KR102603078B1 - Apparatus For Assisting Laser-Assisted Materials Processing - Google Patents

Abstract

A laser processing auxiliary device mounted on a head 10 having a light emitting portion 15 and used is introduced. The auxiliary device (1) has a disk-shaped vortex chamber (30) with a hollow hole (H). The vortex chamber 30 emits the gas introduced through the inlet ports 3 and 4 as a funnel-shaped vortex wind through the slit nozzle 39. The vortex wind travels downward while rotating around the laser beam. The swirling wind quickly dissipates fumes and spatters that cause deterioration in the quality of the laser processing part and contamination of optical components, and blocks them from flowing into the optical components.

Description

Apparatus For Assisting Laser-Assisted Materials Processing}

The present invention relates to a laser processing auxiliary device that can prevent deterioration of the quality of laser processing parts and contamination of optical components due to fumes or spatters generated during the laser processing process.

Laser is an abbreviation for 'Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation'. A laser system basically consists of a pump source, a laser medium, and an optical resonator. Light is emitted from the medium by energy transferred from the source. This light is amplified in a resonator with reflecting mirrors. This amplified light is a laser.

The light emitted from the laser medium is amplified in one direction as it travels back and forth countless times between reflective mirrors installed on both ends of the medium. Initially, the light naturally emitted within the laser medium is emitted in all directions, but in the process of traveling back and forth several times between two reflecting mirrors perpendicular to the laser axis, only the axial light is amplified through a stimulated emission process. In this way, since the laser only emits light in the axial direction during the generation process, it can travel a long distance in one direction without spreading.

Lasers can be classified according to the type of laser medium, type of oscillation, or wavelength of the laser. Generally, they are classified according to the type of medium. Representative examples include gas lasers using helium-neon (He-Ne), CO2, excimer, etc., solid-state lasers using Nd:YAG, titanium sapphire, etc., and gallium- Semiconductor lasers using semiconductor compounds such as arsenic and fiber lasers using fibers such as Ytterbium activefiber are known.

The scope of laser use is gradually expanding in the industry, including welding, marking, drilling, and cutting, as well as surface heat treatment of wafers in the semiconductor process. Laser welding is one of the fastest developing laser applications. Welding of materials is achieved using a high energy density laser beam as a heat source. Laser welding has the advantage of fast welding speed and excellent welding quality, so it is used for joining parts in various industries such as automobiles and electronics.

Laser scanners are used in automobile body manufacturing. The scanner guides the laser beam by changing the angle of the mirror and allows welding large two-dimensional or three-dimensional parts at high speed and precision. For example, a pulsed laser beam amplified with high energy is transmitted to the scanner through an optical fiber cable, and the mirror angle is adjusted by a galvanometer installed in the scanner to perform welding as if marking. Work can be done. An example of a scanner is introduced in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018-0074312.

In welding using a high-power laser source, for example, KW-class high-power laser welding, part of the metal workpiece melted by the laser beam is released to the outside due to high vapor pressure. Metal vapor and plasma spread around the keyhole where the laser beam is irradiated, and some of the molten metal is scattered (scattered or splashed) outside the keyhole due to the metal vapor coming out of the keyhole. Such welding fumes and spatter not only deteriorate the working environment, but also cause quality problems such as contaminating optical components and materials.

To solve the above problem, an additional process is required to remove spatter attached around the weld area during laser welding and contamination marks caused by this spatter. These additional processes cause increased costs and process delays. To treat fumes or spatters, blowing gas into the weld area or inhaling the fumes or spatters may be considered. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012-0061230 proposes a method for suctioning welding fume. More effective methods for treating or reducing welding fumes and spatter are needed.

The present invention is based on the recognition of the above prior art and seeks to provide an effective treatment method for fumes and spatter generated during laser processing.

In addition, the present invention seeks to provide a laser processing auxiliary device that can prevent or reduce quality degradation of laser processing parts due to contaminants such as fume and spatter.

In addition, the present invention seeks to provide a laser processing device that can prevent or reduce quality deterioration of laser processing parts due to contaminants such as fume and spatter.

