Nozzle exchange coupling having a lift motor and a rotary motor and method for moving a nozzle exchange coupling

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nozzle exchange coupling (1) for coupling a protective gas nozzle (50) to a laser optics system (80), having: a motor unit (2) with a lift motor (3) for generating a lift movement (B1) of the protective gas nozzle (50) and a rotary motor (4) for generating a rotary movement (B2) of the protective gas nozzle (50); and a transmission unit (5) with an input sleeve (6), which is coupled at least to the lift motor (3), and an output sleeve (7), which is coupled at least to the rotary motor (4) and contributes to the supply of a protective gas to the protective gas nozzle (50). The invention also relates to a method for moving a nozzle exchange coupling.

Description

[0001] Nozzle change coupling with a lifting motor and a rotary motor and a method for moving a nozzle change coupling

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to a nozzle change coupling for coupling a protective gas nozzle to a laser optics and a method for moving a nozzle change coupling.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Laser systems, especially multi-axis laser welding systems, have become an indispensable technology in many industries in recent years. They can offer high precision and flexibility and can enable the efficient processing of a workpiece, especially welding. Laser welding systems include a shielding gas nozzle, through which process media, such as a shielding gas and / or a welding medium, are conveyed to the laser welding location. The shielding gas nozzle is located outside of the laser optics, especially the laser welding optics, and can impair the kinematic flexibility of the laser optics.

[0006] From the Chinese laid-open patent application CN 104014932 A, a nozzle device is known which can rotate a gas nozzle around a laser axis by means of a central rotary gear in order to be able to adapt a direction from which a gas flows out of the gas nozzle to different operating stages.

[0007] European Patent Application EP 3 466 599 A1 discloses an adjustment device that can adjust a nozzle device in a vertical direction along a laser axis. The nozzle device can also be arranged rotatably and movably around a welding head.

[0008] Description of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved nozzle change coupling for coupling a shielding gas nozzle to a laser optics system, as well as an improved method for moving a nozzle change coupling. In particular, the invention aims to provide a nozzle change coupling that ensures kinematic flexibility of the shielding gas nozzle relative to the laser optics. Furthermore, the reliability and precision of the machining should not be compromised by this kinematic flexibility. The invention can also aim to realize robust, error-free movement of the nozzle change coupling relative to the laser optics. Ultimately, the invention can also strive for a compact, space-saving solution.

[0010] The object is achieved by a nozzle change coupling for coupling a shielding gas nozzle to a laser optics and a method for moving a nozzle change coupling having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the figures.

[0011] Accordingly, a nozzle interchangeable coupling is provided for coupling a shielding gas nozzle to a laser optics system. The shielding gas nozzle can be designed to deliver a shielding gas to a processing location, in particular a weld seam, in a process-appropriate manner. The shielding gas can be a shielding gas that protects the processing location from oxidation and / or premature aging, so that the molten material does not come into contact with an ambient gas, such as nitrogen, oxygen, or hydrogen. The nozzle interchangeable coupling can also carry a compressed air gas that protects a laser optics system, in particular a laser welding optics system, by supplying compressed air transversely to a laser axis and thus protecting the laser optics, for example, from rising metal vapors and / or welding smoke, from flying particles, and / or from ejection of molten metal.The laser optics can align and focus the laser beam, in particular the laser welding beam, on the processing location in a process-appropriate manner. The laser optics can have an optics rotation module that ensures rotation of the laser optics. The nozzle change coupling can couple the shielding gas nozzle to the laser optics in such a way that a translational and rotational movement of the laser optics is selectively transmitted to the shielding gas nozzle, and the nozzle change coupling can also perform a lifting movement and / or rotational movement independent of the laser optics. The nozzle change coupling can ensure a detachable coupling between the shielding gas nozzle and the laser optics.

[0012] The nozzle change coupling has a motor unit with a lifting motor for generating a lifting movement of the shielding gas nozzle and a rotary motor for generating a rotary movement of the shielding gas nozzle. The lifting motor and the rotary motor can be separate motors housed in one housing or in two separate housings. The lifting motor and the rotary motor can be identical in construction. They can each have an output shaft that performs a rotary movement when appropriately controlled. The rotary movement of the shielding gas nozzle can occur around a rotational axis that corresponds to the axis of the laser beam. The lifting movement of the shielding gas nozzle can extend along the axis of the laser beam in a vertical direction. A gear unit is arranged between the lifting motor and the shielding gas nozzle and between the rotary motor and the shielding gas nozzle.

