JP6252262B2 - Laser welding method and laser welding apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a laser welding method and a laser welding apparatus.

  When assembling a car body or a structure of an automobile, a metal member is usually formed by pressing a steel plate into a desired shape, and then a laser beam is irradiated to a portion where a plurality of metal members are overlapped and welded. (See Patent Document 1). Some metal members for automobiles are formed from a plated steel plate in which a base material is coated with a coating material having a melting point lower than that of the base material. As the plated steel sheet, for example, there is a galvanized steel sheet in which a base material is coated with a coating material mainly composed of zinc having excellent corrosion resistance.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, an auxiliary heating step of irradiating a laser beam having an irradiation depth shallower than that of the main welding step is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the laser beam irradiation range in the main welding step. Thereby, the amount of metal melting in the welded portion is increased to suppress the occurrence of poor welding due to laser welding.

JP 2011-173146 A

  When welding a metal member formed from a galvanized steel plate such as a galvanized steel plate, when there is almost no gap between the metal members, it is difficult for the coating material vapor such as zinc gas generated by the irradiation of laser light to escape. For this reason, blow holes are generated, making it difficult to obtain a good weld.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a laser welding method and a laser welding apparatus capable of obtaining a good weld by suppressing the occurrence of blowholes. To do.

  The laser welding method of the present invention that achieves the above object is a laser welding method in which a plurality of metal members are welded to each other by irradiating a laser beam onto a portion where a plurality of metal members are overlapped. At least one of the metal members is formed of a plated steel plate in which the base material is coated with a coating material having a melting point lower than that of the base material, and includes a pretreatment process and a main welding process. In the pretreatment step, a plurality of the metal members are held in a state where they are opened and combined, and one side surface of the one metal member is irradiated with laser light to generate spatter from the other side surface on the opposite side. The generated spatter is held in the space between one metal member and another metal member. In the main welding process, the one metal member that has generated the spatter is overlapped with the other metal member by interposing the sputter, and laser light is applied to a portion where the plurality of metal members are overlapped. Irradiation and main welding of the plurality of metal members.

  The laser welding apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above-described object is a laser welding apparatus that welds a plurality of metal members by irradiating a laser beam onto a portion where a plurality of metal members are overlapped, and the plurality of metal members At least one of the metal members is formed of a plated steel plate in which the base material is coated with a coating material having a melting point lower than that of the base material. The laser welding apparatus has a jig part that is movable between a first position that holds a plurality of the metal members in a combined state with an open space, and a second position that overlaps the plurality of metal members. And a laser irradiation unit that irradiates laser light, and a control unit that controls operations of the jig unit and the laser irradiation unit. The control unit first controls the jig unit to move to the first position and hold the plurality of metal members in a combined state with a space opened. The control unit irradiates one side surface of the one metal member with laser light to generate spatter from the other side surface on the opposite side, and generates the sputter between the one metal member and the other metal member. It controls so that it may hold | maintain in the said space between. Then, the control unit moves the jig unit from the first position to the second position, puts the plurality of metal members on top of each other with the sputtering interposed therebetween, and transmits the laser beam from the laser irradiation unit. Is controlled to perform main welding.

  According to the laser welding method of the present invention, in the main welding step, a gap can be ensured between the stacked metal members by the sputtering. Through this gap, the coating material vapor generated by the laser beam irradiation during the main welding is released. As a result, generation of blowholes can be suppressed and a good weld can be obtained. Further, in the pretreatment step, since a space is opened between the plurality of metal members, spatter can be generated reliably. Accordingly, in the main welding process, from the transition from the state in the pretreatment process in which a plurality of metal members have already been combined to the overlapped state, after the spatter is generated, the plurality of metal members are overlapped. Work can be done quickly. As a result, a series of time required for the laser welding operation can be shortened.

  According to the laser welding apparatus of the present invention, a gap can be secured between sputtered metal members by sputtering. Through this gap, the coating material vapor generated by the laser beam irradiation during the main welding is released. As a result, generation of blowholes can be suppressed and a good weld can be obtained. Since the jig portion has a space between the metal members at the first position, it is possible to reliably generate sputtering. By moving the jig portion from the first position to the second position, it is possible to quickly perform the work until the first and second metal members are superposed after the generation of the spatter. As a result, a series of time required for the laser welding operation can be shortened.

