Laser marking system

Abstract

1. A laser marking system for marking a product, the laser marking system comprising: a housing including a laser source for providing laser light, a marking head for projecting the laser light onto the product, an extraction device configured to generate a flow of extraction fluid for extracting a substance produced by interaction between the laser light and the product, and a controller for controlling the laser source and the marking head, the laser marking system further comprising an umbilical assembly connecting the housing to the marking head. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laser marking system. Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to laser scanning and laser marking equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Current laser markers and scanners are limited during automated production operations on packaging and component marking production lines. Current laser markers and scanners are generally firmly fixed to the production system in relation to the items to be marked.

[0003] Many known laser marking systems include a plurality of large housings for the various components of the laser marking system. For example, many known laser marking systems include a housing for the laser light source, a housing for the extraction device, a housing for the cooling system, a large radiation shield unit surrounding a part of the production line, and a plurality of inflexible cables and / or conduits that connect the various components of the laser marking system together. As a result, known laser marking systems tend to be large, heavy, and cumbersome systems that are inflexible in use, difficult to install on a production line, and even more difficult to maneuver skillfully around the production line. Also, the safety requirements associated with known laser marking systems (e.g., radiation safety requirements and / or fume exhaust requirements) further complicate the installation and safe use of known laser marking systems. To install and use a known laser marking system, generally, the owner of the production line first needs to systematize the evaluation of the production line with a safety manager so that dedicated laser marking system components (e.g., radiation shield units) can be designed and constructed to fit a particular production line, which leads to a costly and time-consuming process. The problems associated with known laser marking systems are common to the owners of production lines in that they are reluctant to replace various marking systems (e.g., continuous inkjet marking systems) with known laser marking systems. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser marking system that prevents or reduces one or more problems of the prior art, whether specified herein or elsewhere. Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein enable easy integration of an optical scanning or marking system, such as a laser scanning or marking system, into a production system.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a laser marking system for marking a product is provided. The laser marking system includes a laser light source for supplying laser light, a marking head for projecting the laser light onto the product, and a housing. The housing includes an extraction device configured to generate a flow of extraction fluid for extracting substances generated by the interaction between the laser light and the product, and a control device for controlling the laser light source and the marking head. The laser marking system further includes an umbilical assembly connecting the housing to the marking head.

[0007] The extracted substances can include, for example, particulate matter and / or gaseous matter.

[0008] Known laser marking systems often include multiple large housings for various components, making it cumbersome and difficult to install known laser marking systems on a production line. The laser marking system advantageously provides a well-integrated solution that is easy to install and use on a production line and provides a simple system for end users.

[0009] The housing can include a laser light source. The laser light source can be, for example, a CO 2 laser.

[0010] The marking head can include a laser light source. The laser light source can be, for example, a diode laser that can be mounted within the marking head.

[0011] The marking head can be provided with a radiation shield for protecting the user of the laser marking system from stray radiation.

[0012] The radiation shield can serve to absorb, deflect, or otherwise block the laser radiation reaching the user of the laser marking system, thereby conveniently providing a firm protection for the user of the laser marking system. Known radiation shields often take the form of a large box that houses at least part of the marking head as well as the laser light source and / or the production line where the laser marking system is used. The small integrated radiation shield disclosed herein conveniently provides greater flexibility when positioning the marking head on the production line while avoiding the large radiation shield units commonly used on production lines.

[0013] The radiation shield can be provided with a sensor configured to detect radiation emitted from a gap between a part of the shield and the product.

[0014] The sensor can be aimed at detecting the leaking radiation and determining whether the radiation shield blocks a sufficient amount of stray light to meet the safety requirements of the laser.

[0015] The sensor can be configured to detect radiation emitted from the product. For example, the sensor can be configured to detect the radiation scattered from the product.

[0016] The radiation shield can be provided with an integrated extraction inlet fluidly coupled to an extraction device.

[0017] The integrated extraction inlet conveniently provides a compact means for removing undesirable substances (such as debris, fine particles, gas, etc.) generated when the laser light is incident on the product to be marked.

[0018] The integrated extraction port can be configured to be positioned substantially adjacent to the product. An integrated extraction port configured to be positioned substantially adjacent to the product advantageously allows for improved removal of substances.

[0019] The radiation shield can comprise a conduit configured to supply a suppressant fluid flow to reduce the amount of debris entering onto the optical element of the marking.

[0020] The conduit for supplying the suppressant fluid advantageously provides a compact means of keeping the optical system of the marking head clean and reducing the risk of damage to the marking head caused by unwanted substances. Integrating the conduit into the radiation shield advantageously reduces the size of the laser marking system compared to known marking systems.

