Protective funnel for a laser device and method therefor

Abstract

The invention describes a laser device (1), a method and a protective funnel (2) with an air-flow guide (24) for a laser device (1) in the form of a galvo laser, comprising at least one connecting element or region (25) for connecting to a laser head or marking head (11) of the laser device (1), comprising a main body (21), in which the laser beam (8) is protected over its extent, and a flexible workpiece mask (32), which is arranged at the opposite end from the connecting region (25), wherein a workpiece seal (23), in particular a primary sealing element (35), is arranged on the workpiece mask (32) for placing on the workpiece (4), and the main body (21) has an air-flow guide (24) for protecting a protective glass element (29) exchangeably provided in the connecting region (25) from becoming dirty, wherein an extraction funnel (41) and preferably two opposing outer supply-air guides (43, 44), which are connected by way of openings (47, 48) to a cavity (40) of the main body (21), are arranged. The cavity (40) of the main body (21) is provided with a further, inner supply-air guide (45, 46), wherein the inner supply-air guide (45, 46) protrudes by way of a continuation (57) into an interior space (49, 50) of the outer supply-air guide (43, 44) to form a defined flow of the air sucked in or is arranged therein.

Description

[0001] Protective funnel for a laser device and method therefor

[0002] The invention relates to a protective funnel for a laser device, a method and a laser device as described in claims 1, 2, 9, 10 and 14.

[0003] Laser processing devices are already known from the state of the art in which a laser source is pressed or placed onto the workpiece by a user via a hand-held laser head, after which processing is then started.

[0004] EP 3 315 241 B1 discloses a laser processing device for marking the surface of a workpiece using a laser beam. In this device, a device head is positioned on a workpiece surface and is connected to a base station via supply lines that have electrical and fluid-carrying lines. A sealing hood is attached to the device head and has a circumferential contact edge for resting on the workpiece surface. Furthermore, a safety contact element is arranged on the device head, which is actuated, in particular activated, by pressing the sealing hood onto the workpiece surface, thereby enabling laser processing. Furthermore, a gas supply is provided, which has a first and second gas supply and a gas discharge.

[0005] Furthermore, EP 2 564 977 B1 discloses a laser processing device designed for processing the surface of a workpiece using a laser beam. The device has a laser deflection unit in the laser head, which is formed by optical elements for focusing and / or pivoting a laser beam. A sealing hood is attached to the laser head, which has a circumferential contact edge for the workpiece surface. A connecting unit is arranged between the laser head and the sealing hood, which includes the safety contact elements and, in part, the gas guide.

[0006] A disadvantage of the previously described systems is that a special gas supply is necessary, which limits the handling of the device head. US 2015 / 190886 A1 describes a laser processing system with a protective funnel, in which the cover plates of the protective funnel are attached to the laser head via a spring-elastic material, in particular a spring plate. The shielding plates are arranged in a rectangle, with two opposite shielding plates being of identical design. Two cover plates are folded or angled at their side edges, so that a gap is formed between two adjacent cover plates through which air from the environment can flow into the interior of the protective funnel or gases and smoke can flow out. Furthermore, a crossjet nozzle and an extraction opening of an extraction device for generating a cross-flow of air running transversely to the processing optics are arranged.The cover plates are equipped with sealing elements, which press the protective cone onto the workpiece with appropriate spring pressure. The laser head is moved with the protective cone to process the workpiece. A disadvantage of this is that the protective cone does not have any safety elements, especially contact elements, so the laser can be activated even without the protective cone attached to the workpiece.

[0007] DE 102011050832 A1 discloses a device for joining workpieces using laser radiation. The laser welding device is designed in the form of a welding tong. Two pressure elements are arranged on the upper and lower arms of the welding tongs, which are pressed against the workpiece. The laser beam is guided and positioned via a scanner optics. With this solution, the laser beam can also be activated without a workpiece, since no safety contact elements are provided on the pressure elements.

[0008] Furthermore, US 2003 / 0121896 A1 discloses a laser cleaning device onto which the laser, including the protective housing, is placed. In this case, inert gas is pumped through the laser cleaning device to remove organic material from the surface of the workpiece. US 5477023 A discloses a laser engraving system for generating an image on a workpiece. In this system, the laser is protected by a protective funnel placed on the workpiece, with the placement of the protective funnel on the workpiece being monitored by a microswitch.