Additionally, the present invention seeks to provide a laser processing device that is easy to inspect and repair.

The problems to be solved by the present invention are not necessarily limited to the matters mentioned above, and other problems not yet mentioned may also be understood by the matters described below.

The laser processing auxiliary device according to the present invention to achieve the above object is used by being mounted on a head having a light emitting unit.

The laser processing auxiliary device according to the present invention is provided with a disk-shaped vortex chamber having a hollow hole. The chamber has a circular internal flow path, an inlet port for introducing external gas in a direction tangential to the flow path, and a slit nozzle formed at an angle toward the center of the hollow hole. The laser processing auxiliary device includes a guide provided in the flow path to guide the flow of gas rotating along the flow path to the slit nozzle, and a jig for fixing the chamber to the head so that the hollow hole is aligned with the light exit part.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vortex chamber is configured so that compressed air introduced through the inlet port is discharged as a funnel-shaped vortex wind through a slit nozzle. The vortex wind travels downward while rotating around the laser beam. The whirlwind quickly dissipates the fume and spatter generated during the laser processing process, and blocks the fume and spatter from flowing into the laser beam and optical components inside the whirlpool.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vortex chamber includes a top having a first circular hole, an upper part having a circular hub protruding downward around the first circular hole; and a lower part having a bottom having a second circular hole corresponding to the first circular hole and a side wall provided around the outer periphery of the floor. The first circular hole and the second circular hole form a hollow hole, and a tapered portion inclined toward the center of the hollow hole is provided along the second circular hole around the inside of the bottom. The gap between the tip of the circular hub and the tapered portion constitutes a slit nozzle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the guide includes a circular ring seated in the flow path and a plurality of blades arranged along the circumference of the circular ring. The blade has a concave surface, a convex surface, and an apex that projects toward the slit nozzle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laser processing auxiliary device further includes an adapter interposed between the light emitting unit and the chamber. The adapter includes a corresponding hole aligned with the light exit portion and the hollow hole; and a curtain nozzle for providing an air curtain to the corresponding hole. The air curtain blocks contaminants that may enter the light outlet through the corresponding hole.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the curtain nozzle is formed along the inner peripheral surface of the adapter so that the air curtain can cover the entire area of the corresponding hole.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adapter includes a base bracket fixed to a chamber or jig; and an adjustment ring coupled to the base bracket. The adjustment ring can be raised and lowered. The adjustment ring can be in close contact with the light exit unit in the raised position and blocks external foreign substances from entering the light exit unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment ring is screwed to the base bracket to enable elevation.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment ring includes an outer ring that is screwed to the base bracket to enable elevation and has an air inlet connected to the curtain nozzle; and an inner ring coupled to the outer ring. A curtain nozzle is provided in the gap between the outer ring and the inner ring.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, one end and the other end of the chamber are fixed to a jig. At least one of one end and the other end of the chamber is rotatably fixed to the jig. For example, when one end is rotatably fixed to a jig, the other end is firmly fixed using a fastener. According to this embodiment, the laser processing auxiliary device can be partially removed, making repair and inspection of the laser processing device easy.

In addition, the laser processing device according to the present invention includes a head having a light exit portion; and a laser processing auxiliary device having the above-described features.

According to the present invention as described above, fume and spatter generated during laser processing can be immediately and effectively dissipated.

Additionally, according to the present invention, quality degradation of the laser processing part due to contaminants such as fume and spatter can be prevented or reduced.

Additionally, according to the present invention, contamination of the laser processing device due to contaminants such as fume and spatter can be prevented or reduced.

Additionally, according to the present invention, the laser processing auxiliary device can be partially removed, making it easy to inspect and repair the laser processing device.

