AT526975B1 - Protective funnel for a laser device and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention describes a laser device (1), a method and a protective funnel (2) with an air flow guide (24) for a laser device (1) in the form of a galvo laser, comprising at least one connecting element or region (25) for connecting to a laser head or marking head (11) of the laser device (1), a main body (21) in which the laser beam (8) runs in a protected manner, and a resilient workpiece mask (32) which is arranged at the opposite end to the connecting region (25), wherein a workpiece seal (23), in particular a primary sealing element (35), is arranged on the workpiece mask (32) for laying on the workpiece (4), and the main body (21) has an air flow guide (24) for protecting a protective glass (29) which can be replaced in the connecting region (25) from contamination, wherein an extraction funnel (41) and preferably two opposing external supply air guides (43, 44) which have openings (47, 48) are connected to a cavity (40) of the main body (21). The cavity (40) of the main body (21) is equipped with a further inner supply air duct (45, 46), wherein the inner supply air duct (45, 46) projects via an extension (57) into an interior (49, 50) of the outer supply air duct (43, 44) to form a defined flow of the sucked-in air or is arranged therein.

Description

Description

PROTECTIVE FUNNEL FOR A LASER DEVICE AND METHOD THEREFOR

[0001] The invention relates to a protective funnel for a laser device, a method and a laser device as described in claims 1, 8 and 12.

[0002] Laser processing devices are already known from the prior art in which a laser source is pressed or placed onto the workpiece by a user via a hand-held laser head, whereupon the processing is then started.

[0003] EP 3 315 241 B1 discloses a laser processing device for marking the surface of a workpiece using a laser beam, in which a device head is positioned on a workpiece surface, the device head being connected to a base station via supply lines that have electrical and fluid-carrying lines. A sealing hood is attached to the device head, which has a circumferential contact edge for resting on the workpiece surface. Furthermore, a safety contact element is arranged on the device head, which is actuated, in particular activated, by pressing the sealing hood onto the workpiece surface, thereby enabling laser processing. Furthermore, a gas supply is provided, in which a first and second gas supply and a gas discharge are provided.

[0004] Furthermore, EP 2 564 977 B1 discloses a laser processing device which is designed to process the surface of a workpiece using a laser beam, which has a laser deflection unit in the laser head which is formed by optical elements for focusing and/or pivoting a laser beam. A sealing hood is in turn attached to the laser head, which has a circumferential contact edge for the workpiece surface, wherein a connecting unit is arranged between the laser head and the sealing hood, which comprises the safety contact elements and partly the gas guide.

[0005] A disadvantage of the systems described above is that a special gas supply is necessary, which limits the handling of the device head.

[0006] US 2015/190886 A1 describes a laser processing system with a protective funnel, in which the cover plates of the protective funnel are attached to the laser head via a spring-elastic material, in particular a spring plate. The shielding plates are arranged in a rectangle, with two opposing shielding plates being of the same design. Two cover plates are beveled or angled at their side edges so that a gap is formed between two adjacent cover plates through which air from the environment can flow into the interior of the protective funnel or gases and smoke can flow out. Furthermore, a crossjet nozzle and an extraction opening of an extraction device are arranged to generate a cross-flow of air running transversely to the processing optics. The cover plates are provided with sealing elements, via which the protective funnel is pressed onto the workpiece with appropriate spring pressure and the laser head is moved with the protective funnel to process the workpiece. The disadvantage here is that the protective funnel does not have any safety elements, in particular contact elements, so that the laser can be activated even without the protective funnel attached to the workpiece.

[0007] DE 102011050832 A1 discloses a device for joining workpieces using laser radiation, in which the laser welding device is designed in the form of a welding gun. Two pressure elements are arranged on the upper and lower legs of the welding gun, which are pressed against the workpiece. The laser beam is guided and positioned via a scanner optic. With this solution, the laser beam can also be activated without a workpiece, since no safety contact elements are provided on the pressure elements.

[0008] Furthermore, US 2003/0121896 A1 discloses a laser cleaning device on which the laser is placed together with the protective housing. Inert gas is used to remove organic

nic material from the surface of the workpiece through the laser cleaning device.