[0009] DE 1947664 A1 discloses a device for material processing using laser radiation. A protective funnel in the form of two mutually movable tubes is arranged between the processing optics and the workpiece. The length of the tubes can be selected to match the lens plane and secured with a screw. Furthermore, an extraction device in the form of an extraction nozzle is arranged, which keeps the material particles evaporating from the workpiece being processed away from the optics or lens.The closest prior art is seen as the own application WO 2022 / 073046 A1, which shows a protective funnel for a laser device in the form of a galvo laser, comprising at least one connecting element for connecting to a marking head of the laser device, a guide region in which the laser beam runs, and a contact plate with a safety contact element, which is preferably arranged at the opposite end to the connecting element, wherein the contact plate has a sealing element for placing on the workpiece, and the guide region is preferably designed to adjust an overall length of the protective funnel for changing a focal point of a laser, and the guide region has at least one air guidance system for protecting a protective glass from contamination, wherein two preferably opposite air inlet openings and one air outlet opening are arranged in the guide region.

[0010] The disadvantages here are, on the one hand, the airflow is insufficient to protect the protective glass for the mirror from contamination, and, on the other hand, the sealing of the contact plate to the workpiece is not optimal. Furthermore, the system is designed for lower power levels and thus also for lower levels of dirt.

[0011] The object of the invention is to create a protective funnel in which, on the one hand, the above-mentioned disadvantages are avoided and, on the other hand, to make the known system usable for larger marking fields and higher power.

[0012] This object is achieved by the invention. Advantageous embodiments and method measures are described in the subclaims.

[0013] The object of the invention is achieved by a protective funnel with an air flow guide for a laser device, in which the cavity of the main body is equipped with a further inner supply air guide, wherein the inner supply air guide protrudes via an extension into an interior of the outer supply air guide to form a defined flow of the sucked-in air or is arranged therein.

[0014] The advantage here is that the use of the internal air supply duct creates the possibility for the first time to optimize the flow path toward vertical flow. Previously, the external air supply duct was connected to the cavity of the main body through a simple opening at an angle of 90°, which resulted in suboptimal inflow characteristics. The use of the guide elements makes it possible for the first time to create a customized airflow into the cavity, optimally slowing down the particles, smoke, and gases emitted from the processing level. This ensures optimal protection of the protective glass against contamination.

[0015] The object of the invention is also achieved by a protective funnel with a workpiece seal for a laser device, in which the movable workpiece mask is sealed from external influences relative to the main body and workpiece during a machining process. For this purpose, a secondary sealing element and a primary sealing element are provided or arranged in the seating area for the workpiece. And in that a sealing projection of the workpiece mask, in particular of a receiving part, and a tunnel seal of the main body, which are pressed against each other during the machining process, are arranged to seal the process space or the cavity. Advantageously, the special arrangement of the seals ensures that no unwanted air can flow into the cavity of the main body, thus creating optimal conditions inside the main body for the marking process.

[0016] A design in which a barrier wall is arranged in the contact area to protect against reflected laser radiation and melt splash is advantageous. This ensures that the primary seal is protected from reflected laser radiation and melt splash, which would destroy the seal due to its heat.

[0017] However, features where the workpiece mask is connected to the main body via a flexible spring are also advantageous. This ensures that a certain contact force can be exerted to position the protective funnel.

[0018] A design in which the tunnel seal is connected to a tunnel mask arranged in the cavity of the main body is advantageous. This ensures that the entire moving part, especially the workpiece mask, is sealed for the first time. This prevents disruptive airflow from flowing through the moving parts into the hollow body. However, features in which the secondary sealing element is arranged or attached at an angle in the contact area are also advantageous. This ensures reliable sealing through an additional seal.

[0019] The design, which includes a crossjet located opposite the extraction funnel, is advantageous. This creates optimal flow, particularly turbulence, in the process chamber, which is necessary for the marking area. This also supports the removal of dust, gases, and particles.

[0020] Another advantageous design is one in which the supply air ducts are designed as guide elements, which can be inserted into the cavity of the main body. This allows for the first time the incoming air to be adjusted.

[0021] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for applying a protective funnel with an air flow guide in a laser device in the form of a galvo laser, in which an inner supply air guide, in particular a guide element, is used in the main body, wherein the inner supply air guide protrudes into an interior of the outer supply air guide, so that an adaptation of the flow pattern in the direction of vertical flow is produced via the inner supply air guide.

[0022] The advantage here is that the special design of the internal air supply duct ensures a smooth transition of the incoming air into the vertical flow inside the main body. Previously, the state of the art only featured a breakthrough or opening in the main body, particularly in the wall of the main body, so that the incoming air flowed at a 90° angle to the vertical flow. The use of the internal air supply duct now allows for a smaller angle, thus creating a smoother transition into the vertical flow.