Figure 1 shows a laser welding device and robot according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is another angle view of the welding apparatus shown in Figure 1.
FIG. 3 is another angle view of the welding device shown in FIG. 1.
Figure 4 shows the protector separated from the welding device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 5 shows a laser processing assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an exploded view of the vortex chamber shown in Figure 5.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the vortex chamber shown in FIG. 5, in which the vortex chamber is shown upside down.
Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the ring blade shown in Figure 6.
Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the laser processing assistance device shown in Figure 5.
Figure 10 is a view of the laser processing auxiliary device shown in Figure 9 from direction A.
Figures 11 and 12 are side views of the laser processing assistance device shown in Figure 5.
Figure 13 shows the laser processing auxiliary device partially removed from the welding device of Figure 1.

Hereinafter, we will look at examples in more detail so that we can understand various characteristic aspects of the present invention. In the drawings, identical or equivalent components may be indicated by the same symbols, and the drawings may be exaggerated or schematically shown for intuitive understanding of the features of the present invention.

In this document, unless otherwise specified or inherently impermissible, expressions to describe the relationship between two elements, such as 'phase' and 'connection', refer to the two elements being in direct contact with each other. Of course, a third element is allowed to be inserted between the first and second elements. Directional indications such as front and back, left and right, or up and down are only for convenience of explanation.

According to embodiments, laser processing includes welding, marking, drilling, cutting, etc. In particular, the laser processing auxiliary device according to the embodiment can be usefully used in laser welding, for example, high-power laser welding using a laser scanner.

A laser welding device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the laser welding device is connected to the articulated robot 100. The laser welding device includes a welding head 10 and a laser processing auxiliary device (1, hereinafter simply referred to as 'auxiliary device') mounted on the lower part of the welding head 10. According to another embodiment, the laser welding device may be expanded to include a robot 100.

The robot 100 preferably has three or more joints and is configured to perform tasks at various positions and angles based on programmed servo control. In the example of Figure 1, the robot 100 has a base 101, first to fifth links 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106, and five joints. For example, 1-axis to 6-axis motors are optionally used in the joints. The welding head 10 is firmly connected to the fifth link 106.

The welding head 10 is a scanner with an optical system that uses a galvanometer as an example. A laser beam is transmitted to the welding head 10 through an optical fiber from a laser oscillator using Nd:YAG, ytterbium active fiber, etc. The welding head 10 is provided with an optical fiber connection terminal 12 and a terminal 13 for connecting power and network communication. The fifth link 106 is coupled to the pipe joint 11 provided on the side of the welding head 10. A light emitting part 15 is provided below the welding head 10, and an auxiliary device 1 is placed under the light emitting part 15.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the auxiliary device 1 includes a vortex chamber 30 and a jig 20 for fixing the vortex chamber 30 to the welding head 10 . The jig 20 is bolted to the welding head 10, and the vortex chamber 30 is bolted to the jig 20.

Inlet ports 3 and 4 are provided on the side of the vortex chamber 30. The inlet ports 3 and 4 are, for example, connected to an air compressor (not shown), and compressed air from the air compressor is supplied into the vortex chamber 30 through the inlet ports 3 and 4. The vortex chamber 30 has a hollow disk shape. The inlet ports 3 and 4 introduce compressed air into the vortex chamber 30 so that a flow of compressed air circulating along the vortex chamber 30 is formed. An air blower can be used instead of an air compressor, and other gases can be used instead of air.

One inlet port (3, 4) may be arranged, preferably two, and three or more if necessary. The inlet ports 3 and 4 introduce compressed air into the chamber 30 in a tangential direction. When two or more inlet ports are used, these inlet ports are configured to allow air introduced into the vortex chamber 30 to flow in one direction or the same direction within the vortex chamber 30. As shown in Figure 2, the first inlet port 3 on the left and the second inlet port 4 on the right are approximately point symmetrical. The difference is that the end of the first inlet port 3 is directed upward, while the end of the second inlet port 4 is placed horizontally. A hose from an air compressor is connected to each end.

In the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2 , compressed air introduced into the vortex chamber 30 through the first inlet port 3 and the second inlet port 4 flows clockwise.

Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the laser welding device.