1A, 1B, and 1C are schematic configuration diagrams showing a laser welding apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 1A and 1B show a state of a pretreatment process, and FIG. ) Shows a partially enlarged view including the spatter of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C shows the state of the main welding process. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the procedure of the laser welding method. FIGS. 2A1 and 2A2 are perspective views showing the state of the pretreatment process and a cross section taken along the line A2-A2 in FIG. FIGS. 2 (B1) and 2 (B2) are a plan view showing a state of the main welding process and a cross-sectional view taken along line B2-B2 of FIG. 2 (B1). 2 (C1) and 2 (C2) are a plan view showing another state of the main welding process and a cross-sectional view taken along line C2-C2 of FIG. 2 (C1). FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are perspective views showing examples of the shape of the scanning trajectory of laser light in the pretreatment process. 4 (A) and 4 (B) are views showing the state of the pretreatment process in the inclined laser welding apparatus. 5 (A), 5 (B), and 5 (C) are schematic configuration diagrams showing modified examples of a plurality of metal members to be welded by the laser welding apparatus, and FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B) show states at the time of the pretreatment process. 5B shows a partially enlarged view including the spatter of FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5C shows a state during the main welding process. 6 (A) and 6 (B) are views showing a state during welding of a modified example of a plurality of metal members in an inclined laser welding apparatus. FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are diagrams showing modified examples of the jig portion having a mechanical mechanism. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing another modification of the jig unit having a mechanical mechanism. FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing still another modification of the jig portion having a mechanical mechanism. FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a jig portion using electromagnetic force. FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a modification example of the jig portion using electromagnetic force. 12 (A) and 12 (B) are diagrams showing a jig portion using a pneumatic force. FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a modification example of the jig portion using the pneumatic force.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and are different from the actual ratios.

  1A, 1B, and 1C are schematic configuration diagrams showing a laser welding apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 1A and 1B show a state of a pretreatment process. B) shows a partially enlarged view including the spatter of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C shows the state of the main welding process.

  Referring to FIG. 1, laser welding apparatus 10 manufactures welded member 100 by irradiating a plurality of metal members to each other by irradiating laser beam 51 onto a portion where the plurality of metal members are overlapped. At least one metal member among the plurality of metal members is formed of a plated steel plate in which the base material is coated with a coating material having a melting point lower than that of the base material. As the plated steel sheet, a galvanized steel sheet whose base material is coated with a coating material mainly composed of zinc, which is excellent in corrosion resistance, is frequently used in metal members for automobiles.

  In brief, the laser welding apparatus 10 has a first position for holding the first and second metal members 21 and 22 (corresponding to a plurality of metal members) in a state where the space 30 is opened and combined (FIG. 1 ( A)) and a jig portion 40 movable to a second position (FIG. 1B) where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are overlapped with each other, and a laser beam 51 are irradiated. The laser irradiation part 50 and the control part 60 which controls the action | operation of the jig | tool part 40 and the laser irradiation part 50 are provided. The controller 60 controls the jig 40 to move to the first position and hold the first and second metal members 21 and 22 in a state where the space 30 is opened and combined. Next, the control unit 60 irradiates the front surface 21a (corresponding to one side surface) of the first metal member 21 (corresponding to one metal member) with the laser beam 51 from the laser irradiation unit 50, and the back surface 21b (opposite) The sputter 23 is generated from the other side surface (corresponding to the other side surface), and the generated sputter 23 is controlled to be held in the space 30 between the first metal member 21 and the second metal member 22 (FIG. 1 (A) (B)). Next, the control unit 60 moves the jig unit 40 from the first position to the second position, and controls the first and second metal members 21 and 22 to overlap each other with the sputter 23 interposed therebetween. To do. Next, the control unit 60 controls to perform main welding by irradiating the laser beam 51 from the laser irradiation unit 50 (FIG. 1C). Details will be described below.

  FIG. 1 shows a portion where two first and second metal members 21 and 22 arranged on the upper and lower sides are welded. The second metal member 22 on the lower side is placed on a welding die (not shown).

  The jig portion 40 includes a claw member 41 that can be freely inserted between the first and second metal members 21 and 22, and the claw member 41 between the first and second metal members 21 and 22. And a drive member 42 that moves forward and backward. The claw member 41 has an end surface on the insertion side formed in a tapered shape. The drive member 42 is composed of an air cylinder or the like. As shown in FIG. 1 (A), the claw member 41 is moved forward by the drive member 42 and inserted between the first and second metal members 21 and 22. The jig part 40 moves to a first position that holds the first and second metal members 21 and 22 in a state where the space 30 is opened and combined. As shown in FIG. 1C, the claw member 41 is moved backward by the driving member 42 and pulled out from between the first and second metal members 21 and 22. The jig 40 moves to the second position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are superposed.