[0021] The radiation shield can comprise a flange that provides additional protection to the user of the laser marking system from stray radiation.

[0022] The flange advantageously provides additional protection from residual radiation emitted from the product and / or from between the marking head and the product. The flange can take any desired form, for example, a labyrinth projection from the end of the radiation shield.

[0023] The radiation shield can comprise a flexible member arranged to reduce the gap between the radiation shield and the product for providing additional protection to the user of the laser marking system from stray radiation.

[0024] The flexible member advantageously provides protection from residual radiation emitted from the product and / or between the marking head and the product. The flexible member can completely close the gap between the marking head and the product, thereby preventing substantially all radiation from reaching the user of the laser marking system. The flexibility of the flexible member advantageously allows it to accommodate dimensional errors in the form or height of the product being marked without damaging the marking head and / or the product.

[0025] The extraction device can be configured to cool the laser light source. Known laser marking systems often include a separate cooling system. Advantageously, the features of the extraction device are utilized to cool the laser light source, eliminating the need for a separate cooling system. This results in a reduction in the size and complexity of the laser marking system.

[0026] The extraction device can be configured to cool the power supply. The extraction device can be configured to cool the control device.

[0027] The extraction device can be configured to direct a flow of extraction fluid towards the laser light source, thereby cooling the laser light source.

[0028] The extraction fluid can be air.

[0029] The extraction fluid can be supplied to the laser light source after filtration. The extraction fluid can be supplied to the laser light source before being used to extract substances generated by the interaction between the radiation and the product.

[0030] The housing can include a cooling device configured to cool the extraction fluid before it is directed towards the laser light source. The cooling device can be a compressor.

[0031] The extraction device can include a heat exchanger configured to cool a laser light source. The extraction device can include a fan configured to generate a flow of extraction fluid. The extraction device can include a filter configured to capture at least a portion of a substance.

[0032] The marking head can include an electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism configured to steer electromagnetic radiation for directing it to a specific location within a two-dimensional field of view.

[0033] The marking head can include a variable optical path length assembly configured to define an optical path from an input to an output of the variable optical path length assembly.

[0034] The marking head can include a focusing optical system.

[0035] The marking head can include a collimator.

[0036] The marking head can be substantially cylindrical.

[0037] The marking head can have a first dimension in a first direction of less than about 400 mm and a second dimension in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction of less than about 60 mm. The marking head can have a third dimension in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions of less than about 60 mm.

[0038] The marking head can include a cooling system for cooling components of the marking head. The cooling system can, for example, cool a motor or actuator (e.g., a galvanometer) of a component of the marking head (e.g., the electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism). The cooling system can be configured to use a suppression fluid of a radiation shield to cool components of the marking head. This advantageously enables a dual function of the suppression fluid, thereby eliminating the need for a separate cooling system.

[0039] The umbilical assembly can comprise a conductive cable and a duct for sending fluid. If the housing comprises a laser light source, the umbilical assembly can further comprise an optical fiber for transmitting laser light.

[0040] The conductive cable can be configured to transmit a control signal. The control signal can include, for example, a signal for controlling a safety indicator light and / or a laser light source.

[0041] The conductive cable can be configured to transmit a sensor signal. The sensor signal can include, for example, a signal from a sensor of a radiation shield indicating that a sufficient amount of radiation is blocked by the radiation shield.

[0042] The conductive cable can be configured to transmit power. For example, the power can be transmitted from a power source to a component of a marking head such as a variable optical path assembly.

[0043] The duct can be configured to send a suppression fluid to the radiation shield. The duct can be configured to send an extraction fluid from the radiation shield.

[0044] The laser marking system can further comprise a detector configured to detect the presence of a product.

[0045] The laser marking system can further comprise an encoder.

[0046] The laser marking system can further comprise a user interface.

[0047] The laser marking system can further comprise a power source for supplying power to the laser light source. The power source can be disposed within the housing.

[0048] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an umbilical assembly for a laser marking system is provided that includes an inner umbilical (inner umbilical, inner connector). The inner umbilical includes an optical fiber and a conductive cable for transmitting laser light. The umbilical assembly further includes an outer conduit for sending fluid. The outer conduit is configured to house the inner umbilical.

[0049] Advantageously, the umbilical assembly provides an integrated solution for transmitting radiation and supplying power to the marking head of the laser marking system while serving as a smoke / debris extractor. The umbilical (umbilical, connector) significantly reduces the complexity of the laser marking system compared to known laser marking systems and makes it easier to install and use the laser marking system on a production line.

