EP4161727A1

EP4161727A1 - Laser device for directing a laser beam

Info

Publication number: EP4161727A1
Application number: EP21733040.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean Claude Marie PHILIPPRON
Original assignee: P Laser NV
Current assignee: P Laser NV
Priority date: 2020-06-09
Filing date: 2021-05-27
Publication date: 2023-04-12
Also published as: BE1028386A1; NL2028291B1; BE1028386B1; NL2028291A; WO2021250500A1

Abstract

Laser device for directing a laser beam in a laser trajectory comprising an input trajectory, an intermediate trajectory and an output trajectory, the laser device comprising: an input tube configured to receive the laser beam and cause the laser beam to travel the input trajectory; a first mirror system configured to direct the laser beam from the input trajectory to the intermediate trajectory; an output tube configured to guide the laser beam out of the laser device wherein the laser beam travels the output trajectory, wherein the output tube is movable relative to the input tube between at least a first position wherein the output trajectory is a first output trajectory and a second position wherein the output trajectory is a second output trajectory; a mirror holder configured to move upon movement of the output tube, and a second mirror system mounted to the mirror holder, wherein the mirror holder is configured to position the second mirror system to direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the first output trajectory at least when the output tube is in the first position.

Description

Laser device for directing a laser beam

The present invention relates to the technical field of laser devices, in particular for directing a laser beam in a laser trajectory.

A laser device can be used for different applications. For example, a laser beam can be directed at a surface to clean this surface. The laser device can be manually operable.

In practice, the surface on which the laser beam is directed is not always easily accessible. For example, for some surfaces, there is not enough clearance above surface to position the entire laser device.

It is desired that a laser device can direct the laser beam in multiple directions such that the laser device can be positioned in different ways relative to the surface.

The inventor has found that existing laser devices are unsatisfactory in some situations, or at least have disadvantages.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved laser device and a method for the use of a laser device, or at least an alternative to the known laser devices. In particular, it is an object of the invention to ensure that the laser device is flexible and can be used for many surfaces that are difficult to reach.

This object is achieved with a laser device for directing a laser beam in a laser trajectory comprising an input trajectory, an intermediate trajectory and an output trajectory, the laser device comprising: an input tube configured to receive the laser beam and allow the laser beam to travel the input trajectory, a first mirror system configured to direct the laser beam from the input trajectory to the intermediate trajectory, an output tube configured to guide laser beam out of the laser device wherein the laser beam travels the output trajectory, wherein the output tube is movable relative to the input tube between at least a first position in which the output trajectory is a first output trajectory and a second position in which the output trajectory is a second output trajectory, a mirror holder configured to move upon movement of the output tube, and a second mirror system mounted to the mirror holder, the mirror holder is configured to position the second mirror system to direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the first output trajectory at least when the output tube is in the first position, wherein the mirror holder is configured to position the second mirror system out of the laser trajectory in the second position of the output tube, wherein the second output trajectory is in line with the intermediate trajectory.

The invention relates to a laser device, which is optionally a portable laser cleaning device for manual use. The laser device directs a laser beam in a laser trajectory. The laser beam may comprise one or more laser beams, for instance in a predetermined shape, for instance a round or square laser beam. The laser trajectory is the optical trajectory that the laser beam travels at least partially in the laser device. The laser trajectory comprises an input trajectory that is at least partially travelled in an input tube. The input tube receives the laser beam, for example from a laser source or a collimator. For example, the input tube may have a round, oval, or square cross-section. For example, the input tube may be conical. The input tube may optionally include optical elements such as a mirror or a lens to direct the laser beam along the input trajectory. After the input trajectory, the laser beam is directed to an intermediate trajectory by a first mirror system. The first mirror system may comprise one or more mirrors. The laser device may optionally comprise additional optical elements such as a mirror or a lens to direct the laser beam along the intermediate trajectory.

The laser device further comprises an output tube in which the laser beam travels at least an output trajectory. For example, the output tube may have a round, oval, or square cross-section. For example, the output tube may be conical. The output tube may optionally comprise optical elements such as a lens to direct the laser beam along the output trajectory. The laser device may optionally comprise, for example in the output tube, an exhaust opening or a protective glass. The output tube is movable, e.g. rotatable, relative to the input tube. In this way, the output trajectory can be adjusted.

The laser device further comprises a mirror holder to which a second mirror system is mounted. The second mirror system comprises at least a mirror. When the output tube is moved, for example from the first position to the second position, the mirror holder and thus the second mirror system moves. Because the second mirror system can move, its position and/or orientation with respect to the intermediate trajectory is changed. The mirror holder can for instance rotate around a pivot point, for instance wherein the mirror holder is arc shaped or circular. For example, the mirror holder can be around an elongate object, for example a cylindrical rod, which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis.

In a first position of the output tube, the output trajectory is a first output trajectory, and in a second position, the output trajectory is a second output trajectory. At least when the output tube is in the first position, the laser beam is directed from the intermediate trajectory to the output trajectory by the second mirror system. In the second position, the output tube has a different orientation with respect to the input tube than in the first position. This allows the laser beam to leave the laser device in a different direction. This makes the laser device more flexible and applicable for more applications. For example, if the laser beam is to be directed at a surface that is difficult to reach, the output tube can be positioned such that the laser device can be positioned in an advantageous manner relative to the surface. If the laser device is operated manually, an operator can position the output tube such that the laser device can be easily held and operated during operational use. The second position is different from the first position and the second output trajectory is different from the first output trajectory.