[0009] US 5477023 A discloses a laser engraving system for generating an image on a workpiece. The laser is protected by a protective funnel placed on the workpiece, and the placement of the protective funnel on the workpiece is monitored by means of a microswitch.

[0010] DE 1947664 A1 discloses a device for material processing using laser radiation, in which a protective funnel in the form of two tubes that can be moved relative to one another is arranged between the processing optics and the workpiece, the length of which can be selected to the lens plane and fastened using a screw. Furthermore, a suction device in the form of a suction nozzle is arranged, by means of which the material particles evaporating from the workpiece being processed are kept away from the optics or lens.

[0011] Furthermore, protective funnels with an air flow guide for a laser device, which have internal air supply guides, are known from US 2010252541 A1, TW 201127531 A, US 6070781 A, GB 2443513 A and US 2018200833 A1.

[0012] The closest prior art is seen in the application WO 2022/073046 A1, which shows a protective funnel for a laser device in the form of a galvo laser, comprising at least one connecting element for connecting to a marking head of the laser device, a guide region in which the laser beam runs, and a contact plate with a safety contact element, which is preferably arranged at the opposite end to the connecting element, wherein the contact plate has a sealing element for placing on the workpiece, and the guide region is preferably designed to adjust an overall length of the protective funnel for changing a focal point of a laser, and the guide region has at least one air guidance system for protecting a protective glass from contamination, wherein two preferably opposite air inlet openings and one air outlet opening are arranged in the guide region.

The disadvantage here is that, on the one hand, the air flow is not sufficient to protect the protective glass for the mirror from dirt and, on the other hand, the sealing of the contact plate to the workpiece is not optimal. Furthermore, the system is designed for lower performance and therefore also for lower dirt loads.

[0013] The object of the invention is to provide a protective funnel in which, on the one hand, the above-mentioned disadvantages are avoided and, on the other hand, to make the known system usable for larger marking fields and higher power.

[0014] The object is achieved by the invention. Advantageous embodiments and method measures are described in the subclaims.

[0015] The object of the invention is achieved by a protective funnel with an air flow guide for a laser device, in which the cavity of the main body is equipped with a further inner supply air guide, wherein the inner supply air guide protrudes via an extension into an interior of the outer supply air guide or is arranged therein to form a defined flow of the sucked-in air.

The advantage here is that the use of the internal air supply duct creates the possibility for the first time of optimizing the flow path in the direction of vertical flow. Previously, the external air supply duct was connected to the cavity of the main body through a simple opening at an angle of 90 degrees, which meant that the inflow behavior was not optimal. By using the guide elements, it is now possible for the first time to create an adapted air flow in the cavity so that the particles and smoke or gases emitted from the processing level are slowed down as best as possible. This ensures that the protective glass is optimally protected against contamination.

[0016] A design in which a barrier wall is arranged in the contact area to protect against reflected laser radiation and melt splashes is advantageous. This ensures that the primary seal is protected against reflected laser radiation and melt splashes,

which would destroy the seal due to its heat.

[0017] However, the features in which the workpiece mask is connected to the main body via a flexible mounting spring are also advantageous. This ensures that a certain contact pressure can be exerted to position the protective funnel.

[0018] An embodiment is advantageous in which the tunnel seal is connected to a tunnel mask which is arranged in the cavity of the main body. This ensures that the entire movable part, in particular the workpiece mask, is sealed for the first time. This means that no disruptive air flow can flow into the hollow body via the movable parts.

[0019] However, features in which the secondary sealing element is arranged or fastened at an angle in the contact area are also advantageous. This ensures secure sealing by means of an additional seal.

[0020] The design in which a crossjet is arranged in the opposite area of the suction funnel is advantageous. This ensures that an optimal flow, in particular a turbulence, is generated in the process space, which is necessary for the marking area. This also supports the removal of dust or gases and particles.

[0021] Another advantageous design is one in which the air supply ducts are designed in the form of guide elements and these can be inserted into the cavity of the main body. This means that the incoming air can be adjusted for the first time.

[0022] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for applying a protective funnel with an air flow guide in a laser device in the form of a galvo laser, in which an inner supply air guide, in particular a guide element, is inserted in the main body, wherein the inner supply air guide protrudes into an interior of the outer supply air guide, so that an adjustment of the flow path in the direction of vertical flow is produced via the inner supply air guide.