  A laser irradiation unit 50 is disposed above the first metal member 21. The laser irradiation part 50 is comprised from a well-known laser irradiation apparatus. The laser irradiation unit 50 irradiates the surface 21 a of the first metal member 21 with laser light 51. The laser irradiation unit 50 includes a swingable mirror and can scan the laser beam 51 along an arbitrary locus such as a linear shape, a curved shape, a circular shape, or an arc shape. It is possible to irradiate the laser beam 51 in a dot shape without scanning. The laser irradiation unit 50 can freely adjust the amount of heat input to the object to be welded, such as laser output, scanning speed, and enlargement / reduction of the spot diameter.

  In the laser welding apparatus 10, a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of clamp members 70 are arranged apart from each other in the surface direction of the first and second metal members 21 and 22. The clamp member 70 clamps the first and second metal members 21 and 22 during the main welding. The clamp member 70 can employ an appropriate configuration. The clamp member 70 in the illustrated example has an upper presser portion 71 disposed above the first metal member 21 and a lower presser portion 72 disposed below the second metal member 22. The two upper presser portions 71 are attached to the upper clamp arm 73, and the two lower presser portions 72 are attached to the lower clamp arm 74. The upper pressing portion 71 and the upper clamp arm 73 are disposed outside the scanning range of the laser beam 51. The upper clamp arm 73 and the lower clamp arm 74 are driven by a fluid pressure cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder (not shown). The upper clamp arm 73 is moved toward the first metal member 21 and the lower clamp arm 74 is moved toward the second metal member 22 by the fluid pressure cylinder. The upper presser 71 and the lower presser 72 clamp the first and second metal members 21 and 22 by clamping them.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the procedure of the laser welding method. FIGS. 2A1 and 2A2 are perspective views showing the state of the pretreatment process and a cross section taken along the line A2-A2 in FIG. FIGS. 2 (B1) and 2 (B2) are a plan view showing a state of the main welding process and a cross-sectional view taken along line B2-B2 of FIG. 2 (B1). 2 (C1) and 2 (C2) are a plan view showing another state of the main welding process and a cross-sectional view taken along line C2-C2 of FIG. 2 (C1).

  First, as shown in FIGS. 2A1 and 2A2, the front surface 21a of the first metal member 21 is melted by irradiating the laser beam 51 to form the melted portion 21c, and the sputter 23 is generated from the back surface 21b. . Next, the generated sputter 23 is held in the space 30 between the first metal member 21 and the second metal member 22 (pretreatment step). The dimension d of the generated sputter 23 can be appropriately selected within a range that matches the purpose of suppressing the generation of blowholes, and is, for example, 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2 (B1) (B2) or FIG. 2 (C1) (C2), the second metal member 22 is formed by interposing the first metal member 21 that has generated the spatter 23 with the sputter 23 interposed. And put it on top of each other. And the laser beam 51 is irradiated to the site | part which piled up the 1st and 2nd metal members 21 and 22, and the 1st and 2nd metal members 21 and 22 are main-welded (main welding process).

  In the main welding step, a gap 31 can be secured by sandwiching the sputter 23 between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 that are overlapped with each other. Through this gap 31, zinc gas, which is a coating material vapor generated by the irradiation of the laser beam 51 during the main welding, is released. As a result, generation of blowholes can be suppressed and a good weld can be obtained.

  Such laser welding technology is suitable for welding and joining metal members for automobiles in which galvanized steel sheets are frequently used.

  In the pretreatment step, the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are held in a state where the space 30 is opened and combined to generate the sputter 23 (FIGS. 1A and 2A1). A2)). In the main welding process, it is preferable to perform the main welding by shifting the first and second metal members 21 and 22 from the state in the pretreatment process to the overlapped state (FIGS. 1B and 2B). B1) (B2) or FIG. 2 (C1) (C2)). In the pretreatment process, the space 30 between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 is moved at the time of the main welding and the dimension in which the sputter 23 generated from the first metal member 21 is not joined to the second metal member 22. It can be determined as appropriate in consideration of the dimensions to be determined. Examples of the dimensions of the space 30 include 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In addition, the production | generation of the sputter | spatter 23 can be adjusted by adjusting the dimension of the space 30. FIG.

  In the pretreatment process, since the space 30 is opened between the first and second metal members 21 and 22, the spatter 23 can be generated reliably. In the main welding process, the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are shifted from the pre-process in which the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are already combined to the superposed state. The work until the metal members 21 and 22 are superposed can be quickly performed. As a result, a series of time required for the laser welding operation can be shortened.

  In the pretreatment process, the position where the spatter 23 is held is preferably closer to the position where the laser beam 51 is irradiated in the main welding process than the position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are clamped together. .

  By setting the position for holding the spatter 23 to the above position, the gap size between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 during the main welding can be restricted to the size of the sputter 23. It is.

  In the pretreatment step, it is preferable that the sputter 23 is attracted by an electromagnetic force (electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic member 80) to be held in the space 30.

