JP2021146351A - Laser welding device and laser beam position deviation detection method in laser welding device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a laser welding device capable of reducing time and efforts required for laser beam position deviation detection work, and a laser beam position deviation detection method in the laser welding device.SOLUTION: A laser welding device 1 includes a laser irradiation unit 4 for irradiating a part between end parts 2c and 2d of two metal plates 2 adjacent to each other with a laser beam L1, and forming a weld zone 15 welding the part between the end parts 2c and 2d in an X direction (welding advancing direction) parallel to the end parts 2c and 2d of the metal plates 2; and a detection device 10 having a laser sensor 11 (sensor) provided movably in the X direction integrally with the laser irradiation unit 4, and positioned in a -X direction of the laser irradiation unit 4 (on the rear side in the welding advancing direction), which can detect the deviation between an irradiation position 18 of the laser beam L1 and a center position C between the end parts 2c and 2d on the basis of shape data F1 of the weld zone 15 (spot weld zone 16) acquired by the laser sensor 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a laser welding apparatus and a method for detecting a displacement of laser light in a laser welding apparatus.

When manufacturing metal plates continuously, welding is performed between the ends of two metal plates adjacent to each other, and if the plate thickness is thin, the ends of the metal plates should have a wrap allowance. However, when the plate thickness is thick, butt welding is often performed without waiting for the wrap allowance at the end of the metal plate. When butt welding is performed by laser welding, if the position of irradiating the laser beam shifts, the strength of the welded portion may be insufficient or welding may not be possible.

In such a laser welding device, it is necessary to accurately irradiate the laser beam between the ends in order to suppress the occurrence of welding defects. Therefore, the irradiation position of the laser beam and the center position between the ends are periodically arranged. It is necessary to inspect the deviation and correct the irradiation position of the laser beam according to the inspection result.

For example, in Patent Document 1, when both ends of two metal strips are butt welded by laser welding, a laser beam is spot-irradiated at at least two points on the butt line of the metal strips, and then between the spot irradiation points. A method for setting a laser beam irradiation position in laser welding, which comprises inspecting the position of the spot irradiation point and the butt line of the metal strip after laser welding and correcting the laser beam irradiation position. Is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 02-99289

Patent Document 1 does not describe a specific inspection method for the misalignment of the laser beam, but usually, an operator collects a sample by cutting out between the ends including the welded portion and visually or with a microscope. Was inspected using. However, in the case of visual inspection, the accuracy is insufficient, and the method using a microscope may increase the labor and time required for the detection work.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is a laser welding apparatus and laser welding capable of reducing the labor and time required for the work while ensuring the accuracy of the position shift detection work of the laser beam. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting a position shift of a laser beam in an apparatus.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the laser welding apparatus according to the present invention irradiates a laser beam between the ends of two metal plates adjacent to each other and welds the ends. A laser irradiation unit capable of forming in the welding progress direction parallel to the end of the metal plate, and a laser irradiation unit that can be moved in the welding progress direction integrally with the laser irradiation unit and in the welding progress direction of the laser irradiation unit. A detection device having a sensor located on the rear side and capable of detecting a deviation between the irradiation position of the laser beam and the center position between the ends based on the shape data of the welded portion acquired by the sensor. , Equipped with.

Further, the laser irradiation unit forms one spot welded portion as the welded portion or a plurality of spot welded portions spaced apart from each other in the welding progress direction, and the sensor acquires shape data of the spot welded portion, and the sensor obtains the shape data of the spot welded portion. The detection device includes the first distance between the first intersection of the outer edge portion of the spot welded portion and the line segment orthogonal to the welding traveling direction and the center position in the shape data, and the outer edge portion and the line segment. It has a processing device that calculates the amount of deviation between the irradiation position and the center position from the ratio of the second intersection with the second intersection and the second distance between the center positions.

Further, the sensor is provided integrally with the sensor so as to be movable in the welding progress direction, and is provided with a swaying processed portion located on the rear side of the sensor in the welding progress direction. It is attached to the aging part.