The advantage here is that the special design of the internal air supply duct allows a smooth transition of the incoming air into the vertical flow inside the main body. Previously, the state of the art only included a breakthrough or opening in the main body, particularly in the wall of the main body, so that the incoming air flowed in at a 90° angle to the vertical flow. The use of the internal air supply duct now means that the air flows in at a smaller angle, creating a better transition into the vertical flow.

[0023] The measures in which a further sealing element is arranged at an angle on the receiving part are advantageous. This ensures that a secure seal is created between the workpiece and the protective funnel. The special angular arrangement of the seal also ensures that the seal rests on the workpiece over the entire surface.

[0024] Finally, the measures are advantageous in which the inner air supply duct is formed by an extension whose special shape influences the flow path of the incoming air. This means that by changing the extension, the flow path of the incoming air can be easily adjusted to the vertical flow. In other circumstances, for example, the inner air supply duct, in particular the guide element, can simply be replaced in order to achieve a change in the flow path.

[0025] However, the object of the invention is also achieved by a laser device in the form of a galvo laser.

[0026] The invention is described below in the form of an embodiment, whereby it is pointed out that the invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiment or solution.

[0027] They show:

[0028] Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a laser device with attached protective funnel for machining a workpiece by means of a laser process, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0029] Fig. 2 is a front view of the protective funnel during a marking or machining process, in a simplified schematic representation;

[0030] Fig. 3 is a sectional view through the protective funnel along the lines A-A in Figure 2, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0031] Fig. 4 is a partial view of the cut protective funnel in the rest position, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0032] Fig. 5 is a partial view of the cut protective funnel in the working position, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0033] Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a guide element for an internal supply air duct, in a simplified, schematic representation;

[0034] Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the air flow guidance, in a simplified, schematic representation.

[0035] To begin with, it should be noted that in the different embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or identical component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or identical component designations. The position information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., also refers to the figure described and is to be transferred analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0036] In Figs. 1 to 4, a laser device 1 with a protective funnel 2 for laser material processing, in particular laser marking, preferably by processing a job 3 for engraving, marking and/or inscribing a preferably flat workpiece 4 is shown.

[0037] According to Fig. 1, a laser device 1 of the type Galvo laser 1a known from the prior art is shown, in which at least one radiation source 6 in the form of a laser is arranged and operated in a housing 5. A laser beam 8 acts on the workpiece 4 to be processed, wherein the workpiece 4 is preferably positioned on a processing table 7. The laser beam 8 emitted by the radiation source 6, as shown schematically with dot-dashed lines, is sent via deflection elements 9 to at least one laser deflection unit 10, which is arranged in a laser head or marking head 11 of the laser device 1. The laser beam 8 is deflected in the direction of the workpiece 4 by the laser deflection unit 10 (not shown) and positioned so that the workpiece 4 is processed. The control, in particular the position control of the laser beam 8 on the workpiece 4, is carried out via software running in a control unit 12, wherein for this purpose the control unit 12 preferably processes jobs 3 in which the data, parameters, in particular position data, are contained.

[0038] For example, a graphic 14 and/or a text 14 can be created on an external component 13, in particular a computer, laptop 13a, or a control unit, using commercially available or proprietary software 15, such as Ruby, Coral-Draw, Paint, etc., and/or web-based software 15a, which is then converted into a job 3 and exported or transferred to the control unit 13 of the laser device 1, which converts the transferred data, in particular the graphic 14 and/or the text 14, to control the individual elements of the laser device 1. For example, web-based software 15a can be used to create the job 3, with the component 13 or the laser device 1 directly establishing a connection to an Internet 16 and preferably a cloud 17. The web-based software 15a can then be accessed via a browser.

The configured software 15a can be called up and the configuration can be made so that the software 15a then creates the job 3. This can be saved in a job database 18 in the cloud 17 so that it can be called up at any time from any location in the world. It is also possible for a job 3 to be downloaded directly from the job database 18 for processing with the laser device 1, whereby this is done via the external component 13 or directly from the laser device 1 via its control/display elements, in particular the touch screen, for which purpose the laser device 1 establishes a connection to the Internet 16 and also to the cloud 17. It is also possible for the external component 13 to upload the job 3 to the database 18 via the Internet 16, for example in order to process the job 3 at a later time or to process it at a different location. After the data, in particular the created job 3, has been transferred or loaded to the laser device 1, the job 3 is processed by the laser device 1, in particular its control unit 12. It is also possible for several jobs 3 to be stored simultaneously in the laser device 1 and processed one after the other.