2 and 3, a slit nozzle 39 is provided in the vortex chamber 30. Compressed air flowing into the chamber 30 in a clockwise direction through the inlet ports 3 and 4 blows out through the slit nozzle 39, creating a clockwise swirling wind. The slit nozzle 39 is formed along the circumference of the chamber 30, and the axis of the laser beam is located at the radial center of the slit nozzle 39. The vortex wind moves downward while rotating around the laser beam, and the inside of the vortex wind is a wind-free area. The flow of compressed air rotating along the chamber 30 is guided to the slit nozzle 39 by a guide provided in the chamber 30. An example of this guide is the ring blade 40 described later.

3 and 4, the jig 20 includes an upper plate 21, a lower plate 22, and a column 23 connecting the upper plate 21 and the lower plate 22. The upper plate 21 is bolted to the bottom of the welding head 10, and the vortex chamber 30 is bolted to the lower plate 22. The jig 20 firmly fixes the vortex chamber 30 so that the center of the hollow hole (H) of the vortex chamber 30 is aligned with the center of the light exit portion 15 of the welding head 10. The laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit 15 passes through the hollow hole (H) and is irradiated to the welding target.

A protector 2 is attached to the bottom of the vortex chamber 30 to prevent the chamber 30 and the welding head 10 from being contaminated by spatter, etc. The protector 2 extends along the perimeter of the bottom of the chamber 30. The protector 2 is configured not to cause interference with the swirling wind or laser beam blowing from the slit nozzle 39.

Referring to Figures 4 to 6, the inlet ports 3 and 4 are configured to allow compressed air to flow into the disk-shaped vortex chamber 30 in a tangential direction. In Figure 4, air introduced into the chamber 30 through the first and second inlet ports 3 and 4 flows clockwise along the chamber 30. Openings 35 and 36 through which the inlet ports 3 and 4 are connected are provided on both sides of the chamber 30. The first inlet port 3 includes a fixed end portion 3a fixed to the chamber 30 from the first opening 35 and a guide portion 3b that guides a tangential compressed air flow to the first opening 35. Equipped with The second inlet port 4 is fixed to the chamber 30 at the second opening 36 and has a similar structure to the first inlet port 3.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper plate 21 of the jig 20 has a central hole 24. When assembling the jig 20 to the welding head 10, the exit portion 15 of the welding head 10 is inserted into the central hole 24. The upper plate 21 is supported by four columns 23, which are supported by the lower plate 22. An adapter 16 is interposed between the light exit portion 15 and the chamber 30. According to the embodiment, the adapter 16 is fixed on the chamber 30. As another example, although not preferred, adapter 16 may be secured to jig 20.

Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the vortex chamber 30. In FIG. 7, the vortex chamber 30 is shown upside down to clearly show the nozzle 39.

5 to 7, the vortex chamber 30 includes an upper part 31 and a lower part 32. By assembling the upper part 31 and the lower part 32, a disk-shaped vortex chamber 30 having a hollow hole (H) is obtained. Inside the chamber 30, a circular flow path S through which compressed air flows along the chamber 30 is provided. A flow path (S) is defined by the upper part (31) and the lower part (32), and a ring blade (40) is disposed in this flow path (S).

As shown in FIG. 5, the upper part 31 has a flat top 31a having a first circular hole 34, and a circular hub 33 protruding downward around the first circular hole 34. The flat top (31a) of the upper part (31) is fixed to the lower plate (22) of the jig (20).

As shown in FIG. 6, the lower part 32 has a bottom 37 having a second circular hole 35, and a side wall 32a that rises upward around the outer periphery of the bottom 37. First and second openings 35 and 36 are provided in the side wall 32a to face each other. A tapered portion 38 inclined downward toward the center of the second circular hole 35 is provided on the inner circumference of the bottom 37. Compressed air in the flow path S is discharged through the gap between the tapered portion 38 and the hub tip 33a. This gap forms a slit nozzle (39).