[0050] The internal volume of the outer conduit can be made large enough to accommodate the marking head of the laser marking system. Having an internal volume of the outer conduit large enough to accommodate the marking head of the laser marking system advantageously allows the outer umbilical (outer umbilical, outer connector) assembly to be removed without disconnecting the inner umbilical from either the housing or the marking head.

[0051] The outer conduit can be reversibly connectable to the marking head of the laser marking system. The outer conduit can be reversibly connectable to the housing of the laser marking system.

[0052] The inner umbilical can be reversibly connectable to the marking head of the laser marking system. The inner umbilical can be reversibly connectable to the housing of the laser marking system.

[0053] The outer conduit can be removably detachable from the inner umbilical in a reversible manner.

[0054] This advantageously allows access to the inner umbilical without disconnecting the umbilical assembly. For example, during use, the outer surface of the inner umbilical may be contaminated with substances extracted by the extraction device. By making the outer conduit removably detachable from the inner umbilical, the outer conduit can be cleaned or replaced. With the outer umbilical removed, the inner umbilical can also be cleaned. Such a cleaning process can be repeated periodically (e.g., every six months).

[0055] The outer conduit can be separable. The outer conduit can, for example, be split or divided, and advantageously, the outer conduit can be removed and / or replaced without disconnecting the inner umbilical from the housing or the marking head.

[0056] The umbilical assembly can further comprise a scrubber configured to clean the inner umbilical. The scrubber advantageously provides an integrated cleaning solution that makes it easier for the user to clean the inner umbilical.

[0057] The umbilical assembly can be reversibly sealable to the housing of the marking head and the laser marking system to prevent the entry of fluids and / or debris.

[0058] The outer surface of the inner umbilical and / or the inner surface of the outer conduit can include a chemically resistant material. The outer surface of the inner umbilical and / or the inner surface of the outer conduit can include a heat-resistant material. The outer surface of the inner umbilical and / or the inner surface of the outer conduit can include a water-resistant material. The outer surface of the inner umbilical and / or the inner surface of the outer conduit can be made smooth.

[0059] The inner umbilical and / or outer conduit can be formed from a sanitary material. The sanitary material can be, for example, a material approved for use in the food industry.

[0060] The conductive cable can be configured to transmit control signals. The conductive cable can be configured to transmit a plurality of control signals. The conductive cable can be configured to transmit sensor signals. The conductive cable can be configured to transmit a plurality of sensor signals.

[0061] The conductive cable can be configured to transmit power.

[0062] The inner umbilical can further include a duct for transmitting fluid. The duct can be configured to send a suppression fluid to the marking head of a laser marking system. The duct can be configured to transmit a suppression fluid to a radiation shield. The duct can be configured to send an extraction fluid from the marking head of a laser marking system. The duct can be configured to send an extraction fluid from a radiation shield.

[0063] The umbilical assembly can include a port for connecting it to an exhaust system. The outer conduit can be configured to send an extraction fluid from the marking head of a laser marking system. The outer conduit can be made connectable to an exhaust system.

[0064] Also, a laser marking system for marking a product is provided. The laser marking system includes a housing that houses a laser light source for supplying laser light, a marking head for projecting the laser light onto the product, and an extraction device configured to generate a flow of extraction fluid for extracting substances generated by the interaction between the laser light and the product, and a control device for controlling the laser light source and the marking head. The laser marking system further includes an umbilical assembly according to a second aspect of the present invention, and the umbilical assembly is configured to connect the housing to the marking head.

[0065] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a marking head for a laser marking system with a radiation shield is provided, the radiation shield being configured to protect the user of the laser marking system from stray radiation, the radiation shield comprising a sensor configured to detect radiation emitted from a gap between a part of the shield and the product to be marked.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can be configured to detect radiation emitted from the product to be marked. For example, the sensor can be configured to detect radiation scattered from the product.

[0067] The sensor is adapted to detect the leaking radiation and determine whether the radiation shield blocks a sufficient amount of stray light to meet the safety requirements of the laser.

[0068] The radiation shield can comprise an integrated extraction inlet fluidly coupled to the extraction device. The integrated extraction inlet can have a double-wall structure, for example concentric circles. The integrated extraction inlet can be configured to be positioned substantially adjacent to the product.

[0069] The radiation shield can comprise a conduit configured to supply a flow of suppressant fluid to reduce the amount of debris entering onto the optical element of the marking head. The flow of suppressant fluid can be configured to push debris away from the marking head.

[0070] The radiation shield can comprise a flange for providing additional protection to a user of the laser marking system from stray radiation. The flange can comprise a labyrinth projection or a conical projection from a shield configured to further block stray light.