  The electromagnetic member 80 is, for example, an electromagnet, and generates a magnetic force when a current is passed. The electromagnetic member 80 is detachably provided on the back surface 22b of the second metal member 22, for example, as shown in FIG. In the pretreatment process, when a current is passed through the electromagnetic member 80 to generate a magnetic force, the sputter 23 generated from the first metal member 21 by the irradiation of the laser beam 51 causes the surface 22a of the second metal member 22 to be generated by the electromagnetic force. Retained. For this reason, the sputter 23 can be held in the space 30 without jumping out of the space 30 between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 at the time of generation. Therefore, a gap can be secured between the stacked metal members by reliably sandwiching the spatter, and as a result, a good weld can be obtained. The electromagnetic member 80 is withdrawn from the back surface 22b of the second metal member 22 by stopping energization during the main welding process.

  In the pretreatment step, the first metal member 21 of the first and second metal members 21 and 22 facing each other is separated from the second metal member 22 by a mechanical mechanism, and the first and second metal members 22 are separated from each other. It is preferable that the metal members 21 and 22 face each other by opening the space 30.

  This is because the space 30 can be surely opened between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 to generate the spatter 23.

  In the main welding process, it is preferable to shift the first and second metal members 21 and 22 from the state in the pretreatment process to a state in which the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are overlapped with the sputtering 23 interposed therebetween and to clamp each hit point.

  This is because the gap between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 during the main welding can be secured or corrected for each hitting point by clamping at each hitting point of the main welding.

  In the main welding step, the position where the laser beam 51 is irradiated is preferably a position surrounding the irradiation position of the laser beam 51 that has generated the sputter 23 (FIGS. 2B1 and 2B2).

  The distance between the position where the laser beam 51 is irradiated and the sputter 23 is substantially equal during the main welding, and the size of the gap 31 is uniform regardless of the position where the laser beam 51 is irradiated. As a result, a better weld can be obtained.

  However, the present invention does not limit the locus of the laser beam 51 in the main welding process. As shown in FIG. 2 (C1) and (C2), even if it is linear, it can be applied without hindrance.

  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are perspective views showing examples of the shape of the scanning trajectory of laser light in the pretreatment process.

  In the pretreatment process, in order to generate the sputter 23, the laser beam 51 is scanned with respect to the first metal member 21 by irradiating the laser beam 51 along a locus including a linear shape or a curved shape, or a point-shaped locus. Thus, the sputter 23 is generated. Specifically, an appropriate shape such as a linear shape (FIG. 3A), an arc shape including a curved shape (FIG. 3B), a circular shape including a curved shape, or a point shape (FIG. 3C) is used. You can choose.

  As a result, it is possible to generate the spatter 23 having a shape suitable for the space for the main welding.

  4 (A) and 4 (B) are views showing a state of the pretreatment process in the inclined laser welding apparatus 10.

  In the pretreatment step, the first metal member 21 inclined from the horizontal plane can be irradiated with the laser beam 51.

  As shown in FIG. 4, even when the sputter 23 is generated by irradiating the first metal member 21 with the laser beam 51 in a state where the laser welding apparatus 10 is tilted, the generated sputter 23 is generated by electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic member 80. It can be held on the surface 22a of the second metal member 22 by force. For this reason, even if the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are inclined from the horizontal plane, the generated spatter 23 does not slide down from the first and second metal members 21 and 22. Therefore, even when the laser welding apparatus 10 is used at an angle, a stable gap can be secured during the main welding.

  The following effects are achieved by the laser welding method according to the embodiment described above.

  The laser welding method of the present embodiment has a pretreatment step and a main welding step, and in the pretreatment step, the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are combined with the space 30 opened. The sputter 23 is generated from the back surface 21b by irradiating the front surface 21a of the first metal member 21 with the laser beam 51, and the generated spatter 23 is generated by the first metal member 21 and the second metal member 22 In the space 30 between the two. Next, in the main welding process, the first metal member 21 that generated the sputter 34 is overlapped with the second metal member 22 with the sputter 23 interposed therebetween, and the first and second metal members 21 are overlapped. , 22 is irradiated with a laser beam 51, and the first and second metal members 21, 22 are subjected to main welding.

  According to this method, in the main welding step, the gap 31 can be secured by the sputtering 23 being sandwiched between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 that are overlapped with each other. Through this gap 31, the zinc gas generated by the irradiation of the laser beam 51 during the main welding is released. As a result, generation of blowholes can be suppressed and a good weld can be obtained. In the pretreatment process, since the space 30 is opened between the first and second metal members 21 and 22, the sputter 23 can be reliably generated. Therefore, in the main welding step, the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are already combined with each other, and the state is shifted from the pretreatment step to the overlapped state. And the second metal members 21 and 22 can be quickly performed until they are overlapped with each other. As a result, a series of time required for the laser welding operation can be shortened.

