SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE MOVEMENT OF A LASER BEAM

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE MOVEMENT OF A BEAM LASER The present invention relates to a system and a 5 method for moving a laser beam. Field of invention The invention falls within the technical field of systems that use laser beams, particularly in technical field of those systems capable of carrying out 10 operations and processes by means of a laser beam. More specifically, the invention refers to a system applied to a head for applications (cutting and / or welding) with laser. Known technique 15 There are numerous devices on the market and systems capable of using lasers to perform numerous actions, such as drilling holes, engravings, cuts, welding, etc. Such applications can be made on 20 numerous different materials such as plastic, metals, ceramics and many others. Traditionally, a device that performs actions with laser beams includes a laser beam generator and a head that emits the laser beam. 25 Before being emitted, the laser beam passes through generally lenses and / or mirrors that can modify them the trajectory and some characteristics. For example, lenses and mirrors can be used for collimation and focusing of the 30 laser beam. BR / AZAC / A220293-00 The emitted laser beam may have parameters different depending on use and application necessary. Parameters that may vary depending on of the application are the emission wavelength, 5 the power, the mode and other parameters known in the sector. The known devices, to modify the parameters of the laser beam, use static optical solutions that provide for the replacement or movement of the 10 lenses and mirrors that are present, for example, inside the head that emits the laser beam. These solutions, being static solutions, They have some disadvantages and can limit the fields applications of the devices in which they are integrated. 15 Furthermore, the fact of having to replace lenses and mirrors depending on the use of the machinery involves inconvenience and greater difficulty of use. For some particular applications, it is also it is necessary to rotate the emitted laser beam or ray 20 from the head of the device so as to reach particular results and increase the fields of application of the devices. Several well-known devices also use a flow of gas directed towards the workpiece, act 25 to hit the laser beam. Some applications require both the beam laser moves in a circular pattern whether the gas hits the same point on the workpiece hit by the laser beam. BR / AZAC / A220293-00 The devices and systems present in the prior art which allow the rotation of the laser beam several drawbacks. In particular, such systems or devices are 5 complex, expensive, bulky and unreliable. Furthermore, in case the gas flow, known devices and systems require alignment of the laser beam and the flow nozzle of gas, a time-consuming operation, 10 every time a lens or nozzle is replaced. The known solutions involve moving the entire head that emits the laser beam and other components as well such as the element that emits the gas flow. Such a solution that moves a large number of 15 components like the one described above is treated in patent US4461947. Disadvantageously, this solution, used only for making holes and not for other applications, must necessarily present complex 20 systems that allow the rotation of all the elements and consequently high costs and greater complexity of the instrument. Furthermore, this solution has a bulky remarkable of the device which therefore results 25 difficult to use in some particulars applications. Purpose of the invention The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a system for moving a beam BR / AZAC / A220293-00 laser capable of solving the problems and critical issues mentioned above. Another purpose of the present invention is to create a system for the movement and in 5 particular for the rotation of a laser beam which is comfortable and easy to handle. A further aim of the present invention is to to provide a system for moving a beam laser that can also be applied to systems and 10 existing devices. Another purpose of the present invention is to create a system for moving a beam laser that has a smaller footprint than similar devices on the market. 15 A further aim of the present invention is to to provide a system for moving a beam laser that can enter into minimum diameters for example up to 120mm. A further aim of the present invention is to 20 to provide a system for moving a beam laser that is extremely versatile and adaptable to various applications. Another purpose of the present invention is to create a system for moving a beam 25 lasers that allow for a new distribution of power and new waveforms of the emitted laser beam. A further aim of the present invention is to to provide a system for rotating a laser beam which allows the control of the collimated laser beam in 30 rotation. BR / AZAC / A220293-00 Another purpose of the present invention is to to build a system for rotating a laser beam that can manage, parameterize and archive all the process parameters. 5 These and other goals are achieved by a system for movement and, in particular, for rotation of a laser beam according to claim independent attached. Further detailed technical features 10 are reported in the attached dependent claims. Brief description of the figures The present invention will now be described, by way of example, but not limited to, some of his favorite embodiments, and with 15 with the help of the attached figures, in which: - Figure 1 illustrates a representation schematic of the system for the movement of a laser beam according to the invention; - Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show some possible 20 laser trajectories performed with the system for the movement and in particular for the rotation of the laser beam according to the invention. Detailed description With reference to the figures mentioned, it is 25 represents a preferred embodiment of a system for movement and in particular for the rotation of a laser beam according to the invention. Referring to the attached figure 1, the system for moving a laser beam object BR / AZAC / A220293-00 of the invention, in a first embodiment thereof, comprehends: - a laser beam generator 1 - and a 5 head body. 5 In preferred embodiments, the system of movement also includes a control element 11 for system management, connected to the body head 5 and generator 1. Advantageously the system also includes a 10 collimator 2. Collimator 2 is placed upstream of head body 5. Referring to figure 1, the laser beam generated by generator 1 is transmitted to the head body 5 through a connecting means 10 such as 15 an optical fiber. Collimator 2 is used to collimate the laser beam coming through the medium link 10. More in detail, the laser beam coming out of the 20 collimator 2 is transmitted to the head body 5. In other words, the ray is transported with the connecting means 10, is collimated in the collimator 2 and then enters the head body 5. Advantageously, inside the head body 25 5 there may be lenses and / or mirrors that can be used to vary the direction and / or laser beam characteristics. Advantageously, the system can also feature a device for adjusting the focus of the beam 30 lasers. BR / AZAC / A220293-00 This device for regulating the fire can be included in the body head 5 or be arranged downstream of the latter. In particular embodiments, the device 5 for fire regulation is a device of fire regulation with motorized regulation. The length of the adjustment device of the fire can vary for example between 60 and 500mm. 10 Even more advantageously, the regulation of the fire can be managed via the control element 11. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides a means of emitting the laser beam 6. 15 This means of emitting the laser beam 6 can be for example a spear, as illustrated in the figure 1. In particular embodiments the system can present a means for the emission of gas 9 suitable for 20 emit a stream of gas in the direction of the laser beam and / or the workpiece. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the gas emission means 9 is connected to the head body 5. 25 Advantageously, the system for the movement of a laser beam according to the invention allows the rotation of the laser beam through the rotation of the collimated beam. More specifically, this rotation includes the 30 movement of only some components of the system and BR / AZAC / A220293-00 not of the whole body, head and / or other elements such as it happens in the known art. Referring to figures 2A-2C, the following are visible: of the possible trajectories created by the laser beam 5 in rotation. In particular, according to the invention, it is possible rotate only the collimator 2. In case the connecting means 10 is integral with collimator 2, it can also be placed 10 in rotation. Advantageously, the rotation of such elements is carried out by means of an engine 8, for example a electric motor. The rotation speed can be for example 15 be between 1 rpm and 10000 rpm minute. The electric motor 8 can be a variable speed. As visible in figure 1, the electric motor 20 8 moves a drive pulley 7 which rotates mechanically and allows the movement of a drive belt 4. The drive belt 4, when in motion, allows the rotation of the collimator 2. 25 The drive belt 4 allows the connecting the drive pulley 7 with a sleeve eccentric 3. In particular, the eccentric sleeve 3 is connected to the collimator 2 so that its rotation causes 30 also the rotation of the collimator 2. BR / AZAC / A220293-00 In other words, the eccentric sleeve 3 transmits the movement of the transmission belt 4 to collimator 2 so that it can rotate. Advantageously, the eccentric sleeve 3 is 5 integral with collimator 2. In other words, the 8-motor allows the rotation of collimator 2 and consequently of the laser beam collimated on exit from it. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the 10 eccentric sleeve 3 is placed between the head body 5 and collimator 2. Advantageously, the rotation of the collimator 2 is perpendicular to the laser beam emitted by the medium laser beam emission 6. 15 According to the invention, it is not necessary to rotate the means for emitting gas 9 or other components of the system. Advantageously, the possibility of doing Rotate the laser beam, allowing the system to: 20 - obtain new, original machining profiles and adjustable, - adjust the rotation according to your needs and to applications; - emit laser beams having new waveforms; 25 - change the laser beam power; Other known solutions to achieve the results described above must necessarily include the use, with possible replacement, of lenses and mirrors with increased cost and complexity of the 30 system. BR / AZAC / A220293-00 The ability to rotate the collimated beam with a controlled and regulated rotation it also allows to control the type of processing that is being done performed with the laser beam. 5 Advantageously, the diameter of the laser beam generated by generator 1 and emitted by the medium 6 laser beam emission can be adjustable. For example, the diameter of the laser beam can be adjustable between 0 and 30 mm. 10 Advantageously, the rotation radius of the laser beam can be adjustable. For example, the rotation radius of the laser beam can be adjusted between 0 and 20 mm. In a particular embodiment, the rotation 15 of the laser beam can be split by the element of control 11 in angular movements even alternating. Preferably, generator 1 emits a beam coherent having a wavelength from 1000nm to 1500nm. Advantageously, the control element can be 20 a numerical control device. In summary, the system for rotating a laser beam has the following phases: - generation of the laser beam by the generator 1; 25 - transmission of the laser beam through the medium connecting 10; - collimation of the laser beam in collimator 2; - rotation of collimator 2; - input and output of the collimated laser beam in the 30 body head 5; BR / AZAC / A220293-00 - emission of the laser beam coming out of the head 5 through the means of emission 6. In preferred embodiments they may be There are also other phases such as: 5 - a laser beam focusing phase; - a laser beam management phase by means of of control element 11; - a stage of modification of the laser beam inside of the head body 5 by means of lenses or mirrors; 10 - a phase of gas emission through the medium for gas emission 9. Depending on the different needs and requirements, the system according to the invention may also include other stages or situations aimed at achieving the benefits 15 desired. Advantageously, the system for rotation of a laser beam allows: - the adduction controlled by the control element 11 in flow rate and pressure of the shielding gas 20 from the oxidation of the material being processed; - the adduction controlled by the control element 11 of the optional gas or compressed air assistance process. In a particular embodiment 25 of the invention, the system may comprise a unit of optional supply of filler material. This power supply unit can be advantageously managed by the control element 11. BR / AZAC / A220293-00 Advantageously, the device 100 can be used for the creation of systems cutting and welding, especially for metals. Equally advantageously, the system can 5 be applied in: - 3D material prototyping systems metallic, inert and composite; - material storage and refill systems different; 10 - incision and ablation systems of different materials. From the description given, the following are clear: characteristics of the system for the movement of a laser beam, object of the invention, as clear 15 are the advantages. It is clear, finally, that numerous other variants can be made to the system in question, without for this reason, to go beyond the principles of novelty inherent in the idea inventiveness, as it is clear that, in practice 20 implementation of the invention, the materials, the shapes and the The dimensions of the details illustrated may be any depending on the needs and they will be able to be replaced with equivalent ones. Where the features and techniques mentioned in 25 any claims are followed by signs of reference, such reference marks have been enclosed for the sole purpose of increasing intelligibility of the claims and, consequently, such signs of reference have no limiting effect BR / AZAC / A220293-00 on the interpretation of each element identified in example title from such reference marks. Barzanò & Zanardo Roma SpA BR / AZAC / A220293-00