The mirror holder is configured to position the second mirror system out of the laser trajectory in the second position of the output tube, wherein the second output trajectory is in line with the intermediate trajectory. Thus, the laser beam travels straight from the intermediate trajectory to the output trajectory, without being directed by a mirror. Thus, only a single second mirror system is required to allow the laser beam to be directed along the first and second output trajectories, which is cost effective. In addition, the operation of the second mirror system is relatively simple, since its position only has to be accurately determined when the output tube is in the first position.

In an embodiment, the input trajectory, the first output trajectory and preferably also the second output trajectory lie in the same plane or in parallel planes. The inventor has experienced that this makes it easier to operate the laser device and to direct the laser beam. The fact that the input trajectory and the output trajectory are in the same plane or in parallel planes makes it more intuitive for an operator to estimate where the laser beam will hit the surface. In addition, this makes it possible to implement the laser device in a compact manner.

In an embodiment, the mirror holder is movable, for instance rotatable, relative to the output tube and coupled to the output tube via a gear transmission. Because the mirror holder is movable, the position of the second mirror system relative to the output tube can be adjusted. The gear transmission ensures that the mirror holder moves automatically when the output tube moves, and/or vice versa. Thus, no separate drives or separate manual adjustment actions for the mirror holder and output tube are required. In an embodiment, the gear transmission is configured to make each position of the output tube correspond to a predetermined position of the mirror holder. In this way it is ensured that the mirror holder and/or the second mirror system is always correctly positioned, regardless of the position of the output tube. In an embodiment, a relationship between the output tube, the gear transmission, and the mirror holder is adjustable for calibration. In an embodiment, the laser device includes a mirror holder motor configured to position the mirror holder. For example, the laser device may further comprise a sensor configured to detect a position of the output tube, and a control unit configured to receive a position signal from the sensor representative of a position of the output tube, wherein the controller is further configured to control the mirror holder motor in function of the position signal. For example, the laser device may comprise a control unit configured to receive a position signal from a user input module to which an operator can input a desired position, wherein the control unit is configured to control the mirror holder motor in function of the position signal, wherein the laser device optionally further comprises an output tube motor which is configured to position the output tube, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the output tube motor as a function of the position signal.

In an embodiment, the input tube is mounted to an outer housing and the output tube is mounted to an inner housing, the outer housing substantially enclosing the inner housing.

In this embodiment, the laser device is compact, which is advantageous in use, especially when there is little free space to position the laser device above a surface to be irradiated. For example, the inner housing can move with the output tube at the movement of the output tube. Because the outer housing encloses the inner housing, it is not accessible to an operator. This prevents damage to moving parts as well as the risk that the operator gets hurt from the moving inner housing. For example, the outer housing may further comprise a recess to allow movement of the output tube.

In an embodiment, the laser device further comprises a third mirror system mounted to the mirror holder, wherein the output tube is further movable into a third position. In the third position, the output trajectory is a third output trajectory. The mirror holder is configured to position the third mirror system to direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the third output trajectory when the output tube is in the third position. The third mirror system comprises at least one mirror.

Thus, in this embodiment, the laser beam can be directed into three different output trajectories, which increases the flexibility of the laser device. The laser device can thus be better positioned to irradiate more difficult-to-reach surfaces. This embodiment can advantageously be combined with the embodiment wherein in the second position the output trajectory is in line with the intermediate trajectory, such that three output trajectories can be determined using the second mirror system and the third mirror system. For example, the first output trajectory may be parallel to the input trajectory, the second output trajectory - which is in line with the intermediate trajectory - may be rotated 90 degrees with respect to the input trajectory, and the third output trajectory may be rotated 45 degrees with respect to both the input trajectory, first output trajectory, and the second output trajectory. The third position is different from the first and second positions, and the third output trajectory is different from the first and second output trajectory.

In further embodiments, the device may comprise further mirror systems mounted to the mirror holder to direct the laser beam towards the output trajectory at further positions of the output tube. For example, the laser device further comprises a fourth, and optionally fifth, and further optionally sixth, etc., mirror systems mounted to the mirror holder, wherein the output tube is further movable in a fourth, and optionally fifth, and further optionally sixth, etc., position. In the fourth, and optionally fifth, and further optionally sixth, etc., position, the output trajectory is a fourth, and optionally fifth, and further optionally sixth, etc., output trajectory.

The mirror holder is configured to position the fourth, and optionally fifth, and further optionally sixth, etc., mirror systems to direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the fourth, and optionally fifth, and further optionally sixth, etc., output trajectory when the output tube is in the fourth, and optionally fifth, and further optionally sixth, etc., position.

In an embodiment, the mirror holder is configured to move the second mirror system, for instance to rotate, with respect to the intermediate trajectory when the output tube is moving, in order to also direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the third output trajectory in a third position of the output tube with the second mirror system. For example, the mirror holder may be configured in the second position to position the second mirror system out of the laser trajectory and in the third position to position the second mirror system to direct the laser beam towards the third output trajectory. The mirror holder is thus configured to position the second mirror system upon movement of the output tube to the second position or the third position to direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the second or third output trajectory. Thus, in this embodiment, the second mirror system is used in both the first position and the second position or the third position of the output tube to direct the laser beam towards the output trajectory. Movement of the output tube ensures the mirror holder and thus the second mirror system to move such that it is correctly positioned. Advantageously, the laser beam can be directed along different output trajectories, wherein the coupling between the output tube and the second mirror system ensures that the output trajectory is accurate.