Further, in the method for detecting the displacement of the laser beam in the laser welding apparatus according to the present invention, the welding portion in which the laser irradiation portion irradiates the laser beam between the ends of two metal plates adjacent to each other and welds between the ends. Is provided so as to be movable in the welding progress direction integrally with the laser irradiation portion and the first step of forming the metal plate in the welding progress direction parallel to the end portion of the metal plate, and behind the laser irradiation portion in the welding progress direction. The second step in which the sensor of the detection device located on the side acquires the shape data of the welded portion while moving integrally with the laser irradiation portion, and the irradiation position of the laser beam based on the shape data of the welded portion. And a third step of detecting the deviation from the center position between the ends.

Further, in the first step, the laser irradiation portion forms one spot welded portion as the welded portion or a plurality of spot welded portions spaced apart from each other in the welding progress direction, and in the second step, the sensor serves as the spot. The shape data of the welded portion is acquired, and in the third step, the processing device of the detection device sets the outer edge portion of the spot welded portion in the shape data and the first intersection of the line segment orthogonal to the welding progress direction. The deviation between the irradiation position and the center position from the ratio of the first distance between the center position and the second distance between the second intersection of the outer edge portion and the line segment and the center position. Calculate the amount.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a laser welding apparatus and a method for detecting the displacement of a laser beam in a laser welding apparatus, which can reduce the labor and time required for the operation of detecting the displacement of the laser beam.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic view of the laser welding apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of a metal plate welded by the laser welding apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for detecting a position shift of a laser beam of the laser welding apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a method for detecting a position shift of a laser beam of the laser welding apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a method for detecting a position shift of a laser beam of the laser welding apparatus of the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state after the state of FIG. FIG. 6 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a method for detecting a position shift of a laser beam of the laser welding apparatus of the embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state after the state of FIG. FIG. 7 is an exemplary plan view between the ends for explaining the laser beam irradiation position of the laser welding apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the laser beam irradiation position of the laser welding apparatus of the embodiment and the center position between the ends in a normal state. FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view in an abnormal state showing the relationship between the laser beam irradiation position of the laser welding apparatus of the embodiment and the center position between the ends. FIG. 10 is an exemplary schematic view of a modified example laser welding apparatus. FIG. 11 is an exemplary plan view in a normal state showing the relationship between the laser beam irradiation position of the laser welding apparatus of the modified example and the center position between the ends. FIG. 12 is an exemplary plan view in an abnormal state showing the relationship between the laser beam irradiation position of the laser welding apparatus of the modified example and the center position between the ends.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments and modifications of the present invention will be disclosed. The configurations of the embodiments and modifications shown below, as well as the actions and effects brought about by the configurations, are examples. The present invention can also be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments and modifications. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain at least one of various effects (including derivative effects) obtained by the configuration.

In addition, the embodiments and modifications disclosed below include similar components. Therefore, in the following, common reference numerals will be given to these similar components, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In this specification, the ordinal number is used only for distinguishing parts, members, parts, positions, directions, etc., and does not indicate the order or priority.

[Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the laser welding apparatus 1 of the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a metal plate 2 welded by the laser welding apparatus 1. The metal plate 2 is, for example, a steel plate, an aluminum plate, a copper plate, or the like. In the following description, for convenience, three directions orthogonal to each other are defined. The X direction is parallel to the traveling direction of the laser welding device 1 (laser irradiation unit 4) and parallel to the width direction (short direction) of the metal plate 2, and the traveling direction of the laser welding device 1 is the positive direction. .. The Y direction is perpendicular to the traveling direction of the laser welding apparatus 1 and perpendicular to the width direction (short direction) of the metal plate 2, and the traveling direction of the metal plate 2 is the positive direction. The Z direction is parallel to the height direction (vertical direction) of the laser welding apparatus 1 and parallel to the thickness direction of the metal plate 2, and the upper direction is the positive direction.