  Further, in the present laser welding method, in the main welding process, the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are shifted from the state in the pretreatment process to the overlapped state with the spatter 23 interposed, and clamped at each hit point. It is preferable to do.

  According to this method, the gap between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 at the time of main welding can be secured or corrected for each hitting point by clamping at each hitting point of the main welding.

  Further, in this laser welding method, in the pretreatment process, the position where the spatter 23 is held is a position where the laser beam 51 is irradiated in the main welding process rather than the position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are clamped together. It is preferable that the side is close to.

  According to such a method, by setting the position for holding the spatter 23 to the above position, the size of the gap between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 during the main welding is set to the size of the sputter 23. Can be regulated.

  Further, in the present laser welding method, in the main welding step, the position where the laser beam 51 is irradiated is preferably a position surrounding the irradiation position of the laser beam 51 where the sputter 23 is generated.

  According to such a method, the distance between the position where the laser beam 51 is irradiated during the main welding and the sputter 23 is substantially equal, and the size of the gap 31 is uniform regardless of the position where the laser beam 51 is irradiated. . As a result, a better weld can be obtained.

  Further, in the laser welding method, it is preferable that the sputter 23 is attracted by the electromagnetic force (electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic member 80) in the pretreatment step to be held in the space 30.

  According to this method, the sputter 23 can be held in the space 30 without jumping out of the space 30 between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 at the time of generation by the electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic member 80. . Therefore, a gap can be secured between the stacked metal members by reliably sandwiching the spatter, and as a result, a good weld can be obtained.

  Furthermore, this laser welding method can irradiate the 1st metal member 21 inclined from the horizontal surface with the laser beam 51 in a pre-processing process.

  According to this method, even when the sputter 23 is generated by irradiating the first metal member 21 with the laser beam 51 in a state where the laser welding apparatus 10 is tilted, the generated sputter 23 generates an electromagnetic force from the electromagnetic member 80. Thus, the second metal member 22 can be held on the surface 22a. For this reason, even if the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are inclined from the horizontal plane, the generated spatter 23 does not slide down from the first and second metal members 21 and 22. Therefore, even when the laser welding apparatus 10 is used at an angle, a stable gap can be secured during the main welding.

  Further, in the laser welding method, the first metal member 21 of the first and second metal members 21 and 22 facing each other is separated from the second metal member 22 by a mechanical mechanism in the pretreatment process. It is preferable that the first and second metal members 21 and 22 face each other by opening the space 30.

  This is because according to such a method, the space 30 can be reliably opened between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 to generate the sputter 23.

  Furthermore, in this laser welding method, the plated steel plate is a galvanized steel plate. By applying a galvanized steel sheet, it is possible to obtain a good weld with suppressed generation of blow holes.

  The laser welding apparatus 10 according to the above-described embodiment has the following effects.

  The laser welding apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a jig unit 40, a laser irradiation unit 50, and a control unit 60. The control unit 60 moves the jig unit 40 to the first position, and first And the second metal members 21 and 22 are controlled so as to be held in a state where the space 30 is opened and combined. Next, the control unit 60 irradiates the front surface 21a of the first metal member 21 with the laser beam 51 to generate the spatter 23 from the back surface 21b, and the generated spatter 23 is converted into the first metal member 21 and the second metal member. Control is performed so as to be held in the space 30 between them. Next, the control unit 60 moves the jig unit 40 from the first position to the second position, and puts the first and second metal members 21 and 22 on top of each other with the sputter 23 interposed therebetween. Next, the control unit 60 performs main welding by irradiating the laser irradiation unit 50 with the laser beam 51.

  According to such a configuration, a gap 31 can be secured by sandwiching the sputter 23 between the superimposed first and second metal members 21 and 22. Through this gap 31, the zinc gas generated by the irradiation of the laser beam 51 during the main welding is released. As a result, generation of blowholes can be suppressed and a good weld can be obtained. Since the jig portion 40 has a space 30 between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 at the first position, the sputter 23 can be reliably generated. By moving the jig portion 40 from the first position to the second position, after the sputter 23 is generated, the operation until the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are overlapped can be quickly performed. As a result, a series of time required for the laser welding operation can be shortened.

  The welding member 100 according to the embodiment described above provides the following operational effects.

  The welding member 100 of the present embodiment has a shape in which the first metal member 21 that has generated the spatter 23 by irradiating the laser beam 51 is overlapped with the second metal member 22 with the sputter 23 interposed. And the site | part which piled up the 1st and 2nd metal members 21 and 22 is weld-joined.

