ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION SYSTEM

Abstract

An electromagnetic radiation system (100) for directing an electromagnetic radiation beam at a target (130). The electromagnetic radiation system comprises an electromagnetic radiation source (110) for providing the electromagnetic radiation beam, a head (120) for projecting the electromagnetic radiation beam on to the target (130); and an umbilical assembly (140) connecting the electromagnetic radiation source (110) to the head (120) and configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation beam to the head. The electromagnetic radiation system further comprises an optical isolator (150) positioned between the electromagnetic radiation source (110) and the umbilical assembly (140).

Claims

1. An electromagnetic radiation system for directing an electromagnetic radiation beam at a target comprising: an electromagnetic radiation source comprising an optical fiber laser comprising an optical fiber amplifier, the optical fiber amplifier being a final optical amplification stage of the electromagnetic radiation system; a head operatively connected to the electromagnetic radiation source and positioned relative to the target; and an umbilical assembly operatively connected to the electromagnetic radiation source and the head and having a beam transmission path from the electromagnetic radiation source to the head; wherein the electromagnetic radiation system further comprises an optical isolator positioned between the optical fiber amplifier and the umbilical assembly.

2.-4. (canceled)

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the head comprises a collimator, wherein the collimator is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the umbilical assembly.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic radiation system is a laser marking system.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the umbilical assembly comprises an optical fiber configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation beam from the laser source to the head.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the optical fiber configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation beam from the laser source to the head is a passive fibre.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein a length of the optical fiber is greater than a length of the umbilical assembly.

10. The system of claim 5, wherein the collimator is optically coupled to the optical isolator by the optical fiber.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cabinet, wherein the electromagnetic radiation source is configured within the cabinet, and wherein the optical isolator is configured within the cabinet.

14. (canceled)

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a moveable assembly, wherein the moveable assembly operatively connected to the head to move the head relative to the target.

16. The system of claim 1 further comprising a holder, wherein the system is configured to permit use of the head only if the head is held by the holder in a predetermined configuration, the predetermined configuration being determined based upon an interaction between cooperating features of the holder and the head.

17. A method of manufacturing an electromagnetic radiation system, the radiation system comprising: a head operatively connected to an electromagnetic radiation source and positioned relative to a target; an umbilical housing comprising an elongate tube having a first opening at a first end of the elongate tube and a second opening at a second end of the elongate tube; and an optical assembly comprising a collimator and an optical isolator, the collimator and optical isolator connected by an optical fiber; the method comprising: passing the collimator through the umbilical housing from the first opening to the second opening; and configuring the collimator within the head.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the optical isolator, collimator and optical fiber are integrally formed.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein configuring the collimator within the head comprises fixing the collimator within the head.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the electromagnetic radiation source comprises a fiber laser.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the electromagnetic radiation system is a laser marking system.

22.-32. (canceled)

33. A system comprising: an electromagnetic radiation system according to claim 1; and a processing line configured to transport products to be processed past a processing station; wherein the electromagnetic radiation system is configured to direct said radiation beam at products located at the processing station.

34. The system of claim 33, further comprising a safety shield configured to substantially enclose the processing station, wherein said head is the only component of said electromagnetic radiation system provided within the safety shield.

35. The system of claim 33, further comprising a moveable assembly, said moveable assembly being configured to support the head, and to move the head relative to products located at the processing station.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein: the moveable assembly is configured to move relative to products located at the processing station between a first configuration and a second configuration; and the electromagnetic radiation system is configured to apply a mark to said products in at least one of the first and second configurations.

37. The system of claim 33, comprising at least two head mounting locations for mounting said head, each mounting location being configured to support the head for projecting the electromagnetic radiation beam on to a product provided at a processing location.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labelled in every drawing. Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0065] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary laser marking system;

[0066] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a magnified cross-sectional view of a marking head of the laser marking system of FIG. 1;

[0067] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a cabinet of the laser marking system of FIG. 1;

[0068] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the umbilical assembly of the laser marking system of FIG. 1;

[0069] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a known laser marking system;

[0070] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary laser marking system;

[0071] FIG. 7 schematically depicts end and cross-sectional side views of a marking head and a marking head holder of the laser marking system of FIG. 6; and

