JP2007196256A - Laser beam welding apparatus and laser beam welding method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a laser beam welding apparatus and a laser beam welding method capable of ensuring an adequate space necessary for the laser beam welding of a plated plate, and preventing any defective weld. <P>SOLUTION: The laser welding apparatus 1 for welding at least two plates 21, 22 facing each other with a space to each other by irradiating laser beams L on the plates from one side in the opposite direction includes a space regulating tool 40 for regulating a space S between the plates 21, 22 facing each other by inserting a space regulating unit 41 from an insertion hole part 31 in one plate 21 while the plates 21, 22 face each other so that the insertion hole parts 31, 32 formed in the plates 21, 22 to be welded are communicated with each other, and butting a part of the space regulating unit to the opposite surface of the other plate 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a laser welding apparatus and a laser welding method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser welding apparatus and a laser that weld and join at least two plates facing each other with a laser beam irradiated from one side in the facing direction. It relates to a welding method.

  Since automobile body panels are required to have rust prevention properties, galvanized steel sheets are usually used. In recent years, laser welding has been adopted in place of spot welding for the purpose of improving the rigidity and weight of the vehicle body.

  The boiling point of zinc (about 900 ° C.) is lower than the melting point of iron (about 1500 ° C.). Therefore, when two or more galvanized steel sheets are stacked and laser welded as in a vehicle body panel, the galvanized layer rapidly evaporates and gasifies to blow off the molten pool, so that welding defects such as porosity and poor welding are likely to occur. .

  In order to suppress the blowing of zinc gas through the weld bead, it is effective to provide an appropriate gap between the steel plates and let the generated gas escape through this gap. The gap between the steel plates is preferably about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

  Conventionally, in order to set a gap between steel plates to be laser-welded, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an uneven shape is given to the steel plates by embossing to form a gap between the steel plates. If this gap is set too large, the steel sheet will not be welded, and therefore the protrusions and gaps of the steel sheet were managed using a gap correction jig such as a pin or roller.

Further, as in Patent Document 2, for example, a steel plate is irradiated with laser light to create a molten pool, and gas is blown there to extrude molten metal around the molten pool to form an annular convex portion. .
JP 2001-162388 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-47967

  However, in the formation of convex portions by embossing in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to secure an appropriate gap for joining due to variations in emboss height due to press processing, variations in panel unit accuracy, and the like, resulting in poor welding quality. It was falling. In addition, it is difficult to align the upper and lower concavo-convex portions, and it is difficult to produce an appropriate convex portion of about 0.1 to 0.5 mm. In particular, when the rigidity of a steel plate such as a vehicle body panel is high, an appropriate gap cannot be controlled, and it is difficult to manage the dimensions of the protrusions.

  Moreover, even if a gap correction jig such as a pin or a roller is used, it is difficult to manage an appropriate gap. In particular, in a region where there are three or more plate assemblies, it is difficult to ensure a gap between the respective steel plates, and welding defects such as porosity and poor welding are likely to occur.

  In the formation of the annular convex portion by the laser spot of Patent Document 2, the convex portion is also formed by laser irradiation, so that the processing cost increases. Further, since the convex portions are formed by spot irradiation point by point, processing time is required.

  The present invention was devised in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to easily secure an appropriate gap necessary for laser welding of a plated plate material and to prevent welding defects. An object of the present invention is to provide a laser welding apparatus and a laser welding method that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, a laser welding apparatus according to the present invention is a laser welding apparatus for irradiating and welding at least two plates facing each other with a laser beam from one side in a facing direction to each other. In a state where the plate materials are arranged so as to communicate with each other so that the insertion hole portions formed in the respective plate materials communicate with each other, the gap regulating portion is inserted from the insertion hole portion of one of the opposed plate materials, and a part thereof is placed on the opposite surface of the other plate material Is provided with a gap regulating jig for regulating the gap between the opposing plate members.

  According to the present invention, in a state where the plate materials are arranged to face each other so that the insertion hole portion communicates, the gap restriction portion of the gap restriction jig is inserted from the insertion hole portion of one of the opposed plate materials, and the other plate material is opposed to the opposite surface. The gap between the opposing plate members is regulated by abutting a part of the gap regulating part. Therefore, it is possible to easily secure an appropriate gap necessary for laser welding of a plated plate or the like, and to prevent welding defects.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an external view showing the laser welding apparatus of the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the laser welding apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is an apparatus for irradiating at least two plate members facing each other with a gap therebetween by applying a laser beam L from one side in the facing direction. The laser welding apparatus 1 is provided with a multi-indirect robot arm 2 that can be bent and rotated, and a condensing device 10 is provided at the tip of the robot arm 2. A fiber cable 3 for transmitting the laser beam L excited and amplified by a laser oscillator (not shown) to the condensing device 10 is connected to the condensing device 10.