[0071] The radiation shield can comprise a flexible member arranged to reduce the gap between the radiation shield and the product to provide additional protection to a user of the laser marking system from stray radiation. The radiation shield can include a portion formed from a flexible material. The radiation shield can be formed from a flexible material.

[0072] The radiation shield can be made expandable or contractible, for example, by adding or removing air or another fluid to the internal volume of the radiation shield.

[0073] The marking head can further comprise a filter for catching debris.

[0074] The marking head can further comprise a safety device configured to disable the provision of radiation if the radiation shield is not connected to the marking head. The safety device can be an RFID or an interlock.

[0075] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a marking head for a laser marking system, the marking head being configured to project a laser beam onto a product. The marking head includes a radiation shield configured to protect a user of the laser marking system from stray radiation, the radiation shield including an inner wall defining a radiation path and an outer wall disposed relative to the inner wall such that a fluid flow path is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, the fluid flow path being attachable to an extraction device for extracting substances generated by the interaction between the radiation beam and the product to be marked.

[0076] By providing a fluid flow path for extracting substances (e.g., debris, smoke) integrated with the radiation shield, it is possible to provide a simplified laser marking head, which makes installation easier. That is, instead of the user having to install the laser marking head, provide a radiation shield separately therefrom, and further provide extraction, the marking head can simply be placed near the production line and operated.

[0077] The radiation path can be defined by the inner wall from the laser light source towards the product to be marked. The inner wall can be configured to define an exit opening for the radiation and to enable the radiation to exit towards the product to be marked.

[0078] The marking head can further include an extraction fluid inlet for extracting substances generated by the interaction between the radiation beam and the product. The extraction fluid inlet can be provided adjacent to the radiation exit opening. The extraction fluid inlet can be provided around the radiation exit opening. For example, the extraction fluid inlet can be disposed around the outer periphery of the radiation exit opening.

[0079] The marking head can be configured to be coupled to an umbilical assembly, which defines a flow path between a radiation shield and an extraction device. The marking head can be configured to receive a control signal supplied by a control carrier provided within the umbilical assembly. The marking head can be configured to receive radiation from a radiation guide provided within the umbilical assembly.

[0080] The marking head can comprise a radiation steering mechanism configured to steer electromagnetic radiation for directing it to a specific location within a two-dimensional field of view.

[0081] The marking head can comprise a variable optical path length assembly configured to define an optical path from an input to an output of the variable optical path length assembly.

[0082] The laser marking system according to the first aspect of the present invention can comprise a marking head according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0083] It should be understood that the marking heads according to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention can be combined with the features described from the perspective of the laser marking system according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or the umbilical according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0084] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In each drawing, each identical or substantially identical component shown in the various drawings is represented by like reference numerals. For clarity, not all components are shown in all of the drawings. Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0085]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0086] The aspects and embodiments disclosed in this specification are not limited to the detailed contents of the structures and arrangements of the components described in the following description or shown in the drawings. The aspects and embodiments disclosed in this specification can be implemented or executed in various ways.

[0087] The aspects and embodiments disclosed in this specification include a laser scanning or marking system. The laser marking system can be used in production lines for various types of goods or products. The laser marking system can be used to engrave barcodes, unique identification marks, expiration dates, or other information related to the articles passing through the production line. In some embodiments, a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) gas laser can be used in the laser marking system. The CO 2 laser generates infrared light beams in four main wavelength ranges centered around 9.3, 9.6, 10.2, and 10.6 micrometers (μm). The laser used in the laser marking system typically operates at a laser output level of several tens of watts.

[0088] However, the laser scanning or marking system is CO 2Not limited to the use of lasers. In some aspects and embodiments, the optical scanner or marker can utilize ultraviolet, visible light, or near-infrared wavelengths, or some other type of laser or optical illumination source operating with a laser. The use of visible light laser light in a laser scanner system is advantageous in that the user can see the laser light when illuminating an object being scanned so that the user can adjust the position of the laser scanner, or when illuminating an object being scanned so that the laser illuminates a desired portion of the object.

[0089] FIG. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a laser marking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The laser marking system 100 includes a laser light source 110 for supplying laser light (not shown) and a marking head 120 for projecting the laser light onto a product (not shown). The laser marking system 100 further includes a housing 130 having an extraction device 140 configured to generate a flow of extraction fluid for extracting substances generated by the interaction between the laser light and the product. In the example of FIG. 1, the housing 130 houses the laser light source 110 (e.g., a CO 2 laser). In another embodiment, the laser light source 110 (e.g., a diode laser) can be housed within the marking head 120. The laser marking system 100 further includes a control device 150 for controlling the laser light source 110 and the marking head 120. The laser marking system 100 further includes an umbilical assembly 350 connecting the housing 130 to the marking head 120. The housing 130 can include wheels 500 that enable easy movement of the housing 130 around an installation environment (e.g., one production line).

