EP1506072A1 - Laser welding installation and welding head equipping same - Google Patents

Laser welding installation and welding head equipping same

Info

Publication number
EP1506072A1
EP1506072A1 EP03727425A EP03727425A EP1506072A1 EP 1506072 A1 EP1506072 A1 EP 1506072A1 EP 03727425 A EP03727425 A EP 03727425A EP 03727425 A EP03727425 A EP 03727425A EP 1506072 A1 EP1506072 A1 EP 1506072A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
laser beam
head
welding
optical axis
installation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03727425A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
André Gressly
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lasag AG
Original Assignee
Lasag AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lasag AG filed Critical Lasag AG
Priority to EP03727425A priority Critical patent/EP1506072A1/en
Publication of EP1506072A1 publication Critical patent/EP1506072A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
    • B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
    • B23K26/02—Positioning or observing the workpiece, e.g. with respect to the point of impact; Aligning, aiming or focusing the laser beam
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
    • B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
    • B23K26/20—Bonding
    • B23K26/21—Bonding by welding
    • B23K26/24—Seam welding
    • B23K26/242—Fillet welding, i.e. involving a weld of substantially triangular cross section joining two parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
    • B23K2101/00—Articles made by soldering, welding or cutting
    • B23K2101/04—Tubular or hollow articles
    • B23K2101/14—Heat exchangers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a head for welding by a laser beam comprising means for focusing the latter which define an optical axis in a longitudinal direction of the head.
  • the focusing area of the laser beam is located outside of the head, this focusing area being generally provided near the place where the laser welding is carried out. An energy concentration is thus obtained in the welding region and therefore a precision in this welding operation.
  • the present invention also relates to a laser welding installation equipped with a welding head according to the invention.
  • the welding installation is arranged to allow the welding of cylindrical elements on a flat or plate structure, for example for the production of solar panels with circulation of heat transfer fluid in a coil, which is welded on an absorbent support l thermal energy of solar radiation.
  • laser welding heads of conventional design are used, that is to say where the focused laser beam leaves the head along the optical axis defined by the focusing means, which have dimensions relatively large, as shown in Figure 1 which will be described later.
  • the coil is generally formed by a pipe formed of several parallel cylindrical elements connected by elbows also of circular section.
  • the use of a conventional welding head poses a major problem given the presence of several substantially parallel cylindrical elements and because of the diameter of the head of longitudinal shape, this diameter being relatively large because of the lenses. focusing the laser beam. Consequently, the optical axis of the laser beam leaving the welding head has a significant angular offset relative to the plane of the support, it is therefore difficult to reach the underside of the cylindrical elements with the laser beam to allow precise and efficient welding. of the coil on the absorbent support.
  • COPIED FROM COMFIR- ATIOM constitutes an important limitation, without however allowing optimal welding of the cylindrical elements on the flat surface of the absorbent support.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a laser welding installation which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and which makes it possible to perform the most localized welding possible in the region of contact between a flat support and cylindrical elements, ie the as close as possible to the bottom line defined by these cylindrical elements.
  • Another object is to allow the welding of pipes with a diameter greater than the current maximum diameter, in particular a coil whose parallel elements have a spacing less than the current minimum spacing.
  • the welding head further comprises means for reflecting or difracting the laser beam in a direction offset angularly relative to the optical axis defined by the focusing means, these means being arranged after the means of focusing relative to the direction of propagation of the laser beam; that is to say on the outlet side of the welding head.
  • the reflection or diffraction means are supported by a substantially planar structure oriented obliquely relative to said optical axis and are arranged at an external wall, the external face of which substantially runs along these reflection or diffraction means. It will be noted that these reflection or diffraction means can themselves at least partially form this external wall as shown in FIG. 1.
