Laser processing apparatus and laser processing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laser processing device and a laser processing method. In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a laser processing head having an input for a laser beam, further comprising a lens system for focusing the laser beam and a scanning system for deflecting the laser beam according to a one-dimensional or two-dimensional touch pattern. In particular, the laser processing head further comprises a director configurable between at least a first position and a second position relative to a casing for variably emitting the deflected laser beam having the touch pattern in at least a first or second emission direction. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a laser processing device and a laser processing method.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to laser processing of surfaces, and more particularly to a laser cleaning device, a laser cleaning head, and a laser cleaning method. [Background technology]

[0002] Laser processing and laser cleaning are known per se in the state of the art.

[0003] As an example, Patent Document 1 describes a laser device for cleaning surfaces. The device consists of a laser source and a separate portable laser head connected to the laser source. The laser head includes a collimator and two movable mirrors. These mirrors move so that the collimated laser beam scans the surface through an exit window with a field lens and a protective glass. The field lens and protective glass are permanently mounted at an oblique angle within the laser head. The field lens focuses the laser beam on the surface. The protective glass shields the field lens. An angle of approximately 20° is considered optimal, and the movable mirror is positioned accordingly.

[0004] Furthermore, US Pat. No. 6,299,499 describes another portable laser cleaning head for delivering a pulsed laser beam, where the laser beam is again emitted at an oblique angle relative to the axis of the laser cleaning device, preferably an oblique angle of about 50°.

[0005] Some important characteristics of laser cleaning and laser cleaning devices are their effectiveness, power and speed, as well as their autonomy, ease of operation, user-friendliness and ergonomics. Particular attention is paid to maximizing user safety. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] China Utility Model No. 206661838 (Herolaser) [Patent Document 2] German Utility Model No. 202017103770 (4JET) [Patent Document 3] Korean Patent Publication No. 2011-0032992 [Patent Document 4] German Patent Application Publication No. 10-2010-026107 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] A drawback of existing laser cleaning devices is the limited maneuverability of the laser head. Furthermore, existing laser heads often have a field lens attached to the front of the laser head. The field lens is heavy and expensive. Furthermore, the field lens is fragile and located close to the surface to be cleaned, where all kinds of contaminants are released. Therefore, it is preferable to have a protective glass between the field lens and the surface.

[0008] US Pat. No. 5,649,493 describes a trimming device for plastic interior panels for refrigerators.

[0009] US Patent No. 5,949,999 discloses an apparatus and method for gas-assisted machining of a workpiece using high-energy radiation.

[0010] The present invention contemplates an improved laser processing apparatus and an improved laser processing method, which provide a solution to at least one of the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To this end, the present invention provides in a first aspect a laser processing head for processing a surface, as defined in claim 1. In particular, the laser head comprises a director that can be set to at least two different positions relative to the casing, so that the laser beam, which has already been scanning according to a one-dimensional or two-dimensional touch pattern, is further directed according to an emission direction corresponding to the selected position of the director.

[0012] The variable emission direction ensures that the laser processing head is much more maneuverable, and therefore the laser head and the laser source connected to it are much more versatile for a wide variety of surfaces and much less limited by the shape of the surface.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment as set forth in claim 8, the directing body is rotatable over a range of at least 90°, thereby making it possible to change the radiation direction over a range of at least 90°.

[0014] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a laser processing apparatus having a laser head and a laser source, and a method for laser processing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 shows a laser processing head according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, with the directors configured in a first position or a second position, respectively; [Figure 2] 1A and 1B show a laser processing head according to a possible embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives, with the director configured in a first position or a second position, respectively; [Figure 3] 10A and 10B show a laser processing head according to a possible embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives, with the director configured in a first position or a second position, respectively. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exposed laser processing head according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the director not being shown in this view. [Figure 5]5 shows another possible design of the laser head, optionally with an interior similar to that of FIG. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a portion of a laser processing apparatus including a laser source, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention relates to a laser processing head, a laser processing device and a method for laser processing, e.g., laser cleaning, a surface.

[0017] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in describing the present invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. In order to better appreciate the description of the present invention, the following terms are explicitly explained.

[0018] In the English specification of this application, "a," "the," and "it" refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "a segment" means one or more segments.