[0090] The marking head includes a radiation shield 170 for protecting the user of the laser marking system 100 from stray radiation. The radiation shield 170 is shown and described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0091] The laser marking system 100 can further include an encoder for converting marking instructions into control signals for the marking head 120. The laser marking system 100 can further include a user interface, for example, a graphical user interface. The user interface can form part of the control device 150. The user interface can include, for example, a screen for presenting visual signals to the user and / or a speaker for presenting audio signals to the user. The laser marking system 100 can include a transceiver for remote control of the laser marking system 100. The laser marking system 100 can include a connection (for example, an Ethernet connection Internet connection) for integration with other devices (for example, on a production line of which the laser marking system forms part) via the Internet of Things.

[0092] Figure 2 schematically shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the marking head 120 of FIG. 1. The radiation shield 170 includes a sensor 180 configured to detect radiation emitted from the product 200 to be marked. The sensor 180 can include, for example, a photodiode or a camera. The sensor 180 can be configured to detect leaking radiation and determine whether the radiation shield 170 blocks a sufficient amount of stray radiation to meet laser safety requirements. For example, different safety requirements can apply depending on the type of laser used (for example, the wavelength and / or output of the radiation generated by the laser). The safety requirements need to ensure that the radiation dose does not exceed a certain amount when collected (and focused) by the human eye (for example, a user of the laser marking system). The sensor 180 can be configured to sense radiation across the entire circumference of the radiation shield. The sensor 180 can be configured to detect radiation emitted from the gap between the radiation shield 170 and the product 200.

[0093] The radiation shield 170 further includes an integrated extraction inlet 190 that is fluidly coupled to the extraction device of FIG. 1 (not shown in FIG. 2). The integrated extraction inlet 190 can be configured to be positioned substantially adjacent to the product 200 that is marked using the marking head 120. The integrated extraction inlet 190 can be configured, for example, to be positioned at a distance of about twice or less than the gap 250 between the radiation shield 170 and the product 200.

[0094] The radiation shield 170 further includes a conduit 210 configured to supply a flow of suppressant fluid 330 to reduce the amount of debris entering onto the optical element 220 of the marking head 120. The radiation shield 170 can include, for example, an aperture 340 such that some of the suppressant fluid 330 exits the conduit 210 near the optics of the marking head 220 and moves toward the product 200, thereby suppressing and / or blocking debris generated near the product 200 from reaching the optical system 220 of the marking head 120.

[0095] The radiation shield 170 further includes a flange 230 that allows for additional protection of the user of the laser marking system from stray radiation. The radiation shield 170 includes a flexible member 240 arranged to reduce the gap 250 between the radiation shield 170 and the product 200 and allow for additional protection of the user of the laser marking system from stray radiation.

[0096] The radiation shield 170 can be formed from a flexible material. The radiation shield 170 can be expandable or contractible. For example, by adding or removing air or another fluid to the internal volume of the radiation shield 170, the radiation shield 170 can be expanded. The radiation shield 170 can further include a filter 460 for capturing substances generated by the interaction between the radiation and the product marked by the laser marking system 100. The laser marking system 100 can further include a safety device 470 configured to disable the provision of radiation when the radiation shield 170 is not connected to the marking head 120. The safety device 470 can include, for example, a radio frequency identifier (i.e., RFID) and / or an interlock.

[0097] Referring again to FIG. 1, the extraction device 140 is configured to direct a flow of extraction fluid towards the laser light source 110, thereby cooling the laser light source 110. The extraction fluid can include, for example, air. The extraction fluid can be supplied to the laser light source 110 after filtration. The extraction fluid can be supplied to the laser light source 110 before being used to extract substances generated by the marking head 120 and a product (not shown in FIG. 1). For example, the extraction fluid can be supplied at a flow rate of about 20 liters per minute. The flow rate required to cool the laser light source 110 may depend, at least in part, on the distribution of the heat load on the laser light source 110, the duty cycle of the laser light source 110, etc.

[0098] The housing 130 can further include a power supply 260 configured to supply power to the laser light source 110. The extraction device 140 can be configured to cool the power supply 260. The housing 130 can further include a control device 270 for controlling the laser light source 110, the extraction device 140 and / or the marking head 120. The extraction device 140 can be configured to cool the control device 270.