[0013] The nozzle change coupling has a gear unit with an input sleeve, which is coupled at least to the lifting motor, and an output sleeve, which is coupled at least to the rotary motor, wherein the output sleeve contributes to the supply of a shielding gas to the shielding gas nozzle. The gear unit can have a variety of components. For example, the gear unit has a rotary motor gear input shaft, which meshes with a rotary motor output shaft, and a lifting motor gear input shaft, which meshes with a lifting motor output shaft. The input sleeve can be designed as a threaded sleeve, to which a rotation of the lifting motor is transmitted, for example, via an intermediary transmission. The corresponding rotation of the input sleeve can rotate about the axis of the laser beam. The position of the input sleeve in the height direction can remain constant relative to the laser optics.The output sleeve can be designed as an output nut to which the rotation of the rotary motor is transmitted, for example, via a transmission. The corresponding rotation of the output sleeve can rotate around the axis of the laser beam. The position of the output sleeve in the vertical direction can vary relative to the laser optics or remain constant, for example, depending on the input sleeve. The output sleeve can be coupled to the lifting motor via the input sleeve. In this respect, the gear unit can realize a kinematic coupling between the lifting motor and the rotary motor.

[0014] The nozzle change coupling is thus capable of implementing kinematic flexibility between the shielding gas nozzle and the laser optics. This kinematic flexibility contributes to more precise workpiece processing, particularly by allowing laser welding to be performed at a substantially constant position of the laser beam waist (focus position) relative to the workpiece. For example, if the laser optics are moved during component processing to a position where the shielding gas nozzle must be moved to avoid a collision with the workpiece, the nozzle change coupling enables this movement without moving the laser beam itself. Thus, the focus position relative to the workpiece remains unchanged, enabling precise workpiece processing.The kinematic flexibility also contributes to high-quality laser processing, particularly by exposing a laser weld seam to reduced thermal and / or chemical stress. The nozzle change coupling and / or the shielding gas nozzle can convey the compressed air gas and / or shielding gas to the processing location. A workpiece to be processed can have a geometry such that a gas escaping from the nozzle change coupling, for example the compressed air gas in a crossjet design, is swirled, for example in a workpiece groove, i.e. an interior angle of a workpiece. This swirling impairs the thermal and / or chemical stress on the laser weld seam. The nozzle change coupling enables such a movement that, with appropriate workpiece geometries, no turbulence occurs and thus contributes to high-quality laser processing.

[0015] In one embodiment, the input sleeve and the output sleeve are connected via a gear, in particular a motion thread, which is designed to convert a rotation of the input sleeve into the lifting movement of the shielding gas nozzle. For this purpose, the output sleeve can be rotationally locked relative to the input sleeve. For example, a fork ring can couple the output sleeve at least indirectly to the rotary motor, so that rotation of the output sleeve is prevented when the rotary motor is stationary, and thus a pure stroke of the nozzle change coupling is realized when the lifting motor is rotating. The motion thread is suitable for reliably and space-saving power transmission between the input sleeve and the output sleeve.

[0016] In one embodiment, the lifting motor and the rotary motor are kinematically coupled. Additionally or alternatively, the lifting motor and the rotary motor can be controlled separately. Kinematically coupled can mean that a movement of one motor, depending on the movement of the other motor, causes a desired movement of the nozzle change coupling. The lifting motor and the rotary motor can be connected to the same control unit. If they can be controlled separately, the respective control signals are coordinated with one another. By controlling the nozzle change coupling using the lifting motor and the rotary motor, precise movement of the nozzle change coupling is possible depending on the respective position of the laser optics relative to the workpiece. This increases safety and further contributes to precise laser processing.

[0017] In one embodiment, the lifting motor and the rotary motor are connected to a control unit, via which the lifting motor and the rotary motor can be controlled such that the shielding gas nozzle optionally performs a pure rotary movement, a pure lifting movement, or a superimposed lifting and rotating movement. The nozzle change coupling can have the control unit. A pure rotary movement can mean that the nozzle change coupling only rotates relative to the laser optics and does not perform a lifting movement. Accordingly, a pure lifting movement can mean that the nozzle change coupling only performs a lifting movement relative to the laser optics and does not perform a rotating movement. Finally, a superimposed lifting and rotating movement can mean that a movement has both a lifting and a rotating movement component.In one embodiment, during the pure rotary movement, the rotation of the lifting motor is synchronous with the rotation of the rotary motor, in particular to compensate for the stroke of the motion thread and thus the shielding gas nozzle. For the pure rotary movement, both the lifting motor and the rotary motor rotate. These rotations are synchronous and dependent on the gear ratio of the motion thread. The faster the rotary motor rotates in a first direction, the faster the lifting motor rotates in an opposite direction to compensate for the rotation of the rotary motor and the stroke caused by the motion thread. This further contributes to kinematic flexibility.

