Laser Machining Head Nozzle Gas Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser machining heads experience inadequate prevention of spatter and dust adhesion to the condensing lens due to weak assist gas flow, which is exacerbated by increased nozzle opening for the optical path, leading to insufficient discharging force and ineffective cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The laser machining head incorporates a collimation lens, focusing lens, and a nozzle unit with a protective member, inner nozzle, outer nozzle, and orifice, featuring a gas path system that directs high-speed assist gas uniformly around the nozzle tip to prevent spatter and dust adhesion, utilizing a collimation lens to make laser beams parallel and a focusing lens to condense them, with the nozzle unit's design ensuring effective gas flow to counteract spatter and dust entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the nozzle opening is increased to ensure the optical path of the laser beam, then the optical path is ensured, but the discharging force of spatter and dust caused by the assist gas is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The gas path is divided into multiple segments: a first gas path from the assist gas source to the nozzle, a second gas path from the nozzle to the condensing lens, and a third gas path from the condensing lens to the workpiece. This segmentation allows the assist gas to be delivered effectively through the enlarged nozzle opening while maintaining sufficient discharging force to prevent spatter and dust adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protective member (such as a protective glass or shield) as an intermediary element between the nozzle and the condensing lens. This protective member helps direct the assist gas flow and maintains the discharging force necessary to counteract spatter and dust, even with the larger nozzle opening required for the optical path.
2Reliability
If assist gas is blown onto the condensing lens to prevent adhesion of spatter and dust, then adhesion is prevented, but the flow of assist gas directed to the tip of the laser machining head becomes weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different gas flow characteristics to different regions: high-speed assist gas flow is directed toward the nozzle tip to prevent spatter and dust adhesion, while the gas path geometry is optimized to maintain appropriate flow speeds throughout the system. The gas path design ensures that the assist gas maintains sufficient velocity at critical points without requiring uniform high speed throughout the entire path.
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
This configuration effectively prevents spatter and dust adhesion to the condensing lens, enhancing the machining process by maintaining lens integrity and improving the cleanliness of the laser beam path.
Implementation Method 1
a collimation lens 4, and a focusing lens 5. The collimation lens 4 makes the laser beams LB parallel to each other
Implementation Method 2
The focusing lens 5 condenses the laser beams LB paralleled by the collimation lens 4
Implementation Method 3
adhesion of spatter and dust to the condensing lens is prevented by blowing an assist gas flow onto the surface of the condensing lens
Data Source
AI summary
A laser machining head includes a collimation lens, a focusing lens, and a nozzle unit. The nozzle unit includes a protective member, an inner nozzle, an outer nozzle, a nozzle holding section, and an orifice. The outer nozzle is disposed outside the inner nozzle and the nozzle holding section holds the inner nozzle and the outer nozzle. The orifice is in contact with the inner nozzle and is interposed between the nozzle holding section and the outer nozzle. The nozzle holding section has a first gas path connecting the air supply port disposed in the nozzle holding section and the orifice. The orifice has a third gas path for connecting a second gas path disposed between the inner nozzle and the outer nozzle, and the first gas path. In the vicinity of the tip of the nozzle unit, an opening connected to the second gas path is disposed.