  The condensing device 10 is a lens box, and the outer box part 11 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and the longitudinal direction base end part (upper end part) faces the inner box part 11 so that the fiber cable 3 The tip is inserted. In addition, a pair of lens holders (not shown) are arranged in the outer box part at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction. For example, one lens holder is configured as a fixed holder, and the collimation lens 12 is held in the fixed side lens holder. The collimation lens 12 is an optical system that receives the laser beam La transmitted from the laser oscillator via the fiber cable 3 and emits a parallel beam Lb. The other lens holder is configured as a movable holder, and the focus lens 13 is held by the movable lens holder. The focus lens 13 is an optical system that enters the parallel beam Lb emitted from the collimation lens 12 and focuses it as a focused beam Lc on the optical axis on the emission side, and performs welding joint with the focused beam Lc. In FIG. 1B, W is a welded portion.

In the present embodiment, it is preferable to use a solid-state laser that can obtain a larger output than other lasers. For example, a YAG laser (Y ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ ) that can be transmitted via the fiber cable 3 is used. However, it is not limited to this.

  Examples of the plate material to be welded include steel plates such as automobile body panels. The vehicle body panel is composed of two or more steel plates that are press-formed products, and is galvanized to ensure rust prevention. Therefore, in order to escape the zinc gas evaporated by the welding heat, it is effective to provide a predetermined gap between the opposing plate materials. The amount of gap between the plate materials is preferably about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. If the gap S exceeds 0.5 mm, the welded portion is difficult to join. On the other hand, if the gap S is less than 0.1 mm, it is difficult for the zinc gas to escape, and the zinc gas blows out through the weld bead. Therefore, it is preferable to manage the gap amount in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

  1st Embodiment is an aspect which weld-joins the two board | plate materials 21 and 22 which oppose, The insertion hole parts 31 and 32 are formed in each board | plate material 21 and 22 used as joining object. And the laser welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment is provided with the clearance control jig | tool 40 which controls the clearance gap between the board | plate materials 21 and 22 which oppose. The gap regulating jig 40 includes a gap regulating part 41 that is inserted into the insertion hole parts 31 and 32. In other words, the gap restricting jig 40 is arranged so that the plate members 21 and 22 face each other so that the insertion holes 31 and 32 of the plate members 21 and 22 communicate with each other. By inserting the gap regulating portion 41 from the insertion hole portion 31 and abutting a part of the gap regulating portion 41 against the facing surface 22a of the other plate material (upper plate) 22, the gap between the opposed plate materials 21 and 22 is regulated. ing.

  In the first embodiment, the gap regulating jig 40 is formed by modifying the locate pin. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, a rectangular parallelepiped clamp 51 is separately provided as a gripping mechanism for sandwiching two opposing plate members 21 and 22 from above and below. The present invention is not limited to this, and a gripping mechanism may be provided in itself. In this case, the clamp 51 may be modified to constitute the gap regulating jig 40.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an external shape of the gap regulating jig 40 by enlarging a part of FIG. As shown in the figure, a gap regulating portion 41 is formed on the insertion side of the gap regulating jig 40, and the gap regulating portion 41 has a stepped portion having a plurality of stepped portions 60 whose diameter is gradually reduced in the insertion direction. It is formed as a regulation part. In the gap regulating jig 40 according to the first embodiment, a first step portion (base portion) 61, a second step portion 62, and a third step portion 63 are formed as the stepped restriction portion 41, and the first step portion 61. The height h of the second step portion 62 with respect to the flat portion is set to 0.1 to 0.5 mm + t (t = thickness of the lower plate), for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the step regulation of the gap regulating jig 40 is performed so as to penetrate the insertion holes 31 and 32 of the plate members 21 and 22 with the plate members 21 and 22 facing each other. The part 41 is inserted. Therefore, the insertion hole 31 of the lower plate 21 is formed slightly larger than the diameter D of the second step portion 62, and the insertion hole 32 of the upper plate 22 is formed slightly larger than the diameter d of the third step portion 63. Has been. That is, when the stepped restricting portion 41 of the gap restricting jig 40 is inserted into the insertion hole portions 31 and 32 of the plate members 21 and 22, the third stepped portion 63 is inserted into the insertion hole portion 32 of the upper plate 22, The second step portion 62 is inserted into the insertion hole portion 31 of the lower plate 21. At the same time, the flat surface portion of the second step portion 62 comes into contact with the opposing surface (lower surface) of the upper plate 22, and the flat surface portion of the first step portion 61 contacts the non-facing surface (lower surface) of the lower plate 21. Will be contacted.