  • the head has a terminal part defining a geometric plane in which the focusing zone of the laser beam is approximately situated, this terminal part being arranged directly at the level of the lower terminal part of the reflection or diffraction means.
  • the welding head it is possible to have the machining head oriented approximately perpendicular to the plane of the support on which the welding of cylindrical elements is provided while having the beam focusing region. laser close to the point of contact between the parts to be welded.
  • FIG. 1 is shown a preferred embodiment of a laser installation according to the invention, in particular its welding head 2.
  • This installation is particularly suitable for welding a coil 4 on an absorbent support 6.
  • the coil 4 is formed by a pipe of diameter D having parallel parts separated by a distance L.
  • the support 6 is arranged on means 8 for holding it, arranged to allow movement relative to the machining head 2, in particular along an axis X perpendicular to the plane of Figure 1. This allows for welding along the contact line between the coil and the absorbent support.
  • the head 2 is able to undergo a rotation about the axis Z relative to the support 6, in particular for welding the elbows of the coil.
  • the welding installation is therefore arranged to allow rapid welding of all the parts of the coil on the absorbent support.
  • the welding head 2 comprises means 12 for introducing a laser beam coming from a laser source, not shown. These means are associated with means 14 for entering and leaving a cooling fluid for the welding head. In the upper part of the head is provided a camera 16 allowing precise positioning of the head relative to the coil 4.
  • the laser beam 18 entering the head is reflected to then propagate along the geometric axis Y defining the general longitudinal axis of the head 2 and coincides with the optical axis defined by the focusing means 22.
  • These focusing means 22 are arranged in an intermediate part 24 whose cross section has relatively large dimensions. Downstream of the focusing means 22, the head has a cavity 26 inside which is maintained a slight overpressure using a gas supplied by the introduction means 28. This makes it possible to prevent dust or other impurities do not enter the space 26.
  • the focused laser beam enters the space 26 in the direction of a mirror 32 defining an oblique plane relative to the optical axis Y. It will be noted that in another embodiment, diffraction means are provided to obtain a direction of propagation of the focused laser beam other than the direction of reflection.
  • the mirror 32 is supported by a planar structure 33, in particular a blade. It forms an internal surface of an external wall 34 which runs along this mirror 32 so as to minimize the overall dimensions of the head in its lower part 38.
  • This external wall 34 is advantageously formed by the planar structure 33 supporting the mirror 32
  • This planar structure defines a general plane substantially parallel to the plane of the mirror 32 and has a relatively small thickness so that the external wall 34 takes up little space. This particular arrangement thus makes it possible to reduce the distance L separating two adjacent parts of the coil 4.
  • the lower part 38 of the head has an end part 40 arranged directly at the lower end of the mirror 32. This end part defines a geometric plane in which the area is approximately located focusing 44 of the laser beam leaving the head.
  • This particular arrangement makes it possible to reduce the angle between the direction 46 of the outgoing laser beam and the surface of the support 6.
  • this arrangement meets the aims of the present invention by the fact that the angle of incidence of the laser beam on the support 6 is relatively large. This allows the laser beam to reach the lower region of cylindrical elements placed on a flat surface, to perform localized and precise welding.
  • the plane of the mirror 32 defines an angle of incidence of approximately 45 ° for the laser beam propagating in the direction of the optical axis Y, which leads to an angular deviation of the focused beam d 'about 90 °.
  • this angle of incidence can be reduced to further decrease the angle between the optical axis 46 of the outgoing laser beam and the surface of the support 6.
  • the focal distance of the focusing means 22 is advantageously increased; what the device according to the invention easily allows to achieve independently of the distance L and the diameter D.
  • the part 38 comprises a transparent blade 50 through which the laser beam leaves the head 2. This blade 50 closes this lower part 38, more particularly the internal cavity 26 at a surface of which the mirror 32 is arranged.
  • the lower part 38 is fixedly mounted in the head 2, but means 54 are provided allowing its angular position to be varied, that is to say allowing this part to rotate around the Y axis before fixing the latter.
  • means 54 are provided allowing its angular position to be varied, that is to say allowing this part to rotate around the Y axis before fixing the latter.