In a further embodiment, the output tube is movable between three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten predetermined positions each with a different output trajectory, wherein the mirror holder is configured to position in any of the predetermined positions, except in the second position, the second mirror system to direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the output trajectory. With the plurality of predetermined positions, the flexibility of the laser device is improved, while the mirror holder can be configured to correctly position the second mirror system in all predetermined positions. As mentioned above, it is possible that the mirror holder is configured to position the mirror system out of the laser trajectory in the second position.

In another further embodiment, the output tube is movable between an arbitrary number of positions each with a different output trajectory, wherein the mirror holder is configured to position the second mirror system in any of the arbitrary positions, except in the second position, for positioning the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the output trajectory. The flexibility of the laser device is improved in this embodiment. As mentioned above, it is possible that the mirror holder is configured to position the mirror system out of the laser trajectory in the second position.

In an embodiment, the first output trajectory, and/or the second output trajectory, and/or the third output trajectory are oriented relative to the input trajectory at an angle of 45 degrees, an angle of 90 degrees, or parallel to the input trajectory. The inventor has found that with these orientations most difficult-to-reach surfaces can be irradiated, while at the same time being intuitive to the operator.

In an embodiment, the output tube is rotatable over a range of 90 degrees. The inventor has found that this is satisfactory for most difficult-to-reach surfaces.

In an embodiment, the laser device comprises a locking module configured to lock the output tube and/or the mirror holder, for example in the first position, and/or the second position and/or the third position. By means of the locking module it can be ensured that the output tube and/or the mirror holder do not rotate or move during use, which could lead to dangerous situations if the laser beam leaves the laser device in a way that is unexpected for an operator. For example, the locking module may be a mechanical lock, e.g. of the gear mechanism or a bar where the gear mechanism is mounted.

In an embodiment, the output tube is manually movable. An operator can therefore manually set the output tube in the position in which the output trajectory is oriented as he thinks is most advantageous for the application, for example in function of a surface that is difficult to reach. This makes the use of the laser device intuitive.

In an embodiment, the input tube is movable, for example rotatable, between at least a first position where the input trajectory is a first input trajectory, and a second position where the input trajectory is a second input trajectory. For example, the input tube may be rotatable over a range of 45 degrees. For example, the input tube may be further movable to a third position where the input trajectory is a third input trajectory. By providing different input trajectories, the flexibility of the laser device is further increased. More surfaces that are difficult to reach can be irradiated. For example, if the laser beam is sent through a collimator in the input tube, the collimator can move with it. For example, the first mirror system may include a mirror motor to position a mirror to direct the laser beam to the intermediate trajectory in any position of the input tube, which allows positioning of the mirror holder to be done independently of the position of the input tube. The second position is different from the first position and the second input trajectory is different from the first input trajectory. In an embodiment, the input tube is manually movable.

In an embodiment, the laser device further comprises at least one sensor for detecting the position of the output tube and/or the mirror holder and/or the second mirror system. The laser device is further configured to emit a laser beam only if the position of the output tube and/or the mirror holder and/or the second mirror system corresponds to predetermined absolute or relative positions. In this way it can be prevented that a laser beam is emitted when the output tube and/or the mirror holder and/or the second mirror system are incorrectly positioned. After all, this could result in a laser beam in a direction that an operator does not expect, resulting in dangerous situations, which is prevented in this embodiment.

Similarly, in an embodiment in which the input tube is movable, the laser device comprises a sensor for detecting the position of the input tube, and the laser device is configured to emit a laser beam only if the position of the input tube corresponds to a predetermined absolute or relative position.

In an embodiment, the first mirror system comprises a scanning mirror and a first mirror motor connected to the scanning mirror. In this embodiment, the laser beam can be correctly directed to the intermediate trajectory. The intermediate trajectory is thus determined by the first mirror system, and the positioning of the mirror holder can take place independently of the input trajectory. This can be advantageous when the input tube is movable, but also in other embodiments it can accommodate undesired drift or inaccuracies of the input trajectory.

In an embodiment wherein the first mirror system comprises a scanning mirror and/or wherein the laser device comprises an additional scanning mirror, the device may be configured to move the scanning mirror to direct the laser beam through a scanning trajectory. The scanning trajectory can, for instance, comprise a relatively small scanning movement, which is hardly or not visible to the human eye. In this way, the laser beam is not continuously on the same location of the surface, but makes a scanning movement. This ensures that not too much energy is transferred to a small part of the surface. For example, in a cleaning operation, too much energy could damage the surface instead of removing contaminants.

In an embodiment, the laser device further comprises a lens arranged in the output tube, wherein the lens is configured to bring the laser beam into focus at a focus distance after leaving the output tube. For example, the focus distance may be a predetermined focus distance. By bringing the laser beam into focus, the irradiation of the surface is more efficient, e.g. during a cleaning operation.

