coupling region (231), and / or Under the action of external force, the magnetic unit (240) is allowed to tilt about the axis of the coupling surface (232) parallel to the coupling region (231).

7. The nozzle unit according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein, The coupling region (231) is configured as a recess in the ferromagnetic unit, wherein the edge (243) of the magnetic cup (242) is placed in the recess, and wherein the edge (243) of the magnetic cup (242) and / or the recess are non-rotationally symmetric.

8. The nozzle unit according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The positioning elements (244, 246) are configured as positioning protrusions on the end face (245) of the magnetic unit (240) or the magnetic cup (242), and the coupling region (231) has a recess (234) of a corresponding shape into which the positioning protrusions are placed.

9. The nozzle unit according to claim 8, wherein, The positioning protrusion protrudes prismatically from the end face (245).

10. The nozzle unit according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The positioning protrusion has two opposing sides (247), which form an angle of <90° with a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the magnetic cup (242), and / or form a support surface for support in the notch (234) of the coupling region (231).

11. The nozzle unit according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein, The notch (234) opens to the side corresponding to the outer side of the magnetic cup; and / or wherein, When the adapter (230) and the retaining device (220) are fixed on the laser processing head (100), the notch (234) in the coupling region (231) and the positioning protrusion on the end face (241) are respectively formed at the lowest position along the direction of gravity.

12. The nozzle unit according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein, The magnetic unit (240) is in contact with the ferromagnetic unit at three support points.

13. The nozzle unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The holding device (220) further includes a clamping device (221) by means of which the protective gas nozzle (210) can be replacedly fixed, wherein the clamping device (221) is adjustable for different diameters of the protective gas nozzle (210).

14. The nozzle unit according to claim 13, wherein, The clamping device (221) has a first clamping element (222) with a first V-shaped notch and a second clamping element (223) with a second V-shaped notch, wherein the first notch and the second notch are opposed in a predetermined direction, and the two clamping elements (222, 223) are movable relative to each other in the predetermined direction to clamp the protective gas nozzle (210) between the clamping elements (222, 223).

15. A laser processing head (100), comprising: Casing (110); and The nozzle unit (200) according to any one of the preceding claims; The adapter (230) is fixed to the outside of the housing (110).

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