Further, in the following description, for convenience, the X direction is referred to as the front, the opposite direction of the X direction (-X direction) is referred to as the rear, the Y direction is referred to as the right, and the opposite direction of the Y direction is referred to as the left. The Z direction may be referred to as upward, and the opposite direction of the Z direction may be referred to as downward. The X direction is an example of the welding progress direction, and the −X direction is an example of the rear side of the welding progress direction. Further, the Y direction is also referred to as a transport direction or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the laser welding apparatus 1 includes, for example, a gantry 3, a laser irradiation unit 4, a carriage 5, an aging processing unit 6, 7, a detection device 10 described later, and the like. In the laser welding apparatus 1, the laser beam L1 is irradiated between the ends 2c and 2d of two metal plates 2 adjacent to each other in the Y direction, and the welded portion 15 welded by the laser beam L1 is formed in the X direction. As a result, the two metal plates 2 are connected (integrated). The welded portion 15 is also referred to as a weld bead or the like.

The two metal plates 2 are held, for example, in a state where the ends 2c and 2d are abutted against each other by an entrance side clamp and an exit side clamp (not shown) provided on the gantry 3. Between the ends 2c and 2d, the laser beam L1 is irradiated from the upper surface 2a side of the metal plate 2 in the Z direction toward the opposite lower surface 2b side. Of the two metal plates 2, one in the Y direction is also referred to as a leading material, and the other in the opposite direction in the Y direction is also referred to as a trailing material. Further, the end portions 2c and 2d are also referred to as butt portions and the like.

The carriage 5 is slidably supported along the X direction by a rail (not shown) of the gantry 3. In the present embodiment, the welded portion 15 is formed in the X direction by moving the laser irradiation portion 4 in the X direction integrally with the carriage 5 with respect to the metal plate 2 fixed to the gantry 3. The laser welding apparatus 1 is not limited to this example. For example, when the metal plate 2 becomes the movable side and moves in the −X direction with respect to the laser irradiation portion 4, the welded portion 15 moves in the X direction. It may be configured to be formed.

Further, the carriage 5 is formed in a substantially U shape open in the −X direction in the line of sight from the Y direction (see FIG. 1). A shear 8 (see FIG. 4) capable of cutting the metal plate 2 is attached to the inner surface of the carriage 5. The shear 8 is not shown in FIG. 1 for convenience. The carriage 5 is also referred to as a shear carriage or the like.

The laser irradiation unit 4 has, for example, a processing head 4a, a base 4b, and the like. The processing head 4a and the base 4b are fixed to the carriage 5 and are positioned apart from each other in the Z direction of the metal plate 2. The processing head 4a condenses the laser light L1 transmitted from a laser beam transmitter (not shown) via a transmission tube or an optical fiber combined with a mirror or the like to a desired size and energy density, and ends 2c. , It is possible to irradiate the irradiation position 18 between 2d. The laser irradiation unit 4 is also referred to as a laser torch or the like. The irradiation position 18 is also referred to as an irradiation area or the like.

The aging processing unit 6 is located in the X direction of the laser irradiation unit 4, that is, in the front (upstream side). The swaging section 6 has a pair of rolls 6a and the like arranged apart from each other in the Z direction. For example, in the process in which the metal plate 2 passes between the pair of rolls 6a in the X direction, the aging processing portion 6 crushes the ends 2c and 2d of the metal plate 2 in the Z direction to make the thickness uniform, or burrs. Can be leveled.

The aging processing unit 7 is located in the −X direction of the laser irradiation unit 4, that is, rearward (downstream side). The swaging section 7 has a pair of rolls 7a and the like arranged apart from each other in the Z direction. The swaging portion 7 can, for example, crush and level the welded portion 15 formed on the metal plate 2 in the Z direction in the process of the metal plate 2 passing between the pair of rolls 7a in the X direction.

The detection device 10 includes, for example, a laser sensor 11 and a processing device 12. Here, in the present embodiment, the detection device 10 irradiates the metal plate 2 with the line laser L20 (see FIG. 5) from the laser sensor 11, and instantly acquires the cross-sectional shape of the metal plate 2 from the reflected light L21. It is composed of possible so-called profile measuring instruments.

Then, in the present embodiment, the misalignment detection process of the laser beam L1 is executed based on the data of the cross-sectional shape of the metal plate 2 acquired by the laser sensor 11. The laser sensor 11 is an example of a sensor, and is also called a range finder, a displacement sensor, an optical sensor, or the like. The detection device 10 is also referred to as a measuring device, an inspection device, or the like.