Abstract

The invention concerns a laser welding installation comprising a head (2) whereof the intermediate portion (24) includes focusing means (22) defining an optical axis (Y) substantially merging with the head longitudinal axis. Said head further comprises means for reflecting or diffracting (32) the focused laser beam arranged downstream of the focusing means relative to the laser beam propagating direction and angularly deflecting the focused laser beam, in particular by an angle of about 90°, such that the propagating direction of the laser beam exiting from the head has a small incident angle relative to the support (6). The reflecting and diffracting means are supported by a thin structure defining an outer wall which runs along said reflecting or diffracting means, thereby enabling more precise and efficient welding of cylindrical elements, in particular a coil (4) at the surface of a planar surface. The invention is useful for making solar panels.

Description

INSTALLATION DE SOUDAGE AU LASER ET TÊTE DE SOUDAGE EQU I PANT UNE TELLE I NSTALLATION LASER WELDING INSTALLATION AND WELDING HEAD EQU I PANT SUCH I NSTALLATION
La présente invention concerne une tête de soudage par un faisceau laser comprenant des moyens de focalisation de celui-ci qui définissent un axe optique selon une direction longitudinale de la tête. La zone de focalisation du faisceau laser est située à l'extérieur de la tête, cette zone de focalisation étant généralement prévue à proximité de l'endroit où le soudage au laser est effectué. On obtient ainsi une concentration de l'énergie dans la région de soudage et donc une précision dans cette opération de soudage.The present invention relates to a head for welding by a laser beam comprising means for focusing the latter which define an optical axis in a longitudinal direction of the head. The focusing area of the laser beam is located outside of the head, this focusing area being generally provided near the place where the laser welding is carried out. An energy concentration is thus obtained in the welding region and therefore a precision in this welding operation.
La présente invention concerne également une installation de soudage au laser équipée d'une tête de soudage selon l'invention. En particulier, l'installation de soudage est agencée pour permettre le soudage d'éléments cylindriques sur une structure plane ou plaque, par exemple pour la réalisation de panneaux solaires avec circulation de fluide caloporteur dans un serpentin, lequel est soudé sur un support absorbant l'énergie thermique du rayonnement solaire.The present invention also relates to a laser welding installation equipped with a welding head according to the invention. In particular, the welding installation is arranged to allow the welding of cylindrical elements on a flat or plate structure, for example for the production of solar panels with circulation of heat transfer fluid in a coil, which is welded on an absorbent support l thermal energy of solar radiation.
Dans le domaine d'application susmentionné, on utilise des têtes de soudage au laser de conception classique, c'est à dire où le faisceau laser focalisé sort de la tête selon l'axe optique défini par les moyens de focalisation, lesquels présentent des dimensions relativement importantes, comme cela ressort de la figure 1 qui sera décrite par la suite.In the aforementioned field of application, laser welding heads of conventional design are used, that is to say where the focused laser beam leaves the head along the optical axis defined by the focusing means, which have dimensions relatively large, as shown in Figure 1 which will be described later.
Etant donné la présence du support plan et du serpentin posés dessus, il est nécessaire d'apporter le faisceau laser pour le soudage du côté du serpentin. Le serpentin est généralement formé par un tuyau formé de plusieurs éléments cylindriques parallèles reliés par des coudes également de section circulaire. Ainsi, on comprend que l'utilisation d'une tête de soudage classique pose un problème majeur étant donné la présence de plusieurs éléments cylindriques sensiblement parallèles et à cause du diamètre de la tête de forme longitudinale, ce diamètre étant relativement important à cause des lentilles de focalisation du faisceau laser. Par conséquent, l'axe optique du faisceau laser sortant de la tête de soudage présente un décalage angulaire important relativement au plan du support, il est donc difficile d'atteindre le dessous des éléments cylindriques avec le faisceau laser pour permettre un soudage précis et efficace du serpentin sur le support absorbant.Given the presence of the flat support and the coil placed on it, it is necessary to bring the laser beam for welding on the side of the coil. The coil is generally formed by a pipe formed of several parallel cylindrical elements connected by elbows also of circular section. Thus, it is understood that the use of a conventional welding head poses a major problem given the presence of several substantially parallel cylindrical elements and because of the diameter of the head of longitudinal shape, this diameter being relatively large because of the lenses. focusing the laser beam. Consequently, the optical axis of the laser beam leaving the welding head has a significant angular offset relative to the plane of the support, it is therefore difficult to reach the underside of the cylindrical elements with the laser beam to allow precise and efficient welding. of the coil on the absorbent support.
