Laser Head Nozzle Sealing for Clean Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining airtightness within the processing head due to loose thread fastening and lack of sealing between the protection glass and lens holder, allowing spatters and fumes to enter and compromising the cleanliness of the optical system.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing apparatus design that includes a pressure chamber between the head main body and nozzle, supplied with air or assist gas, and featuring communication holes and a supply passage to maintain airtightness and keep the optical system clean, with a seal member pressing against the protection glass to prevent contamination and secure fastening despite vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thread fastening is used to couple the nozzle and lens holder, then assembly is simple and disassembly is easy, but the fastening may come loose due to vibrations and airtightness cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the fastening function. The O-ring seal member provides sealing between the nozzle and lens holder independently of the thread fastening connection, allowing the fastening mechanism to remain simple while the sealing mechanism ensures reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
An O-ring seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the nozzle and lens holder to provide the sealing function that thread fastening alone cannot ensure, while maintaining the simplicity of thread-based assembly and disassembly.
2Device complexity
If no sealing is provided between protection glass and lens holder, then assembly is simple, but spatters and fumes can enter the lens holder and contaminate the optical system
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring seal member acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment (where spatters and fumes exist) and the lens holder (containing the optical system), preventing contamination while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring seal member is a flexible elastic body that conforms to the mating surfaces between the nozzle and lens holder, creating an effective seal against spatters and fumes without requiring complex rigid sealing structures.
3Reliability
If excessive tightening force is applied during thread fastening, then airtightness is improved, but the threads may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is separated from the fastening function. The O-ring seal member provides the sealing effect without requiring excessive tightening force, thus protecting the threads from damage while maintaining airtightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic O-ring seal member acts as a cushioning element that compensates for minor misalignments and surface irregularities, allowing adequate sealing without requiring excessive fastening force that could damage the threads.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively maintains airtightness within the processing head, preventing spatters and fumes from entering and ensuring the optical system remains clean, while allowing for easy replacement of the protection glass and reducing the risk of thread damage from excessive tightening.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure chamber which is supplied with air or assist gas
Implementation Method 2
an optical system which a laser beam enters and which condenses the laser beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A laser processing apparatus includes: a head main body (20) housing an optical system; and a nozzle (30) that is fastened to the head main body (20) by thread fastening and that applies the laser beam to a workpiece (W). The nozzle (30) has a nozzle hole (31) through which the laser beam passes. A pressure chamber (36) is formed between the head main body (20) and the nozzle (30). The pressure chamber (36) is a space surrounded by a bottom surface (23b) of the head main body (20), the bottom surface (23b) intersecting with a fastening direction in which the head main body (20) and the nozzle (30) are fastened together by thread fastening, and a bottom surface (34a) of the nozzle (30), the bottom surface (34a) intersecting with the fastening direction. The pressure chamber (36) is supplied with air or assist gas. The nozzle (30) has a communication hole (35) that provides communication between the pressure chamber (36) and the nozzle hole (31).