[0072] FIG. 8 schematically depicts a system including a processing line and a laser marking system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are capable of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0074] Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein include a laser system such as a laser scanning or marking system, although aspects may also include other laser systems such as laser drilling systems, laser welding systems and the like. Laser systems may be utilized in production lines for various types of articles or products. Laser marking systems may be utilized to imprint bar codes, unique identifying marks, expiration dates, or other information on items passing through a production line. In some implementations fiber lasers may be used in laser marking systems. Fiber lasers can produce beams of light in a range of wavelengths depending on the active element used but typically range from around 1000 nm to 2100 nm. Lasers utilized in laser marking systems are typically operated at laser power levels in the tens of watts, although laser power levels of kilowatts are possible. The laser may be pulsed or operated as a continuous wave. Typically pulsed operation is used for lower power applications such as marking and coding, whereas continuous wave operation is used for higher power applications such as cutting and welding.

[0075] Laser systems are not, however limited to fiber lasers and lasers of other forms may be used, including bulk solid state lasers, gas lasers, diode lasers, dye lasers and the like.

[0076] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a laser marking system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The laser marking system 100 comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation such as a laser source 110 for providing a laser beam and a marking head 120 for projecting the laser beam towards a product 130. The laser source 110 and the marking head 120 are connected by an umbilical assembly 140 that transmits the laser beam from the laser source 110 to the marking head 120. The laser beam may be received by a collimator located within the marking head 120. The marking head 120 is described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 2 and the umbilical is described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0077] The laser marking system 100 further comprises an optical isolator 150 between the laser source 110 and the umbilical 140 such that the optical path of the laser beam provided by the laser source 110 passes through the optical isolator 150 before entering the umbilical 140. The laser source 110 and optical isolator may be housed within a cabinet 160. The cabinet and additional components that may be contained within the cabinet are described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0078] The optical path of the laser beam from the laser source 110 to the product 130 is shown schematically in FIG. 1 by optical paths 170a to 170e. A first optical path 170a is defined between an output of the laser source 110 and the optical isolator 150. The first optical path may be provided by an optical fiber such as an optical fiber amplifier. A second optical path 170b is defined through the optical isolator 150. The second optical path 170b allows light to be transmitted from the laser source 110 to the umbilical 140 but prevents light being transmitted from the umbilical 140 to the laser source 110. The optical isolator therefore prevents light received into the umbilical through the marking head 120, for example reflected light emitted from the print head, entering the laser source 110 and prevents damage to the laser source 110.

[0079] A third optical path 170c is defined through the umbilical 140. The third optical path may be provided by a further optical fiber such as a transport fiber (sometimes referred to as a passive optical fiber). A fourth optical path 170d is defined through the marking head and a fifth optical path 170e is defined from the marking head to the product 130. The fourth optical path generally includes one or more components that allow the optical path to be modified as the laser beam passes through the marking head. Modification of the fourth optical path 170d within the marking head causes the fifth optical path 170e to also be modified such that the fifth optical path intersects the product in one of a plurality of marking positions. The laser beam emitted from the laser source 110 can therefore be controlled so as to mark product 130 in any one of the plurality of marking positions (or providing cutting or welding of a surface in other embodiments). It will be appreciated that other optical paths 170a to 170e may also comprise additional components that modify the optical path within or between components.

[0080] It can be understood that the provision of the optical isolator 150 between the first optical path 170a, which is provided by an optical fiber amplifier (i.e. an active gain medium), and the third optical path 170c, which is provided by a transport optical fiber (i.e. a passive fiber), ensures that while reflections from a product 130 being marked (or other reflective surfaces, or even internal components of the marking head 120) may reach and be transported by the passive transport fiber, they cannot reach the optical fiber amplifier. If such reflections were to reach the optical fiber amplifier, further amplification could take place, potentially resulting in significant damage to the optical fiber amplifier and/or other components of the laser source.

[0081] Considered in another way, an optical isolator is provided downstream in the optical path (i.e. 170a-170e) of the last gain stage or optical amplifier, but crucially is not provided within the marking head 120. As such, the laser source (and any active amplifying components) are protected from any potentially damaging back reflections, while the small size of the marking head 120 (which would ordinarily house an optical isolator) is preserved. No optical isolator component is provided (or required) outside of the cabinet 160.

[0082] In use, a controller converts marking instructions to control signals for the laser source 110 and marking head 120 to provide laser marking on a surface of the product.