Avec les têtes de soudage actuelles, on doit se limiter à des tuyaux ayant un diamètre de 12 mm au maximum et séparés d'une distance minimum de 15 cm. CeciWith current welding heads, we must limit ourselves to pipes with a diameter of 12 mm maximum and separated by a minimum distance of 15 cm. This
COPIÉ DE COMFIR- ATIOM constitue une limitation importante, sans toutefois permettre un soudage optimal des éléments cylindriques sur la surface plane du support absorbant.COPIED FROM COMFIR- ATIOM constitutes an important limitation, without however allowing optimal welding of the cylindrical elements on the flat surface of the absorbent support.
Le but de la présente invention est de fournir une installation de soudage au laser palliant les inconvénients susmentionnés et permettant d'effectuer un soudage le plus localisé possible dans la région de contact entre un support plan et des éléments cylindriques, c'est à dire le plus proche possible de la ligne inférieure définie par ces éléments cylindriques. Un autre but est de permettre le soudage de tuyaux de diamètre supérieur au diamètre maximal actuel, en particulier un serpentin dont les éléments parallèles présentent un écartement moindre à l'écartement minimum actuel.The object of the present invention is to provide a laser welding installation which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and which makes it possible to perform the most localized welding possible in the region of contact between a flat support and cylindrical elements, ie the as close as possible to the bottom line defined by these cylindrical elements. Another object is to allow the welding of pipes with a diameter greater than the current maximum diameter, in particular a coil whose parallel elements have a spacing less than the current minimum spacing.
A cet effet, la tête de soudage selon l'invention comprend en outre des moyens pour réfléchir ou difracter le faisceau laser selon une direction décalée angulairement relativement à l'axe optique défini par les moyens de focalisation, ces moyens étant agencés après les moyens de focalisation relativement au sens de propagation du faisceau laser; c'est à dire du côté de la sortie de la tête de soudage. Selon une caractéristique particulière, les moyens de réflexion ou de diffraction sont supportés par une structure sensiblement plane orientée obliquement relativement audit axe optique et sont agencés au niveau d'une paroi externe dont la face extérieure longe sensiblement ces moyens de réflexion ou de diffraction. On notera que ces moyens de réflexion ou de diffraction peuvent eux-mêmes former au moins partiellement cette paroi externe comme représenté à la figure 1.To this end, the welding head according to the invention further comprises means for reflecting or difracting the laser beam in a direction offset angularly relative to the optical axis defined by the focusing means, these means being arranged after the means of focusing relative to the direction of propagation of the laser beam; that is to say on the outlet side of the welding head. According to a particular characteristic, the reflection or diffraction means are supported by a substantially planar structure oriented obliquely relative to said optical axis and are arranged at an external wall, the external face of which substantially runs along these reflection or diffraction means. It will be noted that these reflection or diffraction means can themselves at least partially form this external wall as shown in FIG. 1.
Selon une autre caractéristique particulière, la tête présente une partie terminale définissant un plan géométrique dans lequel est environ située la zone de focalisation du faisceau laser, cette partie terminale étant agencée directement au niveau de la partie terminale inférieure des moyens de réflexion ou de diffraction.According to another particular characteristic, the head has a terminal part defining a geometric plane in which the focusing zone of the laser beam is approximately situated, this terminal part being arranged directly at the level of the lower terminal part of the reflection or diffraction means.
Il résulte de la tête de soudage selon l'invention qu'il est possible d'avoir la tête d'usinage orientée environ perpendiculairement au plan du support sur lequel est prévu le soudage d'éléments cylindriques tout en ayant la région de focalisation du faisceau laser proche du point du contact entre les parties à souder. De plus, il est ainsi possible de souder sur un support absorbant un serpentin dont le tuyau a un diamètre supérieur à 20 mm et dont la distance entre deux éléments parallèles adjacents est proche de, respectivement inférieure à 10 cm.It follows from the welding head according to the invention that it is possible to have the machining head oriented approximately perpendicular to the plane of the support on which the welding of cylindrical elements is provided while having the beam focusing region. laser close to the point of contact between the parts to be welded. In addition, it is thus possible to weld on a absorbent support a coil whose pipe has a diameter greater than 20 mm and whose distance between two adjacent parallel elements is close to, respectively less than 10 cm.