[0018] In one embodiment, during the superimposed lifting and rotating movement, the rotary motor rotates, while the lifting motor remains stationary. Thus, for the superimposed lifting and rotating movement, only the rotary motor performs rotation. The rotation of the lifting motor is synchronous with the rotation of the rotary motor in that the lifting motor remains stationary at a desired rotation, which is achieved by the translation of the motion thread. If a different rotation than that achieved by the translation of the motion thread is desired, the lifting motor can also perform a rotation. This further contributes to kinematic flexibility.

[0019] In one embodiment, during the pure lifting movement, the lifting motor rotates and the rotary motor remains stationary, thereby preventing, in particular, rotation of the output sleeve. The output sleeve can include a forked ring via which it is at least indirectly coupled to the rotary motor. When the input sleeve rotates due to the rotation of the lifting motor, a portion of the motion thread also rotates, namely the portion connected to the input sleeve. Because the rotary motor is stationary and thus the portion of the motion thread connected to the output sleeve is also stationary, a pure lifting movement is enabled.

[0020] In one embodiment, the output sleeve has an output nut and a compressed air supply sleeve, wherein in particular the output nut is arranged at least partially radially outside the input sleeve and / or in particular the compressed air supply sleeve is arranged at least partially radially inside the input sleeve. The output nut enables space-saving integration of the movement thread into the nozzle change coupling. The compressed air supply sleeve enables space-saving compressed air routing through the nozzle change coupling. The fact that the output nut and the compressed air supply sleeve are arranged on two sides of the input sleeve further adheres to the space-saving and robust design of the nozzle change coupling.

[0021] In one embodiment, the output nut and the compressed air supply sleeve are connected to each other via a forked ring in a rotationally rigid manner. Any rotational movement, in particular any movement, of one component is transmitted to the other component via the forked ring. The forked ring can be an annular element with two projections that engage with a corresponding geometry of the compressed air supply sleeve. This modularity in the design of the nozzle change coupling enables a clear assignment of a component to a function, which promotes the flow of force within the nozzle change coupling.

[0022] In one embodiment, the inlet sleeve includes an integrated gas guide configured to supply the shielding gas to the shielding gas nozzle. Alternatively or additionally, the rotary movement of the outlet nozzle can be implemented as a continuous rotary movement. The integrated gas guide enables a robust and space-saving gas guide within the nozzle change coupling. It also allows the nozzle change coupling to implement the gas guide without the need for a hose.

[0023] By eliminating any hoses within the nozzle change coupling, the nozzle change coupling can rotate continuously. Rotation of a maximum of 360° due to twisting hoses is no longer a limitation.

[0024] In one embodiment, the compressed air sleeve is designed as a crossjet sleeve, which includes an integrated compressed air duct configured to supply compressed air as a crossjet perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle change coupling, thus the axis of the laser beam. The integrated compressed air duct enables a robust and space-saving compressed air duct within the nozzle change coupling. It also allows the compressed air to be ducted hose-free. The crossjet contributes to the nozzle change coupling meeting the highest quality requirements for laser processing.

[0025] The disclosure further relates to a nozzle system comprising a nozzle change coupling according to the present disclosure and the laser optics, in particular laser welding optics. The motor unit of the nozzle system is independent of the laser optics, so that the shielding gas nozzle can be moved relative to the laser optics by means of the reciprocating movement and / or the rotary movement. The movement of the nozzle change coupling thus has no influence on the position of the laser beam relative to the workpiece. The focus position of the laser beam thus remains unchanged, which facilitates the processing of the workpiece. The nozzle system is thus capable of adjusting the position of the shielding gas nozzle for complex component geometries, for example, to prevent a collision, without thereby impairing the laser processing itself. The disclosure further relates to a laser system with a nozzle system according to the disclosure.

[0026] The disclosure further relates to a method for moving a nozzle change coupling, in particular according to this disclosure. The method comprises the step of performing a pure lifting movement of a shielding gas nozzle, in particular by exclusively rotating a lifting motor. Alternatively or additionally, the method comprises the step of performing a superimposed lifting and rotating movement of the shielding gas nozzle, in particular by exclusively rotating a rotary motor. Alternatively or additionally, the method comprises the step of performing a pure rotary movement of the shielding gas nozzle by rotating the rotary motor and the lifting motor. The shielding gas nozzle can thus be displaced and rotated as required by the respective operating state, i.e. the position of the shielding gas nozzle relative to the workpiece. In this way, kinematic flexibility is ensured, which enables faster and more precise machining of a workpiece.Whether the nozzle change coupling performs a pure lifting movement, a pure rotational movement, or a combined lifting and rotational movement depends on the control unit. This can control the lifting motor and the rotational motor independently of each other. The control takes into account the desired position of the shielding gas nozzle relative to the workpiece.