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the assembly of the vortex chamber 30 includes the first process of seating the ring blade 40 on the bottom 37 of the lower part 32, and the upper part 31 on the lower part 32. ) includes a second process of bolting and fixing. The flat top (31a) of the upper part (31) is bolted to the upper part of the side wall (32a) of the lower part (32). A hub 33 is bolted to the bottom 37 of the lower part 32. More specifically, the hub tip 33a is bolted to the tapered portion 38 of the lower part 32. The symbol 5 is a volt. The first circular hole 34 and the second circular hole 35 constitute the hollow hole H of the vortex chamber 30.

The slit nozzle 39 is configured so that the swirling wind blowing through it is directed toward the center of the hollow hole (H). The swirling wind blowing out through the slit nozzle 39 rotates around the laser beam, which comes out of the light emitting unit 15, passes through the central hole H, and is irradiated to the welding target. The diameter of this vortex wind blowing out from the slit nozzle 39 becomes narrower as the distance increases. The downwardly inclined tapered portion 38 of the lower part 32 directs the swirling wind toward the center of the hollow hole (H). The hub tip 33a of the upper part 31 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the tapered portion 38. The gap between the tapered portion 38 and the hub tip 33a, that is, the slit nozzle 39, is formed to be inclined downward toward the center of the hollow hole (H).

The ring blade 40 is restrained within the vortex chamber 30 so as not to move. The ring blade 40 may be bolted to the bottom 37, or a stopping structure may be provided on the bottom 37 to allow the ring blade 40 to be fixed in a predetermined position. The ring blade 40 is an element for generating the desired swirling wind. As another example, the vortex chamber 30 may be given a shape that functions as a ring blade 40 using 3D printing.

8 shows a ring blade 40 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the ring blade 40 includes a circular ring 41 and blades 42 formed on the ring 41. The circular ring 41 is seated on the bottom 37 of the lower part 32 of the vortex chamber 20. Blades 42 are arranged along the circumference of the circular ring 41 .

According to the embodiment, the blades 42 are laid or bent to the right or counterclockwise. Blades 42 may not all have the same shape. Many or preferably all of the blades 42 have a concave surface 45 , a convex surface 46 and an apex 43 that projects downward towards the center of the ring 41 . Compressed air flowing clockwise along the flow path S hits the concave surface 45 of the blades 42 and then flows through the apex 43 to the slit nozzle 39. The apex 43 is directed toward the slit nozzle 39, and the concave surface 45 and the apex 43 guide compressed air to the slit nozzle 39. The swirling wind blowing from the slit nozzle 39 has a funnel shape whose width gradually narrows as it goes downward. The laser beam coming from the light emitting unit 15 is located inside the vortex wind, which is a wind-free area.

The swirling wind effectively blocks contamination around the weld area caused by fume and spatter. During conventional laser welding, the area around the weld area is filled with fume and spatter. However, according to the laser processing auxiliary device according to the embodiment, the area around the weld area is clean with almost no fume or spatter. It seems that swirling winds will not significantly reduce the generation of fume and spatter. Fumes and spatter generated during the welding process are immediately dissipated by the swirling wind, and the welding area is kept clean. An exhaust system installed in the welding area can more effectively ensure a clean working environment and excellent weld quality.

The swirling wind effectively dissipates fumes and spatter generated during the welding process. The bottom diameter of the swirl wind is optimally designed to be a size that can quickly and effectively dissipate fumes and spatter without directly affecting the molten metal and keyhole of the weld zone. Fumes and spatters are dissipated almost as soon as they are generated by the swirling wind rotating around the weld area of the weld object.

The swirling wind serves as an air shield that protects the laser beam and the optical system of the light emitting unit 15 from external contamination sources. The vortex air shield prevents fumes and spatter generated during the welding process from directly interfering with the laser beam. This interference causes energy loss of the laser beam, making it difficult to maintain the quality of the weld zone at a uniformly high level. Not only are the generated fumes and spatters immediately dissipated by the swirling wind, but any contaminants that may exist in the surrounding area are blocked by the swirling wind and cannot flow into the swirling wind. The funnel-shaped swirling wind blocks the upward flow of contaminants that may contaminate the optical system of the welding head 10.