  According to such a welding member, a gap 31 can be secured by the sputter 23 being sandwiched between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 that are overlapped with each other. Through this gap 31, the zinc gas generated by the irradiation of the laser beam 51 during welding joining is released. As a result, the occurrence of blow holes is suppressed, and the weld member 100 having a good weld is obtained.

(Modification example)
Next, modified examples of the laser welding apparatus 10 and the first and second metal members 21 and 22 (a plurality of metal members) according to the embodiment will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the member same as embodiment mentioned above, and the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted.

  5A, 5B, and 5C are schematic configuration diagrams showing modified examples of the first and second metal members 21 and 22 (a plurality of metal members) to be welded by the laser welding apparatus 10. FIG. (A) and (B) show the state at the time of a pre-processing process, FIG.5 (B) shows the elements on larger scale containing the sputter | spatter 23 of FIG.5 (A), FIG.5 (C) shows the time of this welding process. Indicates the state.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the laser welding apparatus 10 according to the modified example is formed in the space 30 by retaining the spatter 23 in the recessed portion 22 d formed on the surface facing the space 30 of the second metal member 22 in the pretreatment process. Hold.

  In the present embodiment, the generated sputter 23 is described as being held in the space 30 by the magnetic force from the electromagnetic member 80 that is detachably attached to the back surface 22b of the second metal member 22, but this is not restrictive. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the sputter 23 may be held in a recessed portion 22 d formed on the surface 22 a of the second metal member 22. In the case of such a configuration, the sputter 23 can be held in the space 30 without jumping out of the space 30 between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 at the time of generation. Therefore, a gap can be secured between the overlapped first and second metal members 21 and 22 by reliably sandwiching the sputter 23, and as a result, a good weld can be obtained (FIG. 5). (C)).

  6 (A) and 6 (B) are views showing a state during welding of a modified example of the first and second metal members 21 and 22 (a plurality of metal members) in the inclined laser welding apparatus 10.

  As shown in FIG. 6, even when the sputter 23 is generated by irradiating the first metal member 21 with the laser beam 51 in a state where the laser welding apparatus 10 is tilted, the generated sputter 23 is generated by the second metal member 22. Can be held in a recess 22d formed on the surface 22a. For this reason, even if the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are inclined from the horizontal plane, the generated spatter 23 does not slide down from the second metal member 22. Therefore, even when the laser welding apparatus 10 is used at an angle, a stable gap can be secured during the main welding.

  FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are diagrams showing modified examples of the jig portion 40 having a mechanical mechanism.

  As long as the jig portion 40 is movable between a first position where the plurality of metal members are held in a state where the space 30 is opened and combined, and a second position where the plurality of metal members are overlapped with each other. It can be modified appropriately.

  7 includes a claw member 111 that can be inserted between the first and second metal members 21 and 22, and a claw member 111 between the first and second metal members 21 and 22. And a drive mechanism 112 that moves forward and backward. The drive mechanism 112 is connected to a cylinder 114 that is operated by fluid pressure that clamps or unclamps the clamp member 113, and a link mechanism that is connected to the operation rod 115 of the cylinder 114 and moves the claw member 111 back and forth in conjunction with the movement of the operation rod 115. 116. The link mechanism 116 includes an operation bar 117 that moves together with the operation rod 115, a cam portion 118 that is provided on the operation bar 117 and contacts the base end of the claw member 111, and a direction in which the base end of the claw member 111 is pressed against the cam portion 118. And a spring 119 that biases the elastic force to the claw member 111.

  When the lower second metal member 22 is set, the clamp member 113 is unclamped, the claw member 111 is moved backward, and is pulled out from between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 (see FIG. 7 (A)). In the pretreatment step, the operation rod 115 of the cylinder 114 is extended halfway, and the cam portion 118 of the operation bar 117 moved together with the operation rod 115 is brought into contact with the proximal end of the claw member 111. The claw member 111 is moved forward against the elastic force of the spring 119 and inserted between the first and second metal members 21 and 22. Thereby, the jig part 40 moves to the 1st position which hold | maintains the state which opened and combined the space 30 with the 1st and 2nd metal members 21 and 22 (FIG.7 (B)). In the main welding process, the operating rod 115 of the cylinder 114 is extended, and the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are clamped by the clamp member 113. The cam portion 118 of the operating bar 117 moved together with the operating rod 115 exceeds the proximal end of the claw member 111. The claw member 111 is moved backward by the elastic force of the spring 119 and pulled out from between the first and second metal members 21 and 22. The jig portion 40 moves to the second position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are superposed (FIG. 7C).

  FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing another modification of the jig unit 40 having a mechanical mechanism.