  In such an inserted state, the gap regulating jig 40 is pressed against the lower plate 21, and the lower plate 21 and the upper plate 22 are clamped by the clamp 51, so that the position of the plate materials 21, 22 in the plate thickness direction is regulated, A desired gap S is secured between the lower plate 21 and the upper plate 22 by a value (0.1 to 0.5 mm) obtained by subtracting the thickness t of the lower plate from the height h of the second step portion 62. Is done. Further, the position in the surface direction of the lower plate 21 is restricted by the insertion of the second step portion 62, and the position in the surface direction of the upper plate 22 is restricted by the insertion of the third step portion 63. And the laser welding apparatus 1 of this embodiment weld-joins the vicinity of the site | part which controlled the clearance gap S by the said clearance control jig | tool 40. FIG.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, with the plate members 21 and 22 arranged to face each other so that the insertion hole portions 31 and 32 communicate with each other, the gap regulating jig 40 is inserted from the insertion hole portion 31 of one of the opposed plate members 21. The gap S between the opposing plate members 21 and 22 is restricted by inserting the gap restricting portion 41 of the second plate and abutting a part (second step portion 62) of the gap restricting portion 41 against the opposite surface of the other plate member 22. ing. Therefore, an appropriate gap S necessary for laser welding of a galvanized steel sheet or the like can be easily ensured, and welding defects can be prevented. Further, when a vehicle body panel is assumed as the plate members 21 and 22, the gap S between the panels can be set at a constant interval by the gap regulating jig 40 regardless of the accuracy of the single panel. Further, unlike the prior art, there is no need to create an embossing mold having a concavo-convex shape by pressing.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a laser welding apparatus 71 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 3, the condensing device is omitted. As shown in the figure, the laser welding apparatus 71 of the second embodiment basically has the same configuration as the laser welding apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, but in the laser welding apparatus 71 of the second embodiment, In particular, the gap regulating jig 40 is provided with a plate material adsorbing means 72. The plate material adsorbing means 72 may be built in the gap regulating jig 40 or may be provided as a separate means on the gap regulating jig side, but the plate material 21 on the gap regulating jig side is provided in the jig 40. It is preferable to adsorb around As the board | plate material adsorption | suction means 72, air suction means, such as a vacuuming apparatus, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, etc. are mentioned, for example. Moreover, the board | plate material adsorption | suction means 72 may be provided instead of the clamp which clamps the board | plate materials 21 and 22, or may be used together with a clamp.

  The laser welding apparatus 71 according to the present embodiment basically has the same effects as the laser welding apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, an air suction unit or the like is provided from the gap regulating jig side. By adsorbing the lower plate 22 with the plate material adsorbing means 72, the lower plate 21 can be brought into close contact with the flat surface portion of the first step portion (base portion) 61, and a desired gap S on the lower plate can be secured.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a laser welding apparatus 81 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 4, the condensing device is omitted. As illustrated, the laser welding apparatus 81 of the third embodiment is different from the laser welding apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in the shape of the gap regulating jig 40. In the gap regulating jig 40 according to the third embodiment, a stepped regulating portion 41 having a two-stepped portion 60 having a diameter reduced stepwise in the insertion direction is formed on the insertion side. That is, in the gap regulating jig 40 according to the third embodiment, the first step portion (base portion) 61 and the second step portion 62 are formed as the stepped restriction portion 41, and the flat portion of the first step portion 61 is formed. The reference height h of the second step portion 62 is set to 0.1 to 0.5 mm + t (t = thickness of the lower plate), for example. Since the third step portion 63 is not formed in the gap regulating jig 40, the flat portion of the second step portion 62 contacts the upper plate 22 without penetrating the upper plate 22. Therefore, the insertion hole 32 is not formed in the upper plate 22.

  Further, a clamp 83 on one side is provided so as to face directly above the gap regulating jig 40, and this clamp 83 is equipped so as to be movable up and down so as to sandwich the plate materials 21 and 22 together with the gap regulating jig 40. ing.

  The laser welding apparatus 81 of the present embodiment has basically the same effects as the laser welding apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, but in the third embodiment, the gap regulating jig 40 penetrates the upper plate 22. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a portion where the insertion hole 32 cannot be formed, such as a panel constituting an external appearance.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a laser welding apparatus 91 according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 5, the condensing device is omitted. As shown in the figure, in the fourth embodiment, a burring process 92 is performed around the insertion hole 31 of the plate member (lower plate) 21 located on the insertion side of the gap regulating jig 40. Due to the burring process 92, the portion around the insertion hole 31 formed in the lower plate 21 is raised toward the counter plate (upper plate) 22.