[0099] The housing 130 can include a cooling device 280 configured to cool the extraction fluid before the extraction fluid is directed towards the laser light source. The cooling device 280 can include, for example, a compressor or a heat exchanger. The extraction device 140 includes a fan 290 configured to generate a flow of the extraction fluid. The extraction device 140 can include a filter 300 configured to capture at least a portion of the substances extracted from between the marking head 120 and the product to be marked. The filter 300 can be replaced after collecting a predetermined amount of substances.

[0100] Referring again to FIG. 2, the marking head 120 includes an electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism 310 configured to steer the electromagnetic radiation exiting the marking head 120 of the laser marking system. The marking head 120 further includes a variable optical path length assembly 320 configured to adjust the focal plane of the laser marking system 100.

[0101] The marking head 120 can further include a focusing optical system (not shown) and / or a collimator (not shown). The marking head 120 is substantially cylindrical. The marking head 120 can have a first dimension in a first direction of less than about 400 mm and a second dimension in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of less than about 60 mm. The marking head 120 can have a third dimension in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions of less than about 60 mm.

[0102] The marking head 120 can include a cooling system for cooling components (e.g., actuators of the electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism 310 and / or the variable optical path length assembly 320). The cooling system can be configured to use the suppression fluid of the radiation shield 170 to cool the components of the marking head 120. The laser marking system can further include a detector 480 configured to detect the presence of the product 200. For example, the detector 480 can include a camera.

[0103] FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an umbilical assembly 350 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The umbilical assembly 350 includes an inner umbilical 360. The inner umbilical 360 includes an optical fiber 370 for transmitting laser light. The inner umbilical 360 further includes a conductive cable 380. The umbilical assembly 350 further includes an outer conduit 390 for sending a fluid (e.g., a suppression fluid) or an extraction fluid. The outer conduit 380 is configured to house the inner umbilical 360. The internal volume of the outer conduit 390 is large enough to house the marking head of the laser marking system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0104] The outer conduit 390 is reversibly connectable to the marking head 120 of the laser marking system 100 of FIG. 1. The outer conduit 390 is reversibly connectable to the housing 130 of the laser marking system 100 of FIG. 1. The inner umbilical 360 is reversibly connectable to the marking head 120 of the laser marking system 100 of FIG. 1. The inner umbilical 360 is reversibly connectable to the housing 130 of the laser marking system 100 of FIG. 1. The umbilical assembly 350 is reversibly sealable to the marking head 120 and the housing 130 of the laser marking system 100 of FIG. 1 to prevent the entry of fluid or debris.

[0105] The outer conduit 390 is removably detachable from the inner umbilical 360 in a reversible manner. For example, the outer conduit 390 can be made separable. That is, the outer conduit 390 can be divided along its outer periphery or separated in another way, enabling access to the inner umbilical 360. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the outer umbilical 390 includes a zipper 400 that can be used to separate it.

[0106] Referring back to FIG. 1, the umbilical assembly 350 further includes a scrubber 410 configured to clean the inner umbilical 360. That is, the outer conduit 390 can be separated, thereby enabling access to the inner umbilical 360 and the scrubber 410. The scrubber 410 can include, for example, a sponge-like material.

[0107] Referring back to FIG. 3, the outer surface 420 of the inner umbilical 360 and the inner surface 430 of the outer conduit 390 can include a chemically resistant material, and / or a heat resistant material, and / or a water resistant material, and / or a sanitary material. The outer surface 420 of the inner umbilical 360 and / or the inner surface 430 of the outer conduit 390 can be made smooth.

[0108] The conductive cable 380 can be configured to transmit control signals, for example, from a control device 270 (shown in FIG. 1) to an electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism 310 (shown in FIG. 2). The conductive cable 380 can be configured to transmit sensor signals, for example, from a sensor 180 (shown in FIG. 2) to a user interface of a laser marking system 100 (shown in FIG. 1). The conductive cable 380 can be configured to transmit power, for example, from a power source 260 (shown in FIG. 1) to a variable optical path length assembly 320 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0109] The inner umbilical 360 can further include ducts 440, 445 for sending fluids such as suppression fluid 330 or extraction fluid 160 (shown in FIG. 2). The ducts 440, 445 can be configured to send the suppression fluid 330 to the radiation shield 170 (shown in FIG. 2). The ducts 440, 445 can be configured to send the extraction fluid 160 from the radiation shield 170 and direct the extraction fluid 160 towards the extraction device 140 (shown in FIG. 1). The umbilical assembly 350 can further include a port 450 for connecting this to an exhaust system (not shown).