The shape of the blade 42 and the shape and structure of the slit nozzle 39 affect the size, strength, and direction of the swirling wind. The structure and shape of the blade 42 and the slit nozzle 39 can be optimized depending on the welding head 10 and the types of welding operations.

9 to 12 are drawings for explaining the adapter 16 according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 9, the adapter 16 consists of a base bracket 5 and an adjustment ring 6. The base bracket 5 is formed in a disk shape along the chamber 30 and is mounted on the upper part 31 of the chamber 30. The adjustment ring (6) is provided on the radial inner side of the base bracket (5). The adapter 16 has corresponding holes respectively aligned with the hollow hole H of the chamber 30 and the exit portion 15 of the welding head 10.

The light exit portion 15 of the welding head 10 is placed on the adjustment ring 6. An optical system is provided within the light exit unit 15, and a protective glass (not shown) is installed at the bottom of the light exit unit 15 to protect the optical system and block contaminants. Since the laser beam is emitted through the protective glass, the protective glass also needs to be protected from contaminants. When the auxiliary device 1 is assembled to the welding head 10, the adjustment ring 6 is in close contact with the light exit portion 15. According to the embodiment, a rubber seal (18, seal ring) is mounted on the upper end of the adjustment ring (6) along its circumference. A groove 17 for mounting the seal 18 is formed in the adjustment ring 6. The seal 18 is in close contact with the light exit unit 15, specifically, the frame of the light exit unit 15 for mounting the protective glass.

9 and 10, a curtain nozzle 9 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the adjustment ring 6. The curtain nozzle 9 provides an acker curtain to block contaminants rising toward the protective glass of the light exit portion 15 during welding. For air supply to the curtain nozzle 9, an air compressor is used, for example, to generate the swirling wind mentioned above. A first branch line from the air compressor is connected to the chamber (30), and a second branch line is connected to the adjustment ring (6).

An air inlet (7) connected to an air compressor is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment ring (6). The compressed air supplied to the air inlet (7) is sent to the curtain nozzle (9) through the cavity (8). The connection portion between the cavity (8) and the curtain nozzle (9) is gradually narrowed toward the curtain nozzle (9). The curtain nozzle 9 is formed along the circumferential direction of the adjustment ring 6. The curtain nozzle 9 can be expressed as being formed approximately along a circular orbit with the center of the corresponding hole. A cavity (8) is also formed along the circumferential direction of the adjusting ring (6). The curtain nozzle 9 is intended to provide an air curtain to the corresponding hole, and can be designed in various ways. The curtain nozzle 9 may be understood as including a cavity 8. As another example, the curtain nozzle 9 may be provided on the base bracket 5.

According to the embodiment, the air inlets 7 are symmetrically provided at two opposing positions. Compressed air flowing into the two air inlets (7) flows in the circumferential direction of the adjustment ring (6) through each cavity (8), and is injected through the curtain nozzle (9) formed in the circumferential direction. Compressed air sprayed from the curtain nozzle (9) provides an air curtain that entirely covers the corresponding hole. The compressed air supplied from the first air inlet provides an air curtain that covers 1/2 of the corresponding hole, and the compressed air supplied from the second air inlet provides an air curtain that covers the remaining 1/2 of the corresponding hole. As another example, the curtain nozzle 9 may be configured to form an air curtain that spreads out from the nozzle 9 in a fan shape, but even in this case, the curtain nozzle 9 is designed to provide an air curtain in the entire area of the corresponding hole. is preferred

Referring to Figure 10, according to the embodiment, the adjustment ring 6 includes an outer ring 6a; and an inner ring (6b) coupled to the outer ring (6a). An air inlet 7 is formed in the outer ring 6a, and a cavity 8 and a curtain nozzle 9 are provided between the outer ring 6a and the inner ring 6b. A rubber seal (18) is mounted on the top of the inner ring (6b). The outer ring (6a) is coupled to the base bracket (5).