  The jig portion 40 shown in FIG. 8 is provided between a pin 122 that can be inserted into a through-hole 121 formed in the lower second metal member 22 and the pin 122 and the base 123, and pushes the pin 122 upward. And a spring 124 for biasing the elastic force to the pin 122. The pin 122 is installed to push up the upper first metal member 21. The spring force of the spring 124 is set to be weaker than the force with which the clamp member 125 presses the first metal member 21.

  In the pretreatment process, the pin 122 urged by the elastic force of the spring 124 is inserted through the through hole 121 of the second metal member 22 and pushes up the first metal member 21. Thereby, the jig part 40 moves to the 1st position which hold | maintains the state which opened and combined the space 30 with the 1st and 2nd metal members 21 and 22 (FIG. 8 (A)). In the main welding process, the first metal member 21 is pressed by the clamp member 125, and the pin 122 is pressed down against the elastic force of the spring 124. As a result, the jig portion 40 moves to the second position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are overlapped (FIG. 8B).

  FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing still another modified example of the jig portion 40 having a mechanical mechanism.

  The jig portion 40 shown in FIG. 9 is provided between a locate pin 132 that can be inserted into a positioning locate hole 131 formed in each of the first and second metal members 21 and 22, and between the locate pin 132 and the base 133. And a spring 134 that urges the locating pin 132 to urge the locating pin 132 upward, and a protrusion 135 that is provided on the locating pin 132 and that can contact only the upper first metal member 21. The spring force of the spring 134 is set to be weaker than the force with which the clamp member 136 presses the first metal member 21.

  In the pretreatment process, the locating pin 132 urged by the elastic force of the spring 134 is inserted into the locating hole 131 of the first and second metal members 21 and 22, and the protrusion 135 pushes up the first metal member 21. . Accordingly, the jig portion 40 moves to the first position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are held in a state where the space 30 is opened and combined (FIG. 9A). In the main welding process, the first metal member 21 is pressed by the clamp member 136, and the locate pin 132 is pressed down against the elastic force of the spring 134. As a result, the jig 40 moves to the second position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are superposed (FIG. 9B).

  10 (A) and 10 (B) are views showing the jig portion 40 using electromagnetic force.

  The jig 40 can move the state of the jig 40 by an electromagnetic force in addition to a mechanical mechanism.

  The jig part 40 shown in FIG. 10 is comprised from the clamp member 141 which gave magnetic force. The magnetic force is set to be weaker than the joining force obtained by the main welding of the first and second metal members 21 and 22.

  In the pretreatment process, the clamp member 141 fixes the first metal member 21 at a position above the second metal member 22 while adsorbing the first metal member 21 by magnetic force. Thereby, the jig part 40 moves to the 1st position which hold | maintains the state which opened and combined the space 30 with the 1st and 2nd metal members 21 and 22 (FIG. 10 (A)). In the main welding process, the clamp member 141 is pushed down. As a result, the jig portion 40 moves to the second position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are superposed (FIG. 10B). After the main welding, if the clamp member 141 is lifted, it is detached from the first metal member 21.

  Also by the electromagnetic force described above, the jig portion 40 holds the first and second metal members 21 and 22 in a combined state by opening the space 30 in the pretreatment process, and in the main welding process. Can be in a state where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are overlapped.

  FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a modification of the jig unit 40 using electromagnetic force.

  The jig portion 40 shown in FIG. 11 is configured by giving the first and second metal members 21 and 22 charges of the same polarity. The reaction force due to the electric charge is set to be weaker than the force with which the clamp member 151 presses the first metal member 21.

  In the pretreatment step, a reaction force due to electric charges acts between the first metal member 21 and the second metal member 22. As a result, the jig 40 moves to the first position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are held in a state where the space 30 is opened and combined (FIG. 11A). In the main welding process, the clamp member 151 is pushed out. As a result, the jig portion 40 moves to the second position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are overlapped (FIG. 11B).

  12 (A) and 12 (B) are views showing the jig portion 40 using a pneumatic force.

  The jig part 40 can move the state of the jig part 40 by a pneumatic force in addition to a mechanical mechanism and an electromagnetic force.

  The jig part 40 shown in FIG. 12 has a clamp member 161 and a suction pad 162 that sucks the first metal member 21. The suction pad 162 is switched between supply of negative pressure and release to the atmosphere.

  In the pretreatment step, the suction pad 162 fixes the first metal member 21 at a position above the second metal member 22 while adsorbing the first metal member 21 by negative pressure. As a result, the jig 40 moves to the first position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are held in a state where the space 30 is opened and combined (FIG. 12A). In the main welding process, the clamp member 161 is pushed out. As a result, the jig portion 40 moves to the second position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are overlapped (FIG. 12B). After the main welding, if the suction pad 162 is lifted, it is detached from the first metal member 21.