[0023] The object is also achieved by a method for applying a protective funnel with a workpiece seal to a laser device in the form of a galvo laser, in which method, when the workpiece mask is placed on the workpiece, a receiving part of the workpiece mask, in particular its sealing projection, is pressed against a tunnel seal of a tunnel mask inside the main body in order to seal a gap between the main body and the workpiece mask. The advantage here is that by applying a seal inside the protective funnel, in particular between the main body and the workpiece mask, a secure seal is created in the area of ​​the workpiece for the first time. Seals for the workpiece are known from the prior art, but a gap between the movable workpiece mask and the main body was not sealed, allowing disruptive air currents to penetrate into the interior of the main body via the gap.This has now been prevented by arranging the seal between the workpiece mask and the main body.

[0024] Measures that utilize an additional sealing element positioned at an angle to the receiving part are advantageous. This creates a secure seal between the workpiece and the protective funnel. The special angled arrangement of the seal also ensures that the seal is fully supported on the workpiece.

[0025] Finally, measures where the internal supply air duct is formed by an extension whose special shape influences the flow path of the incoming air are advantageous. This allows the flow path of the incoming air to be easily adjusted to the vertical flow by changing the extension. For example, under different conditions, the internal supply air duct, in particular the guide element, can simply be replaced to achieve a change in the flow path.

[0026] However, the object of the invention is also achieved by a laser device in the form of a galvo laser.

[0027] The invention is described below in the form of an embodiment, whereby it is pointed out that the invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiment or solution.

[0028] They show:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a simplified, schematic representation of a laser device with an attached protective funnel for processing a workpiece using a laser process; Fig. 2 is a simplified, schematic representation of a front view of the protective funnel during a marking or processing process;

[0030] Fig. 3 is a sectional view through the protective funnel along lines AA in Figure 2, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0031] Fig. 4 is a partial view of the cut protective funnel in the rest position, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0032] Fig. 5 is a partial view of the cut protective funnel in the working position, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0033] Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a guide element for an internal supply air duct, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0034] Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the air flow guidance, in a simplified, schematic representation.

[0035] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the various embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the described figure and, if the position changes, must be applied analogously to the new position.

[0036] In Figs. 1 to 4, a laser device 1 with a protective funnel 2 for laser material processing, in particular laser marking, preferably by processing a job 3 for engraving, marking and / or inscribing a preferably flat workpiece 4 is shown.

[0037] 1 shows a laser device 1 of the galvo laser 1a type known from the prior art, in which at least one radiation source 6 in the form of a laser is arranged and operated in a housing 5. A laser beam 8 acts on the workpiece 4 to be machined, wherein the workpiece 4 is preferably positioned on a machining table 7. The laser beam 8 emitted by the radiation source 6, as schematically shown with dot-dashed lines, is sent via deflection elements 9 to at least one laser deflection unit 10, which is arranged in a laser head or marking head 11 of the laser device 1. The laser beam 8 is deflected by the laser deflection unit 10 towards the workpiece 4 (not shown) and positioned so that the workpiece 4 is machined.The control, in particular the position control of the laser beam 8 on the workpiece 4, is carried out via software running in a control unit 12, wherein for this purpose the control unit 12 preferably processes the data, parameters, in particular position data, in accordance with jobs 3 in which the data are contained.