Figure 12 shows a state in which assembly of the auxiliary device 1 to the welding head 10 has been completed, and Figure 11 shows a state just before assembly is completed.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, according to the embodiment, the adjustment ring 6 can move up and down. As an example, the adjusting ring (6) is screwed to the base bracket (5) to enable lifting. The adjustment ring (6) goes up when turned counterclockwise and goes down when turned clockwise. A male thread 6c is formed on the adjustment ring 6, specifically the outer ring 6a, and a female thread engaging with the male thread 6c is provided on the base bracket 5.

The liftable adjustment ring (6) facilitates the assembly and removal of the auxiliary device (1) from the welding head (10). When assembling or removing the auxiliary device (1) from the welding head (10), the adjusting ring (6) is placed in the lowered position as shown in FIG. 11. If there is a gap between the light exit part 15 and the auxiliary device 1 during welding, contaminants such as fume and spatter may flow in through this gap. When using the welding device, place the adjusting ring (6) in the raised position as shown in Figure 2. In the raised position, the adjustment ring (6) is in close contact with the light exit portion (15). As another example, the adjustment ring 6 includes a first part coupled to the base bracket 5; and a second part that can be lifted up and down with respect to the first part.

Figure 13 shows that the auxiliary device 1 according to the embodiment can be partially removed from the welding head 10.

5 and 13, the lower plate 22 includes a first lower plate 22a and a second lower plate 22b. The right side of the chamber 30 is firmly fixed to the first lower plate 22a by a fastening screw 26. The left side of the chamber 30 is rotatably fixed to the second lower plate 22b by a shaft 25. When the fastening screw 26 is loosened, the chamber 30 can be rotated around the shaft 25.

The configuration in which the auxiliary device 1 can be partially removed from the welding head 10 as described above facilitates inspection and repair work on the welding head 10, especially the exit portion 15. As shown in FIG. 13, when the chamber 30 is rotated 180° around the shaft 25, the light exit portion 15 is exposed and a space accessible to the light exit portion 15 is provided. When it is necessary to clean or replace the protective glass mounted on the light emitting unit 15, the configuration in which the above part can be removed is very useful.

According to the above-described embodiment, the adapter 16 is fixed to the chamber 30, and the chamber 30 and the adapter 16 form an assembly (hereinafter referred to as 'chamber assembly'). Accordingly, the chamber assembly can be rotated about the shaft 25. Unlike this embodiment, the adapter 16 may be fixed to the jig 20. In this case, a plan to ensure easy inspection and repair of the light exit unit 15 needs to be considered.

Partial removal of the auxiliary device 1 according to the above-described embodiment can be performed in the following order. In the first step, as shown in FIG. 11, turn the adjusting ring (6) clockwise to separate the adjusting ring (6) from the light emitting unit (15). In the second step, as shown in FIG. 13, the fastening screw 26 is loosened and the chamber assemblies 16 and 30 are rotated 180° around the shaft 25. Assembling the chamber assemblies 16 and 30 to the jig 20 can be done in the reverse order of the above part removal order.

On the other hand, the lower plate 22 does not necessarily have to consist of two separate parts, as long as accessible space above can be provided. The first lower plate 22a and the second lower plate 22b may be connected to each other by a third lower plate (not shown), or the lower plate 22 may be formed as one piece.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, and these embodiments will be helpful in understanding various aspects and features of the present invention. The features or elements introduced in these embodiments may be combined in various forms, and such combinations may provide another embodiment that has not yet been described in this document.

The scope of the invention sought to be protected is set forth in the claims. The elements described in the claims may be variously changed, modified, and replaced with equivalents without departing from the essence or scope of the invention. The reference numerals in the claims, if provided, are only intended to facilitate easy and intuitive understanding of the claimed inventions or their elements and do not limit the scope of the claimed inventions.