In an embodiment, the laser device further comprises a collimator configured to direct the laser beam into the input tube.

In an embodiment, the laser device comprises a laser source configured to emit the laser beam. The laser source can for instance be configured to emit radiation in the infrared spectrum.

In an embodiment, the laser device further comprises a fiber optic configured to guide the laser beam from a laser source to the input tube or to a collimator.

In an embodiment, the laser device is a laser cleaning device. By directing the laser beam at a surface, this surface can be cleaned. For example, oxidants such as rust on a surface can be removed with the laser beam. For example, a laser beam comprising radiation in the infrared spectrum may be used.

The present invention is particularly advantageous for cleaning applications, because the surface to be cleaned is often difficult to access. For example, contaminations can form in locations that are difficult to reach.

In an embodiment, the laser device is a handheld device for manual use. This makes it possible to manually position the laser device in relation to a surface that is difficult to reach, which, for example, has to be cleaned. The flexibility that the present invention provides for the laser device is advantageous for these applications. For example, the laser device may comprise a handle.

In an embodiment, the laser device comprises a suction opening. The suction opening can for instance be connected to a pump or compressor which is configured to generate an underpressure at the suction opening. The suction opening may be configured to remove contaminants from the surface, wherein the contaminants are detached from the surface, for example, by means of the laser beam, when the laser device is a laser cleaning device. In an embodiment, the suction opening is mounted in the output tube or to the output tube, for instance at one end of the output tube. In this way, the suction opening moves with the output tube, and is always in close proximity to the surface being irradiated.

The invention further relates to a method. The method according to the invention can be carried out using the laser device according to the invention; however, the method according to the invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the various features and embodiments of the laser device according to the invention, as well as the use and applications thereof, can be added to the method, even if not explicitly described with respect to that method. Also, features and components described with respect to methods can be added to the laser device according to the invention. Features, components and definitions used in relation to the method according to the invention have the same meaning as explained in relation to the laser device according to the invention, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

The object of the invention is achieved with a method for using a laser device comprising at least an input tube and an output tube, the method comprising the following steps: positioning the output tube in a first position, emitting a first laser beam via an input trajectory in the input tube, the first laser beam leaving the laser device through a first output trajectory in the output tube, wherein the laser beam is directed to the first output trajectory by a second mirror system, moving the output tube to a second position relative to the input tube, wherein while moving a mirror holder is moved to position the second mirror system, emitting a second laser beam through the input trajectory into the input tube, the second laser beam leaving the laser device through a second output trajectory in the output tube, wherein moving the output tube to the second position of the output tube comprises positioning the second mirror system out of the laser trajectory, wherein the second output trajectory is in line with the intermediate trajectory.

In one embodiment, the input trajectory, the first output trajectory and preferably the second output trajectory lie in the same plane or in parallel planes.

In an embodiment, during the step of moving the output tube, the mirror holder is moved by a gear transmission which couples the output tube and mirror holder together.

In an embodiment, moving the output tube to the second position of the output tube comprises positioning the second mirror system out of the laser trajectory, wherein the second output trajectory is in line with an intermediate trajectory.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: moving the output tube to a third position relative to the input tube, wherein the mirror holder is moved during the movement of the output tube; emitting a third laser beam through the input trajectory in the input tube, the third laser beam leaving the laser device through a third output trajectory in the output tube.

In an embodiment, moving the output tube to the third position comprises moving the mirror holder to position a third mirror system in the laser trajectory, wherein the third mirror system directs the laser beam to the third output trajectory.

In an embodiment, moving the output tube to the second position and/or to the third position comprises moving the mirror holder to move the second mirror system, e.g. to rotate, relative to an intermediate trajectory, to also direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the second output trajectory or the third output trajectory with the second mirror system when the output tube is in the second position or the third position. In further embodiments, the method comprises the steps of moving the output tube to further arbitrary or predetermined positions with each time different output trajectories, each comprising positioning the second mirror system to direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the respective output trajectory.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises moving the input tube from a first position wherein the input trajectory is a first input trajectory, to a second position wherein the input trajectory is a second input trajectory.

In one embodiment, the laser device is a laser device according to the invention.

The invention will be described below with reference to some figures. These figures serve as examples to illustrate the invention and shall not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. In the different figures, the same features are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figures:

Fig. 1 : schematically represents a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2a: schematically represents a side view of a second embodiment of the invention wherein the output tube is in a first position;

Fig. 2b: schematically represents a side view of the second embodiment of the invention wherein the output tube is in a second position;

Fig. 2c: schematically represents a side view of the second embodiment of the invention wherein the output tube is in a third position;

Fig. 2d: schematically represents a front view of a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2e: illustrates the laser device wherein the output tube is in the first position;

Fig. 2f: illustrates the laser device wherein the input tube is in the second position;

Fig. 2g: illustrates the laser device wherein the input tube is in the third position. Fig. 1 schematically represents a first embodiment of a laser device 100 according to the invention. For example, the laser device 100 may be a laser cleaning device configured to clean a surface 181. In the shown example, the laser device 100 comprises a laser source 101, a glass fiber 102 and a collimator 103. The laser source 101 is configured to generate radiation. The radiation is emitted to the collimator 103 via the glass fiber 102. The collimator 103 emits a laser beam 110 to an input tube 104, which in this case is a circular laser beam 110 comprising radiation in the infrared spectrum. In the laser device 100, the laser beam 110 travels a laser trajectory. The laser trajectory comprises an input trajectory 111 , an intermediate trajectory 112 and an output trajectory 113. For example, the laser beam 110 can be used to irradiate a surface 181, and in this way to clean the surface 181.