[0038] For example, a graphic 14 and / or text 14 can be created on an external component 13, in particular a computer, laptop 13a, or a control unit, using commercially available or proprietary software 15, such as Ruby, Coral Draw, Paint, etc., and / or web-based software 15a. This graphic 14 is then converted into a job 3 and exported or transferred to the control unit 13 of the laser device 1, which converts the transferred data, in particular the graphic 14 and / or text 14, to control the individual elements of the laser device 1. For example, web-based software 15a can be used to create the job 3, with the component 13 or the laser device 1 directly establishing a connection to an internet 16 and preferably a cloud 17 for this purpose.The web-based software 15a can then be called up via a browser and the configuration can be made, so that the software 15a then creates the job 3. This job can be saved in a job database 18 in the cloud 17 so that it can be accessed at any time from any location in the world. It is also possible to download a job 3 for processing with the laser device 1 directly from the job database 18, whereby this is carried out via the external component 13 or directly from the laser device 1 via its control / display elements, in particular the touchscreen, for which purpose the laser device 1 establishes a connection to the internet 16 and further to the cloud 17.It is also possible for the external component 13 to upload the job 3 to the database 18 via the Internet 16, for example, in order to process the job 3 at a later time or to perform the processing at a different location. After the data, in particular the created job 3, has been transferred or loaded to the laser device 1, the job 3 is processed by the laser device 1, in particular its control unit 12. It is also possible for several jobs 3 to be stored simultaneously in the laser device 1 and processed one after the other. For this purpose, the workpiece 4 is positioned on the processing table 7, whereupon the protective funnel 2, in particular the marking head 11 with the protective funnel 2 attached thereto, is moved such that a workpiece mask 20 of the protective funnel 2 comes to rest on a surface 19 of the workpiece 4. This meansthat, in order to machine the workpiece 4, in particular the surface 19 of the workpiece 4, the marking head 11 with the protective funnel 2 attached thereto is placed on the workpiece 4, whereupon the radiation source 6 is activated, so that the laser beam 8 is directed onto the workpiece 4 via the laser deflection unit 10 and material can thus be removed from the surface 19 of the workpiece 4 via the laser beam 8. For such laser processes, it must be ensured that any deflected, in particular reflected, laser beams 8 are not emitted into the environment and possibly harm persons present. This is prevented by the protective funnel 2 being connected to the marking head 11, with the laser beam 8 being protected and traveling in the protective funnel 2.

[0039] According to the invention, the protective funnel 2 is constructed such that the workpiece mask 20 is movably connected to a main body 21, wherein the main body 21 is attached to the marking head 11 via a retaining pin 27 coupled to a release button 22. This ensures that the protective funnel 2 can be easily and quickly removed from the marking head 11 via the release button 22, for example, to attach another protective funnel 2.

[0040] Essential in the protective funnel 2 according to the invention is, on the one hand, the workpiece seal 23 for a laser marking process, according to Figures 4 and 5, and, on the other hand, the air flow guide 24 during a laser marking process, according to Figure 3. Figures 3 to 5 show a section along the lines AA in Figure 2, wherein Figure 3 shows the entire protective funnel 2 and Figures 4 and 5 show an enlarged partial view of the workpiece mask 20 lifted off and placed on the workpiece 7.

[0041] According to Figure 3, the main body 21 is designed in the shape of a tube and extends from the workpiece mask 20 to the opposite end region or connecting region 25. Holding elements 26 and a holding pin 27, which is coupled to the release button 22, can be arranged in the connecting region 25 in order to establish a secure connection with the marking head 11. Furthermore, an opening 28 is provided in the connecting region 25, which is provided with a replaceable protective glass 29. The protective glass 29 serves to protect the laser deflection unit 10 arranged in the marking head 11 from dirt, dust, etc. In the area of ​​the workpiece mask 20, the main body 21 extends in the form of a tunnel 30.In this case, an attachment spring 31 is arranged on the outer circumference of the tunnel 30, which is formed from shaped, in particular wave-shaped, tracks, so that the workpiece mask 20, in particular a receiving part 32, is movably held on the main body 21 via the attachment spring 31. The receiving part 32 is specially designed, wherein in the direction of the attachment area 33, i.e. in the direction of the workpiece 4, an outer or secondary sealing element 34, a primary sealing element 35 and a barrier wall 36 are arranged or formed and on the opposite side a sealing projection 37 protrudes into the tunnel 30 of the main body 21. The sealing projection 37 is positively connected to a tunnel mask 38 which is inserted in the tunnel 30 of the main body 21, wherein a tunnel seal 39 is arranged between the tunnel mask 38 and the sealing projection 37, wherein the tunnel seal 39 is fastened in the tunnel mask 38.

[0042] Furthermore, the main body 21, in particular its tubular cavity 40, is connected to a suction funnel 41, wherein the suction funnel 41 is in turn connected to a suction device, in particular a suction pump (not shown), via a suction hose 42, as can be seen from Figure 1. In addition, the cavity 40 is equipped with preferably two opposite outer supply air ducts 43, 44 and preferably two inner supply air ducts 45, 46, for which purpose two opposite openings 47, 48 or openings 47, 48 are arranged on the side walls of the main body 21. The outer supply air ducts 43, 44 are designed in such a way that they have a housing for forming an interior space 49, 50, wherein on the underside, in particular in the direction of the mounting area 33, an air supply opening 51, 52 is preferably provided, which is arranged below the openings orOpening 47, 48 is arranged in the hollow body 21 so that a deflected laser beam 8 cannot radiate from the openings or openings 47, 48.