[0027] The method is thus capable of achieving kinematic flexibility between the shielding gas nozzle and the laser optics. This kinematic flexibility contributes to more precise workpiece processing, in particular by performing laser welding at an essentially constant position of the laser beam waist (focus position) relative to the workpiece. If, for example, the laser optics are moved during component processing to a position such that the shielding gas nozzle must be moved to avoid a collision with the workpiece, the method enables this movement without moving the laser beam itself. In this respect, the focus position relative to the workpiece does not change, which enables precise workpiece processing. The kinematic flexibility also contributes to high-quality laser processing, in particular by exposing a laser weld seam to reduced thermal and / or chemical stress.The nozzle change coupling and / or the shielding gas nozzle can convey the compressed air and / or shielding gas to the processing location. A workpiece to be processed may have a geometry such that the compressed air exiting the nozzle change coupling is swirled, for example, in a workpiece groove, i.e., an interior angle of a workpiece. This swirling impairs the thermal and / or chemical stress on the laser weld seam. The process enables such a movement that, with appropriate workpiece geometries, no swirling occurs, thus contributing to high-quality laser processing.

[0028] In one embodiment, during the pure rotary movement, a rotation of the lifting motor is synchronous with a rotation of the rotary motor, in particular in order to compensate for a stroke of a movement thread, in particular of an output part of the movement thread, and thus of the shielding gas nozzle. The synchronous rotation enables precise movement of the shielding gas nozzle relative to the laser optics. In one embodiment, during the superimposed lifting and rotary movement, the rotary motor rotates at least in one operating state and the lifting motor is stationary at least in one operating state. The stationary lifting motor requires a stationary input sleeve, whereby one part of the movement thread is stationary, which, in addition to the rotary movement of the rotary motor and thus the rotary movement of the output sleeve, causes a stroke of the latter. The size of the respective stroke depends on the rotary movement of the rotary motor.

[0029] In one embodiment, the lifting motor rotates during the pure lifting movement, and the rotary motor performs no movement, thereby preventing, in particular, rotation of the output sleeve. Because the rotary motor performs no movement, the part of the output sleeve that represents the output part of the movement thread is prohibited from rotating. This ensures that the incoming rotation of the input sleeve results exclusively in a lifting movement and not in a rotary movement.

[0030] In one embodiment, the rotational movement of the output sleeve can be performed as a continuous rotational movement. Continuous rotational movement can be understood as the nozzle change coupling being able to rotate in one direction for any length of time without having to return to its original position. This is ensured by the integrated gas and / or compressed air guides, which can be carried out without the need for hoses.

[0031] Short description of the characters

[0032] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description of the figures. In the figures:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a nozzle change coupling with a motor unit to which a shielding gas nozzle is connected;

[0034] Figure 2: in the left illustration, a shielding gas nozzle colliding with a throat of a workpiece and in the right illustration, a shielding gas nozzle which, compared to the state in the left illustration, has performed a lifting movement facing away from the workpiece;

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the shielding gas nozzle connected to the nozzle change coupling;

[0036] Figure 4 shows a first sectional view through the lifting motor, whose output shaft meshes with an input sleeve; Figure 5 shows a second sectional view through the rotary motor, whose output shaft meshes with an output sleeve;

[0037] Figure 6 shows diagrams illustrating a shielding gas guide through the nozzle change coupling;

[0038] Figure 7 shows representations illustrating compressed air flow through the nozzle change coupling;

[0039] Figure 8 is a perspective external view of the nozzle change coupling; and

[0040] Figure 9 shows a nozzle system with the nozzle change coupling, a laser optic and the shielding gas nozzle.

[0041] Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0042] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the different figures are provided with identical reference numerals, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted.

[0043] Figure 1 schematically shows a nozzle change coupling 1 for coupling a shielding gas nozzle 50 to a laser optic 80. The nozzle change coupling 1 has a motor unit 2 with a lifting motor 3 and a rotary motor 4. A lifting movement B1 of the shielding gas nozzle 50 can be generated by means of the lifting motor 3. A rotary movement B2 of the shielding gas nozzle 50 can be generated by means of the rotary motor 4. The lifting motor 3 and the rotary motor 4 are each connected to a gear unit 5. The gear unit 5 has an input sleeve 6 and an output sleeve 7.