[0083] In fiber lasers, laser light can be guided effectively within a fiber core, which can be as small as 9 micrometers in diameter. Combining fiber-based components is relatively straightforward such that laser light can be directed between fiber-based components of a laser marking system relatively easily. In contrast, once laser light exits fiber and becomes a free space laser it is hard to focus it again in a precise and stable way, for example to couple it back into a 9 micrometer fiber core. Optical isolators are typically made from three distinct components that require light to be transmitted through free space. Typical fiber laser marking systems are therefore configured such that an optical isolator is provided at the marking head so that light is transmitted through fiber-based components until exiting fiber-based components into free space in the marking head at the optical isolator where it is subsequently controlled through the marking head, also in free space. The inventors have realised, however, that providing an optical isolator separate from the marking head allows substantial improvements to be made to the dimensions of a marking head given typical size requirements of optical isolators.

[0084] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a magnified cross-sectional view of the marking head 120 of FIG. 1. The marking head 120 comprises a receiving portion 210 for receiving a laser beam into the marking head from the umbilical 140 a steering mechanism 220 configured to modify the optical path of the laser beam passing through the marking head and an optical element 230 through which the laser beam exits the marking head towards the product 130. The steering mechanism 220 allows the laser beam to be directed towards the product so as to intersect the product in one of a plurality of marking positions and to mark the product in one of the plurality of marking positions.

[0085] The receiving portion 210 may comprise a fiber collimator configured to receive the laser beam from the umbilical and to condition the radiation in a desired manner before directing the radiation to other components of the marking head such as the steering mechanism 220 (which may steer the radiation exiting the marking head in a desired manner).

[0086] In some embodiments the steering mechanism 220 is configured to have a compact form factor. For example, the steering mechanism 220 may comprise first and second actuators configured to rotate respective optical elements. The first and second actuators may be, for example, first and second galvanometers. The axis of rotation of the first and second drive mechanisms may be parallel. The axes of rotation may also be parallel to the incoming laser beam. A steering mechanism that allows a compact form factor is described in International Patent Publication Number WO2019/101886, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0087] The marking head 120 may be substantially cylindrical. The marking head 120 may have a first dimension in a first direction of less than around 400 mm and a second dimension in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of less than around 60 mm. The marking head 120 may have a third dimension in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction of less than around 60 mm. Providing the isolator separate from a marking head allows a compact form factor that has not previously been possible to achieve.

[0088] The marking head 120 may further comprise various other components. For example, the marking head 120 may comprise a focus modifier 240 configured to adjust a focal plane of the laser marking system 100. The marking head 120 may further comprise an outlet 250 for emitting compressed air from the marking head to form an air knife. The marking head 120 may further comprise focusing optics (not shown). The laser marking system may further comprise a detector configured to detect a presence of the product 130. The detector may, for example, comprise a camera. The marking head may additionally include a radiation shield (not shown).

[0089] The marking head 120 may comprise a cooling system for providing cooling to a component (e.g. actuators of the steering mechanism 220 and/or the focus modifier 240). The cooling system may be configured to use fluid provided to the marking head to cool a component of the marking head 120. The fluid may be provided so as to cool at least one component of the marking head 120 whilst isolating the fluid from the optical path of the laser, for example by providing a fluid flow path through a housing of the marking head 120 that intersects the component to be cooled. The component may intersect the fluid flow path through the housing to provide a part of the fluid flow path. The fluid may be emitted from the marking head 120 from outlet 250. The outlet 250 may be configured so as to emit fluid from the marking head to reduce matter generated by interaction of the laser beam with a surface of the product from interacting with the print head, for example by way of an air knife. That is, the same fluid used for cooling components within the marking head may also be used as an air knife. It will be appreciated that by providing a compact form for a marking head as allowed by the subject matter described herein, cooling of components within the marking head 120 may be beneficial.

[0090] Referring now to FIG. 3, the cabinet 160 of FIG. 1 is shown in further detail. As described above, the cabinet 160 houses laser source 110 and optical isolator 150. The cabinet may additionally house a cooling system 310 configured to generate a flow of fluid for cooling components within the marking head 120. The cooling system may, for example, comprise an air compressor and the fluid may be compressed air, although it will be appreciated that fluids other than air can be used. As described below with reference to FIG. 4, the fluid may be provided to the marking head through the umbilical, or may be delivered to the marking head by a fluid path that is separate to the umbilical. For example, the fluid may be provided at a flow rate of about 20 liters per minute. The fluid may additionally be used to reduce matter generated by interaction of the laser beam with a surface of the product from interacting with the print head, for example by way of an air knife as described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0091] The cooling system 310 may additionally be configured to provide cooling to the laser source 110. For example, the cooling system 310 may be configured to direct the flow of fluid to the laser source 110 and thereby provide cooling to the laser source 110. The fluid may be provided to the laser source 110 after filtration. The fluid may be provided to the laser source 110 before the fluid is used to cool the marking head 120. Fluid provided to the laser source may be provided at a greater flow rate than provided to the marking head in order to provide effective cooling. The flow rate required to cool the laser source 110 may at least partially depend upon a distribution of heat load on the laser source 110, a duty cycle of the laser source 110, etc. In some embodiments the cooling system 310 may use part of the fluid used to cool the laser source to also cool components in the marking head.