Claims

1. System for moving a laser beam comprising: - a generator (1) of said laser beam; - a head body (5); - a connection means (10) configured to transmit said laser beam from said generator (1) to said head body (5); - a collimator (2) interposed between said connection means (10) and said head body (5) and capable of receiving said laser beam generated by said generator (1); said system for moving a laser beam being characterised by also comprising a motor (8) capable of rotating said collimator (2) so as to allow the rotation of the laser beam exiting from said head body (5).

2. System for moving a laser beam as in claim 1 characterised in that said motor (8) is connected to a drive pulley (7) which drives a transmission belt (4) suitable for rotating said collimator (2).

3. System for moving a laser beam as per one or more of the preceding claims, characterised by the fact that it comprises an eccentric sleeve (3) connected to said collimator (2) and capable of transmitting the movement of said transmission belt (4) to said collimator (2) in such a way as to allow its rotation. - 14 BR / AZAC / A220293-00 Barzanò & Zanardo 4. System for moving a laser beam as in claim 3 characterised in that said eccentric tube (3) and said collimator (2) are integral with each other.

5. System for moving a laser beam as per one or more of the previous claims characterised in that said motor (8) is a variable speed electric motor.

6. System for moving a laser beam as per one or more of the preceding claims characterised by the fact that it comprises a means of emitting the laser beam (6) connected to said head body (5).

7. System for moving a laser beam as per one or more of the preceding claims characterised by the fact that it comprises a means for emitting the gas (9) connected to said head body (5).

8. Method for moving a laser beam applied to a system according to one or more of claims 1-7 characterised by comprising at least the following phases: - generation of said laser beam; - transmission of said laser beam; - collimation and rotation of said laser beam; - emission of said laser beam.