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages à la présente invention ressortiront également de la description suivant, effectuée à l'aide d'une figure unique ci-jointe représentant partiellement une installation de soudage laser selon l'invention, en particulier la tête de soudage selon l'invention représentée partiellement en coupe. A la figure 1 est représenté un mode de réalisation préféré d'une installation laser selon l'invention, en particulier sa tête de soudage 2. Cette installation est particulièrement adaptée au soudage d'un serpentin 4 sur un support absorbant 6. Le serpentin 4 est formé par un tuyau de diamètre D présentant des parties parallèles séparées d'une distance L. Le support 6 est agencé sur des moyens 8 de maintien de celui-ci, agencés pour permettre un déplacement relativement à la tête d'usinage 2, notamment selon un axe X perpendiculaire au plan de la figure 1. Ceci permet d'effectuer un soudage le long de la ligne de contact entre le serpentin et le support absorbant. De plus, il est prévu que la tête 2 puisse subir une rotation autour de l'axe Z relativement au support 6, notamment pour effectuer le soudage des coudes du serpentin. L'installation de soudage est donc agencée pour permettre un soudage rapide de l'ensemble des parties du serpentin sur le support absorbant.Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will also emerge from the following description, carried out with the aid of a single attached figure partially representing a laser welding installation according to the invention, in particular the welding head according to the invention. invention partially shown in section. In Figure 1 is shown a preferred embodiment of a laser installation according to the invention, in particular its welding head 2. This installation is particularly suitable for welding a coil 4 on an absorbent support 6. The coil 4 is formed by a pipe of diameter D having parallel parts separated by a distance L. The support 6 is arranged on means 8 for holding it, arranged to allow movement relative to the machining head 2, in particular along an axis X perpendicular to the plane of Figure 1. This allows for welding along the contact line between the coil and the absorbent support. In addition, provision is made for the head 2 to be able to undergo a rotation about the axis Z relative to the support 6, in particular for welding the elbows of the coil. The welding installation is therefore arranged to allow rapid welding of all the parts of the coil on the absorbent support.
La tête de soudage 2 comprend des moyens d'introduction 12 d'un faisceau laser provenant d'une source laser non représentée. Ces moyens sont associés à des moyens 14 d'entrée et de sortie d'un fluide de refroidissement de la tête de soudage. Dans la partie supérieure de la tête est prévu une caméra 16 permettant un positionnement précis de la tête relativement au serpentin 4.The welding head 2 comprises means 12 for introducing a laser beam coming from a laser source, not shown. These means are associated with means 14 for entering and leaving a cooling fluid for the welding head. In the upper part of the head is provided a camera 16 allowing precise positioning of the head relative to the coil 4.
Le faisceau laser 18 entrant dans la tête est réfléchi pour se propager ensuite selon l'axe géométrique Y définissant l'axe longitudinal général de la tête 2 et confondu avec l'axe optique défini par les moyens de focalisation 22. Ces moyens de focalisation 22 sont agencés dans une partie intermédiaire 24 dont la section transversale présente des dimensions relativement importantes. En aval des moyens de focalisation 22, la tête présente une cavité 26 à l'intérieure de laquelle est maintenue une légère surpression à l'aide d'un gaz fourni par les moyens d'introduction 28. Ceci permet d'empêcher que des poussières ou autres impuretés ne pénètrent dans l'espace 26. Le faisceau laser focalisé pénètre l'espace 26 en direction d'un miroir 32 définissant un plan oblique relativement à l'axe optique Y. On notera que dans un autre mode de réalisation, des moyens de diffraction sont prévus pour obtenir une direction de propagation du faisceau laser focalisé autre que la direction de réflexion..The laser beam 18 entering the head is reflected to then propagate along the geometric axis Y defining the general longitudinal axis of the head 2 and coincides with the optical axis defined by the focusing means 22. These focusing means 22 are arranged in an intermediate part 24 whose cross section has relatively large dimensions. Downstream of the focusing means 22, the head has a cavity 26 inside which is maintained a slight overpressure using a gas supplied by the introduction means 28. This makes it possible to prevent dust or other impurities do not enter the space 26. The focused laser beam enters the space 26 in the direction of a mirror 32 defining an oblique plane relative to the optical axis Y. It will be noted that in another embodiment, diffraction means are provided to obtain a direction of propagation of the focused laser beam other than the direction of reflection.
