Laser welding enclosure
US12162094B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2021 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K37/0408
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for an enclosure providing a sealed environment. The enclosure employs movable paneling that seals an area for a laser welding cell, while allowing access for an operator to load a workpiece in and unload the workpiece from a welding cell. Barriers are arranged on the enclosure, such that in a closed configuration activation of a pneumatic tube forces the barriers to extend toward a rotated paneling, such that the edges of the enclosure contact or overlap with the edges of the paneling to result in a light-tight seal. Presence of the fluid increases the pressure in the tube such that an external boundary of the tube expands, forcing the barrier toward the edges of the paneling, thereby closing the gap and providing a light-tight enclosure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.