[0019] When "approximately" or "around" is used herein with respect to a measurable quantity, parameter, time or moment, etc., it means that such variation, insofar as applicable to the described invention, is within + / - 20% or less of the quoted value, preferably within + / - 10% or less, more preferably within + / - 5% or less, even more preferably within + / - 1% or less, and even more preferably within + / - 0.1% or less. However, it should be understood that the quantity value itself for which the term "about" or "around" is used is specifically disclosed.

[0020] "Comprise", "comprising", "consisting of", "providing for" and "containing" are synonymous and are inclusive or open terms indicating the presence of what follows and do not exclude or preclude the presence of other components, features, elements, parts or steps.

[0021] References to numerical intervals through their endpoints include all integers, fractions, and / or real numbers between and including the endpoints.

[0022] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a laser processing head comprising a casing having an input for a laser beam, and further comprising a lens system for focusing the laser beam and a scanning system for deflecting the laser beam according to a one-dimensional or two-dimensional touch pattern. In particular, the laser processing head further comprises a director settable between at least a first position and a second position relative to the casing for variably transmitting the laser beam deflected using the touch pattern in a first output direction or a second output direction, respectively, relative to the casing.

[0023] Preferably, the laser head can be connected to the laser source using, for example, a fiber optic cable. The laser head and the laser source together form a laser processing device (also called a laser device). Suitable lengths of such cables vary from a few meters to tens of meters. For the laser source itself, a choice can be made between a continuous laser source and a pulsed laser source. Some suitable emission powers for pulsed laser sources are 100 W, 500 W, 1000 W and more. The present invention is not limited to any of these.

[0024] A known application of laser processing equipment is the removal of coatings, rust, varnish and / or contaminants from surfaces. Optionally, the invention relates specifically to laser cleaning for cleaning surfaces, i.e., for removing surface contaminants from surfaces. However, the invention as a whole is not limited thereto.

[0025] The laser processing head or laser cleaning head according to the present invention may be either portable / mobile or fixed. A portable laser head can be guided by hand by an operator. Alternatively, the portable laser head may be attached to a robot arm. An advantage of a portable laser head is its improved maneuverability. Preferably, the portable laser head has at least one attachment point for attaching a handle to the laser head and / or for attaching the laser head to a robot arm. Optionally, one or more handles of the laser head are detachable, thereby allowing the laser head to be attached to a robot arm at the height of those attachment points.

[0026] Preferably, the laser device comprises a collimator for collimating the captured laser beam, which is advantageous for further focusing and scanning. Preferably, the collimator is provided in the laser head itself, although in practice this is not always the case. Optionally, the collimator comprises an optical isolator, as known in the art. Optionally, the laser head comprises a thermally conductive structure in contact with the isolator and extending to the outer surface of the laser head for heat dissipation. For example, this may be an aluminum structure.

[0027] The lens system may comprise one or more lenses for focusing the laser beam on the surface and / or for shaping the laser beam (e.g., from a Gaussian to a top-hat shape). Certain processes, such as laser cleaning, may require a narrow focus with a high energy density. However, a "focus at the surface" is generally understood herein to mean a focus near the surface. The operator may intentionally focus at a specific distance in front of or beyond the surface. Suitable lens systems for focusing are known. In a preferred embodiment, the laser head is provided with a lens system for adjustable focusing, preferably automatically adjustable focusing (i.e., autofocus). Autofocus is particularly advantageous for worn laser heads. Autofocus provides a certain tolerance for the distance between the laser head and the surface to be treated / cleaned. Therefore, movements relative to the operator are less "strict," and focusing is automatically corrected within a certain tolerance (e.g., based on a time-of-flight distance sensor signal). Optionally, the tolerance is at least 0.5 cm, preferably 0.5 cm or more, more preferably 2.0 cm or more, for example about 5 cm.