The laser device 100 further comprises an input tube 104 and an output tube 120. The input tube 104 is configured to receive the laser beam 110, in this case from the collimator 103. For example, in other embodiments, the input tube 104 may receive the laser beam 110 directly from a laser source 101. In the input tube 104, the laser beam 110 travels the input trajectory 111. The input tube 110 may have a circular cross-section. The output tube 120 guides the laser beam 110 out of the laser device 100. In the output tube 120, the laser beam 110 travels the output trajectory 113. The output tube 120 is conical in this case.

The laser device 100 comprises a first mirror system 105, which directs the laser beam 110 from the input trajectory 111 to the intermediate trajectory 112. In this embodiment, the first mirror system 105 comprises a mirror. The laser device 100 further includes a second mirror system 131, which also includes a mirror. The second mirror system 131 is mounted to a mirror holder 130. In the situation shown, the second mirror system 131 directs the laser beam 110 from the intermediate trajectory 112 to the output trajectory 113, which in this case is a first output trajectory 113.

In practice, it may occur that the surface 181 to be irradiated is difficult to reach. In some cases, it may be difficult or even impossible to position the laser device 100 such that the laser beam 110 irradiates the surface 181 when the first output trajectory 113 is followed. Therefore, the invention provides that the output trajectory 113 can be changed.

The output tube 120 is therefore rotatable between a first position in which the output trajectory is the first output trajectory 113, as shown in fig. 1 , and at least a second position in which the output trajectory is a second output trajectory 114. In the example shown, the first output trajectory 113 is substantially parallel to the input trajectory 111, and the second output trajectory 114 is rotated substantially 90 degrees with respect to both the input trajectory 111 and the first output trajectory 113. In the second position, the output tube 120 is thus rotated substantially 90 degrees with respect to the first position shown in fig. 1. For example, the rotation of the output tube 120 can be done manually by an operator. When rotating output tube 120, the mirror holder 130 moves. The output tube 120 and the mirror holder 130 can be connected to each other, for example by means of a gear mechanism. In the example shown, the mirror holder 130 rotates in the direction of arrow 133 when the output tube 120 rotates in the direction of arrow 121, i.e. , for example, upon rotation from the first position to the second position. The output tube 120 rotates in the opposite direction of the mirror holder 130. When the output tube 120 is in the second position, the second mirror system 131 is positioned out of the laser trajectory. In the example shown, in that situation there is no mirror between the intermediate trajectory 112 and the second output trajectory 114. The second output trajectory 114 is in line with the intermediate trajectory 112. In this way, with the aid of only the second mirror system 131 , the laser beam 110 can be oriented along two different output trajectories 113, 114.

In this example, the input trajectory 111 , the first output trajectory 113 and the second output trajectory 114 are in the same plane. This makes it intuitive for an operator to estimate where the laser beam 110 will be directed onto the surface 181, and also allows the laser device 100 to be made compact. In the event that the intermediate trajectory 112 is at least partially directed out of the plane of the drawings of fig. 1 , the input trajectory 111 , the first output trajectory 113 and the second output trajectory 114 are in parallel planes parallel to the plane of the drawings of fig. 1. These parallel planes are parallel to each other and spaced from each other. For example, the first output trajectory 113 and the second output trajectory 114 lie in a single plane parallel to a plane in which the input trajectory 111 lies.

Fig. 1 illustrates that the laser device 100 optionally further comprises a third mirror system 132 mounted to the mirror holder 130. The third mirror system 132 comprises a mirror. The output tube 120 is further rotatable in a third position wherein the output trajectory is a third output trajectory 115. The mirror holder 130 is configured to position the third mirror system 132 to direct the laser beam 110 from the intermediate trajectory 112 to the third output trajectory 115 when the output tube 120 is in the third position. Thus, with the aid of the second mirror system 131 and third mirror system 132, the laser beam 110 can be directed along three output trajectories 113, 114, 115, which makes the laser device 100 flexible. The laser device 100 is suitable for most difficult-to-reach surfaces 181.

When the output tube 120 is positioned in the third position, the third mirror system 132 will be located where in the situation shown in fig. 1 the second mirror system 131 is located. However, the mirror of the third mirror system 132 is positioned differently with respect to the intermediate trajectory 112 than the mirror of the second mirror system 131 , such that the laser beam 110 is directed along the third output trajectory 115. In the example shown, the third output trajectory 115 is rotated through an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the input trajectory 111 , the first output trajectory 113, and the second output trajectory 114. The output tube 120 is rotatable over a range of 90 degrees. The third output trajectory 115 is further in the same plane as the input trajectory 111 , the first output trajectory 113, and the second output trajectory 114.