  Even in the above-described pneumatic force, the jig portion 40 holds the first and second metal members 21 and 22 in a combined state with the space 30 opened in the pretreatment step, and the main welding step. In, the first and second metal members 21 and 22 can be superposed.

  FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a modification example of the jig portion 40 using a pneumatic force.

  The jig part 40 shown in FIG. 13 has a clamp member 171 and an air supply part 172 that supplies compressed air between the first and second metal members 21 and 22. The air supply unit 172 can be switched between compressed air supply and supply stop.

  In the pretreatment step, compressed air is supplied between the first and second metal members 21 and 22 from the air supply unit 172 to separate the first and second metal members 21 and 22. Thereby, the jig part 40 moves to the 1st position which hold | maintains the state which opened and combined the space 30 with the 1st and 2nd metal members 21 and 22 (FIG. 13 (A)). In the main welding process, the supply of compressed air from the air supply unit 172 is stopped, and the clamp member 171 is pushed out. As a result, the jig portion 40 moves to the second position where the first and second metal members 21 and 22 are superposed (FIG. 13B).

  Although the case where the plurality of metal members are formed from the plated steel plate has been described, as long as the coating material is coated on any surface of the steel plate to be welded, the coating material vapor can be generated. Therefore, the present invention can be applied when welding a plated steel plate on which both surfaces or one surface of a base material of at least one metal member among a plurality of metal members is coated.

10 Laser welding equipment,
21 1st metal member (one metal member),
21a surface (one side),
21b Back side (other side),
21c melting part,
22 2nd metal member (other metal members),
22a surface,
22b reverse side,
22d indentation,
23 Sputter,
30 spaces,
31 gap,
40 Jig part,
41 claw member,
42 drive members,
50 Laser irradiation part,
51 Laser light,
60 control unit,
70 Clamp member,
71 Upper presser part,
72 Lower presser part,
80 electromagnetic members,
100 Welding member.

Claims (10)

A laser welding method for welding a plurality of the metal members by irradiating a portion where a plurality of metal members are overlapped with each other, wherein at least one of the metal members is more than a base material. Formed from a plated steel sheet coated with the base material by a low melting point coating material,
A plurality of the metal members are held in a state where a space is opened, and one side surface of the one metal member is irradiated with laser light to generate spatter from the other side surface on the opposite side. A pretreatment step of holding spatter in the space between one metal member and another metal member;
One metal member that has generated the sputter is overlapped with the other metal member with the sputtering interposed therebetween, and a plurality of the metal members are overlapped with each other to irradiate a plurality of laser beams. A main welding step of performing main welding between the metal members;
A laser welding method.   2. The laser welding method according to claim 1, wherein, in the main welding step, the plurality of metal members are shifted from the state in the pretreatment step to the overlapped state with the sputtering interposed therebetween and clamped at each hit point.   3. The position of holding the sputter in the pretreatment step is closer to a position where the laser beam is irradiated in the main welding step than a position of clamping the plurality of metal members. Laser welding method.   4. The laser welding method according to claim 1, wherein, in the main welding step, the position where the laser beam is irradiated is a position surrounding the irradiation position of the laser beam that generated the spatter. 5.   The laser welding method according to claim 1, wherein in the pretreatment step, the spatter is attracted by an electromagnetic force to be held in the space.   The laser welding according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the pretreatment step, the spatter is held in a hollow portion formed on a surface facing the space of the other metal member to be held in the space. Method.   The laser welding method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, in the pretreatment step, the one metal member inclined from the horizontal plane is irradiated with laser light.   In the pretreatment step, one metal member of the plurality of metal members facing each other is separated from the other metal member by a mechanical mechanism, electromagnetic force, or pneumatic force, The laser welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the metal members are faced to each other by opening the space.   The laser welding method according to claim 1, wherein the plated steel sheet is a galvanized steel sheet. A laser welding apparatus that welds a plurality of metal members by irradiating a portion where a plurality of metal members are overlapped with each other, wherein at least one of the metal members is more than a base material. Formed from a plated steel sheet coated with the base material by a low melting point coating material,
A jig part movable between a first position for holding a plurality of the metal members in a combined state with a space open, and a second position for overlapping the plurality of metal members;
A laser irradiation unit for irradiating laser light;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the jig unit and the laser irradiation unit,
The control unit moves the jig unit to the first position, holds a plurality of the metal members in a combined state with a space, and irradiates one side surface of the one metal member with laser light. Then, spatter is generated from the other side surface on the opposite side, the generated sputter is held in the space between the one metal member and the other metal member, and the jig portion is moved to the first position. A laser welding apparatus that controls to move to the second position from above, place the plurality of metal members in an overlapped state with the sputtering, and perform main welding by irradiating the laser beam from the laser irradiation unit .