[0039] For this purpose, the workpiece 4 is positioned on the processing table 7, whereupon the protective funnel 2, in particular the marking head 11 with the protective funnel 2 attached to it, is moved in such a way that a workpiece mask 20 of the protective funnel 2 comes to rest on a surface 19 of the workpiece 4. This means that in order to process the workpiece 4, in particular the surface 19 of the workpiece 4, the marking head 11 with the protective funnel 2 attached to it is placed on the workpiece 4, whereupon the radiation source 6 is activated so that the laser beam 8 is directed to the workpiece 4 via the laser deflection unit 10 and thus material can be removed from the surface 19 of the workpiece 4 via the laser beam 8. For such laser processes, it must be ensured that any deflected, in particular reflected, laser beams 8 are not emitted into the environment and that any persons present are not harmed. This is prevented in such a way that the protective funnel 2 is connected to the marking head 11, whereby the laser beam 8 runs in a protected manner in the protective funnel 2.

[0040] According to the invention, the protective funnel 2 is constructed in such a way that the workpiece mask 20 is movably connected to a main body 21, wherein the main body 21 is fastened to the marking head 11 via a retaining pin 27 which is coupled to a release button 22. This ensures that the protective funnel 2 can be easily and quickly removed from the marking head 11 via the release button 22, for example in order to attach another protective funnel 2.

[0041] What is essential in the protective funnel 2 according to the invention is, on the one hand, the workpiece seal 23 for a laser marking process, according to Figures 4 and 5, and, on the other hand, the air flow guide 24 during a laser marking process, according to Figure 3. In Figures 3 to 5, a section along the lines A-A in Figure 2 is shown, with Figure 3 showing the entire protective funnel 2 and Figures 4 and 5 showing an enlarged partial view of the workpiece mask 20 lifted off and placed on the workpiece 7.

[0042] According to Figure 3, the main body 21 is designed in the form of a tube and extends from the workpiece mask 20 to the opposite end region or connection region 25. Holding elements 26 and a holding pin 27, which is coupled to the release button 22, can be arranged in the connection region 25 in order to be able to establish a secure connection with the marking head 11. Furthermore, an opening 28 is provided in the connection region 25, which is provided with a replaceable protective glass 29. The protective glass 29 serves to protect the laser deflection unit 10 arranged in the marking head 11 from dirt, dust, etc. In the area of the workpiece mask 20, the main body 21 extends in the form of a tunnel 30. An attachment spring 31 is arranged on the outer circumference of the tunnel 30, which is formed from shaped, in particular wave-shaped, tracks, so that the workpiece mask 20, in particular a receiving part 32, is held movably on the main body 21 via the attachment spring 31. The receiving part 32 is specially designed, with an outer or secondary sealing element 34, a primary sealing element 35 and a barrier wall 36 being arranged or formed in the direction of the attachment area 33, i.e. in the direction of the workpiece 4.

and on the opposite side a sealing projection 37 projects into the tunnel 30 of the main body 21. The sealing projection 37 is positively connected to a tunnel mask 38 which is inserted into the tunnel 30 of the main body 21, a tunnel seal 39 being arranged between the tunnel mask 38 and the sealing projection 37, the tunnel seal 39 being fastened in the tunnel mask 38.

[0043] Furthermore, the main body 21, in particular its tubular cavity 40, is connected to a suction funnel 41, wherein the suction funnel 41 is in turn connected to a suction device, in particular a suction pump (not shown) via a suction hose 42, as can be seen from Figure 1. In addition, the cavity 40 is equipped with preferably two opposing outer supply air ducts 43, 44 and preferably two inner supply air ducts 45, 46, for which purpose two opposing openings 47, 48 or openings 47, 48 are arranged on the side walls of the main body 21. The outer air supply guides 43, 44 are designed such that they have a housing for forming an interior space 49, 50, wherein on the underside, in particular in the direction of the mounting area 33, an air supply opening 51, 52 is preferably provided, which is arranged below the breakthroughs or openings 47, 48 in the hollow body 21, so that a deflected laser beam 8 cannot radiate from the breakthroughs or openings 47, 48.