In the example shown, the output tube 120 comprises an arcuate portion 122. When rotated, the output tube 120 rotates around a centre point 123 of the arcuate section 122. The centre point 123 may be located, for example, on the mirror holder 130, for instance such that in the first position the second mirror system 131 is located in the centre point 123 and/or in the second position the third mirror system 132 is located in the centre point 123. The mirror holder 130 may optionally rotate around a centre point 134 located on the first mirror system 105. Although not visible in the schematic view of fig. 1 , the input tube 110 may be mounted to an outer housing and the output tube 120 may be mounted to an inner housing, wherein the outer housing encloses the inner housing. The arcuate portion 122 may, for example, form part of the inner housing.

In the example shown, the laser device 100 further comprises a lens 124 arranged in the output tube 120. The lens 124 is configured to focus the laser beam 110 at a focus distance 182 after leaving the output tube 120. By ensuring the laser beam 110 is in focus when it hits the surface 181 , the transfer of energy to the surface can be optimized.

In the example shown, the first mirror system 105 comprises a scanning mirror, which is controlled by means of a mirror motor 106. With the aid of a scanning movement of the first mirror system 105, the laser beam 110 can be correctly directed to the intermediate trajectory 112. Also, it is possible to ensure that the laser beam 110 makes a scanning movement on the surface 181, wherein the scanning movement is optionally not or hardly visible to the human eye. The scanning movement on the surface 181 ensures that not too much energy hits to a small part of the surface 181, which could lead to damage of the surface 181.

The laser device 100 further comprises an optional sensor 150 for detecting the position of mirror holder 130, which in this example is an optical sensor. For example, the sensor 150 can emit an optical signal towards the mirror holder 130, the mirror holder 130 comprising patterns that are transferred to this optical signal, wherein the pattern is dependent on the position of the mirror holder 130. In this way, on the basis of the pattern can be determined in which position the mirror holder 130 is located. Optionally, additionally or alternatively, the position of the output tube 120 can also be detected. The laser device 100 is configured to emit the laser beam only if the position of the mirror holder 130 corresponds to a predetermined position, in this case corresponding to the first, second, or third position of the output tube 120. Therefore, the laser device 100 comprises, for example a control unit 160, which receives a measurement signal 161 from the sensor 150 via an output terminal 150.1 to an input terminal 160.1. The control unit 160 may, for example, be configured to control the laser source 101 with a control signal 162 sent via output terminal 160.2 to input terminal 101.1. The control unit 160 can determine the control signal 162 in function of the measurement signal 161. The control unit 160 can, for example, be configured to control the collimator 103 with a control signal 163 which is sent via output terminal 160.3 to input terminal 103.1. Optionally, the control unit 160 may further control the mirror motor 105 with a control signal 164 sent via output terminal 160.4 to input terminal 106.1.

Optionally, the input tube 104 is also rotatable, between at least a first position and a second position. In the first position, which is shown in fig. 1 , input trajectory 111 is a first input trajectory 111. In the second position, the input trajectory is a second input trajectory 116. With the rotation of the input tube 104, the flexibility of the laser device 100 can be further improved. The first mirror system 105 may, for example, be configured to position the mirror with the aid of the mirror motor 106 in order to direct the laser beam 110 to the intermediate trajectory 112. Optionally, the input tube 104 can also be rotated into a third position, wherein the input trajectory is a third input trajectory 117. In this example, the input tube 104 is rotatable over a range of 45 degrees.

In fig. 2a-2g, a second embodiment of the invention is presented. Fig. 2a, fig. 2b and fig. 2c show a side view, and fig. 2d a front view. In these figures, a laser device 200 is illustrated. However, some components that are not necessary for the explanation that follows are not shown in order to improve clarity. For example, components located on the inside of the laser device 200 are visible in fig. 2a-2c, but it will be understood that in practice they may be shielded by means of an outer wall not visible in these figures.

The laser device 200 comprises an input tube 204 and an output tube 220, which are only partially shown in the figures. For example, the input tube 204 may in practice be longer, and have a circular cross-section. The input tube 204 is configured to receive a laser beam 210, for example from a collimator or laser source which are not shown. For example, the laser beam 210 may be a round or square laser beam 210. The laser beam 210 travels a laser trajectory 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, which is shown by a broken line in fig. 2a-2c. In the input tube 204, the laser beam 210 travels an input trajectory 211 of the laser trajectory. In practice, the output tube 220 can also be longer than shown in fig. 2a-2c, and for example have a circular cross-section or be conical. In the output tube 220, the laser beam 210 travels an output trajectory 213, 214, 215 of the laser trajectory.

The laser device 200 further comprises a first mirror system 205 configured to direct the laser beam 210 from the input trajectory 211 to an intermediate trajectory 212 of the laser trajectory. In this example, the first mirror system 205 comprises a first mirror 205a and a second mirror 205b. The first mirror 205a and the second mirror 205a are both scanning mirrors and are respectively controlled by a first mirror motor 206a and a second mirror motor 206b. The laser device 200 further comprises a mirror holder 230 and a second mirror system 231, which in this example comprises a mirror. The second mirror system 231 is configured to direct the laser beam 210 from the intermediate trajectory 212 to the output trajectory 213, 214, 215. The second mirror system 231 is mounted to the mirror holder 231, wherein the mirror holder 231 in this example is a circular rod.

To increase the flexibility of the laser device 200, the output tube 220 is rotatable between at least a first position (shown in fig. 2a) wherein the output trajectory 113 is a first output trajectory 113, and a second position (shown in fig. 2b) wherein the output trajectory is a second output trajectory 214. For example, relative to the situation in fig. 2a, the output tube 220 in fig. 2b has been rotated downwards over a range of 90 degrees.

