DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a simplified explanatory representation of a sealing device according to the invention before final assembly of the laser machining head and before laser machining.
FIG. 2 shows a simplified explanatory representation of the sealing device according to FIG. 1 after final assembly of the laser machining head and during laser machining.
FIG. 3 shows components of a laser machining head after assembly in longitudinal section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows that a first component 1 of a laser machining head, produced from metal, has a through hole 2 for the laser beam and a machining gas. In some embodiments, component 1 is a hollow cage member. Furthermore, component 1 has a contact surface 3 for a second component 4, a ceramic insulator, which is also provided with a through hole. In some embodiments, component 4 is a ceramic conduit. Components 1 and 4 must be connected in a gas-tight manner. A sealing lip 5, which constitutes part of the contact surface 3 for insulator 4, is therefore formed on component 1. Sealing lip 5 is integrated in component 1. In some embodiments, sealing lip 5 extends from a substantially planar portion of contact surface 3. An edge region of through hole 2 is provided with a notch or recess 6 so that sealing lip 5 has an elasticity. For sealing against insulator 4, sealing lip 5 projects beyond a substantially planar portion of contact surface 3 in the direction of insulator 4. FIG. 1 shows the condition of sealing lip 5 before deformation. Insulator 4 bears lightly against sealing lip 5. Sealing lip 5 may be forced upwards.
As shown in FIG. 2, components 1 and 4 are forced together so that sealing lip 5 is deformed. It can be seen that sealing lip 5 is designed so that it only seals on a small definable annular surface. Components 1 and 4 are now connected in a gas-tight manner.
FIG. 3 shows a specific exemplary embodiment. A first component 7 of a laser cutting head is connected to an insulator 8 in a gas-tight manner. Component 7 may be fastened to additional elements of the laser cutting machine. A laser cutting nozzle can be received on the free end of insulator 8. A metal sealing lip 9 of component has been elastically deformed by the installation of insulator 8. Because of the pre-loading resulting from the design of sealing lip 9, a sealing action is produced between the components. A cap nut 10 is provided for releasable coupling of the components. The gas flow of the machining gas, denoted by flow arrows 11, is used for reinforcing the sealing action.