[0044] Furthermore, the inner air supply guides 45, 46 have a defined, particularly inventive, geometric shape and arrangement in order to achieve an optimal air flow guide 24. The inner air supply guides 45, 46 are inserted in the form of guide elements into the cavity 40 of the main body 21, with the specially designed end areas protruding through the openings or openings 47, 48 into the interior 49, 50 of the outer air supply guide 43, 44. For this purpose, Figure 6 shows an enlarged sectional view of an air supply guide 43 or 44, with brass or aluminum or an alloy thereof preferably being used as the material. A fastening extension 53 is provided so that the air supply guide 43, 44 can be attached to the main body 21. What is important is that part of the supply air duct 45, 46 that extends away from the fastening extension 53, in particular that part that extends into the interior 49, 50 of the outer supply air duct 43, 44. The supply air duct 45, 46 extends from the fastening extension 53, in particular the contact surface 54 of the main body 21, with two angled straight surfaces 55, 56 to form an outwardly extending extension 57, wherein the extension 57 is terminated with a radius 58 and then an angled surface 59, which ends with a rounding 60, closes off the extension 57 of the supply air duct 45, 46. The special design of the extension 57 of the supply air duct 45, 46 ensures that an optimal air flow is achieved from the supply air opening 51, 52 via the interior 49, 50 of the outer supply air duct 43, 44 around the extension 57 of the inner supply air duct 45, 46 into the cavity 40 of the main body 21, as described in more detail later.

[0045] In order to be able to carry out a machining process, the protective funnel 2 must be placed or pressed onto a workpiece 4, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, wherein Figure 4 is shown in the lifted position and Figure 5 in the placed position.

[0046] In the raised position, it is clear that the mounting spring 31 is not compressed, so that the workpiece mask 20 is in the lowest position, i.e. in the rest position. Thus, the secondary sealing element 34 is also not deformed. Furthermore, the receiving part 32 is in the rest position, so that the sealing projection 37 is lifted from the tunnel seal 39, so that a gap is created through which air can flow into the cavity.

[0047] If the protective funnel 2 is now positioned or pressed onto a workpiece 4, the workpiece mask 20 is displaced in the direction of the main body 21 due to the positioning spring 31, i.e. the positioning spring 31 is compressed, whereby the workpiece mask 20 and the receiving part 32 are displaced in the direction of the main body 21. At the same time, the angularly arranged sealing element 34 is moved outwards and lies flat on the surface of the workpiece 4. Since the secondary sealing element 34 is in the resting state, according to Fig. 4, further

from the attachment area 33 or from the contact surface of the receiving part 32 protrudes more than the primary sealing element 35, the secondary sealing element 34 is always pressed outwards, namely until the primary sealing element 34 rests snugly on the surface of the workpiece 4. The primary sealing element 34 can also be slightly deformed by exerting a certain amount of pressure. It must only be ensured that there is a preferably airtight seal of the workpiece mask 20 on the tool 4 so that the flows in the cavity 40 of the main body 21 are not influenced and furthermore the laser beam 8, which can be deflected by the workpiece 4, cannot escape.

[0048] In order to achieve complete sealing, a further internal seal is provided for the first time in such a protective funnel 2, with which the gap 61, which automatically occurs with movably arranged elements, is sealed. For this purpose, the tunnel mask 38 with the tunnel seal 39 is inserted in the cavity 40 in an airtight manner. Furthermore, the receiving part 32 is provided with the sealing projection 37 so that in the attached state, i.e. during a machining process, the sealing projection 37 is pressed against the tunnel seal 39 and thus the gap 61 is sealed, as can be seen in Figure 5, so that no air can flow via the workpiece mask 20 into the cavity 40 of the main body 21. This means that the attachment spring mechanism, in particular the workpiece mask 21, is sealed from the process space or cavity 40 in the marking position of the laser device 1, i.e. during the machining process, and is thus protected from contamination. Furthermore, it prevents uncontrolled supply air from being sucked in through possible gaps or gaps 61.