Le miroir 32 est supporté par une structure plane 33, en particulier une lame. Il forme une surface interne d'une paroi externe 34 qui longe ce miroir 32 de manière à diminuer au maximum l'encombrement de la tête dans sa partie inférieure 38. Cette paroi externe 34 est avantageusement formée par la structure plane 33 supportant le miroir 32. Cette structure plane définit un plan général sensiblement parallèle au plan du miroir 32 et présente une épaisseur relativement faible de sorte que la paroi externe 34 est peu encombrante. Cet agencement particulier permet ainsi de diminuer la distance L séparant deux parties adjacentes du serpentin 4. La partie inférieure 38 de la tête présente une partie terminale 40 agencée directement au niveau de l'extrémité inférieure du miroir 32. Cette partie terminale définit un plan géométrique dans lequel est environ situé la zone de focalisation 44 du faisceau laser sortant de la tête.The mirror 32 is supported by a planar structure 33, in particular a blade. It forms an internal surface of an external wall 34 which runs along this mirror 32 so as to minimize the overall dimensions of the head in its lower part 38. This external wall 34 is advantageously formed by the planar structure 33 supporting the mirror 32 This planar structure defines a general plane substantially parallel to the plane of the mirror 32 and has a relatively small thickness so that the external wall 34 takes up little space. This particular arrangement thus makes it possible to reduce the distance L separating two adjacent parts of the coil 4. The lower part 38 of the head has an end part 40 arranged directly at the lower end of the mirror 32. This end part defines a geometric plane in which the area is approximately located focusing 44 of the laser beam leaving the head.
Cet agencement particulier permet de diminuer l'angle entre la direction 46 du faisceau laser sortant et la surface du support 6. Ainsi cet agencement répond aux buts de la présente invention par le fait que l'angle d'incidence du faisceau laser sur le support 6 est relativement grand. Ceci permet au faisceau laser d'atteindre la région inférieure d'éléments cylindriques posés sur une surface plane, pour effectuer un soudage localisé et précis.This particular arrangement makes it possible to reduce the angle between the direction 46 of the outgoing laser beam and the surface of the support 6. Thus this arrangement meets the aims of the present invention by the fact that the angle of incidence of the laser beam on the support 6 is relatively large. This allows the laser beam to reach the lower region of cylindrical elements placed on a flat surface, to perform localized and precise welding.
Dans le présent mode de réalisation, le plan du miroir 32 définit un angle d'incidence d'environ 45° pour le faisceau laser se propageant dans la direction de l'axe optique Y, ce qui conduit à une déviation angulaire du faisceau focalisé d'environ 90°. Cependant on peut diminuer cet angle d'incidence pour diminuer encore plus l'angle entre l'axe optique 46 du faisceau laser sortant et la surface du support 6. Pour ce faire, la distance focale des moyens de focalisation 22 est avantageusement augmentée; ce que le dispositif selon l'invention permet aisément de réaliser indépendamment de la distance L et du diamètre D. On notera encore que la partie 38 comprend une lame transparente 50 à travers laquelle le faisceau laser sort de la tête 2. Cette lame 50 ferme cette partie inférieure 38, plus particulièrement la cavité interne 26 à une surface de laquelle est agencé le miroir 32.In the present embodiment, the plane of the mirror 32 defines an angle of incidence of approximately 45 ° for the laser beam propagating in the direction of the optical axis Y, which leads to an angular deviation of the focused beam d 'about 90 °. However, this angle of incidence can be reduced to further decrease the angle between the optical axis 46 of the outgoing laser beam and the surface of the support 6. To do this, the focal distance of the focusing means 22 is advantageously increased; what the device according to the invention easily allows to achieve independently of the distance L and the diameter D. It will also be noted that the part 38 comprises a transparent blade 50 through which the laser beam leaves the head 2. This blade 50 closes this lower part 38, more particularly the internal cavity 26 at a surface of which the mirror 32 is arranged.
Selon une variante préférée la partie inférieure 38 est montée fixement dans la tête 2 mais il est prévu des moyens 54 permettant de varier sa position angulaire, c'est à dire de permettre une rotation de cette partie autour de l'axe Y avant fixation de cette dernière. L'homme du métier saura concevoir au mieux les moyens de fixation de cette partie 38 dans une pluralité de positions angulaires discrètes ou dans une position quelconque. According to a preferred variant, the lower part 38 is fixedly mounted in the head 2, but means 54 are provided allowing its angular position to be varied, that is to say allowing this part to rotate around the Y axis before fixing the latter. Those skilled in the art will be able to best design the means for fixing this part 38 in a plurality of discrete angular positions or in any position.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Tête de soudage (2) par un faisceau laser (18) comprenant des moyens d'introduction (12) de ce faisceau laser, des moyens de focalisation (22) de celui-ci qui définissent un axe optique (Y) selon une direction longitudinale de la tête et agencés de manière que la zone de focalisation (44) dudit faisceau laser soit située à l'extérieure de cette tête, et des moyens pour réfléchir ou diffracter (32) ledit faisceau laser selon une direction décalée angulairement relativement audit axe optique, ces moyens de réflexion ou de diffraction étant agencés après lesdits moyens de focalisation relativement au sens de propagation dudit faisceau laser, caractérisé en ce qu'elle présente une forme allongée définissant un axe principal sensiblement confondu avec ledit axe optique (Y), lesdits moyens de réflexion ou de diffraction étant supportés par une structure orientée obliquement relativement audit axe optique, cette structure étant agencée au niveau d'une paroi externe (34) dont la face extérieure longe sensiblement lesdits moyens de réflexion ou de diffraction ou formant au moins partiellement une telle paroi externe. 