1: Auxiliary device 2: Protector
3,4: Inlet port 5: Base bracket
6: Adjusting ring 9: Curtain nozzle
10: Welding head 16: Adapter
20: Jig 21: Upper plate
22: lower plate 23: column
30: Vortex chamber 31: Upper part
32: Lower Part 33: Hub
34: 1st circular hall 35: 2nd circular hall
37: bottom 38: tapered portion
39: Slit nozzle 40: Ring blade

Claims (11)

A laser processing auxiliary device mounted on a head (10) having a laser emitting unit (15),
A disk-shaped vortex chamber 30 having a hollow hole (H), this chamber 30 has a circular internal flow path (S), and external gas flows in in a tangential direction to the flow path (S) and rotates along the flow path (S). Equipped with inlet ports (3, 4) to form a flow, and a slit nozzle (39) formed at an angle toward the center of the hollow hole (H);
A guide 40 for guiding the flow of gas rotating along the flow path S to the slit nozzle 39; and
It includes a jig 20 for fixing the chamber 30 to the head 10 so that the hollow hole (H) is aligned with the light exit portion 15,
The gas discharged through the slit nozzle 39 via the guide 40 is configured to form a vortex wind that rotates around the laser beam coming from the light emitting unit 15 and proceeds toward the welding target. Laser processing assistant. The method of claim 1, wherein the vortex chamber 30,
a top (31a) having a first circular hole (34), and an upper part (31) having a circular hub (33) protruding downward around the first circular hole (34); and
It includes a bottom 37 having a second circular hole 35 corresponding to the first circular hole 34, and a lower part 32 having a side wall 32a provided around the outer circumference of the bottom 37. ,
The first circular hole 34 and the second circular hole 35 form a hollow hole (H), and the center of the hollow hole (H) is located along the second circular hole 35 around the inner circumference of the bottom 37. A laser processing auxiliary device characterized in that a tapered portion (38) inclined toward is provided, and a gap between the tip (33a) of the circular hub (33) and the tapered portion (38) constitutes a slit nozzle (39). The method according to claim 1, wherein the guide 40 includes a circular ring 41 seated in the flow path S, and a plurality of blades 42 arranged along the circumference of the circular ring 41,
The blade 42 has a concave surface 45, a convex surface 46, and an apex 43 protruding toward the slit nozzle 39,
The blade 42 is a laser, characterized in that it is arranged so that the gas rotating along the flow path S hits the concave surface 45 of the blade 42 and then passes through the apex 43 and heads to the slit nozzle 39. Processing aids. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an adapter 16 interposed between the light exit portion 15 and the chamber 30, wherein the adapter 16 includes,
a corresponding hole aligned with the light exit portion 15 and the hollow hole (H); and
A laser processing auxiliary device comprising a curtain nozzle (9) for providing an air curtain to the corresponding hole, and the air curtain is for blocking contaminants flowing into the light exit unit (15) through the corresponding hole. The laser processing auxiliary device according to claim 4, wherein the curtain nozzle (9) is formed along the inner peripheral surface of the adapter (16) so that the air curtain can cover the entire area of the corresponding hole. The method according to claim 4, wherein the adapter 16 includes a base bracket 5 fixed to the chamber 30 or the jig 20; And an adjustment ring (6) coupled to the base bracket (5),
A laser processing auxiliary device, characterized in that the adjustment ring (6) is capable of being raised and lowered. The laser processing auxiliary device according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment ring (6) is screwed to the base bracket (5) to enable elevation. The method according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment ring (6) is screwed to the base bracket (5) to be able to lift and lower, and includes an outer ring (6a) having an air inlet (7) connected to the curtain nozzle (9); And an inner ring (6b) coupled to the outer ring (6a),
A laser processing auxiliary device, characterized in that a curtain nozzle (9) is provided in the gap between the outer ring (6a) and the inner ring (6b). The method according to claim 1, wherein one end and the other end of the chamber 30 are fixed to the jig 20, and at least one of the one end and the other end is rotatably fixed to the jig 20, so that the chamber 30 is fixed to the jig 20. ) A laser processing auxiliary device, characterized in that it is configured to be provided in a space accessible to the light exit portion 15 by rotating the chamber 30 without being completely removed from the laser processing device. A head (10) having a light exit portion (15); and
A laser processing device comprising the laser processing auxiliary device according to claim 1. delete

Images