[0028] The scanning system described above deflects the laser beam in at least one direction according to a touch pattern. Optionally, the touch pattern is a random touch pattern. Optionally, the touch pattern is a non-random, predetermined touch pattern. An example of a possible one-dimensional pattern is a linear movement back and forth of a focal point on the surface. An example of a possible two-dimensional touch pattern is a serpentine movement within a rectangular area on the surface. Optionally, the touch pattern can be a repeating touch pattern. The touch pattern extends from the laser head itself and deflects the laser beam relative to the laser head. Thus, if the laser beam is thin (e.g., 100 μm), 2 ), larger scanning areas on the surface (e.g., 1 cm 2) is "scanned". In this process, very high energy densities are applied for short periods at several successive times. This is known in principle in the field of laser cleaning. The movement of the laser focus according to the scanning pattern is usually much faster, preferably at least an order of magnitude faster, than the movement of the laser head relative to the surface. Suitable scanning systems are known to experts. Optionally, the laser head comprises two rotatable scanning mirrors. Optionally, these mirrors are controlled via corresponding galvanometers.

[0029] Here, the laser processing head further includes a director that can be set between at least a first position and a second position relative to the casing. As used herein, "position" refers to a combination of the position and orientation of a target relative to the casing. "Configurable" means that the director can assume at least these positions. In a possible, non-exhaustive example, the first position is a forward-facing position, and the second position is a downward-facing position. Furthermore, the director's position determines the final emission direction of the laser beam according to the generated touch pattern. As a result, the operability of the laser head is significantly improved. The laser beam can be pointed either forward or downward depending on the target's position. For example, from an ergonomic point of view, a forward-facing position is preferable for vertical surfaces, and a downward-facing position is preferable for horizontal surfaces. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0030] Optionally, the director can be permanently attached to the casing in at least a first position and a second position, where the scanning pattern is emitted in a first or second radiation direction, respectively. Alternatively, the director can be freely moved between the first and second positions. Alternatively, the director can be movable between the first and second positions. Optionally, the director is manually moved between said positions. Alternatively, the movement is automatically controlled based on sensors. This mechanism (e.g., by auto-leveling) is described in more detail below.

[0031] In a further or alternative embodiment, the director forms an exit window, which is preferably fitted with a protective glass, and which is a fixed part of the target, so that, as an advantage, the target is automatically aligned according to the general radial direction of the scan pattern.

[0032] In a further or alternative embodiment, the director comprises a mirror surface for reflecting and directing the deflected laser beam. Preferably, the mirror surface can assume different orientations, whereby the scanning pattern is emitted in a corresponding direction. The orientation of the mirror surface determines the emission direction.

[0033] In further or alternative embodiments, the pointing device is rotatable around a rotation axis between the above-mentioned positions. Preferably, the pointing body is continuously rotatable within a certain range. Preferably, the rotation axis intersects the mirror surface obliquely. More preferably, the rotation axis forms an angle of approximately 45° with the mirror surface. As shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the (originally) horizontal scanning pattern can be variably emitted in the upward, forward, and downward directions by reflection using the pointing body. For this purpose, the target is rotated around the horizontal rotation axis.

[0034] More preferably, the mirror surface is arranged to receive the laser beam from the casing substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, so that the scanning pattern is always incident obliquely at an angle of approximately 45°, regardless of the rotational orientation of the mirror surface.

[0035] In further or alternative embodiments, the director is rotatable through a range of at least 90°, preferably greater than 90°. Also according to preferred embodiments, the director can assume at least one position in an obliquely upward direction to emit a scanning pattern obliquely, which is advantageous for cleaning ceilings / surfaces located above the head, for example.

[0036] In one possible embodiment, the laser head or laser device includes a computer controller for automatically controlling the movement or rotation of the target, and the computer controller is used to automatically set the direction of emission of the touch pattern.

[0037] In such automatic setting of the radiation direction, the movement of the laser focus is determined by several contributions. The first contribution is the "scanning movement" of the laser focus according to the touch pattern, which is controlled by the scanning system. The second contribution is the "aiming movement" of the entire touch pattern due to the automatic setting of the director. The third contribution is the "carrier movement" of the entire laser head relative to the surface. As mentioned above, the "scanning movement" of the laser focus in the form of the touch pattern is an extremely fast and continuous movement. Preferably, the "aiming movement" by the director causes only the movement of this touch pattern on the surface at a slower speed. Preferably, the speed is at least one order of magnitude slower. Typically, the scanning movement is a periodic movement. It is not necessarily a directional movement.