[0049] The special design of the barrier wall 36 also ensures that the primary sealing element 35 is protected on the one hand and that a reflected laser beam 8 and melt splashes are prevented from escaping from the process chamber or cavity 40 on the other. To this end, the barrier wall 35 extends as close as possible to the contact surface of the primary sealing element 35 so that only a minimal gap is present between the workpiece and the barrier wall 35. This gap is sealed by the primary and secondary sealing elements 34, 35.

[0050] It can therefore be said that the protective funnel 2 is formed with a workpiece seal 23 for a laser device 1 in the form of a galvo laser 1a, comprising at least one connecting element or region 25 for connecting to a marking head 11 of the laser device 1, a main body 21 in which the laser beam 8 runs in a protected manner, and a resilient workpiece mask 20 which is arranged at the opposite end to the connecting region 25, wherein a workpiece seal 23, in particular a primary sealing element 35, is arranged on the workpiece mask 20 for laying on the workpiece 4, and that the main body 21 has an air flow guide 24 for protecting a protective glass 29 which can be replaced in the connecting region 25 from contamination, wherein an extraction funnel 41 and two preferably opposite outer supply air guides 43, 44 which are connected to a cavity 40 of the main body via openings 47, 48 21 are connected, wherein the movable workpiece mask 20 is sealed against external influences from the main body 21 and the workpiece 4 during a machining process, for which purpose a secondary sealing element 34 and a primary sealing element 35 are provided or arranged in the mounting area 33 for the workpiece 4, and that for sealing the process space or the cavity 40 a sealing projection 37 of the workpiece mask 21 and a tunnel seal 39 of the main body 21, which are pressed against each other during the machining process, are arranged.

[0051] In order to be able to carry out a flawless marking process or machining process, it is necessary for the protective funnel 2 to have an air flow guide 24 in order to remove the gases or smoke and/or splashes caused by the laser beam 8, since otherwise the protective glass 29 would be completely dirty in a very short time and thus the laser beam 8 would no longer reach the workpiece 4.

[0052] For this purpose, an air flow guide 24 according to the invention is shown in Figures 6 and 7, wherein the protective funnel 2 shown in Figure 7 has been reduced to the most necessary elements.

[0053] Before or at the same time or after the protective funnel 2, in particular the workpiece

mask 20 has been placed on the workpiece 4, the extraction, which is connected to the extraction funnel 41 via an extraction hose 42, is activated. At the same time, before or after activating the extraction, a crossjet 62, which is arranged in the opposite area of the extraction funnel 41, in particular in the lower area close to the workpiece 4, can now be switched on or activated, as shown schematically with arrows 63. The extraction flow 64 of the extraction in the extraction funnel 41 generates a vertical flow 65 in the cavity 40 of the main body 21, the vertical flow 65 being supplied with fresh air, as shown by arrow 68, by two supply air flows 66, 67 via the inner and outer supply air ducts 43-46. Here, the fresh air 68 is sucked in via the supply air openings 51, 52, whereupon it is directed, as shown by arrow 68, through the extension 57 of the inner supply air duct 45, 46, first outwards and then along the surface 59 and rounding 60 in the direction of the vertical flow 65. This achieves a smooth flow transition from the outer supply air flow 43, 44 to the inner supply air flow 45, 46, in particular into the vertical flow 65, which was previously not possible due to the 90° connections.

[0054] Since the workpiece mask 20 is placed on the workpiece 4 in an airtight manner, i.e. no air can flow in from the outside in the area of the workpiece mask 20, the crossjet 62 generates a vortex 69 in the area of the workpiece surface, so that the crossjet 62 generates a necessary flow, which is necessary for the marking process or machining process in order to obtain the cleanest possible workpiece surface and stable process conditions. Furthermore, the crossjet 62 supports the particle flight 70 of particles 71, as shown schematically.