[0043] Furthermore, the inner supply air ducts 45, 46 have a defined, particularly inventive, geometric shape and arrangement in order to achieve optimal air flow guidance 24. The inner supply air ducts 45, 46 are inserted in the form of guide elements into the cavity 40 of the main body 21, with the specially designed end regions protruding through the openings 47, 48 into the interior 49, 50 of the outer supply air duct 43, 44. Figure 6 shows an enlarged sectional view of a supply air duct 43 or 44, with brass or aluminum or an alloy thereof preferably being used as the material. A fastening extension 53 is provided so that the supply air duct 43, 44 can be fastened to the main body 21. What is essential is that part of the supply air duct 45, 46 which extends away from the fastening extension 53, in particular that part which extends into the interior 49, 50 of the outer supply air duct 43, 44.From the fastening extension 53, in particular the contact surface 54 of the main body 21, the supply air duct 45, 46 extends with two angled, straight surfaces 55, 56 to form an outwardly extending extension 57, wherein the extension 57 is terminated with a radius 58 and then an angled surface 59, which ends with a rounded portion 60, closes off the extension 57 of the supply air duct 45, 46. The special design of the extension 57 of the supply air duct 45, 46 ensures optimal air flow from the supply air opening 51, 52 via the interior space 49, 50 of the outer supply air duct 43, 44 around the extension 57 of the inner supply air duct 45, 46 into the cavity 40 of the main body 21, as described in more detail later.

[0044] In order to be able to carry out a machining process, the protective funnel 2 must be placed or pressed onto a workpiece 4, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, with Figure 4 being shown in the lifted position and Figure 5 in the placed position.

[0045] In the raised position, it is evident that the contact spring 31 is not compressed, so that the workpiece mask 20 is in the lowest position, i.e., the rest position. Thus, the secondary sealing element 34 is also not deformed. Furthermore, the receiving part 32 is in the rest position, so that the sealing projection 37 is lifted from the tunnel seal 39, creating a gap through which air can flow into the cavity.

[0046] If the protective funnel 2 is now positioned or pressed onto a workpiece 4, the workpiece mask 20 is displaced in the direction of the main body 21 due to the positioning spring 31, i.e. the positioning spring 31 is compressed, whereby the workpiece mask 20 and the receiving part 32 are displaced in the direction of the main body 21. At the same time, the angularly arranged sealing element 34 is moved outwards and lies flat against or on the surface of the workpiece 4. Since the secondary sealing element 34, in the rest state, according to Fig. 4, protrudes further from the attachment area 33 or from the contact surface of the receiving part 32 than the primary sealing element 35, the secondary sealing element 34 is always pressed outwards, namely until the primary sealing element 34 lies fully on the surface of the workpiece 4. The primary sealing element 34 can also be slightly deformed by exerting a certain amount of pressure.It must only be ensured that a preferably airtight seal of the workpiece mask 20 on the tool 4 is present so that the flows in the cavity 40 of the main body 21 are not influenced and furthermore the laser beam 8, which can be deflected by the workpiece 4, cannot escape.

[0047] In order to achieve complete sealing, a further internal seal is provided for the first time in such a protective funnel 2, with which the gap 61, which automatically occurs with movably arranged elements, is sealed. For this purpose, the tunnel mask 38 with the tunnel seal 39 is inserted in the cavity 40 in an airtight manner. Furthermore, the receiving part 32 is provided with the sealing projection 37 so that in the attached state, i.e. during a machining process, the sealing projection 37 is pressed against the tunnel seal 39 and thus the gap 61 is sealed, as can be seen in Figure 5, so that no air can flow via the workpiece mask 20 into the cavity 40 of the main body 21. This means that the attachment spring mechanism, in particular the workpiece mask 21, is sealed off from the process chamber or cavity 40 in the marking position of the laser device 1, i.e. during the machining process, and thus it is protected from contamination.Furthermore, it prevents uncontrolled supply air from being sucked in through possible gaps or gaps 61.