[0092] The cooling system 310 may comprise a fan 320 configured to generate the flow of extraction fluid. The cooling system 310 may comprise a filter 330 configured to filter the fluid. The filter 300 may be replaceable after having collected a given amount of matter. The filter 300 may comprise a plurality of filters configured to filter fluid dependent upon its use. For example, fluid for cooling may be filtered by a first filter. In some embodiments fluid used for extraction of material from the marking head may be returned to the cabinet and reused for cooling. Where such recirculation of air is used additional and/or specialty filters may be required to extract material from the air before it is reused for cooling. In some embodiments there may be three filters applied, a first filter for filtering cooling air for the marking head, a second filter for filtering cooling air for the system (laser source, power supply, electronics) a further specialty filter to filter air used for extraction of material from the marking head.

[0093] The cabinet 160 may comprise a cooling device 340 configured to cool the fluid before the fluid is directed to the laser source. The cooling device 340 may, for example, comprise a compressor or a heat exchanger.

[0094] The cabinet 160 may further comprise a power supply 350 configured to provide power to the laser source 110. The cooling system 310 may be configured to provide cooling to the power supply 350. The cabinet 160 may further comprise a controller 360 for controlling the laser source 110, the cooling system 310 and/or marking head 120. The cooling system 310 may be configured to provide cooling to the controller 270.

[0095] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of umbilical assembly 140 of FIG. 1. The umbilical assembly 140 comprises an umbilical housing 410 that houses one or more conduits for transmitting one or more components from the cabinet 160 to the marking head 120. The one or more conduits comprise an optical fiber 420 for transmitting a laser beam. The one or more conduits may further comprise an electrically conductive cable 430. The one or more conduits may further comprise ducting 440 for transmitting a fluid, such as the fluid for cooling one or more components of the marking head described above. The optical fiber 420 may be provided with one or more fiber failure detector wires 425, as described in more detail below.

[0096] The umbilical housing 410 may comprise a continuous tube. That is, the umbilical housing 410 may have an opening at either end only, but may otherwise have no further openings or portions that are openable. An internal diameter of the umbilical housing is large enough to accommodate the collimator 210 of the marking head of the laser marking system shown in FIG. 2. The collimator, isolator and optical fiber 420 may comprise an optical assembly. The optical assembly may be manufactured such that separation of the collimator and/or isolator from the optical fiber 420 after manufacture of the optical assembly may not be possible after manufacture. During manufacture of the laser marking system, the optical assembly may be provided integrally formed. The collimator may be passed through the umbilical housing and configured within the marking head 120 and the isolator may be configured within the cabinet 160. By positioning the isolator in the cabinet, the internal diameter of the umbilical housing may be relatively small as the relatively small collimator can be passed through the umbilical housing whilst maintaining connection between the collimator and the isolator.

[0097] The umbilical assembly 140 may be reversibly connectable to the marking head 120 of the laser marking system 100 of FIG. 1. The umbilical assembly may be reversibly connectable to the cabinet 160 of the laser marking system 100 of FIG. 1. The umbilical assembly 140 may be reversibly sealable to the marking head 120 and the cabinet 160 of the laser marking system 100 of FIG. 1 so as to prevent ingress of fluid or debris. An outer surface of the umbilical housing 410 may comprise a chemically resistant material and/or a heat resistant material and/or a material that is impervious to water and/or a hygienic material. The outer surface of the umbilical housing 410 may be smooth.