[0044] The input sleeve 6 and the output sleeve 7 are connected to each other via a movement thread 8. The movement thread 8 can convert a rotation B3 of the input sleeve 6 into a lifting movement B1 of the output sleeve 7. In this case, the rotation B3 is the input variable of the movement thread 8 and the lifting movement B1 is the output variable. If the input sleeve 6 rotates in a first direction, the output sleeve 7 and the shielding gas nozzle 50 coupled to it perform a stroke in a first direction; if the input sleeve 6 rotates in a second direction, the output sleeve 7 and the shielding gas nozzle 50 coupled to it perform a stroke in a second direction. The input sleeve 6 can rotate with the interposition of a transmission with a lifting motor output shaft. As soon as the lifting motor 3 rotates, the input sleeve 6 rotates, causing the shielding gas nozzle 50 to perform the lifting movement B1 due to the movement thread.If only the lifting motor 3 rotates and not the rotating motor 4, the shielding gas nozzle 50 performs a pure lifting movement B1 which is free of rotation.

[0045] The output sleeve 7 can rotate with the interposition of a transmission with a rotary motor output shaft. As soon as the rotary motor 4 rotates, the output sleeve 7 rotates. The shielding gas nozzle 50 also rotates with the output sleeve 7 and performs the rotary movement B2. In this case, the rotation of the output sleeve 7 also acts as an input variable in the movement thread 8. If the rotary motor 3 does not rotate in this case, as a result of which the input sleeve 6 also does not rotate, the rotation of the output sleeve 7 as an input variable results in a translational movement of the movement thread 8, as a result of which the output sleeve 7 performs a stroke. If only the rotary motor 4 rotates and not the stroke motor 3, the shielding gas nozzle 50 performs a correspondingly superimposed stroke and rotational movement B1, B2 because the movement thread 8 moves along the stationary input sleeve 6.

[0046] In order to generate a pure rotary movement B2 that is free of a stroke, a corresponding movement of the rotary motor 3 and thus of the input sleeve 6 is required. In order for the lifting motor 3 to rotate in such a way that a pure rotary movement B2 of the shielding gas nozzle 50 is generated upon rotation of the rotary motor 4, the lifting motor 3 and the rotary motor 4 are kinematically coupled to one another. The kinematic coupling causes the lifting motor 3 to rotate in such a way that the rotation of the output sleeve 7 as an input variable is mirrored by a rotation of the input sleeve 6, so that the respective movements are synchronous and the shielding gas nozzle 50 does not perform a stroke movement B1. The rotation of the lifting motor output shaft therefore compensates for the stroke of the input sleeve 6, which enables the pure rotary movement B2 of the shielding gas nozzle 50. The kinematic coupling can be implemented by means of a correspondingly separate control of the two motors 3, 4.It can also be realized by means of a mechanical coupling.