[0048] The special design of the barrier wall 36 further ensures that, on the one hand, the primary sealing element 35 is protected and, on the other hand, a reflected laser beam 8 and melt splash are prevented from escaping from the process chamber or cavity 40. To this end, the barrier wall 35 extends as close as possible to the contact surface of the primary sealing element 35, so that only a minimal gap exists between the workpiece and the barrier wall 35. This gap is sealed by the primary and secondary sealing elements 34, 35. It can therefore be said that the protective funnel 2 is formed with a workpiece seal 23 for a laser device 1 in the form of a galvo laser 1 a, comprising at least one connecting element or region 25 for connecting to a marking head 11 of the laser device 1, a main body 21 in which the laser beam 8 runs in a protected manner, and a resilient workpiece mask 20, which is arranged at the opposite end to the connecting region 25,wherein a workpiece seal 23, in particular a primary sealing element 35, is arranged on the workpiece mask 20 for placement on the workpiece 4, and that the main body 21 has an air flow guide 24 for protecting a protective glass 29, which can be replaced in the connection area 25, from contamination, wherein an extraction funnel 41 and two preferably opposite outer air supply guides 43, 44, which are connected to a cavity 40 of the main body 21 via openings 47, 48, are arranged, wherein the movable workpiece mask 20 is sealed from external influences relative to the main body 21 and the workpiece 4 during a machining process, for which purpose a secondary sealing element 34 and a primary sealing element 35 are provided or arranged in the placement area 33 for the workpiece 4, and that for sealing the process space or the cavity 40, a sealing projection 37 of the workpiece mask 21 and a tunnel seal 39 of the main body 21 ,which are pressed against each other during the machining process.

[0049] In order to carry out a flawless marking or machining process, it is necessary for the protective funnel 2 to have an air flow guide 24 in order to eliminate the gases or smoke and / or splashes caused by the laser beam 8, since otherwise the protective glass 29 would be completely contaminated in a very short time and thus the laser beam 8 would no longer reach the workpiece 4.

[0050] For this purpose, an air flow guide 24 according to the invention is shown in Figures 6 and 7, wherein the protective funnel 2 shown in Figure 7 has been reduced to the most necessary elements.

[0051] Before, at the same time, or after the protective funnel 2, in particular the workpiece mask 20, has been placed on the workpiece 4, the extraction system, which is connected to the extraction funnel 41 via an extraction hose 42, is activated. At the same time, before, or after the activation of the extraction system, a crossjet 62, which is arranged in the opposite region of the extraction funnel 41, in particular in the lower region close to the workpiece 4, can be switched on or activated, as schematically illustrated by arrows 63. The extraction flow 64 of the extraction system in the extraction funnel 41 generates a vertical flow 65 in the cavity 40 of the main body 21, wherein the vertical flow 65 is supplied with fresh air, as indicated by arrow 68, by two supply air flows 66, 67 via the inner and outer supply air ducts 43-46.Here, the fresh air 68 is drawn in through the supply air openings 51, 52, whereupon it is directed, as indicated by arrow 68, first outward through the extension 57 of the inner supply air duct 45, 46 and then along the surface 59 and rounded portion 60 in the direction of the vertical flow 65. This achieves a smooth flow transition from the outer supply air flow 43, 44 to the inner supply air flow 45, 46, particularly into the vertical flow 65, which was previously not possible due to the 90° connections.

[0052] Since the workpiece mask 20 is mounted hermetically on the workpiece 4, meaning no air can flow from the outside into the area of ​​the workpiece mask 20, the crossjet 62 generates a vortex 69 in the area of ​​the workpiece surface, so that the crossjet 62 generates the necessary flow required for the marking or machining process in order to achieve the cleanest possible workpiece surface and stable process conditions. Furthermore, the crossjet 62 supports the particle flight 70 of particle 71, as schematically shown.

[0053] If the laser or laser beam 8 is now started, as schematically shown in Figure 7, the laser beam 8 can be positioned over the entire length and width of the workpiece mask 20, in particular of the receiving part 32, by adjusting the laser deflection unit 10, whereby smoke or gases 72 and particles 71 can be generated due to the action of the laser or laser beam 8. In order to prevent the protective glass 29 from becoming contaminated with smoke or gases 72 and particles 71, a corresponding air flow guide 24, as described above, is required. The flow in the process chamber or in the cavity 40 is generated by the internal supply air duct 45, 46, so that particles 71 generated from the marking process or

[0054] During the processing process, particles moving toward the protective glass 29 are slowed down and conveyed by the flow, in particular the vertical flow 65, into the extraction funnel 41, as schematically shown in thick lines. Furthermore, the external air supply duct 43, 44 serves to shield the process chamber opening, in particular the opening 47, 48, so that an exiting laser beam 8 cannot directly reach a person.