  The laser welding apparatus 91 according to the fourth embodiment is provided with a gap regulating jig 40 having the same shape as that of the first embodiment. That is, on the insertion side of the gap regulating jig 40, a stepped restricting portion 41 having a three-step stepped portion 60 having a diameter reduced stepwise in the insertion direction is formed. A step portion (base portion) 61, a second step portion 62, and a third step portion 63 are provided. The height h of the second step portion 62 is set to, for example, 0.1 to 0.5 mm + t (t = plate thickness of the lower plate) with reference to the flat portion of the first step portion 61.

  Furthermore, a clamp 93 on one side is provided so as to face directly above the gap regulating jig 40. The clamp 93 is a headed cylindrical member that presses the upper plate 22 so as to surround the periphery of the third step portion 63 of the gap regulating jig 40, and the plate members 21, 22 are attached together with the gap regulating jig 40. It is equipped so that it can be moved up and down so as to hold it.

  The laser welding apparatus 91 of the present embodiment has basically the same effects as the laser welding apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, but in the fourth embodiment, the upper plate 22 is attached using the clamp 93 or the like. By pressing to the lower plate side, the part subjected to burring 92 is plastically deformed to press the lower plate 21 against the flat portion of the first step portion (base) 61 of the gap regulating jig 40, and the position of the lower plate 21 And a desired gap S can be secured between the plate members 21 and 22.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a laser welding apparatus 101 according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 6, the condensing device is omitted. As shown in the figure, the fifth embodiment is an aspect in which three plate members 21, 23, and 22 are welded and joined, and the shape of the gap regulating jig 40 is different from that of the laser welding apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Yes. That is, on the insertion side of the gap regulating jig 40, a stepped regulating part having a four-stepped part 60 having a diameter reduced stepwise in the insertion direction is formed as the gap regulating part 41. The stepped restricting portion 41 includes a first step portion (base portion) 61, a second step portion 62, a third step portion 63, and a fourth step portion 64. The height h1 of the second step portion 62 is set to 0.1 to 0.5 mm + t (t = thickness of the lower plate), for example, with reference to the flat portion of the first step portion 61. The height h2 of the third step portion 63 is set to, for example, 0.1 to 0.5 mm + t (t = thickness of the lower plate) with reference to the flat portion of the second step portion 62.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the three plate members 21, 23, 22 are arranged to face each other, the gap regulating treatment is performed so as to penetrate the insertion hole portions 31, 33, 32 of each plate member 21, 23, 22. The stepped restricting portion 41 of the tool 40 is inserted. Therefore, the insertion hole 31 of the lower plate 21 is formed slightly larger than the diameter of the second step portion 62, and the insertion hole 33 of the intermediate plate 23 is formed slightly larger than the diameter of the third step portion 63. Further, the insertion hole 32 of the upper plate 22 is formed to be slightly larger than the diameter of the fourth step portion 64. That is, when the stepped restricting portion 41 of the gap restricting jig 40 is inserted into the insertion hole portions 31, 33, 32 of each plate member 21, 23, 22, the fourth step portion 64 is inserted into the insertion hole portion 32 of the upper plate 22, The third step portion 63 is inserted into the insertion hole portion 33 of the intermediate plate 23, and the second step portion 62 is inserted into the insertion hole portion 31 of the lower plate 21. At the same time, the flat surface of the third step portion 63 is formed on the facing surface (lower surface) of the upper plate 22, the flat surface portion of the second step portion 62 is formed on the lower surface of the intermediate plate 23, and the non-facing surface (lower surface) of the lower plate 21. ) Is brought into contact with the flat surface portion of the first step portion 61.

  In the fifth embodiment, the stepped restricting portion 41 of the gap restricting jig 40 is formed in the three stepped portions 60, and the flat portion of the third stepped portion 63 is provided without providing the fourth stepped portion 64. You may comprise so that it may contact | abut on the opposing surface (lower surface) of the board 22. FIG. Further, as in the third and fourth embodiments, a clamp that presses the upper plate 22 may be provided immediately above the gap regulating jig 40. Further, as in the fourth embodiment, burring may be performed around the insertion hole 31 of the lower plate 21 and the insertion hole 33 of the middle plate 23.