1. Welding head (2) by a laser beam (18) comprising means for introducing (12) this laser beam, focusing means (22) thereof which define an optical axis (Y) along a longitudinal direction of the head and arranged so that the focusing zone (44) of said laser beam is situated outside this head, and means for reflecting or diffracting (32) said laser beam in a direction offset angularly relative to said optical axis, these reflection or diffraction means being arranged after said focusing means relative to the direction of propagation of said laser beam, characterized in that it has an elongated shape defining a main axis substantially coincident with said optical axis (Y), said reflection or diffraction means being supported by a structure oriented obliquely relative to said optical axis, this structure being arranged at an external wall ree (34) whose outer face substantially runs along said reflection or diffraction means or at least partially forming such an outer wall.
2. Tête selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'elle présente une partie terminale (40) définissant un plan géométrique dans lequel est environ située ladite zone de focalisation, cette partie terminale étant agencée directement au niveau de l'extrémité inférieure desdits moyens de réflexion ou de diffraction (32).2. Head according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an end portion (40) defining a geometric plane in which said focusing zone is located approximately, this end portion being arranged directly at the lower end of said means of reflection or diffraction (32).
3. Tête selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce que ledit faisceau laser est réfléchi ou diffracté sensiblement selon un ange de 90° relativement audit axe optique.3. Head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said laser beam is reflected or diffracted substantially along an angel of 90 ° relative to said optical axis.
4. Tête selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens de réflexion ou de diffraction sont agencés dans une partie inférieure (38) de la tête équipée de moyens permettant sa rotation autour dudit axe optique relativement auxdits moyens d'introduction du faisceau laser (12).4. Head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said reflection or diffraction means are arranged in a lower part (38) of the head equipped with means allowing its rotation around said optical axis relative to said introduction means of the laser beam (12).
5. Tête selon l'une des revendications précédentes caractérisée en ce qu'une lame transparente de sortie (50) ferme une cavité (26) à une surface de laquelle sont agencés lesdits moyens de réflexion ou de diffraction.5. Head according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a transparent outlet blade (50) closes a cavity (26) on a surface of which said reflection or diffraction means are arranged.
6. Installation de soudage par un faisceau laser, caractérisée en ce que cette installation comprend une tête selon une des revendications 1 à 5 et une source laser fournissant ledit faisceau laser.6. Installation for welding by a laser beam, characterized in that this installation comprises a head according to one of claims 1 to 5 and a laser source supplying said laser beam.
7. Installation de soudage par un faisceau laser, caractérisée en ce que cette installation comprend une tête (2) selon la revendication 2 ou 3 et des moyens (8) pour recevoir une structure plane ou plaque (6) à une surface de laquelle il est prévu de souder des éléments cylindriques (4), en particulier un tuyau formant un serpentin, cette installation comprenant des moyens pour déplacer ladite tête relativement à ladite structure plane ou plaque dans un plan sensiblement parallèle audit plan géométrique défini par la partie terminale (40) de ladite tête.7. Installation for welding by a laser beam, characterized in that this installation comprises a head (2) according to claim 2 or 3 and means (8) for receiving a planar structure or plate (6) at a surface of which it is provided to weld cylindrical elements (4), in particular a pipe forming a serpentine, this installation comprising means for moving said head relative to said planar structure or plate in a plane substantially parallel to said geometric plane defined by the terminal part (40) of said head.
8. Utilisation de l'installation de soudage selon la revendication 6 ou 7 pour la fabrication de panneaux solaires à circulation d'un fluide caloporteur. 8. Use of the welding installation according to claim 6 or 7 for the manufacture of solar panels with circulation of a heat transfer fluid.
EP03727425A 2002-05-08 2003-05-02 Laser welding installation and welding head equipping same Withdrawn EP1506072A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03727425A EP1506072A1 (en) 2002-05-08 2003-05-02 Laser welding installation and welding head equipping same