[0055] According to the invention, it can now be said that the protective funnel 2 is formed with an air flow guide 24 for a laser device 1 in the form of a galvo laser 1 a, comprising at least one connecting element or region 25 for connecting to a marking head 11 of the laser device 1, a main body 21, in which the laser beam 8 runs in a protected manner, and a resilient workpiece mask 20, which is arranged at the opposite end to the connecting region 25, wherein a workpiece seal 23, in particular a primary sealing element 35, is arranged on the workpiece mask 20 for laying on the workpiece 4, and that the main body 21 has an air flow guide 24 for protecting a protective glass 29, which can be replaced in the connecting region 25, from contamination, wherein an extraction funnel 41 and two preferably opposite outer supply air guides 43, 44, which are connected via openings 47, 48 to a cavity 40 of the main body 21 are connected, are arranged,The cavity 40 of the main body 21 is equipped with a further inner air supply duct 45, 46, wherein the inner air supply duct 45, 46 protrudes via an extension 57 into or is arranged within an interior space 49, 50 of the outer air supply duct 43, 44 to form a defined flow of the sucked-in air. This creates an optimal transition into the vertical flow 65, so that most of the particles 71 can be slowed down in this area and then transported away via the suction funnel. Thus, the protective glass 29 remains clean, which always allows for an optimal marking or machining process.

[0056] The invention can be said to relate to a defined geometric shape and arrangement of the components: protective glass 29, main body 21, inner and outer air supply ducts 43-46, extraction funnel, tunnel mask 38, and workpiece mask 20, in order to create a defined flow in a process chamber or cavity 40 during a laser marking or machining process. This defined flow creates the optimal process conditions required for the marking process and also significantly reduces contamination of the protective glass used.

[0057] The invention also includes a method for applying a protective funnel 2 with an air flow guide 24 to a laser device 1 in the form of a galvo laser 1 a, in which the protective funnel 2 is placed or pressed onto a workpiece 4 for protection against radiation and sealing a cavity 40 of a main body 21 via a workpiece mask 20, so that by activating an extraction system, a vertical flow is generated via preferably two outer air supply guides 43, 44 in the cavity 40 of a main body 21, wherein an inner air supply guide 45, 46 is inserted in the main body 21, wherein the inner air supply guide 45, 46, in particular a guide element, projects into an interior space 49, 50 of the outer air supply guide 43, 44, so that an adjustment of the flow pattern in the direction of vertical flow is generated via the inner air supply guide 45, 46. That isBy using an inner air supply duct 45, 46 that extends into the interior space 49, 50 of the outer air supply duct 43, 44, the flow pattern is adjusted toward vertical flow. It is also possible for the inner air supply duct 45, 46 to be formed by an extension 57, the special shape of which influences the flow pattern of the incoming air.

[0058] The invention likewise also encompasses a method for applying a protective funnel 2 with a workpiece seal 23 to a laser device 1 in the form of a galvo laser 1a, in which the protective funnel is placed or pressed onto a workpiece for protection against radiation and sealing a cavity 40 of a main body 21 via a workpiece mask 20, wherein a sealing element is used on the movable workpiece mask 20 for sealing against the workpiece 4, so that by activating an extraction system, a vertical flow is generated via preferably two external supply air guides 43, 44 in the cavity 40 of a main body 21, wherein when the workpiece mask 20 is placed on the workpiece 4, a receiving part 32 of the workpiece mask 20, in particular its sealing projection 37, is pressed against a tunnel seal 37 of a tunnel mask 38 in the interior of the main body 21 in order to seal a gap 61 between the main body 21 and the workpiece mask 20.It is advantageous if a further sealing element 34 arranged at an angle on the receiving part 32 is used.

[0059] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that sensors, in particular so-called "io Link" sensors, are also used in the protective funnel 2 to monitor or query the marking position, i.e., only after the correct marking position has been detected by the sensors is a marking process carried out by activating the laser 8 or laser beam 8. Furthermore, it should be mentioned that a protective funnel 2 can be designed with only one outer and inner air supply duct 43, 45 or 44, 46.

[0060] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure of the laser device 1 and its components or parts, some of them are not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size and, above all, are only shown schematically.

[0061] Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can also form independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e : 1 . Protective funnel (2) with an air flow guide (24) for a laser device (1) in the form of a galvo laser, comprising at least one connecting element or region (25) for connecting to a laser head or marking head (11) of the laser device (1), a main body (21), in which the laser beam (8) runs in a protected manner, and a resilient workpiece mask (32) arranged at the opposite end to the connecting region (25), wherein a workpiece seal (23), in particular a primary sealing element (35), is arranged on the workpiece mask (32) for laying on the workpiece (4), and the main body (21) has an air flow guide (24) for protecting a protective glass (29) which can be replaced in the connecting region (25) from contamination, wherein an extraction funnel (41) and preferably two opposite outer supply air guides (43, 44) which are connected via openings (47, 48) with a cavity (40) of the main body (21 ),characterized in that the cavity (40) of the main body (21) is equipped with a further inner supply air duct (45, 46), wherein the inner supply air duct (45, 46) projects via an extension (57) into an interior space (49, 50) of the outer supply air duct (43, 44) to form a defined flow of the sucked-in air or is arranged therein.