The laser sensor 11 is fixed to the carriage 5 and is located between the laser irradiation unit 4 and the aging processing unit 7. Further, the laser sensors 11 are arranged at intervals in the −X direction of the processing head 4a. In the present embodiment, the laser sensor 11 is configured to be movable right above the ends 2c and 2d together with the processing head 4a as the carriage 5 moves in the X direction with respect to the gantry 3 described above.

The processing device 12 is composed of, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, and includes an input device, a communication device, and the like in addition to an output device such as a monitor 13 and a printing device. The processing device 12 controls each component, a laser sensor 11, and the like by using a memory that stores the processing program and the like and a CPU and the like that execute the processing program. The monitor 13 is an example of a display device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting a displacement of the laser beam L1 of the laser welding apparatus 1. 4 to 6 are schematic views illustrating a method of detecting a displacement of the laser beam L1 of the laser welding apparatus 1, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state after the state of FIG. 4, and FIG. Is a diagram showing a state after the state of FIG.

Further, FIG. 7 is a plan view between the end portions 2c and 2d for explaining the irradiation position 18 of the laser light L1 (spot light L11), and FIG. 8 shows the irradiation position 18 and the end portions 2c and 2d of the laser light L1. It is a cross-sectional view in a normal state showing the relationship with the center position C between them, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view in an abnormal state showing the relationship between the irradiation position 18 of the laser beam L1 and the center position C between the ends 2c and 2d. It is a cross-sectional view. The center position C is also referred to as a center line or the like.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 starts at the timing when the operator receives an instruction input for the position shift inspection of the laser beam L1, and the position shift detection process of the laser beam L1 proceeds to the process of step S1.

In the process of step S1, the processing device 12 switches the laser welding device 1 from the normal mode to the inspection mode. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the roll 7a of the aging processing portion 7 is moved to a non-processing position separated from the normal processing position in the Z direction. As a result, the process of step S1 is completed, and the position shift detection process of the laser beam L1 proceeds to the process of step S2.

In the process of step S2, the laser irradiation unit 4 forms a spot welded portion 16 (see FIG. 7) between the end portions 2c and 2d of the metal plate 2. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the laser irradiation unit 4 adjusts the beam diameter of the laser light L1 so that the metal plate 2 is irradiated with the spot light L11. Then, the laser irradiation unit 4 forms the spot welded portion 16 in the process of moving in the X direction together with the carriage 5 with respect to the gantry 3 as in the normal mode.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the process of step S2, for example, a plurality of spot welded portions 16 are formed at intervals in the X direction. Specifically, the spot welded portions 16 are provided at three locations, a central position in the X direction between the end portions 2c and 2d, and both end positions in the X direction. As a result, the process of step S2 is completed, and the position shift detection process of the laser beam L1 proceeds to the process of step S3.

The number of spot welded portions 16 is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, one, two, or four or more. Further, the arrangement of the spot welded portion 16 is not limited to this example, and can be changed in various ways. The spot welded portion 16 is also referred to as a weld ball or the like. Step S2 is an example of the first step. The parts other than the spot welded portion 16 may be subjected to normal welding, but it is preferable to make at least 1 mm before and after the spot welded portion 16 a portion that is not welded in order to make it easier to detect the spot welded portion 16. ..

Next, in the process of step S3, the laser sensor 11 acquires the shape data of the spot welded portion 16. In this case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the laser sensor 11 irradiates the line laser L20 toward each of the spot welds 16 while moving in the X direction integrally with the laser irradiation unit 4. The shape data F1 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) of the YZ cross section of each spot welded portion 16 is acquired from the reflected light L21. As a result, the process of step S3 is completed, and the position shift detection process of the laser beam L1 proceeds to the process of step S4. Step S3 is an example of the second step.

Next, in the process of step S4, the processing device 12 calculates the amount of misalignment of the laser beam L1 based on the shape data F1 of the spot welded portion 16. In this case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the processing device 12, the distance between the intersection E1 of the outer edge portion E of the spot welded portion 16 and the line segment L along the Y direction and the center position C. The amount of deviation of the laser beam L1 is calculated from the ratio of D1 to the distance D2 between the intersection E2 of the outer edge portion E and the line segment L and the center position C.