[0038] In further or alternative embodiments, the laser head comprises at least one sensor for measuring sensor signals associated with the position (e.g., distance), orientation, velocity, and / or acceleration of the laser processing head relative to the surface. Furthermore, the laser head comprises a control device for automatically setting the target between the aforementioned positions based on the sensor signals. This general principle allows for stabilization of the movement. According to a possible example, the orientation of the laser head relative to the surface is continuously monitored. If the laser head is not held parallel to the surface (or not held at a desired angle), the radiation direction is adjusted accordingly, and the pointing head automatically rotates to compensate and assume the adjusted position. This provides an auto-leveling function.

[0039] Another stabilization mechanism is autofocus. According to a possible example, the distance between the laser head and the surface (focus position on the surface) is continuously monitored. Based on this, the focal length is changed within a tolerance of 5 cm. This ensures that the desired focus of the laser beam is always on the surface. Optionally, the lens system comprises another means for adjusting the focus diameter. This allows the intensity of the focus on the surface to be varied.

[0040] In further or alternative embodiments, the laser processing head comprises one or more surface sensors, illuminators, extractors, and / or spacers attached to the target. The advantage is that these devices are automatically aligned with the target at various positions on the target. Optionally, the laser head comprises one or more surface sensors that identify emitted contaminants in real time.

[0041] Optionally, the laser head is equipped with a range finder, which is preferably configured to measure the distance to the surface according to the direction of emission of the scanning pattern. The laser head is switched off if either a too short or too long distance is recorded. The threshold is set accordingly. If the distance is too short (e.g., less than 20 cm), the system may be damaged by the laser beam reflecting back to the laser head and / or by kicking up any kind of dirt. If the distance is too long (e.g., more than 50 cm), the laser head is not aimed at the surface to be cleaned. In this situation, it is not safe to switch on. In a possible embodiment, the laser head is automatically switched off when it detects that the distance is greater than 110% of the focal length. In a further or alternative embodiment, the laser head is automatically switched off when it detects that the distance is less than 90% of the focal length. The "focal length" refers to the focal length of the lens or lens group currently in use (see below).

[0042] Optionally, the laser head provides visual feedback to the operator by projecting onto the surface to be cleaned. For example, relevant information is projected onto the surface using a red laser. Optionally, the laser head provides tactile feedback to the operator using one or more vibration signals. Preferably, the vibration signals are generated near one or more handles. The visual and tactile feedback can be informative, warning, and / or guiding.

[0043] In a further or alternative embodiment, the lens system comprises a rotating filter wheel (also known as a carousel system or rotating system) with at least two lenses or lens groups. A "lens group" includes one or more consecutive lenses that optically affect the laser beam. The desired lens or lens group can be selected by rotating the filter wheel. An important advantage is that lenses can be exchanged much more easily. There is no need to open the optical elements for this purpose. Therefore, there is less risk of contaminating the lenses. Optionally, the filter wheel is driven by a DC motor. Alternatively, the filter wheel can be adjusted manually. Optionally, the filter wheel can move back and forth for autofocus.

[0044] Preferably, the filter wheel comprises several smaller lenses. Optionally, the filter wheel is placed between the collimator and the scanning system. Each smaller lens is more compact, lighter, and cheaper. It is also ergonomically preferable for the filter wheel to be located at the rear of the laser head, i.e., near the laser supply. This allows for a better balance of the laser head's weight. Optionally, the filter wheel comprises a Gaussian to top-hat laser profile converter in at least one position. Optionally, the filter wheel comprises at least two lens groups with different focal lengths. Preferably, the laser head comprises means (e.g., a potentiometer) for recording the rotational position of the filter wheel. Thus, the laser head knows which lens group is in use and what the current focal length is. An automatic adjustment of the above-mentioned thresholds for minimum and maximum distance follows, at which point the laser device is switched off.

[0045] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a laser processing device (=laser device) comprising a laser source adapted to emit a laser beam, a laser processing head operatively connected to the laser source, the laser device further comprising a portable laser processing head according to any one of claims 1 to 11, whereby the same features as above can be reproduced and the same advantages can be repeated.

[0046] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for treating a surface with a laser beam, the method comprising: generating a laser beam; focusing the laser beam; deflecting the laser beam according to a one-dimensional or two-dimensional touch pattern; In particular, the deflected laser bundle is further reflected according to a configurable beam direction. Optionally, the deflected laser bundle (having a scanning pattern) is further reflected onto a configurable mirror surface to direct the scanning pattern. Optionally, the method is performed using the laser head described above.