  The laser welding apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment has basically the same effects as the laser welding apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. However, in the fifth embodiment, the position in the surface direction of the lower plate 21 is the second. The position in the surface direction of the middle plate 22 is restricted by the insertion of the third step portion 63, and the position in the surface direction of the upper plate 22 is restricted by the insertion of the fourth step portion 64. become. Further, by inserting the gap regulating jig 40 and pressing it against the lower plate 21, or by pressing the upper plate 22 with a clamp or the like as necessary, the positions of the plate materials 21, 23, 22 in the plate thickness direction. Therefore, a desired gap S can be secured between the lower plate 21 and the middle plate 23 and between the middle plate 23 and the upper plate 22.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a laser welding apparatus 111 according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 7, the condensing device is omitted. As shown in the figure, in the sixth embodiment, the gap regulating jig 40 is formed by an upper clamp, and is provided above the plate members 21 and 22 so as to be lifted and lowered. Therefore, the gap regulating portion 41 of the gap regulating jig 40 is provided downward, and the insertion hole 32 is formed only in the upper plate 22. A burring process 92 is performed around the insertion hole 32 of the plate member (upper plate) 22 located on the insertion side of the descending gap regulating jig 40. By this burring process 92, a portion around the insertion hole portion 32 formed in the upper plate 22 protrudes toward the opposing plate (lower plate) 21.

  On the insertion side (lower part) of the gap regulating jig 40, a stepped regulating part having a two-stepped part 60 whose diameter is gradually reduced in the insertion direction is formed as the gap regulating part 41. The step restricting portion 41 includes a first step portion (base portion) 61 and a pin-like second step portion 62. The height h of the second step portion 62 is set to, for example, 0.1 to 0.5 mm + t (t = plate thickness of the lower plate) with reference to the flat portion of the first step portion 61. Note that the insertion hole 32 of the upper plate 22 is formed to be slightly larger than the diameter of the second step portion 62 in a state where the burring process 92 is performed.

  Further, the gap regulating jig 40 is provided with a heating means 102 for heating the burring portion projecting downward. The heating means 102 is formed by, for example, a heating coil, and is built in the insertion side portion of the main body of the gap regulating jig 40 in this embodiment.

  Further, a lower clamp 103 is provided so as to face directly under the gap regulating jig 40, and this clamp 103 is equipped to be movable up and down so as to sandwich the plate materials 21 and 22 together with the gap regulating jig 40. ing.

  Next, the effect | action of the clearance control in 6th Embodiment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the gap regulating jig 40 in a state where insertion into the insertion hole 32 is started. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the gap regulating jig 40 in the middle of insertion into the insertion hole 32. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the gap regulating jig 40 in a state where the insertion into the insertion hole 32 is completed. 8 to 10, the condensing device is omitted.

  First, the insertion hole 32 is formed in the vicinity of the welded portion W of the upper plate 22, and a burring process 92 is performed around the insertion hole 32. In the initial state shown in FIG. 7, a gap restriction jig 40 that is an upper clamp is set above the upper plate 22 in which the insertion hole portion 32 is formed, and is directly opposite to the gap restriction jig 40. The lower clamp 103 is set so as to support the lower plate 21.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the insertion of the pin-shaped second step portion 62 of the gap regulating jig 40 into the insertion hole portion 32 of the upper plate 22 is started. As shown in FIG. 9, the flat portion of the first step portion (base portion) of the gap regulating jig 40 comes into contact with the upper surface of the upper plate 21, and the base portion of the biling portion is pushed, so that the burring portion is As shown by the broken line in FIG. 8, plastic deformation starts. If the gap regulating jig 40 is lowered as it is, plastic deformation of the burring portion proceeds, and finally, as shown in FIG. 10, the plastically deformed burring portion hits the opposing surface (upper surface) of the lower plate 21. Thus, the gap S is secured. That is, the control of the gap amount is controlled by the height h of the second step portion 62 of the gap regulating jig 40.

  When the material strength of the upper plate 22 is high and plastic deformation as shown in FIG. 9 is unlikely to occur, since the heating means 102 is built in the gap regulating jig 40, the insertion hole 32 of the upper plate 22 By instantaneously heating the burring portion formed around, the material constituting the upper plate 22 can be softened to promote plastic deformation. Therefore, the burring portion can be easily abutted against the opposing surface (upper surface) of the lower plate 21 by heating by the heating means 102, and a desired gap S can be secured.

  In this way, the burring portion formed around the insertion hole 32 of the upper plate 22 is easily plastically deformed simply by inserting the gap regulating jig 40, and the burring portion hits the upper surface of the lower plate 21. Thus, the gap S is controlled, so that it is not necessary to align the upper and lower uneven shapes as in the conventional embossing.