[0110] The laser marking process can include, for example, supplying radiation to the umbilical assembly 350 by coupling a radiation source such as a CO 2 laser or a diode laser to the umbilical assembly 350. Alternatively, the radiation source 110 can be disposed within the marking head 120. The umbilical assembly 350 can be connected to the marking head 120. The optical fiber of the umbilical assembly 350 can direct the radiation towards the collimator of the marking head 120. The collimator can adjust the radiation in a desired manner before directing the radiation towards other components of the marking head such as a variable optical path length assembly 320 (which can change the focal plane of the laser marking system in a desired manner) and / or an electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism 310 (which can steer the radiation exiting the marking head in a desired manner).

[0111] The variable optical path length assembly 320 and / or the electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism 310 provide a compact means for controlling the radiation exiting the marking head 120, and as a result, enable the use of a small and lightweight marking head 120 instead of a large and heavy known marking head.

[0112] The radiation can exit the marking head 120 and be incident on the product 200. The radiation can interact with a desired portion of the surface of the product 200, such as by marking, etching, or otherwise, to change the appearance of the product 200. The interaction between the radiation and the product 200 may lead to the production of substances (such as gaseous substances like smoke and / or solid substances like particulate debris). The extraction device 140 can generate a flow of extraction fluid 160, which can be suctioned from the integrated extraction inlet 190 of the radiation shield 170 of the marking head 120, through the duct 440 of the umbilical assembly 350, towards the housing 1330 that holds the extraction device 140. This advantageously provides a comprehensive solution to the problem of substance generation during laser marking and avoids the need for a large separate fume extractor.

[0113] The umbilical assembly 320, more advantageously, transmits control signals, power, sensor signals, etc. between components of the housing 130 (such as the laser light source 110 and / or the control device 270) and the marking head 120, and has sufficient flexibility to easily reposition the marking head 120 with respect to the production line. The separable outer conduit 390 of the umbilical assembly 350 allows easy access to the inner umbilical 360 and / or replacement of the outer conduit 390 without the need to disconnect the umbilical assembly 350 from the housing 130 or the marking head 120. The scrubber 410 advantageously provides an easy way to remove dirt (such as substances extracted from the product 200 by the extraction fluid) deposited on the outer surface 420 of the inner umbilical 360 without the need to come into direct contact with potential hazards on the inner umbilical 360.

[0114] Scattered radiation (e.g., radiation scattered from product 200 and / or radiation reflected through the material between product 200 and radiation shield 170) can be captured, absorbed, and / or otherwise redirected by radiation shield 170 to protect the user of the laser marking device from the scattered radiation. Flange 230, flexible member 240, and / or sensor 180 can provide additional protection to the user of the laser marking system from the scattered radiation. This provides a comprehensive solution to the problem of providing adequate radiation protection and meeting radiation safety requirements while conveniently avoiding the need for a large and expensive dedicated radiation shield unit that surrounds a portion of the production line where the laser marking system is installed.

[0115] The laser marking system described and shown herein conveniently solves the problems associated with the known laser marking systems described above and provides a fully integrated "plug and play" solution for the owner of the production line.

[0116] It should be understood that, having thus described some aspects of at least one implementation structure, those skilled in the art can readily envision various variations, modifications, and improvements. Such variations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The acts of the methods disclosed herein can be performed in an order different from that shown, and one or more acts can be omitted, substituted, or added. One or more features of any one embodiment disclosed herein can be combined with or replaced by one or more features of any other embodiment disclosed herein. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are merely illustrative.

[0117] The terms and expressions used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, the term "plurality" refers to two or more elements or components. Dimensions described herein as "substantially the same" should be considered to be within approximately 25% of each other. The terms "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", and "involving" are open-ended in the sense of "including but not limited to", whether in the description of the specification or in the claims. Thus, the use of such terms means including the elements described thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional elements. With respect to the claims, only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively. The use of ordinal terms such as "first", "second", "third", and the like in the claims to modify the elements of the claims does not, in itself, imply any priority, ranking, or order of the elements of one claim over all the various or chronological orders in which the acts of the method are performed, but is simply used as a label to distinguish the elements of one claim having a particular name from another element having the same name (absent the use of ordinal terms) for the purpose of distinguishing the elements of the claims.

[0118] The electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism can include various types of optical components, such as refractive, reflective, magnetic, electromagnetic, electrostatic, and / or other types of optical components, or any combination thereof, for orienting, shaping, and / or controlling electromagnetic radiation.

[0119] Although specific reference can be made in this specification to the use of electromagnetic radiation steering mechanisms in product marking, it should be understood that the electromagnetic radiation steering mechanisms described herein can have other applications. Other possible applications include laser systems for sculpted products, optical scanners, radiation detection systems, medical devices, and the like.

[0120] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be understood that the invention can be practiced in ways different from those described. The above description is intended by way of example and not limitation. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the invention as described without departing from the scope of the claims.