[0047] In further or alternative embodiments, the method comprises collecting sensor signals associated with the position, orientation, velocity and / or acceleration of the laser processing head relative to the surface, and configuring the radiation direction based on the sensor signals.

[0048] In further or alternative embodiments, the touch pattern is corrected according to the set radiation direction. Referring to the description of the drawings,

[0049] The present invention will now be described with reference to non-limiting examples and figures which illustrate the invention and which are not intended to limit, or should not be construed as limiting, the scope of the invention.

[0050] 1 to 3 show a laser processing head 1 according to a possible embodiment, each seen from different perspectives and with the director 2 set in a first position A or a second position B. The laser head 1 comprises a casing 3 having an input 4 for laser radiation 5, for example an input for a fiber optic cable operatively connected to a laser source 10. FIGS. 1 to 3 show only the laser head 1.

[0051] The casing 3 of the laser head 1 includes means for focusing and deflecting the incident laser beam 5 into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional touch pattern. However, these means are not visible in FIGS. 1-3. Furthermore, the casing 3 is provided with a rear handle 6 and a front handle 7. Therefore, the laser head 1 can be held with both hands for stable use. The rear handle 6 is provided around the laser input 4. The rear handle 6 has an actuator 8 at its bottom for activating the laser head 1. Upon activation, the actuator 8 is preferably flush with the surface of the handle 6. Furthermore, the actuator 8 is enclosed by an angular shape, which reduces the risk of accidental activation. The front handle 7 is attached to the casing 3 using a ball joint 9. The front handle 7 is therefore adjustable, thereby contributing to its maneuverability and ergonomics. Preferably, the front handle 7 can also be fixed in a selected position / orientation.

[0052] First, the generated touch pattern of the laser beam 5 is directed laterally out of the casing 3. This lateral direction 15' is also shown in Figures 3A-B. Here, the director 2 of the laser head 1 provides an inclined mirror surface 12 at an angle of approximately 45° to the lateral direction 15'. In Figures 1-3, the mirror surface 12 is referred to as the rear surface of the focusing device 2. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the mirror surface 12 is an internal mirror surface extending toward and along this rear surface. Typically, the laser head 1 is not limited to this design. The touch pattern is reflected toward the mirror surface 12, thereby changing the processing direction. Finally, the scanning pattern exits the laser head 1 through the exit window 13 of the director 2 in the so-called radiation direction 14. In particular, the radiation direction 14 varies depending on the orientation A, B of the director 2. For example, in Figures 1A-3A, the touch pattern is emitted in the forward direction 16. In Figures 1B-3B, the touch pattern is emitted obliquely downward at an angle 19 relative to the forward direction 16.

[0053] Preferably, the directing device 2 can take a plurality of different positions A and B. For example, for this purpose, the directing body 2 can be rotated around a rotation axis 20. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the rotation axis 20 coincides with the above-mentioned lateral direction 15'. Preferably, the directing body 2 can be continuously rotated within a range exceeding 90°, for example, within a range of approximately 115°. The radiation direction 14 can then be continuously set over the same range. Preferably, when viewed with respect to the casing 3, this range covers at least one radiation direction 14 tilted upward and one radiation direction 14 tilted downward. This increases the maneuverability of the laser head 2.

[0054] An important advantage is that by rotating the target 2, the laser beam 5 (having a predetermined touch pattern) can be flexibly directed toward the surface 11 to be cleaned. Preferably, the director 2 may also be fixed at a desired orientation A or B. Optionally, the rotation of the director 2 is automatically controlled. For example, the laser cleaning head 1 may be equipped with one or more sensors for measuring its orientation relative to the surface 11 to be treated. As the laser cleaning head 1 is manually moved along the surface 11, the director 2 automatically rotates (under the control of a motor, not shown). This achieves an optimal angle of incidence for the scanning pattern. This principle is also called "auto-leveling." The present invention is not limited thereto. Optionally, the director 2 can be automatically controlled based on the measured position, orientation, and / or speed of the laser head 1 relative to the surface 11 to be cleaned.