  11A is a perspective view in the case where the insertion hole 32 having a burring process 92 is periodically arranged on the upper plate 22, and FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view thereof. As shown in the figure, the insertion holes 32 provided with the burring 92 on the upper plate 21 are periodically or scattered so that the burring portion functions as a rib, and the laser is performed in the vicinity thereof. Combined with the welded portion W, the rigidity is further improved. If the same effect is aimed at by the conventional embossing, it will become spot welding in the front-end | tip of an embossing part. On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, since the burring portion contacts the lower plate 21 in an annular shape, the contact area is larger than that of spot welding, and further improvement in rigidity can be expected.

  In the sixth embodiment, the insertion hole 32 having the burring 92 is formed in the upper plate 22 and the gap regulating jig 40 as an upper clamp is inserted into the insertion hole 32 and lowered. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as in the fourth embodiment, an insertion hole portion in which the lower plate 21 is subjected to burring 92 is formed, and a gap regulating jig 40 as a lower clamp is inserted into the insertion hole portion. And may be configured to be raised.

[Seventh Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a laser welding apparatus 121 according to the seventh embodiment. 13A is a plan view of the gap regulating jig 40, and FIG. 13B is a front view of the gap regulating jig 40. FIG. As shown in the drawing, in the seventh embodiment, the insertion side of the clearance regulating jig 40 is provided with a stepped portion having three stepped portions 60 whose diameter is reduced stepwise in the insertion direction as the clearance regulating portion 41. A regulation part is formed. The stepped restricting portion 41 includes a circular first step portion (base portion) 61, a non-circular second step portion 62, and a non-circular third step portion 63. The height h1 of the second step portion 62 is set to, for example, 0.1 to 0.5 mm + t (t = plate thickness of the lower plate) with reference to the plane portion of the first step portion 61 (see FIG. 14). ). Further, the height h2 of the third step portion 63 is set to, for example, 0.1 to 0.5 mm + t (t = thickness of the lower plate) with reference to the flat portion of the second step portion 62. That is, the second step portion 62 and the third step portion 63 that are insertion step portions of the stepped restricting portion 41 have a non-circular shape such as an elliptical shape or an oval shape. In addition, a reverse taper portion 122 is formed on the peripheral portions of the non-circular step portions 62 and 63 so as to gradually increase in diameter toward the edge portion.

  The seventh embodiment is an aspect in which three plate members 21, 23, and 22 are welded. The lower plate 21 is formed with an insertion hole portion 31 having a shape corresponding to the step portion 62 into which the non-circular second step portion 62 is inserted. The insertion hole portion 31 has a reverse taper of the second step portion 62. It is formed slightly larger than the portion 122. The intermediate plate 23 is formed with an insertion hole 33 having a shape corresponding to the step 63 into which the non-circular third step 63 is inserted. It is formed slightly larger than the reverse taper portion 122. That is, when the stepped restricting portion 41 of the gap restricting jig 40 is inserted into the insertion hole portions 31 and 33 of the lower plate 21 and the intermediate plate 23, the third step portion 63 is inserted into the insertion hole portion 33 of the intermediate plate 23. At the same time, the second step portion 62 is inserted into the insertion hole 31 of the lower plate 21. At the same time, the flat surface of the third step portion 63 is formed on the facing surface (lower surface) of the upper plate 22, the flat surface portion of the second step portion 62 is formed on the lower surface of the intermediate plate 23, and the non-facing surface (lower surface) of the lower plate 21. ) Is brought into contact with the flat surface portion of the first step portion 61.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing dimension symbols for the diameter of the insertion step portion of the stepped restricting portion 41 and the diameters of the insertion hole portions 31 and 33 of the plate members 21 and 23. Based on FIG. 14, the relationship between the diameter of the insertion step portion (second step portion and third step portion) of the stepped restricting portion 41 and the diameter of the insertion hole portions 31 and 33 of the plate members 21 and 23 is as follows. Set.

  That is, the relationship between the diameter of the insertion step portion of the stepped restricting portion 41 and the diameters of the insertion hole portions 31 and 33 of the plate members 21 and 23 is d0 <D1, D1 <d1 <D2, and D2 <d2.

  In addition, the relationship between the height of the insertion step portion of the stepped restricting portion 41 and the plate thickness of the plate members 21 and 23 is t1 + 0.3 <h1 <t1 + 0.5 and t2 + 0.3 <h2 <t2 + 0.5.