[0098] The electrically conductive cable 430 may be configured to transmit a control signal, e.g. from the controller 360 (shown in FIG. 3) to the steering mechanism 220 (shown in FIG. 2). The electrically conductive cable 430 may be configured to transmit one or more sensor signals, e.g. from components such as the galvanometers and/or sensors located within the marking head to the controller 360 and/or to a user interface of the laser marking system 100. For example, signals may be transmitted from the galvanometers to the controller that indicate a position of the galvanometers to provide position feedback to the controller. The electrically conductive cable 430 may be configured to transmit power and signals to other components within the marking head, e.g. from the power supply 350 (shown in FIG. 1) to the focus modifier 240 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0099] In some embodiments the umbilical assembly 140 may be provided with features that prevent damage to the one or more conduits, for example during configuration of the laser marking system 100. In one embodiment one or more of the conduits may be longer than the length of the umbilical housing 410. That is, one or more of the conduits may be provided with an additional portion such that if the umbilical housing 410 is stretched, the additional portion prevents the one or more conduits from also stretching. Typically optical fibers are relatively inflexible and stretching of optical fibers can result in damage to the optical fiber. As such, optical fiber 420 in particular may be provided with such an additional portion. The additional portion may be provided in any convenient location within the umbilical assembly. For example, the additional portion may be provided adjacent to a connecting portion of the umbilical assembly for connecting to one or both of the marking head and/or cabinet. Additionally or alternatively a relatively inelastic elongate member may be provided within the umbilical assembly 140 to restrict stretching of the umbilical assembly 140 and consequent stretching of the conduits of the umbilical assembly. The elongate member may be, for example, a metal wire that extends along the length of the umbilical assembly. The elongate member may be, for example, mechanically coupled to the cabinet and marking head so as to prevent or reduce extension of the umbilical assembly.

[0100] The laser marking system 100 may further comprise a user interface, e.g. a graphical user interface. The user interface may form part of the controller 360. The user interface may, for example, comprise a screen for providing visual signals to a user and/or a speaker for providing audio signals to a user. The laser marking system 100 may comprise a transceiver for remote control of the laser marking system 100. The laser marking system 100 may comprise a connection (e.g. an Internet connection of an Ethernet connection) for integration with other devices (e.g. on a production line of which the laser marking system forms a part) via the Internet of Things.

[0101] The laser marking process may include providing radiation to the umbilical assembly 140 by coupling a radiation source such as, for example, a fiber laser to the umbilical assembly 140. The coupling of the radiation source to the umbilical assembly is interposed by the optical isolator 150. The umbilical assembly 140 may be connected to the marking head 120. An optical fibre of the umbilical assembly 140 may direct the radiation to a collimator of the marking head 120.

[0102] Separation of the isolator from the collimator allows the isolator to be located outside of the marking head 120, thereby enabling a small, lightweight marking head 120 to be used instead of bulky and heavy known marking heads. The steering mechanism 220 may further provide a compact way of controlling the radiation exiting the marking head 120 that allows a further compact form factor for the marking head 120.

[0103] The radiation may exit the marking head 120 and be incident upon a product 130. The radiation may mark, etch or otherwise interact with a desired portion of a surface of the product 130 in order to change an appearance of the product 130.

[0104] The umbilical assembly 140 further advantageously transmits control signals, power, sensor signals, etc. between components of the cabinet 160 (e.g. the laser source 110 and/or the controller 360) and the marking head 120 whilst being flexible enough to easily reposition the marking head 120 with respect to a production line. The provision of the isolator separate from the print head allows the collimator to be passed through a substantially continuous umbilical housing. Providing a substantially continuous umbilical housing may allow an umbilical assembly to be provided that meets International Protection Marking standards (“IP”, sometimes known as Ingress Protection Marking) that have not previously been achieved by laser marking systems. For example, a laser marking system may be provided in which the umbilical and marking head meeting IP65 to IP69 standards. This may be advantageous in various environments in which laser marking is desirable to be provided.

[0105] In some instances, for example, a laser marking head may be retrofitted into a system that previously utilized a continuous inkjet marking head of similar dimensions. Retrofitting a system to include a laser marking head instead of a continuous inkjet marking head may reduce the cost of ownership of the system by reducing the need to purchase additional components such as components for positioning the marking head on a production line.

[0106] A laser marking head as disclosed herein may weigh about 0.5 kg, about one tenth the weight of many existing systems. Whereas in conventional marking systems a marking head may be large and substantially immobile once installed by a technician, a compact marking head of the sort described here may be easily re-configured in order to meet changing use requirements. That is, the form factor, size, and weight of aspects and embodiments of the laser scanner/marker system disclosed herein provide for the disclosed laser scanner/marker system to be more easily manipulated.