[0055] Optionally, the laser cleaning head 1 provides some additional functionality, such as an emergency stop / emergency button 21, a display 22 for visual feedback, and / or a control panel 23 for changing one or more process parameters. Optionally, one or more engagement surfaces of the casing 3 of the laser cleaning head 1 are covered with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0056] 4 shows an exposed laser processing head 1 according to a possible embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated laser head 1 provides a collimator 24 for collimating the input laser beam 5. The laser beam 5 subsequently passes through a lens system 25 and then a scanning system 27. The director 2 is not shown in FIG.

[0057] Lens system 25 focuses the light onto surface 11 to be treated. In FIG. 4, lens system 25 includes a filter wheel 25′ having a set of five different lenses and / or lens groups 26. Each lens corresponds to a well-defined set of optical properties (e.g., well-defined focal length, transformation from Gaussian laser profile to top-hat laser profile, etc.). Filter wheel 25′ allows for easy changing of lenses 26 without having to open laser head 1 for this purpose.

[0058] The scanning system 27 deflects the laser beam 5 into a one- or two-dimensional touch pattern, as is known in the art of laser processing and laser cleaning. Optionally, the scanning system 27 deflects the laser beam 5 linearly (i.e., one-dimensionally). In the illustrated embodiment, the scanning system 27 for this purpose comprises two rotatable mirrors 28 rotatable about mutually orthogonal rotation axes. The mirrors 28 are substantially parallel to their corresponding rotation axes. The mirrors 28 can deflect the laser beam 5 in two different spatial directions, independently of each other. The rotation of such mirrors 28 is controlled by associated motors 29.

[0059] The target 2 is not shown in FIG. 4 . Finally, the orientation of the target 2 determines the emission direction 14 of the laser beam 5 (according to the touch pattern to be formed). This emission direction 14 obviously also affects the projection onto the surface 11. For example, a square touch pattern emitted in a downward direction 17 will also create a square projection on the horizontal surface 11. However, an oblique forward direction 16 will create an enlarged rectangular projection. Optionally, the touch pattern can be pre-corrected for this. For example, it is possible to generate a thin rectangular touch pattern that, even when emitted obliquely forward, will create the desired square projection on the surface 11. Optionally, the intensity of the laser beam 5 is also adjusted as described above. Preferably, such correction is performed by the scanning system 27. Of course, the present invention is not generally limited to square and / or rectangular scan patterns.

[0060] FIG. 5 shows another possible design of the laser head 1. Optionally, the interior is similar to that of FIG. 4, thus including a collimator 24, a lens system 25, and a scanning system 27. FIG. 5 also shows the director 2, which also includes an inclined mirror surface 12 at its rear. Optionally, the forward-facing director 2 includes an illumination means 30. For example, the illumination means 30 includes a pair of LEDs arranged annularly around the emission window 13. Advantageously, such LEDs are automatically oriented according to the emission direction 14 of the laser beam 5, regardless of the orientations A, B of the director 2.

[0061] FIG. 6 shows a laser processing device 1, 10, particularly the part surrounding the laser source according to a possible embodiment of the present invention. It is also referred to herein as the "laser source" 10. This part preferably comprises a casing 3' made of a lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic material. It preferably further comprises at least one lifting ring 32 that can be rotated between a folded position (see FIG. 6) and an operating position. The laser source 10 also provides an emergency stop 21', a control panel 23', and connections for a fiber optic cable 31. The laser source 10 also preferably comprises all kinds of electronics, controls, and optionally an air or water cooling system.

[0062] Example 1 Laser processing equipment specifications According to a possible embodiment, the laser processing device is dust-proof and splash-proof according to at least the IP53 standard. Optionally, the laser processing device can be used in explosive atmospheres (e.g., ATEX Type 1). The device can be stored at ambient temperatures between -5°C and +55°C and used at ambient temperatures between 0°C and 40°C. Preferably, the device can withstand a relative humidity of 80% at 40°C and 90% at 30°C.