  Further, an upper clamp 123 is provided so as to face directly above the gap regulating jig 40, and this clamp 123 can be moved up and down so as to sandwich the plate materials 21, 23, 22 together with the gap regulating jig 40. Has been.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a welding jig when the laser welding apparatus 121 of the seventh embodiment is applied to welding of a vehicle body panel. The vehicle body panel of the illustrated example is a mode of joining two pieces of the lower plate 21 and the upper plate 22, and a plurality of panel setting jigs 125, 126 provided by raising the pressed vehicle body panel on the base 124. 127. These panel setting jigs 125, 126, and 127 are designed according to the shape of the vehicle body panel. In the portion where the lower plate 21 and the upper plate 22 of the vehicle body panel face each other, a gap regulating jig 40 is arranged at the lower part so as to be able to move up and down, and an upper clamp 123 is arranged so as to be rotatable so as to press directly above the jig. Yes. The laser beam L is focused and welded in the vicinity of the plate materials 21 and 22 sandwiched between the gap regulating jig 40 and the upper clamp 123.

  Next, the effect | action in the laser welding apparatus of 6th Embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. 16, (A) is a schematic diagram showing a state before insertion of the gap regulating jig 40, (A) is a schematic diagram showing a state after insertion of the gap regulating jig 40, and (C) is a gap regulating jig. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which rotated 40. FIG.

  First, the plate members 21, 23, and 22 are arranged so as to face each other on the panel setting jigs 125, 126, and 127 shown in FIG. At that time, the plate members 21, 23, and 22 are connected so that the non-circular insertion hole 31 formed in the lower plate 21 and the non-circular insertion hole 33 formed in the intermediate plate 23 communicate with each other. Place them facing each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 16A, an upper clamp 123 that centers the gap regulating jig 40 below the insertion holes 31 and 33 and presses the upper plate 22 so as to face directly above it. Place.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 16B, the stepped restricting portion 41 of the gap restricting jig 40 is inserted into the insertion hole portions 31, 33 of the plate members 21, 23, 22 overlapped with a gap. When the second step portion 62 and the third step portion 63, which are insertion step portions, are inserted into the insertion hole portions 31 and 33, the third step portion 63 is inserted into the insertion hole portion 33 of the intermediate plate 23 and the lower plate 21. The second step portion 62 is inserted into the insertion hole portion 31. At the same time, the flat surface of the third step portion 63 is formed on the facing surface (lower surface) of the upper plate 22, the flat surface portion of the second step portion 62 is formed on the lower surface of the intermediate plate 23, and the non-facing surface (lower surface) of the lower plate 21. ) Is brought into contact with the flat surface portion of the first step portion 61. In this state, the upper clamp 123 presses the upper surface of the upper plate 22.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16C, for example, the gap regulating jig 40 is rotated clockwise, and the reverse tapered portion 122 at the upper edge of the second step portion 62 and the third step portion 63 is moved. A desired gap S is secured between the lower plate 21 and the middle plate 23 and between the middle plate 23 and the upper plate 22 by biting between the plate materials 21, 23, and 22.

  As described above, according to the laser welding apparatus 121 of the seventh embodiment, the plate material 21, simply by inserting the second step portion 62 and the third step portion 63 of the gap regulating jig 40 into the insertion hole portions 31 and 33, When the gap S between 23 and 22 cannot be ensured reliably, the reverse taper portion 122 is formed between the lower plate 21 and the intermediate plate 23 by rotating the non-circular second step portion 62 and the third step portion 63. And between the middle plate 23 and the upper plate 22, and the plate members 21, 23, 22 are pushed down to the flat portions of the step portions 61, 62, 63 of each step, so that the desired gap S is ensured. Can be generated. Thus, even if the plate members 21, 23, and 22 are bonded to each other, an appropriate gap S is reliably ensured between the lower plate 21 and the middle plate 23 and between the middle plate 23 and the upper plate 22. Therefore, the generation of porosity can be suppressed, and the occurrence of unwelding due to an increase in the gap between the plate materials can be prevented.

  Further, if the number of steps of the step portion is increased, it is possible to cope with not only two or three plates but also four or more plate assemblies.

  The laser welding apparatus and laser welding method according to the present invention are suitable for welding and joining car body panels of automobiles that employ galvanized steel plates, but are widely applied not only to the field of automobiles but also to joining of plate materials subjected to surface treatment such as plating. can do.