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02076799A EP1362662A1 (en) 2002-05-08 2002-05-08 Laser welding head and laser welding apparatus
EP02076799 2002-05-08
PCT/EP2003/004614 WO2003095138A1 (en) 2002-05-08 2003-05-02 Laser welding installation and welding head equipping same
EP03727425A EP1506072A1 (en) 2002-05-08 2003-05-02 Laser welding installation and welding head equipping same

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1506072A1 true EP1506072A1 (en) 2005-02-16

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EP02076799A Withdrawn EP1362662A1 (en) 2002-05-08 2002-05-08 Laser welding head and laser welding apparatus
EP03727425A Withdrawn EP1506072A1 (en) 2002-05-08 2003-05-02 Laser welding installation and welding head equipping same

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EP (2) EP1362662A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003233226A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003095138A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GR1004729B (en) * 2004-01-02 2004-11-22 Κωνσταντινος Σπυριδωνα Τραβασαρος Heating body with copper water pipe structure welded to aluminium sheets by means of laser beam bundle
GB2421457A (en) * 2004-12-22 2006-06-28 T I Group Automotive Systems L A heat exchanger
DE102005001435A1 (en) * 2005-01-07 2006-07-20 Andreas Link Absorber for a solar thermal collector and method for producing such an absorber
DE102009060100A1 (en) * 2009-12-21 2011-06-22 Flexxibl GmbH, 38114 A method of joining a planar metal sheet to a cylindrical metallic pipe

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FR2679808A1 (en) * 1991-07-30 1993-02-05 Framatome Sa LASER WELDING HEAD AND ITS USE FOR SLEEVING TUBES.
JPH08187587A (en) * 1994-12-28 1996-07-23 Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Ind Co Ltd Laser beam fillet welding method for t joint and device therefor
JPH08281459A (en) * 1995-04-07 1996-10-29 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Plural-step reflecting type outgoing optical unit in laser beam welding apparatus
FR2736191B1 (en) * 1995-06-29 1997-09-26 Franco Belge Combustibles METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR WELDING A GRID-SPACER OF A FUEL ASSEMBLY FOR A NUCLEAR REACTOR AND DEVICE FOR WELDING FROM THE INSIDE OF A GRID
JPH09295174A (en) * 1996-05-10 1997-11-18 Amada Co Ltd Yag laser handy torch
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Title
See references of WO03095138A1 *

Also Published As

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AU2003233226A1 (en) 2003-11-11
EP1362662A1 (en) 2003-11-19
WO2003095138A1 (en) 2003-11-20

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