The distance D1 is an example of the first distance, and the distance D2 is an example of the second distance. Further, the intersection E1 is an example of the first intersection, and the intersection E2 is an example of the second intersection. The distance D1 is also referred to as the distance along the Y direction between the first edge portion (intersection point E1) of the spot welded portion 16 in the Y direction and the center position C, and the distance D2 is the distance D2 in the Y direction of the spot welded portion 16. It is also called the distance along the Y direction between the second edge portion (intersection E2) in the opposite direction and the center position C.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, for convenience, the gap G at the abutting portion of the end portions 2c and 2d of the metal plate 2 is exaggerated and shown. The center position C is also referred to as a butt position of the end portions 2c and 2d (end face), a butt line, and the like. In other words, the distance D1 corresponds to the distance along the Y direction between the end 2c and the intersection E1, and the distance D2 corresponds to the distance along the Y direction between the end 2d and the intersection E2. sell. The surface of the spot welded portion 16 usually has a height difference from the upper surface 2a of the metal plate 2. For example, when welding is performed as it is, the metal plate 2 is formed in a concave curved surface shape recessed from the upper surface 2a to the lower surface 2b side, although it depends on the size of the gap G. In addition, for example, if a filler wire (electrode rod) or the like is used, the amount of metal that melts can be adjusted to form a convex state, which is often used in actual butt welding, but in the case of position adjustment. , It does not have to be used in particular.

Here, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the ratio of the distance D1 and the distance D2 is substantially the same and is within a predetermined reference value (threshold value). In this case, for example, the processing device 12 causes the monitor 13 to display the point where the irradiation position 18 of the laser beam L1 is normal (for example, characters such as OK). On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the ratio of the distance D1 and the distance D2 is different and is out of the range of the reference value (threshold value). In this case, for example, the processing device 12 causes the monitor 13 to display a point where the irradiation position 18 of the laser beam L1 is abnormal (for example, characters such as NG or a calculated misalignment amount). As a result, the process of step S4 is completed, and the position shift detection process of the laser beam L1 proceeds to the process of step S5. Step S4 is an example of the third step.

Next, in the process of step S5, the irradiation position 18 of the laser beam L1 is corrected according to the amount of misalignment calculated by the processing device 12. In this case, for example, in an example in which all of the plurality of spot welds 16 are displaced in the same direction (for example, in the opposite directions in the Y direction of FIGS. 7 and 9), the two metal plates 2 by the above-mentioned entry side clamp and exit side clamp 2 Since it is considered that one of the causes is the deviation of the clamp position of the above, the irradiation position 18 can be corrected by adjusting the clamp position or the like.

Further, for example, in the case where the plurality of spot welded portions 16 are displaced so as to be slanted as a whole, in other words, in the case where the end portions 2c and 2d are inclined with respect to the X direction, the cause is wear of the blade of the shear 8. Therefore, the irradiation position 18 can be corrected by exchanging the blade or the like. As a result, the process of step S5 is completed, and the laser beam L1 misalignment detection process proceeds to the process of step S6.

In the process of step S6, the processing device 12 switches the laser welding device 1 from the inspection mode to the normal mode. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the roll 7a of the aging processing portion 7 is returned from the non-processing position to the normal processing position. As a result, the process of step S6 is completed, and the misalignment detection process of the series of laser beams L1 is completed.

In the present embodiment, the case where the sensor is configured by the two-dimensional type laser sensor 11 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, the sensor may be configured by the three-dimensional type laser sensor 11. .. Further, in the present embodiment, the positional deviation of the laser beam L1 is detected based on the shape data F1 of the spot welded portion 16, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, the welded portion 15 (welded bead). The misalignment of the laser beam L1 may be detected based on the shape data.