It is an external view which shows the laser welding apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which expands a part of FIG. 1 (A) and shows the external appearance shape of a clearance control jig | tool. It is a schematic diagram which shows the laser welding apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the laser welding apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the laser welding apparatus of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the laser welding apparatus of 5th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the laser welding apparatus of 6th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the clearance gap control jig of the state which started insertion in the insertion hole part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the clearance gap control jig of the state in the middle of insertion in an insertion hole part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the clearance gap control jig of the state which completed insertion in the insertion hole part. (A) is a perspective view at the time of periodically arranging the insertion hole part which gave the burring process to the upper board, (B) is the sectional drawing. It is a schematic diagram which shows the laser welding apparatus of 7th Embodiment. (A) is a plan view of the gap regulating jig, and (B) is a front view of the gap regulating jig. It is a schematic diagram which shows the dimension symbol in the diameter of the insertion step part of a step restriction part, and the diameter of the insertion hole part of a board | plate material. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a welding jig in the case of applying the laser welding apparatus of 7th Embodiment to welding of a vehicle body panel. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a state before insertion of the gap regulating jig, (A) is a schematic diagram showing a state after inserting the gap regulating jig, and (C) is a state in which the gap regulating jig is rotated. It is a schematic diagram which shows.

Explanation of symbols

1 Laser welding apparatus of 1st Embodiment,
2 Robot arm,
3 Fiber cable,
10 Concentrator,
11 Outer box part,
12 Collimation lens,
13 Focus lens,
L (La, Lb, Lc) laser beam,
W weld,
S gap,
21 Plate material (lower plate),
22 Plate material (upper plate),
23 Plate material (middle plate),
31, 32, 33 insertion hole,
40 Gap regulating jig,
41 Gap regulating part (stepped regulating part),
51 clamps,
60 steps,
61 First step (base)
62 second step,
63 Third stage,
64 Fourth step,
h (h1, h2) height of the step,
t (t1, t2) plate thickness,
D the diameter of the second step,
d the diameter of the third step,
71 The laser welding apparatus of the second embodiment,
72 Plate material adsorption means,
81. A laser welding apparatus according to the third embodiment,
83 clamps,
91. A laser welding apparatus according to the fourth embodiment,
92 burring section,
101. Laser welding apparatus of the fifth embodiment,
102 heating means,
103 Lower clamp,
111 Laser welding apparatus of 6th Embodiment,
121 A laser welding apparatus of a seventh embodiment,
122 reverse taper,
123 clamp,
124 base,
125, 126, 127 Panel setting jig.

Claims (13)

In a laser welding apparatus that welds and joins at least two plates facing each other with a laser beam irradiated from one side in the facing direction, with a gap between them,
With the plate members facing each other so that the insertion hole portions formed in the respective plate materials to be joined communicate with each other, the gap restricting portion is inserted from the insertion hole portion of one of the opposite plate materials, and the gap is placed on the opposite surface of the other plate material. A laser welding apparatus comprising a gap regulating jig for regulating a gap between opposing plate members by abutting a part thereof.   The laser welding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gap regulating jig is formed of a locating pin.   The laser welding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gap regulating jig is provided with a gripping mechanism.   The laser welding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gap regulating jig is provided with a plate material adsorbing means.   5. The gap regulating portion on the insertion side of the gap regulating jig is a stepped regulating portion having a plurality of stepped portions whose diameters are reduced stepwise. The laser welding apparatus as described.   The insertion step portion of the stepped restricting portion has a non-circular shape, and a reverse taper portion that gradually increases in diameter toward the edge portion is formed at the peripheral portion of the non-circular step portion. The laser welding apparatus according to claim 5.   7. The laser according to claim 1, wherein a burring process is performed around the insertion hole portion of the plate member positioned on the insertion side of the gap regulating jig. Welding equipment.   The laser welding apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the gap regulating jig includes a heating unit that heats the burring portion. In a laser welding method in which at least two plate members are opposed to each other with a gap and a laser beam is irradiated from one side in the facing direction to perform welding joining,
An insertion hole portion penetrating at least two plate materials to be joined is formed, the plate material is opposed so that the insertion hole portion communicates, and the gap restriction portion of the gap restriction jig is inserted from the insertion hole portion of one of the opposed plate materials. A laser welding method, characterized by restricting a gap between opposing plates by inserting and abutting a part thereof against the opposing surface of the other plate member.   10. The laser welding method according to claim 9, wherein a gap regulating jig having a stepped regulating portion having a plurality of stepped portions whose diameters are reduced stepwise is used as the gap regulating portion. Forming the insertion step portion of the stepped regulating portion into a non-circular shape, and forming a reverse taper portion at the peripheral edge of the non-circular step portion;
The laser welding method according to claim 10, wherein a gap between the plate materials is set by rotating the non-circular stepped portion and inserting a reverse tapered portion between the plate materials.   The burring process is performed around the insertion hole portion of the plate material positioned on the insertion side of the gap regulating jig, and the opposing plate material is pressed against the burring processing portion. 2. The laser welding method according to item 1.   The laser welding method according to claim 12, wherein the burring portion is heated by a heating means.

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