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0121] 100 Laser Marking System 110 Laser Light Source 120 Marking Head 130 Housing 140 Extraction Device 170 Radiation Shield 260 Power Supply 270 Control Device 280 Cooling Device 290 Fan 300 Filter 350 Umbilical Assembly 410 Scrubber 460 Filter 500 Wheel

Claims

1. A laser marking system for marking a product, comprising: a laser light source for supplying laser light; a marking head for projecting the laser light onto the product; an extraction device configured to generate a flow of extraction fluid for extracting substances generated by the interaction between the laser light and the product; and a housing including a control device for controlling the laser light source and the marking head; comprising: further comprising an umbilical assembly connecting the housing to the marking head; the marking head includes a radiation shield for protecting a user of the laser marking system from stray radiation; the marking head is configured to be provided such that there is a gap between a part of the radiation shield and the product; the radiation shield includes a sensor configured to detect radiation emitted from the gap between the part of the radiation shield and the product, characterized in that it is a laser marking system.

2. The laser marking system according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes the laser light source, or the marking head includes the laser light source.

3. The laser marking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiation shield includes an integrated extraction inlet fluidly coupled to the extraction device.

4. The laser marking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radiation shield includes a conduit configured to supply a flow of suppressant fluid to reduce the amount of debris entering onto the optical elements of the marking head.

5. The radiation shield includes a flange for providing further protection to a user of the laser marking system from stray radiation, and / or the radiation shield includes a flexible member arranged to reduce the gap between the radiation shield and the product for providing further protection to a user of the laser marking system from stray radiation, the laser marking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the extraction device is configured to cool the laser light source, The extraction device is configured to direct the flow of the extraction fluid towards the laser light source, thereby cooling the laser light source, for the laser marking system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The extraction device comprises a filter configured to capture at least a part of the substance, for the laser marking system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The marking head comprises a cooling system for cooling components of the marking head, The cooling system is configured to use the suppression fluid of the radiation shield to cool the components of the marking head, for the laser marking system according to claim 4.

9. The umbilical assembly comprises a conductive cable and a duct for sending fluid, The duct is configured to send the suppression fluid to the radiation shield, and / or The duct is configured to send the extraction fluid from the radiation shield, for the laser marking system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The laser marking system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprises a detector configured to detect the presence of the product.

11. The laser marking system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 further comprises a power source for supplying power to the laser light source, The power source is arranged inside the housing, for the laser marking system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The marking head is configured to engrave information on an article passing through a production line, for the laser marking system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An umbilical assembly for a laser marking system, the umbilical assembly comprising an inner umbilical, the inner umbilical comprising an optical fiber for transmitting laser light and a conductive cable, The umbilical assembly further comprises an outer conduit for sending fluid, The outer conduit is configured to accommodate the inner umbilical, The internal volume of the outer conduit is large enough to accommodate the marking head of the laser marking system. Umbilical assembly.

14. The outer conduit is reversibly connectable to the marking head of the laser marking system, and / or The ambilical assembly according to claim 13, wherein the outer conduit is reversibly connectable to a housing of a laser marking system.

15. The inner umbilical is reversibly connectable to a marking head of a laser marking system, and / or The inner umbilical is reversibly connectable to a housing of a laser marking system, the ambilical assembly according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The outer conduit is reversibly removable from the inner umbilical, and / or The outer conduit is separable, the ambilical assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The ambilical assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising a scrubber configured to clean the inner umbilical.

18. The ambilical assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 17 is reversibly sealable to a marking head and a housing of a laser marking system to prevent entry of fluid or debris.

19. The outer surface of the inner umbilical and the inner surface of the outer conduit comprise a chemically resistant material, and / or The outer surface of the inner umbilical and the inner surface of the outer conduit comprise a heat resistant material, and / or The outer surface of the inner umbilical and the inner surface of the outer conduit comprise a water resistant material, and / or The inner umbilical and the outer conduit are formed from a sanitary material, The ambilical assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 18.

20. The inner umbilical further comprises a duct for sending fluid, the duct being configured to send damping fluid to a marking head of a laser marking system, and / or The outer conduit is configured to send extracted fluid from a marking head of a laser marking system, the ambilical assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 19.

21. A laser marking system for marking a product, A laser light source for supplying laser light, A marking head for projecting the laser light onto the product, An extraction device configured to generate a flow of extraction fluid for extracting a substance generated by an interaction between the laser light and the product, and a housing including a control device for controlling the laser light source and the marking head. The unidirectional assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 20. Comprising The unidirectional assembly is configured to connect the housing to the marking head, and the laser marking system.

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