[0107] For example, the marking head of the laser scanner/marker system including the housing may be mounted on a movable assembly. The movable assembly may permit the marking head to be moved between several different configurations at which marking can be performed. Marks may be applied to different portions of products in each of the different locations. Different marks may be applied at different locations, providing an extended marking field. In fact, by providing movement in three dimensions, it is possible to extend a conventional two dimensional marking field into three dimensions. The moveable assembly may, for example, be a robot arm that may be moved to follow the contours of a three dimensional object such as a bottle while retaining the same focal distance, for example, about 5 mm from the surface of the object. The ability to move the marking head of the laser scanner/marker system relative to objects being marked may eliminate the need for a stage of a system through which the objects pass to be moveable, thus reducing the mechanical complexity of the system as compared to some existing systems. The ability to move the laser marking head may provide various advantages. For example, the laser marking head may allow three-dimensional laser marking to be provided without requiring manipulation of the target to be marked. In other embodiments the head may provide for use of a laser beam for laser cleaning of complex and/or large targets, such as turbine blades, where moving or manipulation of the target may be difficult. Additionally, a single marking head may be quickly transferred between multiple installation locations, or orientations, to mark products of a different size or mark at a different location on a product. To enable such flexibility in marking arrangements, a plurality of mounting locations may be provided within a laser marking system.

[0108] However, such flexibility may introduce safety risks, which would have been avoided with a static or less configurable system. For example, whereas a fixed system may be configured in an inherently safe way, such that a radiation beam could not escape from a shielded environment, providing a moveable head introduces a risk that a radiation beam could be directed into an unshielded location, for example at an operator.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 5, a conventional laser marking installation 500 may comprise a marking system 510, which is installed within a shielded area 520. The marking device comprises a radiation source 511 which emits a radiation beam 513 towards a target 515. The marking system 510 is controlled by a controller 517.

[0110] An operator can open a door 530 to access the laser marking system 510. Upon the door being opened, as shown in positon 530a, a security switch 540 is configured to safely interrupt laser activity, thereby preventing injury to the operator. Such a safety switch may typically be a certified double wired dual-contact switch. When the door is in position 530b, the laser device 510 can be operated. The switch 540 provides a signal to the controller 517 which is indicative of the door position.

[0111] Similar switches may be used to provide an additional degree of safety associated with a compact laser marking head. One or more interlock input signals may be provided at the laser marking machine so as to enable this type of safety operation. However, rather than (or in additional to) configuring an interlock switch to be associated with a beam shield as described above, an interlock switch may be associated with a marking head mounting arrangement.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 6, a laser marking installation may comprise a laser marking system 100 substantially as described above with reference to FIG. 1. Similar components will not be described again. The marking head 120 may be installed within a shielded area 620. The area 620 may be substantially enclosed within a safety shield. An operator can open a door 630 to access the laser marking head 120. Upon the door 630 being opened, as shown in positon 630a, a security switch 640 is configured to safely interrupt laser activity, thereby preventing injury to the operator. When the door is in position 630b, the marking head 120 can be operated. The laser marking head 120 is the only component of the electromagnetic radiation system provided within the safety shield. The shielded area 620 may also enclose the product 130, when provided at a processing (e.g. marking) station. The umbilical 140 extends from the shielded area 620 to the cabinet 160.

[0113] The marking system installation 600 further comprises a marking head holder 650. The marking head holder 650 may incorporate safety features that interact with a controller 660 of the laser marking system 100 to enable operation only if the marking head 120 is placed in a location that is considered to be safe. Such a location may be predetermined. The marking head 120 may need to be placed with a high degree of accuracy (e.g. <1 mm) to ensure safe operation.

[0114] In an embodiment, a further switch 670 is be incorporated into a marking head holder 650. As such, the marking system 100 may operate only when the controller 660 has confirmed that a marking head 120 that has been properly installed within the holder 650. It will be understood that a simple contact switch may be sufficient in such an arrangement. Moreover, such an arrangement may provide an advantage compared to a simple contact switch being provided on a marking head 120, since a marking head mounted switch could be activated accidentally by an operator, for example when handling or moving the marking head.

[0115] In such an arrangement, a single holder location may be provided in a system, and the system controlled such that it would only enable operation if a marking head is correctly installed in the holder. Of course, if multiple holder locations were provided, each having a safety switch, it may be necessary to provide dummy marking heads to activate all switches simultaneously. It will be noted, however, that such an arrangement may introduce an additional risk that the existence of multiple dummy devices may allow all of the safety switches to be activated even if a marking head was not properly installed in one of the holders (e.g. if a dummy marking head was provided in each holder).