Further, in the present embodiment, the misalignment of the laser beam L1 is detected from the misalignment amount calculated by the processing device 12, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, the operator is displayed on the monitor 13. The positional deviation of the laser beam L1 may be visually detected from the shape data F1 of the spot welded portion 16.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the laser welding apparatus 1 irradiates the laser beam L1 between the ends 2c and 2d of the two metal plates 2 adjacent to each other and welds the ends 2c and 2d. A laser irradiation unit 4 capable of forming the portion 15 in the X direction (welding progress direction) parallel to the ends 2c and 2d of the metal plate 2 and a laser irradiation portion 4 that can be moved in the X direction integrally with the laser irradiation portion 4 and the laser. The shape data F1 of the welded portion 15 (spot welded portion 16) acquired by the laser sensor 11 having the laser sensor 11 (sensor) located in the −X direction (rear side in the welding progress direction) of the irradiation portion 4 Based on this, a detection device 10 capable of detecting the deviation between the irradiation position 18 of the laser beam L1 and the center position C between the end portions 2c and 2d is provided.

According to such a configuration, for example, the deviation between the irradiation position 18 and the center position C is detected based on the shape data F1 of the spot welded portion 16 acquired while the laser sensor 11 moves integrally with the laser irradiation portion 4. can do. As a result, for example, an operator may take a sample between the ends 2c and 2d including the spot weld 16 and inspect it using a microscope, or spot weld to cut out the end 2c and 2d. It is not necessary to weld and connect the portions 16 to each other, and it is possible to reduce the labor and time required for the misalignment detection work of the laser beam L1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the laser irradiation unit 4 forms a plurality of spot welded portions 16 as welded portions 15 at intervals in the X direction, and the laser sensor 11 acquires the shape data F1 of the spot welded portion 16. Then, the detection device 10 is located between the intersection point E1 (first intersection point) of the outer edge portion E of the spot welded portion 16 in the shape data F1 and the line segment L along the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction and the center position C. From the ratio of the distance D1 (first distance), the intersection E2 (second intersection) between the outer edge E and the line segment L, and the distance D2 (second distance) between the center position C, the irradiation position 18 and the center It has a processing device 12 for calculating the amount of deviation from the position C.

According to such a configuration, for example, as compared with the case where the operator visually detects the positional deviation of the laser beam L1 from the shape data F1 of the spot welded portion 16 displayed on the monitor 13, the laser beam L1 The misalignment detection accuracy (measurement accuracy) can be improved.

[Modification example]
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the laser welding apparatus 1A of the modified example. The laser welding device A has the same configuration as the laser welding device 1 of the above embodiment. Therefore, the laser welding apparatus 1A can obtain the same operations and effects as those in the above embodiment based on the same configuration.

However, in this modification, as shown in FIG. 10, the laser sensor 11 of the detection device 10A is attached to the laser irradiation unit 4, which is different from the above embodiment. The laser sensor 11 is fixed to, for example, the base 4b of the laser irradiation unit 4, but may be fixed to the processing head 4a.

Here, in order for the laser irradiating unit 4 to accurately irradiate the laser beam L1 between the end portions 2c and 2d in the laser welding apparatus 1A, for example, the mounting position accuracy with respect to the carriage 5 and the metal plate 2 is improved. Therefore, by attaching the laser sensor 11 with reference to such a laser irradiation unit 4, there is an advantage that the positional deviation detection accuracy (measurement accuracy) of the laser beam L1 by the line laser L20 can be easily improved.

In this modification, the case where the laser sensor 11 is attached to the laser irradiation unit 4 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and the laser sensor 11 may be attached to the aging processing unit 7, for example. Even in this case, the same effect as when attached to the laser irradiation unit 4 can be obtained.

Further, in this modification, the case where the sensor is configured by the laser sensor 11 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and the sensor may be configured by, for example, an area sensor camera or the like. In this case, for example, the misalignment detection process of the laser beam L1 is executed based on the shape data F2 (see FIG. 11) based on the plan image of the spot welded portion 16 taken by the area sensor camera.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the relationship between the irradiation position 18 of the laser light L1 (spot light L11) and the center position C between the end portions 2c and 2d, and FIG. 12 is a plan view of the laser light L1 irradiation. FIG. 5 is a plan view in an abnormal state showing the relationship between the position 18 and the center position C between the end portions 2c and 2d. The center position C is also referred to as a center line or the like. In FIGS. 11 and 12, for convenience, the upper surface 2a of the metal plate 2 is hatched.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the distance D1 along the Y direction between the intersection E1 of the outer edge portion E and the line segment L of the spot welded portion 16 and the center position C, and the outer edge portion E and the line segment L The ratio of the distance D2 along the Y direction between the intersection point E2 and the center position C is substantially the same and is within a predetermined reference value (threshold). On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the ratio of the distance D1 and the distance D2 is different and is out of the range of the reference value (threshold value). Even in this case, the processing apparatus 12 can calculate the amount of misalignment of the laser beam L1 from the ratio of the distance D1 and the distance D2. The intersection E1 is an example of the first intersection, and the intersection E2 is an example of the second intersection. The line segment L is not limited to this example, and may be deviated from the center of the spot welded portion 16 in the X direction or the −X direction, for example.

Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been illustrated above, the above-described embodiments and modifications are examples, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited. The above-described embodiment and modification can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, specifications such as each configuration and shape (structure, type, direction, type, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) are changed as appropriate. Can be carried out.

1,1A ... Laser welding device 2 ... Metal plate 2c, 2d ... End 4 ... Laser irradiation part 7 ... Aging processing part 10,10A ... Detection device 11 ... Laser sensor (sensor)
15 ... Welded part 16 ... Spot welded part 18 ... Irradiation position C ... Center position D1 ... Distance (first distance)
D2 ... Distance (second distance)
E ... Outer edge E1 ... Intersection (first intersection)
E2 ... Intersection (second intersection)
F1, F2 ... Shape data L ... Line segment L1 ... Laser beam L11 ... Spot light S2 ... First step S3 ... Second step S4 ... Third step X ... Welding progress direction-X ... Rear side of welding progress direction

Claims (5)

A laser irradiation portion capable of irradiating laser light between the ends of two metal plates adjacent to each other and forming a welded portion welded between the ends in a welding progress direction parallel to the end of the metal plate.
The shape of the welded portion acquired by the sensor, which is provided integrally with the laser irradiation portion so as to be movable in the welding progress direction and has a sensor located on the rear side of the laser irradiation portion in the welding progress direction. A detection device that can detect the deviation between the irradiation position of the laser beam and the center position between the ends based on the data.
A laser welding device equipped with. The laser irradiation unit forms one spot welded portion as the welded portion or a plurality of spot welded portions spaced apart from each other in the welding progress direction.
The sensor acquires the shape data of the spot welded portion and obtains the shape data.
The detection device includes the first distance between the outer edge portion of the spot weld portion and the first intersection of the line segment orthogonal to the welding progress direction and the center position in the shape data, and the outer edge portion and the line. The laser welding according to claim 1, further comprising a processing device for calculating the amount of deviation between the irradiation position and the center position from the ratio of the second intersection with the line segment and the second distance between the center positions. Device. It is provided integrally with the sensor so as to be movable in the welding progress direction, and is provided with a swaging portion located on the rear side of the sensor in the welding progress direction.
The laser welding apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor is attached to the laser irradiation portion or the aging processing portion. The first step in which the laser irradiation portion irradiates laser light between the ends of two metal plates adjacent to each other to form a welded portion welded between the ends in a welding progress direction parallel to the end of the metal plate. When,
While the sensor of the detection device, which is provided integrally with the laser irradiation unit so as to be movable in the welding progress direction and is located on the rear side of the laser irradiation unit in the welding progress direction, moves integrally with the laser irradiation unit. The second step of acquiring the shape data of the welded portion and
The third step of detecting the deviation between the irradiation position of the laser beam and the center position between the ends based on the shape data of the welded portion, and
A method for detecting a misalignment of a laser beam in a laser welding apparatus including. In the first step, the laser irradiation part forms one as the welding part or a plurality of spot welding parts at intervals in the welding progress direction.
In the second step, the sensor acquires the shape data of the spot welded portion.
In the third step, the processing device of the detection device is the first between the first intersection of the outer edge portion of the spot welded portion and the line segment orthogonal to the welding traveling direction in the shape data and the center position. According to claim 4, the amount of deviation between the irradiation position and the center position is calculated from the ratio of the distance and the second distance between the second intersection of the outer edge portion and the line segment and the center position. A method for detecting a misalignment of a laser beam in the laser welding apparatus described.

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