[0047] Figure 2 shows the nozzle change coupling 1 and the shielding gas nozzle 50, which together form a nozzle system 100. As an example, a workpiece throat is being welded. The weld seam runs into the plane of the drawing. In the left-hand illustration, the shielding gas nozzle 50 is arranged in a position close to the processing location of a laser beam 51. This allows the process media, such as the shielding gas and / or compressed air, to be conveyed to the processing location in a process-oriented manner. In the case of the workpiece throat, however, the short distance between the shielding gas nozzle and the processing location poses the risk of a collision. For this case, the nozzle change coupling 1 offers the possibility of the lifting movement B1. In the right-hand illustration, the shielding gas nozzle 50 has performed the lifting movement B1 in the direction away from the workpiece throat. The laser beam 51 and its position relative to the laser optics 80 have remained unchanged.Consequently, for example, the focus position is the same in both representations in Figure 2, which is why the stroke movement B1 does not affect the quality of the weld seam. Furthermore, the stroke movement B1 eliminates the risk of a collision between the shielding gas nozzle 50 and the workpiece, in this case the workpiece throat.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a nozzle change coupling 1 with a connected shielding gas nozzle 50. The nozzle change coupling 1 has a plate-shaped receiving body 9, to which a connecting section 52 of the shielding gas nozzle 50 is coupled. The coupling between the nozzle change coupling 1 and the shielding gas nozzle 50 can be magnetic. The shielding gas nozzle 50 has various connections 53 through which the shielding gas can be passed on. The nozzle change coupling 1 has the lifting motor 3 and the rotating motor 4. These are each housed in their own elongated housing. The length of the housing of the lifting motor 3 and / or the rotating motor 4 can be more than half the length of the nozzle change coupling 1. This enables a compact design of the nozzle change coupling 1 in the radial direction, which has a beneficial effect on avoiding collisions between the nozzle change coupling 1 and the workpiece. The lifting motor 3 and the rotating motor 4 can be controlled separately.The nozzle change coupling 1 has an opening along the longitudinal axis through which the laser beam 51, which is provided by the laser optics 80, shines.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a perspective sectional view through the nozzle change coupling 1 with the lifting motor 3. A lifting motor output shaft 10 is connected to a first gear input gear 11 of the gear unit 5. Thus, a rotation of the lifting motor 3 is converted into a rotation of the input sleeve 6. For this purpose, the input sleeve 6 has a first threaded ring 12 on its section facing away from the workpiece, which enables the transmission of the rotation to the input sleeve 6, thus the rotation B3, in a small installation space. The input sleeve 6 is coupled to the output sleeve 7. The movement thread 8 is arranged between the input sleeve 6 and the output sleeve 7. The movement thread 8 converts the rotation of the input sleeve 6 into the lifting movement B1 of the output sleeve 7 when the lifting motor 3 is rotating. The output sleeve 7 has an output nut 13 for this purpose.The output nut 13 can be connected to a forked ring 14, which prevents rotation of the output nut 13 when the rotary motor 4 is stationary. The output nut 13 and the forked ring 14 can be provided radially outside the input sleeve 6. With the forked ring 14 interposed, the output nut 13 is rigidly connected to a compressed air sleeve 15, which is also a component of the output sleeve 7. The lifting movement B1 performed by the output nut 13 through the movement thread 8 is also carried out accordingly by the compressed air sleeve 15. The compressed air sleeve 15 can be provided radially inside the input sleeve 6. To compensate for the relative movement occurring between the input sleeve 6 and the output sleeve 7, rolling bearings 16 and / or plain bearings 17 are provided between the input sleeve 6 and the output sleeve 7.

[0050] Figure 5 shows a perspective sectional view through the nozzle change coupling 1 with the rotary motor 4. A rotary motor output shaft 18 is connected to a second gear input gear 19 of the gear unit 5. Thus, a rotation of the rotary motor 4 is converted into a rotation of the compressed air sleeve 15 and thus of the output sleeve 7. For this purpose, the output sleeve 7 has a second threaded ring 20 on the compressed air sleeve 15, which enables the transmission of the rotation to the output sleeve 7, thus the rotary movement B2, in a small installation space. The second threaded ring 20 has a smaller diameter than the first threaded ring 12. The movement thread 8 is arranged between the output sleeve 7 and the input sleeve 6. The movement thread 8 also generates a stroke of the output sleeve 7 when the rotary motor 4 is rotating and the lifting motor 3 is stationary. This stroke can be compensated by a rotation of the lifting motor 3 that is synchronous with the rotation of the rotary motor 4.For this purpose, the lifting motor 3 and the rotary motor 4 are kinematically coupled. The compressed air sleeve 15 of the output sleeve 7 has an integrated compressed air guide 21, which is designed to supply compressed air as a crossjet perpendicular to a laser axis.

[0051] Figure 6 shows the three representations of the nozzle change coupling 1, which illustrate a course 22 of the shielding gas. The upper representation shows a top view of the nozzle change coupling 1. Two connections are arranged between the lifting motor 3 with the lifting motor output shaft 10, which is coupled to the first threaded ring 12, and the rotary motor 4 with the rotary motor output shaft 18, which is coupled to the second threaded ring 20. The connection facing the rotary motor 4 is a shielding gas inlet connection 21. Shielding gas is supplied radially to the nozzle change coupling 1 via the shielding gas inlet connection 21. The shielding gas runs along the dashed line 22. At a first shielding gas reversal 23, the shielding gas is redirected such that it runs axially along the laser beam axis. The inlet sleeve 6 has an integrated gas guide 24, which is designed to supply the shielding gas to the shielding gas nozzle 50.At a second shielding gas reversal 25, the shielding gas is redirected such that it runs partially along the circumferential direction of the input sleeve 6. At a third shielding gas reversal 26, a shielding gas channel 27 is provided in the output nut 13 of the output sleeve 7. The shielding gas channel 27 and the integrated shielding gas guide 24 enable the shielding gas to be redirected such that it is supplied from the shielding gas channel 27 to the shielding gas nozzle 50. This shielding gas guide, integrated into the nozzle change coupling 1, enables hose-free guidance of the shielding gas in the nozzle change coupling. Consequently, the rotary movement B2 of the nozzle change coupling can be performed continuously because no hoses twist.