[0055] If the laser or laser beam 8 is now started, as shown schematically in Figure 7, the laser beam 8 can be positioned over the entire length and width of the workpiece mask 20, in particular the receiving part 32, by adjusting the laser deflection unit 10, whereby smoke or gases 72 and particles 71 can be generated due to the action of the laser or laser beam 8. In order to prevent the protective glass 29 from becoming contaminated with smoke or gases 72 and particles 71, a corresponding air flow guide 24, as previously described, is required. The flow in the process chamber or in the cavity 40 is generated by the inner supply air duct 45, 46, so that particles 71 arising from the marking process or machining process, which move in the direction of the protective glass 29, are slowed down and conveyed by the flow, in particular vertical flow 65, into the suction funnel 41, as shown schematically in thick lines.

[0056] Furthermore, it is achieved that the external supply air duct 43, 44 serves to shield the process chamber opening, in particular the opening 47, 48, whereby an emerging laser beam 8 cannot reach a person directly.

[0057] According to the invention, it can now be said that the protective funnel 2 is formed with an air flow guide 24 for a laser device 1 in the form of a galvo laser 1a, comprising at least one connecting element or region 25 for connecting to a marking head 11 of the laser device 1, a main body 21 in which the laser beam 8 runs in a protected manner, and a resilient workpiece mask 20 which is arranged at the opposite end to the connecting region 25, wherein a workpiece seal 23, in particular a primary sealing element 35, is arranged on the workpiece mask 20 for laying on the workpiece 4, and that the main body 21 has an air flow guide 24 for protecting a protective glass 29 which can be replaced in the connecting region 25 from contamination, wherein an extraction funnel 41 and two preferably opposite outer supply air guides 43, 44 which are connected via openings 47, 48 to a cavity 40 of the Main body 21 are connected, wherein the cavity 40 of the main body 21 is equipped with a further inner air supply duct 45,46, wherein the inner air supply duct 45,46 protrudes via an extension 57 into an interior 49, 50 of the outer air supply duct 43,44 to form a defined flow of the sucked-in air or is arranged therein. This creates an optimal transition into the vertical flow 65, so that most of the particles 71 can be slowed down in this area and then transported away via the suction funnel. The protective glass 29 thus remains clean, whereby an optimal marking process or processing process can always be carried out.

that can.

[0058] It can be said that the invention relates to a defined geometric shape and arrangement of the components protective glass 29, main body 21, inner and outer air supply ducts 43-46, suction funnel, tunnel mask 38 and workpiece mask 20 in order to produce a defined flow in a process space or cavity 40 during a laser marking process or machining process. This defined flow produces the optimal process conditions required for the marking process and also significantly reduces contamination of an inserted protective glass.

[0059] The invention also includes a method for using a protective funnel 2 with an air flow guide 24 in a laser device 1 in the form of a galvo laser 1a, in which the protective funnel 2 is placed or pressed onto a workpiece 4 for protection against radiation and sealing a cavity 40 of a main body 21 via a workpiece mask 20, so that by activating a suction a vertical flow is generated via preferably two outer air supply guides 43, 44 in the cavity 40 of a main body 21, wherein an inner air supply guide 45, 46 is inserted in the main body 21, wherein the inner air supply guide 45, 46, in particular a guide element, protrudes into an interior 49, 50 of the outer air supply guide 43, 44, so that an adjustment of the flow path in the direction of vertical flow is generated via the inner air supply guide 45, 46. This means that by using an inner air supply duct 45,46 that extends into the interior 49,50 of the outer air supply duct 43,44, the flow pattern is adjusted in the direction of vertical flow. It is also possible for the inner air supply duct 45, 46 to be formed by an extension 57, the special shape of which influences the flow pattern of the incoming air.

[0060] The invention also includes a method for using a protective funnel 2 with a workpiece seal 23 in a laser device 1 in the form of a galvo laser 1a, in which the protective funnel is placed or pressed onto a workpiece for protection against radiation and sealing a cavity 40 of a main body 21 via a workpiece mask 20, wherein a sealing element is used on the movable workpiece mask 20 for sealing against the workpiece 4, so that by activating a suction a vertical flow is generated via preferably two external supply air ducts 43, 44 in the cavity 40 of a main body 21, wherein when the workpiece mask 20 is placed on the workpiece 4, a receiving part 32 of the workpiece mask 20, in particular its sealing projection 37, is pressed against a tunnel seal 37 of a tunnel mask 38 in the interior of the main body 21 in order to create a gap 61 between the main body 21 and the workpiece mask 20. It is advantageous if a further sealing element 34 is used, arranged at an angle on the receiving part 32.