In the shown embodiment, the mirror holder 231 is configured to rotate the second mirror system 230 relative to the intermediate trajectory 212 upon rotation of the output tube 220. The second mirror system 230 also directs the laser beam 210 from the intermediate trajectory 212 to the second output trajectory 214 when the output tube 220 is in the second position. In the example shown, the laser device 200 comprises a gear transmission 270. A first gear 271 of the gear transmission 270 is configured to rotate with the output tube 220.

Via a coupling gear 272, the first gear 271 causes a second gear 273 of the gear transmission 270 to rotate. The second gear 273 is connected to the mirror holder 230, which in this example is a cylindrical rod rotatable around a longitudinal axis. Rotation of the second gear 273 rotates the mirror holder 230, which in turn rotates the second mirror system 231. In this way, the second mirror system 231 is correctly positioned as a function of the position in which the output tube 220 is located at that moment. In the situation shown in fig. 2b, the second mirror system 230 is positioned out of the laser trajectory 211, 212, 214. The second output trajectory 214 is in line with the intermediate trajectory 212.

Fig. 2c shows that the output tube 220 is optionally further rotatable to a third position located between the first position and the second position, wherein the output trajectory is a third output trajectory 215. In this example, the output tube 220 in the third position is rotated 45 degrees from both the first position and the second position. The gear transmission 270 then again ensures that the second mirror system 230 is correctly positioned, which is in the third position in the laser trajectory. Compared to the first position in fig. 2a, however, the mirror 231 in the third position in fig. 2c is turned slightly further down. Therefore, it is ensured that the laser beam 210 is correctly directed to the third output trajectory 215.

Further, the first mirror system 205 is also positioned to direct the laser beam 210 towards the intermediate trajectory 212. The mirror motors 206a, 206b are used to properly position the scanning mirrors 205a, 205b. In the shown embodiment, the input trajectory 211, the first output trajectory 213, the second output trajectory 214, and the third output trajectory 215 are in the same plane. In the event that the intermediate trajectory 212 is at least partially out of the plane of the drawings of fig. 2a-2c, the input trajectory 211 , the first output trajectory 213 and the second output trajectory 214 are in parallel planes parallel to the plane of the drawings of figs. 2a-2c. These parallel planes are parallel to each other and spaced from each other. For example, the first output trajectory 213 and the second output trajectory 214 lie in a single plane parallel to a plane in which the input trajectory 211 lies.

It is possible for the output tube 220 to be rotatable in more positions. For example, the output tube 220 can be rotatably between four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten predetermined positions each with a different output trajectory 213, wherein the mirror holder 230 is configured to position the second mirror system 231 in each of the further predetermined positions to direct the laser beam 210 from the intermediate trajectory 212 to the respective output trajectory. For example, the output tube 220 may be rotatable between an arbitrary number of positions each having a different output trajectory, wherein the mirror holder 230 is configured to position the second mirror system 231 in any of the further arbitrary positions to direct the laser beam 210 from the intermediate trajectory 212 to the respective output trajectory. With the laser device 200 shown in fig. 2a-2g, the output trajectory in all positions of these embodiments is coplanar with the input trajectory 211 and the first output trajectory 212. The laser device 200 may further comprise a lock module (not shown), that is configured to lock the output tube and/or the mirror holder in their respective position, to ensure that the output trajectory is not changed during operational use.

Fig. 2a further shows that the laser device 200 comprises an inner housing 222 to which the output tube 220 is mounted. The first gear 271 is mounted to the inner housing 222 such that the first gear 271 rotates upon rotation of the output tube 220. For example, the inner housing 222 comprises an arcuate portion 222. The laser device 200 further comprises an outer housing 207, which encloses the inner housing 222. The outer housing 207 comprises a recess 208 which is best seen in fig. 2d. The recess 208 provides the space for the output tube 220 to rotate, in this case together with the inner housing 222. In fig. 2a-2c it is further visible that the input trajectory 211 and the output trajectory 213, 214, 215 are partly located within the outer housing 207, and thus not only in the input tube 204 and output tube 220, respectively.

Fig. 2e-2g illustrate that the laser device 200, for example, is a portable device for manual use, which comprises, for example, a handle 209. An operator can access the laser device 200 by the handle 209 during operational use when a surface is being irradiated. For example, the operator may manually rotate the output tube 220 from the first position (shown in fig. 2e) to the second position (shown in fig. 2f) or the third position (shown in fig. 2g), or another position. The recess 208 in the outer housing allows the input tube 220 with inner housing 22 to rotate. Fig. 2e-2g further illustrate a possible shape of the input tube 204 suitable for sounding the laser beam along the input trajectory. An attenuated end 204a of the input tube 204 is configured to be connected to a collimator.