2. Protective funnel (2) with a workpiece seal (23) for a laser device (1) in the form of a galvo laser, comprising at least one connecting element or region (25) for connecting to a laser head or marking head (11) of the laser device (1), a main body (21) in which the laser beam (8) runs in a protected manner, and a resilient workpiece mask (32) arranged at the opposite end to the connecting region (25), wherein a workpiece seal (23), in particular a primary sealing element (35), is arranged on the workpiece mask (32) for laying on the workpiece (4), and the main body (21) has an air flow guide (24) for protecting a protective glass (29) which can be replaced in the connecting region (25) from contamination, wherein an extraction funnel (41) and preferably two opposite outer Supply air guides (43, 44) which are connected to a cavity (40) of the main body (21) via openings (47, 48) are arranged, characterized in that the movable workpiece mask (32) is sealed off from external influences with respect to the main body (21) and the workpiece (4) during a machining process, for which purpose a secondary sealing element (34) and a primary sealing element (35) are provided or arranged in the mounting area (33) for the workpiece (4), and in that a sealing projection (37) of the workpiece mask (32), in particular of a receiving part (32), and a tunnel seal (39) of the main body (21), which are pressed against one another during the machining process, are arranged to seal the process space or the cavity (40).

3. Protective funnel (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a barrier wall (36) is arranged in the mounting area (33) to protect against reflected laser radiation or melt splashes.

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

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

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

7. Protective funnel (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a crossjet (62) is arranged in the opposite region of the suction funnel (41).

8. Protective funnel (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply air guides (45, 46) are designed in the form of guide elements and these can be inserted into the cavity (40) of the main body (21).

9. Method for applying a protective funnel (2) with an air flow guide (24) to a laser device (1) in the form of a galvo laser (1a), in which the protective funnel (2) is placed or pressed onto a workpiece (4) for protection against radiation and sealing a cavity (40) of a main body (21) via a workpiece mask (20), so that by activating a suction a vertical flow (65) is generated via preferably two outer supply air guides (43, 44) in the cavity (40) of a main body (21), characterized in that an inner supply air guide (45, 46), in particular a guide element, is inserted in the main body (21), wherein the inner supply air guide (45, 46) projects into an interior space (49, 50) of the outer supply air guide (43, 44), so that an adaptation of the flow pattern in the direction of the vertical flow (5) via the inner Supply air duct (45, 46) is generated.

10. Method for applying a protective funnel (2) with a workpiece seal (23) to a laser device (1) in the form of a galvo laser (1 a), in which the protective funnel is placed or attached to a workpiece for protection against radiation and sealing a cavity (40) of a main body (21) via a workpiece mask (20).is pressed on, wherein a sealing element is used on the movable workpiece mask (20) for sealing against the workpiece (4), so that by activating a suction a vertical flow (65) is generated via preferably two external supply air guides (43, 44) in the cavity (40) of a main body (21), characterized in that when the workpiece mask (20) is placed on the workpiece (4), a receiving part (32) of the workpiece mask (20), in particular its sealing projection (37), is pressed against a tunnel seal (37) of a tunnel mask (38) in the interior of the main body (21) in order to seal a gap (61) between the main body (21) and the workpiece mask (20). 1 1. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a further sealing element (34) arranged at an angle on the receiving part (32) is used.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 1 1, characterized in that the inner supply air guide (45, 46) is formed by an extension (57) whose special shape influences the flow pattern of the incoming air.

13. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the protective funnel (2) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 8. 14.Laser device (1) in the form of a galvo laser (1a) with a protective funnel (2) for laser material processing, in particular laser inscription, preferably by processing a job (3) for engraving, marking and / or inscription of a preferably flat workpiece (4), wherein the protective funnel (2) is connected to a marking head (11) of the laser device (1), in particular a galvo laser (1a), and a laser deflection unit (10) is arranged in the marking head (11), wherein a laser beam (8) from a radiation source (6), in particular a laser (6), can be fed to the laser deflection unit (10) via deflection elements (9), characterized in that the protective funnel (2) is designed according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 and is equipped to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 13.

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