[0063] <Example 2> Weld Tracing According to one possible embodiment, the invention is used for weld cleaning. The idea is to use a laser to scan only the (area of) the weld. Optionally, the laser follows a back-and-forth scanning pattern across the weld. The laser head itself is moved along the weld by the user. Preferably, the laser head is equipped with a set of sensors that can recognize the weld on the surface and measure the distance to the weld and the velocity of the laser head, for example, by a time-of-flight distance meter and an accelerometer. The tolerance in the y direction (across the weld) is corrected by the scanning system. This tolerance can be, for example, 3 cm. The tolerance in the x direction (along the weld seam) is corrected by the targeting system. This tolerance in the radiation direction can be, for example, 30°-40°. Meanwhile, the desired focus is continuously maintained on the surface by an autofocus lens system. The focus intensity can also be changed by a mechanism that adjusts the beam diameter. Whether the movement along the weld is too fast or too slow, as well as the y- and z-position errors, are communicated to the user. In this way, tolerances are not exceeded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] Numbered elements in the drawings are as follows: 1 Laser processing head (=laser head) 2 Directional object A. First Posture B. Second Posture 3 Casing 4 Input section 5 laser beams (following the touch pattern) 6 Rear Handle 7 Front Handle 8 Actuators 9 Ball Joint 10 Laser Source 11 Surface (target to be treated) 12 Mirror Surface 13 Exit window 14 Radiation direction 15 Horizontal 16 forward 17 Downward 18 upward direction 19 angle 20 Rotation axis 21 Emergency stop / emergency button 22 Display 23 Control Panel 24 Collimator 25 lens system 26 Lens or lens group 27 Scanning System 28 Rotatable Mirror 29 Engine 30 Lighting equipment 31 Cable 32 Lifting Ring

[0065] It is envisaged that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that several modifications or variations can be made to the described examples and figures without reassessing the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A laser processing head (1), comprising: a casing (3) having an input (4) for a laser beam (5), a lens system (25) for focusing the laser beam (5) and a scanning system (27) for deflecting the laser beam (5) according to a one-dimensional or two-dimensional touch pattern, the laser processing head (1) comprises a director (2) changeable between at least a first position (A) and a second position (B) relative to the casing (3) for variably deflecting the laser beam (5) in a first radial direction (14') and a second radial direction (14") relative to the casing (3) according to the touch pattern, A laser processing head (1) in which the lens system (25) comprises a filter wheel (25') having at least two lens groups (26), The laser processing head (1) is characterized in that the laser processing head comprises a means for recording the rotational position of the filter wheel, the director (2) is rotatable between the positions (A, B) around a rotation axis (20), and the director (2) comprises a mirror surface (12) for reflecting and aiming the deflected laser beam (5) having the touch pattern.

2. 2. The laser processing head (1) according to claim 1, wherein the director (2) forms an exit window (13).

3. 3. The laser processing head (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the director (2) is changeable between at least a first forward position (A) and a second downward position (B).

4. The laser processing head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotation axis (20) intersects the mirror surface (12) obliquely, preferably at an angle of 45°.

5. The laser processing head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mirror surface (12) is arranged to receive the laser beam (5) from the casing (3) substantially parallel to the rotation axis (20).

6. The laser processing head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the director (2) is rotatable over a range of at least 90°, preferably over a range of more than 90°.

7. at least one sensor for measuring a sensor signal associated with the position, orientation, velocity and / or acceleration of said laser processing head (1) relative to the surface (11) to be cleaned, The laser processing head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a control unit for automatically setting the directing element (2) between the postures (A, B) based on the sensor signal.

8. The laser processing head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising one or more surface sensors and / or illuminators (30) attached to the director (2) and directed according to the director (2).

9. A laser processing device (1, 10), a laser source (10) adapted to emit a laser beam (5); Further comprising a portable laser processing head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The laser processing head (1) is operatively connected to the laser source (10), a laser processing device (1, 10).

10. A method for treating a surface (11) with a laser beam (5) using a laser treatment head (1), comprising: generating a laser beam (5); focusing said laser bundle (5); deflecting said laser beam (5) according to a one-dimensional or two-dimensional touch pattern; Equipped with The deflected laser beam (5) with the touch pattern is emitted in a variable emission direction (14) by further reflection, The laser beam (5) is focused using a lens system (25), The method, wherein the lens system (25) comprises a filter wheel (25') having at least two lens groups (26), the laser processing head (1) comprises means for recording the rotational position of the filter wheel, The method comprises: collecting sensor signals associated with the position, orientation, velocity and / or acceleration of the laser processing head (1) relative to the surface (11); Varying the radiation direction (14) based on the sensor signal; The method further comprises:

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the touch pattern is corrected for the deflected radial direction (14).

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