[0052] Figure 7 shows three representations of the nozzle change coupling 1, which illustrate a path 28 of the compressed air. The upper representation shows a top view of the nozzle change coupling 1. Two connections are arranged between the lifting motor 3 with the lifting motor output shaft 10, which is coupled to the first threaded ring 12, and the rotary motor 4 with the rotary motor output shaft 18, which is coupled to the second threaded ring 20. The connection facing the lifting motor 3 is a compressed air inlet connection 29. Compressed air is supplied radially to the nozzle change coupling 1 via the compressed air inlet connection 29. The compressed air runs along the dashed line 28. At a first compressed air reversal 30, the compressed air is redirected such that it runs axially along the laser beam axis.The compressed air sleeve 15 of the output sleeve 7 has an integrated compressed air guide 31, which is designed to guide the compressed air at least partially in the nozzle change coupling 1 and to supply the compressed air transversely to the laser axis as a crossjet. The compressed air is redirected to a second compressed air reversal 32 such that it runs partially along the circumferential direction of the output sleeve 7. The inlet of the integrated compressed air guide 31 is provided in the compressed air sleeve 15 of the output sleeve 7 at a third compressed air reversal 33. From there, the compressed air is fed to an end 34 of the compressed air sleeve 15 facing the workpiece, from where it can be fed to the laser beam in the manner of a crossjet. The end 34 of the compressed air sleeve 15 can have a volume for accumulating compressed air. This compressed air guide, integrated into the nozzle change coupling 1, ensures a reliable and robust compressed air supply.

[0053] Figure 8 shows the nozzle change coupling 1 in a perspective external view. The output nut 13 of the output sleeve 7 is connected to the end 34 of the compressed air sleeve 15 via the forked ring 14. The forked ring 14 prevents the output nut 13 from rotating during the rotation B3 of the input sleeve 6, for example due to frictional forces in the movement thread 8. This ensures that in an operating state in which the lifting motor 3 rotates and the rotary motor 4 does not rotate, a pure stroke of the output sleeve 7 is performed. In an operating state in which the rotary motor 4 rotates and drives the output sleeve 7, the forked ring 14 rotates accordingly, together with the compressed air sleeve 15 and the output nut 13. The forked ring 14 can have two projections that clamp the end 34 of the compressed air sleeve 15 along the circumferential direction from both sides and thus fix it in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0054] Figure 9 shows the nozzle system 100 with the nozzle change coupling 1, the shielding gas nozzle 50, and the laser optics 80. The laser optics 80 has a rotary module 81 to which the nozzle change coupling 1 is rigidly connected. In this way, a rotation of the laser optics 80 is transmitted to the nozzle change coupling 1. This rotation is independent of the movements B1, B2, B3 described here. The laser beam 51 emerges from the laser optics 80. The coupling of the shielding gas nozzle 50 to the nozzle change coupling 1 according to the disclosure enables a relative movement of the shielding gas nozzle 50 to the laser optics 80. The coupling is robust, error-resistant, and lightweight.

[0055] Where applicable, all individual features presented in the embodiments may be combined and / or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0056] List of reference symbols

