Apparatus for generating a rotating laser beam
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Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for generating a rotating laser beam (5) which may used for various applications including welding, cutting, drilling or ablation of materials. More particularly, the apparatus (1) according to the present invention is able to produce a fast rotating and accurate laser beam, because the main optical device (100) that is rotated consists of a first reflecting surface (102) rotating about an axis (X1), a second reflecting surface (26) having an annular shape, wherein the first reflecting surface (102) redirects said laser beam in to the direction of the second reflecting surface (26), which reflects said laser beam towards said axis (X1).
8 Citations
44 Claims
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1-22. -22. (canceled)
- 23. An apparatus for generating a rotating laser beam, in particular for circular welding and/or machining workpieces, said apparatus comprising input means for a laser beam, said laser beam following an optical path through at least one optical system of the apparatus before emerging from said apparatus through an output and impinging onto an impact region of a workpiece, said optical system having a central axis and being intended at least to adjust the position of an image focal point of said laser beam in said impact region, said optical system further comprising a first reflecting surface able to rotate about said central axis and intended to redirect said laser beam into the direction of a second reflecting surface of annular shape and intended to reflect said laser beam toward said axis, the apparatus comprising means for driving said first reflecting surface in rotation, wherein said optical system comprises at least one lens which makes said laser beam be convergent before it impinges on said first reflecting surface such as to form a first focal point in the vicinity of said first reflecting surface, distinct from the image focal point of said laser beam in said impact region of the workpiece.
Specification