[0116] As noted above, a marking head may typically need to be placed with a high degree of accuracy to ensure safe operation. Any safety switch is, therefore, positioned and configured in such a way that it is only activated when the marking head is positioned sufficiently accurately to ensure that necessary safety conditions are met (e.g. that no laser radiation can escape the shielded environment).

[0117] One technique for detecting the presence of marking head within a holder is to use an electronic identifier (e.g. RFID, or similar). The switch 670 may thus comprise am electronic identifier, with a corresponding identifiable component being provided on the marking head 120.

[0118] It should be noted, however, that such a detection device may be capable of detecting a device that is close to the safe location, but not necessary precisely in the safe location. Thus, a marking head may be electronically detected within a holder (or proximate to a holder), but may still be capable of emitting radiation in an unsafe way.

[0119] It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the installation 600 may be installed without the shielded area 620, with the switch 640 being omitted. In such an arrangement, on only the switch 670 will be used by the controller 660 to determine the safety of the configuration.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 7, in a further embodiment a marking head 700 (which is generally similar to the marking head 120) includes integrated safety switches 710. In view of the risk associated with accidental activation of a switch discussed above, the switches 710 may be integrated in such a way that accidental switch activation during handling is not possible, or is at least highly unlikely.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment two switches 710 are integrated into the housing 720 of the marking head 700. The switches 710 are provided at opposing positions around the circumference of the substantially cylindrical marking head. The switches 710 are each provided within a respective recess 715 provided in the housing 720. The recesses 715 may be designed to prevent water ingress into the marking head 700, which may be necessary in some operating environments.

[0122] A cooperating marking head holder 730 is provided which has corresponding mechanical elements 740 (e.g. spring loaded pins) that are configured to activate both switches 710 if the marking head 700 is properly positioned.

[0123] The switches 710 may communicate with a marking system controller (not shown) which operates in a similar manner to the controller 660 to prevent operation of the marking head 700 unless it is considered to be in a safe configuration. The switches 710 may, therefore, perform the operation of the switch 670 described above with reference to FIG. 6.

[0124] It will be understood, of course, that a single switch 710, or indeed more than two switches 710 may be provided. The switch(es) 710 are operable to confirm that the marking head 700 is safely installed in an appropriately configured holder 730.

[0125] Of course, it will be understood that the switches 710 can be used in conjunction with, or independently from, other safety features, such as for example switch 640.

[0126] In some embodiments, a system may be arranged such that provided the marking head is properly mounted in the holder 730, the system is inherently safe. For example, the marking head 700 may, when received within the holder 730 close an opening in a shielded environment.

[0127] As noted above, the form factor, size, and weight of aspects and embodiments of the laser scanner/marker system disclosed herein provide for the disclosed laser scanner/marker system to be more easily manipulated. However, movement of the marking head 120 (e.g. by a robotic marking system) can result in an increased risk of damage to optical fiber (e.g. fiber 420) delivering electromagnetic radiation from the source 110 to the marking head 120. In some embodiments an optical fiber failure detection system can be provided to detect if the fiber has been damaged. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the optical fiber 420 may be provided with one or more wires 425 (e.g. copper wires) which run along and/or around the fiber 420. The marking system 100 may comprise a monitor (not shown) configured to monitor an electrical property of the one or more wires 425. The monitor may be provided within the cabinet 160. If a change (e.g. a change in resistance, capacitance, or inductance) is detected, this can be used to indicate breakage, or other damage (e.g. sharp bending) of the fiber 420. That is, the wires may be configured to detect failure of the optical fiber extending between the laser source and the head. The continuity of the wire or wires 425 along the length of the fiber 420 may be monitored. In embodiments, the laser source can be disabled in response to an indication of breakage, reducing any risk that a laser beam could cause damage. Alternatively, or in addition, if an anomalous electrical property is detected, an alert could be raised, prompting a user to inspect the fiber 420 and any umbilical 410 for damage. The optical fiber failure detection system can be operated in combination with or independently of the other safety features described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0128] In some embodiments a moveable assembly may be provided that forms part of a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. The marking head may be provided as one of a plurality of tools that may be selected and moved by the moveable assembly of the CNC machine to integrate laser marking within the CNC machine. As described above, the head is not, however, limited to marking and a tool providing other laser functionality may also be provided such as laser cutting, laser drilling, deep engraving, or laser-based surface treatments such as hardening of steel. It will be appreciated that CNC machines provide highly accurate operations. By providing a compact laser head as described above that can be used in a CNC machine, the CNC machine can provide functionality that has previously required removal of a machined piece and subsequent configuration of the machined piece within a further system to provide laser-based operations. Precise laser-based operations may therefore be provided in a single machine without requiring repeat configuration of a machined piece.