[0057] 1 nozzle change coupling 25 24 integrated shielding gas guide

[0058] 2 Motor unit 25 second protective gas reversal

[0059] 3 lifting motor 26 third protective gas reversal

[0060] 4 Rotary motor 27 Shielding gas channel

[0061] 5 Gear unit 28 Compressed air flow

[0062] 6 Input sleeve 30 29 Compressed air inlet connection

[0063] 7 Output sleeve 30 first compressed air reversal

[0064] 8 movement threads 31 integrated compressed air guide

[0065] 9 plate-shaped receiving body 32 second compressed air reversal

[0066] 10 Lift motor output shaft 33 third compressed air reversal

[0067] 11 first gear input gear 35 34 end of the compressed air sleeve

[0068] 12 first threaded ring 50 shielding gas nozzle

[0069] 13 Output nut 51 Laser beam

[0070] 14 Fork ring 52 connection section

[0071] 15 Compressed air sleeve 53 Connection

[0072] 16 rolling bearings 40 80 laser optics

[0073] 17 plain bearings 81 rotary module

[0074] 18 Rotary motor output shaft 100 Nozzle system

[0075] 19 second transmission input gear

[0076] 20 second thread ring B1 lifting movement

[0077] 21 Shielding gas supply connection 45 B2 Rotary movement

[0078] 22 Course of the protective gas B3 Rotation of the inlet sleeve

[0079] 23 first protective gas reversal

Claims

Claims 1. A nozzle change coupling (1) for coupling a shielding gas nozzle (50) to a laser optics (80), comprising: a motor unit (2) with a lifting motor (3) for generating a lifting movement (B1) of the shielding gas nozzle (50) and a rotary motor (4) for generating a rotary movement (B2) of the shielding gas nozzle (50); and a gear unit (5) with an input sleeve (6) which is coupled at least to the lifting motor (3), and an output sleeve (7) which is coupled at least to the rotary motor (4) and which contributes to the supply of a shielding gas to the shielding gas nozzle (50).

2. Nozzle change coupling (1) according to claim 1, wherein the input sleeve (6) and the output sleeve (7) are connected via a gear, in particular a movement thread (8), which is prepared to convert a rotation (B3) of the input sleeve (6) into the lifting movement (B1) of the protective gas nozzle (50).

3. Nozzle change coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting motor (3) and the rotary motor (4) are kinematically coupled to one another and / or the lifting motor (3) and the rotary motor (4) can be controlled separately from one another.

4. Nozzle change coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting motor (3) and the rotary motor (4) are connected to a control unit via which the lifting motor (3) and the rotary motor (4) can be controlled such that the protective gas nozzle (50) optionally carries out a pure rotary movement (B2), a pure lifting movement (B1), or a superimposed lifting and rotary movement (B1, B2).

5. Nozzle change coupling (1) according to claim 4, wherein during the pure rotary movement (B2) a rotation of the lifting motor (3) is synchronous with a rotation of the rotary motor (4), in particular in order to compensate for a stroke of the movement thread (8) and thus of the protective gas nozzle (50).

6. Nozzle change coupling (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein during the superimposed lifting and rotating movement (B1, B2) the rotary motor (4) rotates and the lifting motor (3) is stationary.

7. Nozzle change coupling (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein During the pure lifting movement (B1) the lifting motor (3) rotates and the rotary motor (4) is stationary and thus in particular prevents rotation of the output sleeve (7).

8. Nozzle change coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the output sleeve (7) has an output nut (13) and a compressed air supply sleeve (15), wherein in particular the output nut (13) is arranged at least partially radially outside the input sleeve (6) and / or the compressed air supply sleeve (15) is arranged at least partially radially inside the input sleeve (6).

9. Nozzle change coupling (1) according to claim 8, wherein the output nut (13) and the compressed air supply sleeve (15) are connected to one another in a rotationally rigid manner via a fork ring (14).

10. Nozzle change coupling (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the inlet sleeve (6) includes an integrated gas guide (24) which is designed to supply the protective gas to the protective gas nozzle (50) and / or wherein the rotary movement (B2) can be carried out in particular as an endless rotary movement.

11. Nozzle change coupling (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the compressed air supply sleeve (15) is formed as a crossjet sleeve which includes an integrated compressed air guide (31) which is designed to supply compressed air as a crossjet transversely to a laser axis.

12. Nozzle system (100) comprising a nozzle change coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims and the laser optics (80), wherein the motor unit (2) is independent of the laser optics (80), so that the protective gas nozzle (50) can be moved relative to the laser optics (80) by means of the lifting movement (B1) and / or the rotary movement (B2).

13. Laser system for machining a workpiece, comprising a nozzle system according to claim 12.

14. Method for moving a nozzle change coupling (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: Carrying out a pure lifting movement (B1) of a protective gas nozzle (50), in particular by rotating only one lifting motor (3); and / or Carrying out a superimposed lifting and rotating movement (B1, B2) of the protective gas nozzle (50), in particular by rotating only one rotary motor (4); and / or Carrying out a pure rotary movement (B2) of the shielding gas nozzle (50) by rotating the rotary motor (4) and the lifting motor (3).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein in the pure rotary movement (B2) a rotation of the lifting motor (3) is synchronous with a rotation of the rotary motor (4), in particular in order to compensate for a stroke of a movement thread (8) and thus of the protective gas nozzle (50).

16. Method according to one of claims 14 or 15, wherein in the superimposed lifting and rotating movement (B1, B2) the rotary motor (4) rotates at least in one operating state and the lifting motor (3) does not perform any movement at least in one operating state.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein during the pure lifting movement (B1), the lifting motor (3) rotates and the rotary motor (4) performs no movement, thus preventing, in particular, rotation of the output sleeve (7).

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the rotary movement (B2) can be performed as a continuous rotary movement.

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