From the above description, it is apparent that the main difference between the laser device 100 in fig. 1 and the laser device 200 in fig. 2a-2g is the manner in which the laser beam 110, 210 is directed to the second, third, etc., output trajectory. In fig. 1, this is done by positioning the second mirror system 131 out of the laser trajectory, or by positioning the third mirror system 132 in the laser trajectory. In the embodiment in fig. 2a-2g, the second mirror system 231 can also be positioned out of the laser trajectory, but the second mirror system 231 can also be correctly positioned depending on the position of the output tube 220 to direct the laser beam 210 according to different output trajectories 213, 214, 215. It will be appreciated, however, that other features may be applied to both laser devices 100, 200, even if they are mentioned or illustrated in only one of the laser devices 100, 200 in the above description.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are described in this document. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary only, and the invention may be embodied in other forms. Therefore, specific constructive aspects disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting the invention, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a basis for making the invention workable for a skilled person in the art.

Furthermore, the various terms used in the description are not to be read as limiting, but rather as an understandable explanation of the invention.

The word "one" used herein means one or more than one, unless otherwise noted.

The word "several" means two or more than two. The words "comprising" and "having" are open language and do not exclude the presence of further elements.

Reference numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the invention. Specific embodiments need not achieve all stated goals.

The mere fact that certain technical measures are mentioned in different dependent claims still leaves open the possibility that a combination of these technical measures can be used to advantage.

Claims

1. Laser device (100, 200) for directing a laser beam (110, 210) in a laser trajectory comprising an input trajectory (111, 211), an intermediate trajectory (112, 212) and an output trajectory (113, 114, 115, 213) , wherein the laser device is preferably a portable laser cleaning device for manual use, the laser device comprising:

• an input tube (104, 204) configured to receive the laser beam and to allow the laser beam to travel the input trajectory,

• a first mirror system (105, 205) configured to direct the laser beam from the input trajectory to the intermediate trajectory,

• an output tube (120, 220) configured to direct the laser beam from the laser device wherein the laser beam travels the output trajectory, wherein the output tube is movable relative to the input tube between at least a first position wherein the output trajectory is a first output trajectory (113, 213) and a second position wherein the output trajectory is a second output trajectory (114),

• a mirror holder (130, 230) configured to move upon movement of the output tube, and

• a second mirror system (131 , 231) mounted to the mirror holder, wherein the mirror holder is configured to position the second mirror system to direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the first output trajectory at least when the output tube is in the first position, wherein the mirror holder is configured to position the second mirror system out of the laser trajectory in the second position of the output tube, wherein the second output trajectory is in line with the intermediate trajectory.

2. Laser device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the mirror holder is movable relative to the output tube and is coupled to the output tube via a gear transmission (270).

3. Laser device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the input tube is mounted to an outer housing (207) and wherein the output tube is mounted to an inner housing (122, 222), the outer housing enclosing the inner housing.

4. Laser device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the input trajectory, the first output trajectory and the second output trajectory lie in the same plane or lie in parallel planes.

5. Laser device according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a third mirror system (132) mounted to the mirror holder, wherein the output tube is further movable into a third position wherein the output trajectory is a third output trajectory (115) and wherein the mirror holder is configured to position the third mirror system to direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the third output trajectory when the output tube is in the third position.

6. Laser device according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the mirror holder is configured to move the second mirror system relative to the intermediate trajectory upon movement of the output tube, to also direct with the second mirror system the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to a third output trajectory, when the output tube is in a third position.

7. Laser device according to claim 6, wherein the output tube is movable between three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten predetermined positions each having a different output trajectory, wherein the mirror holder is configured to be positioned in each of the predetermined positions, except in the second position, to position the second mirror system to direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the respective output trajectory.

8. Laser device according to claim 6, wherein the output tube is movable between an arbitrary number of positions each having a different output trajectory, wherein the mirror holder is configured to position the second mirror system in any of the arbitrary positions, except in the second position, to direct the laser beam from the intermediate trajectory to the respective output trajectory.

9. Laser device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the input tube is movable between at least a first position, wherein the input trajectory is a first input trajectory, and a second position, wherein the input trajectory is a second input trajectory.

10. Laser device according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one sensor (150) for detecting the position of the output tube and/or the mirror holder and/or the second mirror system, wherein the laser device is further configured only to emit the laser beam when the position of the output tube and/or the mirror holder and/or the second mirror system correspond to predetermined absolute or relative positions.

11. Laser device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the output tube is manually movable.

12. Laser device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first mirror system comprises a scanning mirror (105, 205a, 205b) and wherein the laser device includes a mirror motor (105a, 205a, 205b) connected to the scanning mirror.

13. Laser device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the laser device is a laser cleaning device.

14. Method of using a laser device comprising at least an input tube and an output tube, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning the output tube in a first position;

• emitting a first laser beam through an input trajectory into the input tube, the first laser beam leaving the laser device through a first output trajectory in the output tube, wherein the laser beam is directed towards the first output trajectory by a second mirror system;

• moving the output tube to a second position relative to the input tube, wherein during moving a mirror holder is moved to position a second mirror system;

• emitting a second laser beam through the input trajectory into the input tube, the second laser beam leaving the laser device through a second output trajectory in the output tube, wherein moving the output tube to the second position of the output tube comprises positioning the second mirror system out of the laser trajectory, wherein the second output trajectory is in line with the intermediate trajectory.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the input trajectory, the first output trajectory and the second output trajectory lie in the same plane or lie in parallel planes.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising the following steps:

• moving the output tube to a third position relative to the input tube, wherein during moving the mirror holder is moved;

• emitting a third laser beam through the input trajectory in the input tube, wherein the third laser beam leaves the laser device through a third output trajectory in the output tube.