[0129] The laser marking system described and depicted herein advantageously overcomes problems associated with known laser marking systems discussed above, offering a fully integrated, “plug-and-play” solution for owners of a production line that has a print head having a compact form factor.

[0130] A production line to which the laser marking apparatus may be applied may alternatively be referred to as a processing line. FIG. 8 illustrates a system 800 including such a processing line 810. Products 820 to be marked, or otherwise processed, are transported by the production line 810 past a marking (or processing) station 830 at which radiation can be directed at the product. The processing system 800 includes an electromagnetic radiation system 840 (e.g. a laser marking apparatus) which may be generally of the sort described above. In some implementations, the electromagnetic radiation system 840 may omit certain features described above. For example, the electromagnetic radiation system may comprise a power supply 841, and an electromagnetic radiation source 842 housed within a cabinet 843. The radiation source 842 may be configured to emit radiation along a radiation path 844a-e, which passes along an optical fiber 845 (e.g. a transport fiber) housed within an umbilical 846 to a marking head 847. The marking head 847 is configured to direct radiation along a marking path 844e at products 820 when they are located at the marking station 830. The radiation path 844 comprises a source path portion 844a within the cabinet (which may include gain components), a transport path portion 844c within the umbilical 845, a steering path portion 844d within the marking head 847 (where it may be steered and/or focused) and a marking path portion 844e between the marking head and the product 820. The processing station 830 and the marking head 847 are enclosed within a safety shield 850, which is configured to prevent stray radiation from causing a safety hazard (either to users, or other equipment).

[0131] In such an implementation, a compact marking head may be provided (e.g. with dimensions as described above), and a processing station 830 provided within the safety shield 850 which surrounds just the marking head 847 of the electromagnetic radiation system 840, with all remaining components of the radiation system being provided in the cabinet 830 (i.e. outside the shield 850). Of course, a portion of the umbilical assembly may also be present within the safety shield. In such an arrangement, the marking head may still be considered to be the only component of the radiation system within (e.g. entirely within) the safety shield 850.

[0132] The marking system 840 may operate as described above with reference to the marking system 100.

[0133] The marking system 840 may optionally further include an optical isolator (not shown) between the radiation source 842 and the umbilical 845, which defines an isolator path portion. Alternatively, or in addition, the system 800 may include interlock switches provided within a holder for the marking head 847, for example as described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0134] The marking system may further comprise a plurality of mounting locations for the marking head 847. The marking system may further comprise a moveable element 870 for moving the marking head 847 between different configurations. For example, in a first configuration 880A the marking head 847 may be configured to mark a top surface 820A of a product 820, whereas in a second configuration 880B the marking head 847 may be configured to mark a sloping surface 820B of a product 820 by directing the beam along a second marking path 844f. The marking head 847 may be automatically moved between configurations (e.g. by the moveable element 870), or may alternatively be reconfigured by a user, for example by placing the marking head in various different holders (not shown).

[0135] Having thus described several aspects of at least one implementation, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The acts of methods disclosed herein may be performed in alternate orders than illustrated, and one or more acts may be omitted, substituted, or added. One or more features of any one example disclosed herein may be combined with or substituted for one or more features of any other example disclosed. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

[0136] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, the term “plurality” refers to two or more items or components. As used herein, dimensions which are described as being “substantially similar” should be considered to be within about 25% of one another. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” and “involving,” whether in the written description or the claims and the like, are open-ended terms, i.e., to mean “including but not limited to.” Thus, the use of such terms is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, with respect to the claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

[0137] The electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism may include various types of optical components, such as refractive, reflective, magnetic, electromagnetic, electrostatic, and/or other types of optical components, or any combination thereof, for directing, shaping, and/or controlling electromagnetic radiation.

[0138] Although specific reference may be made in this text to the use of an electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism in the marking of products, it should be understood that the electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism described herein may have other applications. Possible other applications include laser systems for engraving products, optical scanners, radiation detection systems, medical devices, etc.

[0139] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as described. The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention as described without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.