[0061] For the sake of completeness, it is mentioned that sensors, in particular so-called “io Link” sensors, are also used in the protective funnel 2 to monitor or query the marking position, i.e. that a marking process is only carried out by activating the laser 8 or laser beam 8 after the correct marking position has been detected via the sensors.

[0062] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that a protective funnel 2 can be designed with only one outer and inner supply air guide 43,45 or 44,46.

[0063] For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure of the laser device 1 and its components or its parts, some of them are not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size and, above all, are only shown schematically.

[0064] Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can form independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

Claims (12)

patent claims 1. Protective funnel (2) with an air flow guide (24) for a laser device (1) in the form of a galvo laser, comprising at least one connecting element or region (25) for connecting to a laser head or marking head (11) of the laser device (1), a main body (21) in which the laser beam (8) runs in a protected manner, and a resilient workpiece mask (32) which is arranged at the opposite end to the connecting region (25), wherein a workpiece seal (23), in particular a primary sealing element (35), is arranged on the workpiece mask (32) for laying on the workpiece (4), and the main body (21) has an air flow guide (24) for protecting a protective glass (29) which can be replaced in the connecting region (25) from contamination, wherein an extraction funnel (41) and preferably two opposing outer supply air guides (43, 44) which are connected via openings (47, 48) to a cavity (40) of the Main body (21) are connected, characterized in that the cavity (40) of the main body (21) is equipped with a further inner supply air duct (45, 46), wherein the inner supply air duct (45, 46) projects via an extension (57) into an interior (49, 50) of the outer supply air duct (43, 44) to form a defined flow of the sucked-in air or is arranged therein. 2, protective funnel (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that a barrier wall (36) is arranged in the mounting area (33) for protection against reflected laser radiation or melt splashes. 3. Protective funnel (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the workpiece mask (32) is connected to the main body (21) via a flexible attachment spring (31). 4. Protective funnel (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tunnel seal (39) is connected to a tunnel mask (38) which is arranged in the cavity (40) of the main body (21). 5. Protective funnel (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary sealing element (34) is arranged or fastened to the tool mask (20) or to the receiving part (32) at an angle in the mounting area (33). 6. Protective funnel (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a crossjet (62) is arranged in the opposite region of the suction funnel (41). 7. Protective funnel (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply air guides (45, 46) are designed in the form of guide elements and these can be inserted into the cavity (40) of the main body (21). 8. Method for using a protective funnel (2) with an air flow guide (24) in a laser device (1) in the form of a galvo laser (1a), in which the protective funnel (2) is placed or pressed onto a workpiece (4) for protection against radiation and sealing a cavity (40) of a main body (21) via a workpiece mask (20), so that by activating a suction a vertical flow (65) is generated via preferably two outer supply air guides (43, 44) in the cavity (40) of a main body (21), characterized in that an inner supply air guide (45, 46), in particular a guide element, is inserted in the main body (21), wherein the inner supply air guide (45, 46) protrudes into an interior space (49, 50) of the outer supply air guide (43, 44), so that an adjustment of the flow path in the direction of vertical flow (5) via the inner supply air duct (45, 46). 9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that a further sealing element (34) arranged at an angle on the receiving part (32) is used. 10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the inner supply air guide (45, 46) is formed by an extension (57) whose special shape influences the flow pattern of the incoming air. 11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the protective funnel (2) is formed according to one of claims 1 to 7. 12. Laser device (1) in the form of a galvo laser (1a) with a protective funnel (2) for laser material processing, in particular laser inscription, preferably by processing a job (3) for engraving, marking and/or inscription of a preferably flat workpiece (4), wherein the protective funnel (2) is connected to a marking head (11) of the laser device (1), in particular a galvo laser (1a), and a laser deflection unit (10) is arranged in the marking head (11), wherein a laser beam (8) from a radiation source (6), in particular a laser (6), can be fed to the laser deflection unit (10) via deflection elements (9), characterized in that the protective funnel (2) is designed according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7 and is equipped to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11. 5 sheets of drawings